How to Remove Paint Stains From Furniture and Upholstery

By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
mary marlowe leverette spruce gardening board
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary has been a Master Gardener for 30+ years and a commercial and residential gardener for 50+ years. She is a former Clemson University Extension Agent.
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Updated on 03/17/23
How to Remove Paint Stains From Furniture

The Spruce / Michela Buttignol

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 15 - 30 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins - 8 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $5 to 10

Whether the stain comes from a paint splatter or a kid's art project, paint stains can be tricky to remove from furniture and upholstery. The determining factors for success include how much paint is involved, whether the stain is fresh or old, what type of paint caused the stain, and what type of upholstery fabric is stained.

Not every paint stain can be safely removed from upholstery, but many can. With a bit of patience and the right cleaning supplies, you can remove water-based and oil-based paint stains from furniture upholstery.

  Stain type  Oil-based paint, water-based paint
  Detergent type  Dishwashing liquid, dry cleaning solvent, paint thinner 
  Water temperature  Warm

Before You Begin

When attempting to remove a stain or clean upholstery, you must first know what type of fabric is on the furniture before you can move to the next step. Take a look under the cushions or the fabric skirt to locate a tag with letter codes that indicate how to clean the upholstery. These codes will tell you what you can and cannot use to remove paint stains.

Here's how to decipher the code:

  • W: Upholstery fabric can be cleaned with a water-based detergent.
  • S: Upholstery fabric must be cleaned with a solvent-based cleanser (such as dry cleaning solvent or paint thinner).
  • WS: Fabric can be cleaned with a water-based or dry-cleaning solvent.
  • X: Fabric can only be cleaned by vacuuming or by a professional cleaner.
  • O: Upholstery is made from organic materials that require cleaning with cold water methods only. Do not use heat.

If the paint is on furniture with vintage or silk upholstery, consult a furniture cleaning professional as quickly as possible. Do not try to clean it yourself.

The 9 Best Carpet Stain Removers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • 1 soft-bristled nylon scrub brush
  • 1 to 3 microfiber cloths
  • 1 dull knife, spoon, or spatula
  • 1 pair rubber or disposable gloves

Materials

  • 1 bottle dishwashing liquid
  • 1 container dry cleaning solvent
  • 1 container paint thinner or turpentine

Instructions

How to Remove Water-Based Paint Stains on Furniture

  1. Lift and Blot Away the Paint

    • Depending on the thickness of the water-based paint, lift away solids with a dull knife, spoon, or spatula.
    • For very thin paint, blot the stained area with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.
    • Never rub the paint because that will push it deeper into the fabric fibers.
    • If the paint has dried, gently scrape away bits of the paint with a dull knife or the edge of a credit card.

  2. Mix a Cleaning Solution

    In a small bowl, mix one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid with two cups of warm water.

  3. Treat the Stain

    • Dip a soft-bristled nylon brush (an old toothbrush works well) into the cleaning solution.
    • Working from the outside edges of the stain, gently scrub the area as you work toward the center.
    • Blot frequently with a dry microfiber cloth as the paint is transferred from the upholstery.

  4. Rinse the Upholstery

    • Once all of the paint is gone, dip a clean microfiber towel in plain water and wring until it is just damp.
    • Wipe the freshly cleaned area to remove any soapy residue. Try not to oversaturate the fabric and the padding.

  5. Air-Dry

    Allow the fabric to air-dry away from direct heat and sunlight. It may take up to eight hours for the upholstery to dry completely.

How to Remove Oil-Based Paint Stains on Furniture Upholstery

  1. Lift Away as Much Paint as Possible

    • Lift away oil-based paint from the upholstery with a dull knife, spoon, or spatula.
    • Never rub the paint because that will push it deeper into the fabric fibers.
    • If the paint has dried, gently scrape away bits of paint with a dull knife or the edge of a credit card.

  2. Test the Solvent

    • Before using any type of solvent, place a drop or two on a microfiber cloth and test it on a hidden area of the furniture upholstery. This will help you determine if the solvent will cause fading or dye transfer.
    • Keep testing until you find a solvent that is safe to use.

    Tip

    When using a solvent, wear rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area away from any open flames. Use fans or open doors and windows to increase air circulation.

  3. Treat the Stain

    • Place a few drops of the solvent (paint thinner, dry cleaning solvent, or turpentine) on a microfiber cloth.
    • Start at the outside edge of the paint stain and gently blot the stain with the solvent-dampened cloth.
    • Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the paint is transferred.

  4. Rinse the Area

    Once all of the paint is gone, use a clean, damp microfiber towel to wipe away any solvent residue.

  5. Air-Dry

    Allow the upholstery to air-dry away from direct heat and sunlight. Adding a circulating fan to the room will speed drying.

Additional Tips for Removing Paint Stains

These tips will help ensure success when removing paint stains from furniture. For the best results:

  • Don't wait. Act quickly to lift away paint spills and treat stains.
  • Don't rub. Lift away as much of the paint as possible with a spoon or spatula instead of rubbing the stain deeper into the fibers.
  • Don't make the stain larger. Always work from the outside of the stained area toward the center of the stain to prevent it from spreading.
How to Remove Paint Stains From Carpet