Getting Dried Paint Out of a Porcelain Sink

Sinks made of porcelain are elegant and sturdy. These sinks, which are a combination of metal, glass, and clay, look delicate and maintain their immaculate appearance for a long time.

You might still end up with a paint stain on the porcelain surface despite taking every precaution.

According to sinkformula.com, a stubborn paint stain detracts from the aesthetic beauty of your clear sink and can be extremely difficult to remove if you don’t know how.

Although it might be tempting, it is not a good idea to scrape the paint off with a sharp object. Even porcelain can get scratches, and even if you remove the paint, you might still leave behind permanent scratches.

Without further ado, let’s see how to get rid of those stubborn dried paint stains with the least amount of effort and without harming the delicate porcelain sink surface.

Table of Contents

How to Clean a Porcelain Sink of Dried Paint?

For any paint stains on a porcelain sink, a different method must be used.
Unlike acrylic paint, which is chemically based, latex paint is a water-based paint. It is simpler to remove dried latex paint from the porcelain kitchen sink than acrylic paint.

Determine whether the paint on the sink is oil-based or water-based if you are unsure of its type. To get rid of dried paint, you will need the following:

A soft-bristled brush or plastic scraper
A cotton rag or towel
Denatured alcohol
A sponge, scrub, or piece of cloth

Step 1: Clean the area.

The porcelain sink’s surface has to be thoroughly cleaned in order to remove any debris or residue. Dip a cotton cloth or sponge in denatured alcohol.

If you don’t have denatured alcohol, you may use regular alcohol that you already have in your cupboard; it works almost identically.

Step 2: Scrub the surface

Rub the painted surface with the wet cotton cloth. Depending on how old and dry the paint is, you may need to massage it rather vigorously for a time. The secret is to rub consistently in the same direction for a while.

Check the cloth to see whether any color streaks from the dried paint are present. A cotton cloth with some color on it indicates that the paint is water-based. The paint is oil-based if the cotton swab comes out to be clean and colorless.

Step 3: Cleaning the Porcelain Sink of Water-based Paint

It is simple to remove water-based paint from the porcelain sink. Apply the same denatured alcohol vigorously to the paint using a sponge or cotton towel. The stain will eventually start to dissipate, however it can take some time. Once the paint has been entirely removed from the porcelain surface, continue rubbing in the same direction for a bit. Alcohol is perfectly safe to use on the porcelain sink and won’t harm the painted surface.

Using paint remover

Paint strippers work very well in getting rid of stubborn paint spots from porcelain surfaces. Both oil-based and water-based paints may be easily removed with it.

Step 1: Apply the paint stripper to the dried paint

Make sure you are using safety goggles and gloves before using a paint remover to safeguard your hands and eyes.

Use as much or as little paint remover as necessary to thoroughly cover the discolored surface.

Step 2: Allow it to Relax

Till the paint layer beneath becomes more pliable, leave the paint stripper on the stain. To check whether it is operating or not, use a scraper or nylon brush. If the paint is not completely removed, you might need to apply a little more.

Step 3: Apply a scraper

Scrape the paint off with a scraper. Despite having a smooth and sturdy surface, porcelain is nonetheless vulnerable to scratches. Avoid using the scraper too forcefully to avoid scratching the porcelain sink.

Step 4: Use a cleaner to wash

After the paint has been removed, wash the sink with water and then use a regular household cleaner or a vinegar solution to remove any remaining paint or chemicals from the sink surface. The porcelain sink should be cleaned with a soft brush and cleanser.

How Do I Clean Acrylic Paint That Has Dried Off My Sink?

Sinks are readily stained by acrylic paint. These paints dry rather quickly in contrast to certain other paints that are simple to wipe off.

Acrylic emulsion is used in acrylic paints to bond the stain-resistant pigment. They are even more challenging to remove because the paint does not dissolve in water.

The porcelain surface is covered with acrylic paint that may be removed. A solution that dissolves the resin is required if the acrylic paint stain is very difficult to remove with a scraper.

To remove acrylic paint from a sink, you need a solvent that dissolves the acrylic resin. Use denatured alcohol, acetone, or an ammonia solution to get rid of dried acrylic paint. Take these actions:

If you’re using ammonia or acetone, put on rubber gloves and shield your eyes and nose with a mask.
Use a spray bottle or a tiny bit of the dry paint to apply to the surface.
Wait a bit for the paint resin to dissolve.
Scrub the area gently with a brush or towel.
You may also give hair spray a try on acrylic paint.
To get rid of the paint and any stains still on the sink’s surface, give it a warm water rinse.

How Can I Get Oil-Based Paint Out of My Sink?

Oil-based paint removal from the sink is different from water-based paint removal. Alcohol does not dissolve oil-based paint.
You may use a professional oil remover, ammonia, acetone, or bleach to get rid of the oil-based paint stain. These are all affordable and easily accessible.

Apply the paint stripper or any other stain-removing solution you’ve selected.
Give it some time to sit so that the paint on the sink will soften. Depending on how old or thick the paint stain is, it can take some time.
Check the suggested time if you are using a professional paint cleaning.
After the paint has been softened, scrape off the paint with a scraper (or a used toothbrush).
Use water to rinse the sink to get rid of paint scuffs.
To remove the dark stains left by oil-based paint, clean the sink with a typical home cleanser.

Conclusion

Even a little stain may detract from a porcelain sink’s aesthetic attractiveness. Paint stains are difficult to get rid of since the majority of them are resistant to common cleansers.
The final option should be to scrape the paint off since it may leave behind scratches that may harm your lovely sink.

Before you start trying to remove the paint from the sink, make sure you are aware of what kinds of paint are there. If the paint is water-based or oil-based, it may be identified with a quick alcohol test. To remove paint off a porcelain sink, use paint remover, ammonia, or acetone.

Before using bleach, ammonia, or any other chemical spray, abide by all safety instructions. Even denatured alcohol is dangerous and combustible.

Spray paint may be removed from a sink using the same procedure. This guide should provide all the information you need to successfully remove dried paint from a porcelain sink.