I'm moving into a new flat. There's paint spilled all over the kitchen sink. What should I use to clean it?

Answer 1

ONLY IF IT IS, Stainless steel?, dried on? = Paint stripper eg. Nitromors, wipe off with paper towels and white spirit. WEAR PLASTIC INDUSTRIAL GLOVES.

Answer 2

If you're renting the flat, I would get the landlord to have it cleaned before moving in. A landlord must rent out a flat in a usable condition, and a kitchen sink with paint on it is not hygienic.
But if you're buying the flat, I would consider buying a new sink. They're not that expensive, a reasonable one being about £30, and are quite easy to install without calling a plumber. It would brighten up the kitchen also.

Answer 3

If it is on the bottom of the sink put in the plug and cover the bottom with white spirit. If the whole sink has paint splashed over it, it depends on what type, emulsion or gloss. Emulsion can be removed by using a kitchen spray and one of those metal scourers and some elbow grease. Gloss can be removed with a scraper, it should just peel off. If it is hard baked on then fill the sink with scalding water and leave for an hour or so, then use the scraper (a hard plastic one will do you don't have to use metal). It may take a few tries depending on how hard baked it is but it will come off. Finish off with white spirit to remove the last vestiges.

Answer 4

Depends on the type of paint, and what the sink is made of. If it's dried on gloss paint on a stainless steel sink you could use paint stripper such as Nitromors. Always keep the room well ventillated and wear suitable protective clothing including eye goggles. Always follow the instructions on the can. NEVER USE PAINT STRIPPER ON A PLASTIC OR GLASS FIBER SINK!!

If you're not fussy about a few scratches on the sink smaller deposits can be removed with wire wool or a pan scourer.

Hope this helps....

Answer 5

Im assuming you're renting - if so, get the landlord to take care of it. At least make them aware of this if it is a rented property because you could end up being held responsible for this damage or any you may incur in cleaning it up.

Either way, dried paint should come off a hard shiney surface quite easily as the surface is smooth, non porous and the paint cant sink in.

Answer 6

But if you're buying the flat, I would consider buying a new sink. They're not that expensive, a reasonable one being about £30, and are quite easy to install without calling a plumber. It would brighten up the kitchen also.

Answer 7

Dukeofspa's answer was absolutely spot on, Nitromores is without doubt the only way to get the paint off if it is dry, do not use an abrasive as it will scratch, just apply Nitromores solution with a brush and once it has lifted the paint ( which it will absolutely ) just wash off with a soft sponge/cloth and soapy water, but not if the sink is plastic.

Answer 8

If it's emulsion use hot water and washing up liquid then finish off with a good de-greaser like swarfega.
If it's gloss then use white spirit.

You may find that a steam cleaner will unstick the paint pad if it's a stainless steel sink. Then you could just peel it off.

Don't use a steel scourer or Brillo Pad because you will scratch even a stainless steel surface. A plastic scourer may be ok.

Answer 9

There are at least half a dozen things that your sink can be made of, each requires different treatment, find out what it is made of, if you don't want to ruin your sink. Whatever you do, don't use a heat gun on any sink, don,t use any chemical including household cleaner either, until you know what it is made of and have found out from a reliable source what you can and can't use on it, as some things will cause you real trouble when used with particular sinks, and you may find yourself buying a new sink. Some are quite expensive. Don't use wire wool or scrapers either, they spoil the finish.

Answer 10

TURPS is used to clean the paint of brushes..so what I would do is...get a piece of white cloth shake some turps on it then rub away until it's all gone. Rinse with hot water three or four times.

Answer 11

I would definitely recommend Nitromors,once you have given the offending
stain time to absorb the Nitromors. It will mix into the solution after about
twenty mins, you can then remove the solution with ordinary water be careful
though not to be used on plastic sinks or the like