Easiest way to remove paint droplets from ceramic floor?
#1
08-04-15, 08:29 AM
Easiest way to remove paint droplets from ceramic floor?
I've painted my ceilings, and there are droplets all over the place. So far I've been washing them with soapy water, a scraper, and steel wool, but they are still kind of a pain to remove.
Would this be a good use of mineral spirits? Paint thinner? If all it takes is elbow grease, I'll be happy to do it, but if there is a shortcut, I want to know!
Thanks
Nic
Would this be a good use of mineral spirits? Paint thinner? If all it takes is elbow grease, I'll be happy to do it, but if there is a shortcut, I want to know!
Thanks
Nic
#2
08-04-15, 08:34 AM
Group Moderator
What kind of paint - oil or latex?
Onto what has the paint splattered - floors, walls with the same type of paint on them, ...?
Assuming latex ceiling paint, mineral spirits and paint thinner would likely do little for you, as they affect oil based paints.
Onto what has the paint splattered - floors, walls with the same type of paint on them, ...?
Assuming latex ceiling paint, mineral spirits and paint thinner would likely do little for you, as they affect oil based paints.
#3
08-04-15, 08:41 AM
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Without knowing the details it is difficult to say for sure but if you have latex paint drips on a smooth and hard surface then it might be best to let them dry then scrape them off with a razor blade type window scraper. Sometimes trying to clean them off before they dry will just compound the problem.
#4
08-04-15, 09:10 AM
If the latex paint hasn't cured yet, soapy water might soften it a little. I usually just take my thumbnail and scrape up the paint drops. I'd be leery with a razor blade because it could scratch the tile 
If using a putty knife to scrape paint it's beneficial to wrap a rag around the end of the putty knife.
If these specks are on the wall, it's best to touch them up with the wall paint ..... or repaint.
As mentioned above, more info would help us help you better.
If using a putty knife to scrape paint it's beneficial to wrap a rag around the end of the putty knife.If these specks are on the wall, it's best to touch them up with the wall paint ..... or repaint.
As mentioned above, more info would help us help you better.
#5
08-04-15, 09:18 AM
Group Moderator
Geez, sorry - you said right in the title that the paint droplets are on a ceramic floor. Given that, I think Mark has already steered you right.
#6
08-04-15, 09:22 AM
I thought I knew what I was answering but the replies made me second guess [should have scrolled back up to the tittle of the thread] 
I had a procedure done this morning and the anesthesia still hasn't completely worn off - can I blame it on that 
I had a procedure done this morning and the anesthesia still hasn't completely worn off - can I blame it on that 
#8
08-04-15, 09:37 AM
Just regular old ceiling flat - it's latex.
That's good to know thow - paint thinner and mineral spirits are for oil-based products.
I guess my suspicions were correct - it just takes a little elbow grease.
Marksr, hope you procedure went well and that you are good.
Thanks everyone!
That's good to know thow - paint thinner and mineral spirits are for oil-based products.
I guess my suspicions were correct - it just takes a little elbow grease.
Marksr, hope you procedure went well and that you are good.
Thanks everyone!
#9
08-04-15, 10:36 AM
Elbow grease and abrasion 
Sometimes soap makes a good lubricant for scraping off the paint drops. I've almost always just used my thumbnail but then I've always tried to cover up well and remove any errant drips while wet. Most ceiling paints are a lower grade of paint than the typical wall or trim paint and as such are often easier to remove.
While I wasn't convinced I was going to survive the prep, the procedure went well and the doc had better news than last time so I get to wait 7-8 yrs before having it again.
Sometimes soap makes a good lubricant for scraping off the paint drops. I've almost always just used my thumbnail but then I've always tried to cover up well and remove any errant drips while wet. Most ceiling paints are a lower grade of paint than the typical wall or trim paint and as such are often easier to remove.While I wasn't convinced I was going to survive the prep, the procedure went well and the doc had better news than last time so I get to wait 7-8 yrs before having it again.
#10
08-04-15, 12:27 PM
Well, I guess that settles it then.
I guess the smarter thing to do it put a sheet down when painting the ceiling, because at this point there is a million tiny droplets all over, which should be pretty annoying to clean.
Thanks for your advice
I guess the smarter thing to do it put a sheet down when painting the ceiling, because at this point there is a million tiny droplets all over, which should be pretty annoying to clean.
Thanks for your advice
#11
08-04-15, 12:33 PM
Group Moderator
FWIW, I cover the walls and floors when painting the ceilings. Just one more reason I paint the ceilings very seldom.
#12
08-04-15, 02:32 PM
You can usually get away with just painting the ceiling every other repaint. It's a good practice to always use drop cloths! While I often use old bed sheets over furniture, I never use it on any surface I might walk on. Sheets aren't heavy enough to keep paint drips from leaking thru when walked on. Plastic is ok over furniture but should be avoided on the floor as plastic won't absorb and help dry the paint and if you step on a drip, that paint gets transferred to the sole of your shoe and can then be tracked off of the plastic onto an unprotected area.
#13
08-07-15, 10:04 AM
Yeah...painting the ceiling sucked, but I made some touchups on my (popcorn) ceiling, and it hasn't been painted in forever, so no matter what I would do it would show, so I figured I might as well paint the whole thing. I am also using an off-white color for my crown, so I am painting the ceiling the same color as the crowns... might as well be doing things thoroughly..
