A few weeks ago, I decided to give my kitchen a facelift by painting the cabinets. I researched online and found that oil-based paint was the best type of paint to use for durability and coverage. So, I went to my local hardware store and purchased a can of oil-based paint, and started painting my cabinets.
A few hours into the project, I ran out of paint and had to go back to the store for more. When I got home, I noticed a few drops of paint on my quartz countertop.
At first, I tried to wipe it off with a damp cloth, but that didn’t work. Then I tried using Goof Off, but that didn’t work either. Finally, I was frustrated because I couldn’t figure out how to get the paint off without damaging my countertop.
I did some more research online and found a few different methods that people had used with success. So, in this article, I will share with you all of the methods that worked for me, hoping that one of them will work for you too!
1. Hair Dryer And Putty Knife Method
The first method I tried was using a hairdryer and putty knife. This method involves allowing dried oil-based paint to soften from the hairdryer’s heat and then using the putty knife to scrape it off.
This method is great for oil-based paint that has already dried. If your paint is still wet, you’ll want to use one of the other methods on this list. To start;
- Step One: Set your hairdryer to the highest heat setting and hold it about six inches away from the paint spot. You’ll want to move the hairdryer back and forth to distribute the heat evenly.
- Step Two: After about 15 seconds, the heat from the hairdryer will start to soften the paint. Once the paint is soft, use your putty knife to scrape it off.
- Step Three: If there is any residue left behind, you can use a paper towel or rag to wipe it away.
- Repeat this process until all of the paint is removed.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to remove oil-based paint from your quartz countertop, then using the hairdryer and putty knife method is great.
Pros:
- Quick and easy
- It doesn’t require any special chemicals or cleaners
Cons:
- You have to be careful not to damage the countertop while scraping off the paint.
- It only works on dried paint.
Unfortunately, the hairdryer and putty knife alone did not work for me. The paint was not softening enough for the putty knife to do its job. So, I had to move on to the next method.
2. Hair Dryer And Olive Oil Method
If the hairdryer and putty knife method isn’t for you, or if you’re looking for a gentler option, you can try using a hairdryer and olive oil.
This method is similar to the first one, but the olive oil will help loosen the paint so that it’s easier to remove. To use the hairdryer and olive oil method;
- Step One: You’ll want to heat the paint spot with your hair dryer set on the highest heat setting.
- Step Two: Once the paint is soft, use a paper towel or rag to rub some olive oil into it. The olive oil will help to loosen the paint to be easily removed.
- Step Three: Use a putty knife or other sharp object to scrape the paint off. You may need to reheat the paint spot and add more olive oil if the paint is still not coming off quickly.
- Step Four: Wipe away any residue with a paper towel or rag.
I had high hopes for this method since olive oil is a great all-purpose cleaner. But unfortunately, even with the added step of using olive oil, the hairdryer and putty knife method still did not work for me, although many people attested it worked great from them.
So, I decided to try something else. At this point, I was starting to get a little bit desperate because I needed to get the paint off, and my countertop was starting to look pretty bad.
I tried a few other methods that didn’t work before finally finding one that did the trick. If you’re in the same situation, I recommend trying the following method.
3. Rubbing Alcohol And Warm Water Method
If the first two methods haven’t worked for you, then you can try using rubbing alcohol and warm water.
This method is not as time-consuming, and it’s worth it if you’re struggling to remove the paint.
The best part about this method is that it doesn’t require harsh chemicals or cleaners, so it’s gentle on your countertop. To use the rubbing alcohol and warm water method;
- Step One: Use a razor blade or putty knife to remove as much oil-based paint as possible.
- Step Two: Combine three parts of rubbing alcohol with one part of warm water in a bowl.
- Step Three: Use a paper towel or rag to apply the mixture to the paint spot.
- Step Four: Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes to start to break down the oil-based paint on the surface and tiny crevices of the quartz countertop.
- Step Five: Wipe the surface with a rag and use the putty knife or razor blade to scrape the paint off.
- Step Six: Wipe away any residue with a paper towel or rag.
This method worked like magic for me! The paint came right off with very little effort. I was so relieved and happy that I finally found a method that worked.
Important Tips When Removing Oil-Based Paint From Quartz Countertops
Now that you know how to remove oil-based paint from quartz countertops, there are a few essential tips that you should keep in mind.
- First of all, it’s important to be very careful when using any sharp object on your countertop. You don’t want to damage the surface by accidentally scratching it.
- Secondly, make sure that you’re using a gentle cleaner or solvent. You don’t want to damage the surface of your countertop by using a harsh chemical.
- Also, make sure that you’re using a lint-free cloth or paper towel to avoid leaving any scratches behind.
- And lastly, be patient! It may take some time and effort to remove the paint, but it will be worth it in the end.
Final Thoughts
Removing oil-based paint from quartz countertops can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.
If you’re struggling to remove oil-based paint from your quartz countertop, I hope this guide was helpful for you. Try the rubbing alcohol and warm water method if the other methods haven’t worked.
And if you have any other tips or tricks for removing oil-based paint, feel free to share them in the comments below! Thanks for reading!
FAQs
Q: How to get acrylic paint off quartz countertop?
A: The best way to remove acrylic paint from a quartz countertop is to use rubbing alcohol and warm water. Combine three parts of rubbing alcohol with one part of warm water in a bowl and use a paper towel or rag to apply it to the paint spot.
Let it sit for about five minutes, then wipe the surface with a rag and use the putty knife or razor blade again to scrape the paint off. Wipe away any residue with a paper towel or rag.
Q: How to get spray paint off quartz countertop?
A: Use a razor blade to remove excess paint, then use rubbing alcohol on a cloth to remove the remaining paint. Rubbing alcohol will also remove any paint that has been accidentally sprayed on the countertop.
Q: How do you get dried paint off quartz?
A: Use a putty knife or razor blade to scrape off as much of the dried paint as possible. Then use a paint stripper to remove the remaining paint. Make sure the stripper is safe for use on quartz countertops.