Learning Center

Learning Center » Siding

How to Get Paint Off Vinyl Siding

how to get paint off vinyl siding

Vinyl siding is of very high quality, and the color on it rarely needs to be removed and redone. However, sometimes, people still need to remove paint from it. Maybe the siding on your home was vandalized, or you accidentally got some paint on it while working on another project. Or perhaps you just want to repaint it

Whatever the case may be, you’re in a situation where you need to remove the paint. Here are the steps and tips to get paint off vinyl siding quickly and easily, and without damaging it. Here’s how to remove paint from vinyl siding.

The methods you can use

Depending on the type of paint, there are several methods you can use to get it off vinyl siding.

For water-based paint:

  • Make a cleaning solution out of laundry detergent and warm water.
  • Pour it on the paint and scrub it off with a brush.
  • Rinse the affected area with a power washer and repeat the whole process, if the paint is still there.
  • Use alcohol to remove any small remains and then rinse the area once again.

For more complex paint like an oil-based one:

  • Use rubbing alcohol and a cloth to wipe the paint as much as you can. 
  • Apply liquid wax on a ball of steel wool and scrub the remaining paint. 
  • Then clean the area with a mix of detergent and warm water. 

For old, dried up paint:

  • Use a scraper and remove the surface of the paint.
  • Then use acetone paint remover or mineral spirits to scrub the area until the paint comes off.
  • Once again, use a mixture of warm water and detergent to clean the area thoroughly. 

Whatever your situation is specifically, one of these methods should do the trick and get the paint off your vinyl siding. However, if they aren’t helpful, then some additional tips should solve the problem.

Additional tips and tricks

  • Buy a graffiti remover that’s suitable for vinyl surfaces and apply it on a cloth to scrub the paint. The remover must be suitable for vinyl siding because regular ones can create discoloration.
  • Nail polish can sometimes do the trick, as long as there is only a small area that needs the paint on it removed.
  • Use a commercial solvent called PEC-12. It’s very powerful, but it’s also highly toxic. That’s why you need to wear gloves, a mask for your face, and some glasses for eye protection. Use the solvent on a non-abrasive wipe or some cotton balls to wipe the paint off. When you’re done, make sure you rinse the area with water to thoroughly clean it and remove the solvent.

How to get paint off siding: the bottom line

As you can see, there are more than a few ways to remove paint from vinyl siding. One of them should do the trick for you. However, if everything fails, then feel free schedule a free no-obligation siding estimate with 1-800-HANSONS. We install the highest quality vinyl siding, and we can help you with your paint problem as well.

Get a Free Estimate Today

50% off installation. Special financing available. See details.

Get My Free Estimate

Enter today for a chance to win a $50,000 home exterior makeover!

Enter Now

50% off installation. Special financing available.

Labor Only. Roofing and siding priced by the square. Not combinable with other offers/promotions. Offer may be withdrawn without notice. Prior sales excluded. Must purchase by 4/3024 to qualify for special offer. Lifetime Guarantee is for roofing, siding, windows, and gutters. Bathtub and showers offer a no-leak guarantee. Other restrictions may apply.

Disclosure: Plan 2541. Subject to credit approval. Rates range from 14.43% – 18.84% APR (interest rates range from 17.99% – 24.99%). Loan amount and rate will vary based on your income and creditworthiness. 24-month promotional period (“Promo Period”) during which interest is billed but will be waived if the amount financed is paid in full before Promo Period expires. Monthly payments are not required during the Promo Period. Any unpaid balance and amounts owed after Promo Period will be paid over 84 monthly payments. For example, assuming the full credit limit is used on loan approval date and no payments are made during Promo Period, for every $1,000 financed at a fixed interest rate of 24.99%, 24 monthly payments of $0 followed by 84 monthly payments of $31.26. This example is an estimate only. Actual payment amounts based on amount and timing of purchases. Call 866-936-0602 for financing costs and terms. Financing for the GreenSky® consumer loan program is provided by Equal Opportunity Lenders. GreenSky® is a registered trademark of GreenSky, LLC, a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs Bank USA. NMLS #1416362. Loans originated by Goldman

Sachs are issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City Branch. NMLS #208156. www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org