What Removes Paint From Vinyl Siding?

Paint Thinner

• Paint thinner is the recommended method for removing oil-based paint drips from vinyl siding. Attempting to remove oil-based paint using only a scraper might not be enough to penetrate the tough paint film of dried oil paint. Paint thinner soaks into dried paint and breaks down the hard surface of oil paint for faster removal. Wear a pair of rubber gloves to prevent the thinner from absorbing into skin. Pour thinner over a rag and wipe the dried paint, followed by light scraping. Cover the scraper with a rag to avoid scratching the siding.

Pressure Washer

• Pressure washing can be used to remove paint on a larger scale, such as preparing a vinyl sided house for a brand new coat of paint. Unless the old paint is in extremely poor condition, pressure washing does not remove every chip of paint from vinyl, but the water removes loose paint chips and significantly reduces scraping time. Pressure washing vinyl requires a low-pressure tip and setting to avoid damaging the surface. Applying excessive water pressure over vinyl siding could force water underneath and lead to mold and water damage.

Soap and Water

• A mixture of soap and warm water penetrates most water-based paint stains or drips on vinyl siding. Dip a sponge into a bucket of dish soap and warm water and scrub the painted siding in a circular motion. If dish soap does not do the trick, try adding a little household detergent to the mix. The old paint should break down and come off onto the rag.

Scraping

• Scraping removes loose paint from vinyl siding, in preparation for new paint. If used properly, paint scrapers remove loose chips of paint quickly without damaging the vinyl siding. Pressing too firmly on a scraper could gouge the siding and leave noticeable marks. Light scratches are not a problem if the siding is going to be entirely repainted with a new coat of paint. For removal of accidental drips on siding, cover a paint scraper with a damp rag and lightly apply pressure.