What's the best way to clean old paint and dirt from woodwork?

Question

I have already painted the room. I just want to clean the old paint off of the trim without messing up the paint on the walls or discoloring the carpet. What are the best solvents and scrubbing devices to use? This is just one of the last small details that will make the room look much better.

Answer 1

Basically you are screwed. You messed up the working order.

Best shot you have of not messing with your new paintjob is clean with a damp brush and paint over it. Any liquid cleaning product will mess up your fresh paint work, no doubt about it.

Answer 2

May I suggest instead of solvents you use drop cloths, then pick up a paint scraper and one of the devices which heat and soften the paint so as to make it easy to remove from the wood trim, it might take more time, but it would give you the best looking results, which is what you are trying to achieve.

Answer 3

Try using some basic nail polish remover pads. They might take some time to work it off, but its cheap, and wont screw up any paint that you want on the walls.

Also, try using a simple scraper tool, while you do this. Just dont press too hard.

Oh yeah and OOPS! is really REALLY good, and it takes ink stains out and all kinds of other stains.

Next time, buy some blue painters tape, and tape the edges before you paint. That way, the paint gets on the tape instead of the floor or wall, and you still have perfect straight lines, too. =)
Just pull the tape off at a sharp angle, to avoid peeling. Think of a V shape, when you think "angle". Thats how professional painters like me do it.

Answer 4

It depends on what type of paint is there ,latex is easy hot water and a srubby will remove the paint , for the dirt a deterant like mr clean oxy clean is the best.
if oil paint on woodwork only paint remover will do it and then you'll need to repair the wood work

Answer 5

There is a product called Oops. You can get it at any hardware store or probably even wal-mart. It takes dried paint off most anything

Answer 6

Turpentine

Answer 7

A very fine steel wool may work for you. Try it in a place not so obvious first.

Answer 8

paint over it

Answer 9

a solution of TSP and water works great

Answer 10

laquer thinner