During the finishing process, paint can end up anywhere and even the protective measures taken cannot completely protect against splashing, so it is important to know how to remove paint from tile. Often the paint gets on the tiles as well. If you immediately noticed this problem, it is not difficult to clean the tiles, but what to do if the paint dried up and held firmly on the surface?
Method 1. Scrape off the paint
If the paint covers the tile in individual strokes or splashes, you should first try to scrape it off.
The blade of a safety razor or office knife may be suitable for this. The angle between the tool and the surface should be approximately 45 degrees to be as effective as possible. Use the blades carefully, so as not to injure yourself and not to damage the top layer of the tile.
Do not forget about your safety – the use of goggles and a respirator will help protect your eyes and respiratory organs from dust and small particles of paint. It is better to start in a not too visible place – if you see that along with the paint a layer of glaze is removed or there are scratches on the surface, then it is worth stopping cleaning and trying other methods.
But, in most cases, the blade can achieve good results and, wiping the tile with a damp rag at the end of the work, you can be sure of the effectiveness of this method.
Method 2. Heating the surface
Old, dried paint that can not be scraped off, you can try to remove by heating.
A construction hair dryer is usually used as a cleaning tool. Ventilate the room before heating, as many paints can develop a strong odor and even release substances that are harmful to the human body.
With this method, it is best to divide the contaminated surface into small sections, 30×30 centimeters or slightly larger. Heat the paint gradually, continuously moving the nozzle of the hair dryer. To begin, set the temperature of the air heating to a medium setting and then, if necessary, increase it.
With this method of removing paint, it is very important to make sure that the dirt softens and not charred. In the event that the paint starts to burn, there is a chance that gray or yellowish stains will be left on the tiles. Particular care should be taken with light-colored tiles.
When the paint is heated to the point that it becomes sticky and soft, you need to take a plastic scraper and proceed to remove it. As with the blade, the tool should be held at an angle of 45 degrees to the tile surface. Act with the scraper it is necessary to start from the edges of the tile and moving to its center. In the process you will notice that the paint will begin to harden, and in this case you will again have to take a hair dryer in your hands.
Method 3. Chemical attack
In case the first two methods of cleaning did not help, you will have to turn to the most radical, chemical action.
Paint removal with the help of various solvents is most effective and works especially well with tiles that have a textured, uneven surface. Also the method will help to clean old tiles covered with small defects and cracks. It should be remembered that this cleaning, although it is the most effective, can be considered the most risky.
If you doubt the resistance of the glazed surface to chemical attack, start with the least aggressive solvents. In some cases, you can do with ordinary table vinegar, diluted 50-50 with water.
For greater effectiveness, you can try wetting the soiled surface with the liquid and leave it for a few minutes. To remove softened paint, use the already familiar spatula.
Cleaning materials
Microfiber, bamboo cloths, sponges in all variations are great for cleaning, choose according to your budget and taste.
Melamine sponges. This material has amazing properties, the less effort you put in, the better it “works”. I.e. when using melamine sponge does not need to rub the tiles vigorously, it’s easy enough to “walk” over the surface. No streaks, no lint, no dirt will remain.
If you really need to scrape the surface, use a brush with plastic bristles, as metal brushes leave rust marks on the joints.
Do not use cleaners that contain soap, as it makes the tile surface dull. Remember not to mix different types of cleaners and in no case ammonia and bleach or products that contain them.
Remove glue, grout, primer
If after laying the tile on it remained strips of silicone adhesive, carefully cut off the remnants with a sharp blade or knife. Small residual traces dissolve well with white spirit, gasoline or kerosene.
Important: When working with flammable liquids, pay attention to your safety! Wear a mask and gloves, never smoke, and do not light the gas stove!
After repairs, grout marks leave streaks on your tile. They will disappear if you wash the tiles with water and dish detergent. Primer is removed with vinegar essence, as well as soapy water.
Remove old stains of primer on the like-for-like principle: Apply some fresh primer to the old stain, wait, and wash off with soapy water.
Bringing the final cleanliness
We will use only environmentally friendly materials:
- Laundry soap
- Vinegar or citric acid
- Baking soda
- If you choose laundry soap, you should wash the tiles with a prepared soap solution. To do this, grate the laundry soap and dissolve it in clean water. Use a soft rag, sponge or microfiber cloth to wash.
Vinegar solution will help give shine and newness. The calculation of the product is 2 tablespoons per 500 ml of water. After you wash off the soap, wipe the tile with “sour”, it will shine. Vinegar can be replaced with citric acid.
The result will be the same, but it smells better. To be exact, it does not smell at all.
Soda as a detergent is indispensable. It removes small and large dirt, helps dissolve grease, makes the tiles almost new. For normal cleaning, a 2% baking soda solution is enough, but for cleaning after repairs, it is better to do so:
- Moisten the tile well before cleaning it after a repair.
- Clean it with dry baking soda applied to a sponge, rag, etc.
- Dip a damp toothbrush into the dry baking soda and scrub the seams.
- Afterwards, rinse everything off with clean water.
For ongoing cleaning, it’s a good idea to clean tile with window cleaners. They are convenient to spray, the result is excellent. In principle, all solutions that are used to clean glass are also suitable for tile surfaces. There is no difference for glossy and matte coatings.