I'm dealing with some paint splatters on the wood trim in my house, left by the previous owner who obviously didn't tape things off when they painted. We've got some lovely coving-style crown molding that we plan to repaint to hide the splatters, but I really want to avoid removing or repainting all the wood baseboards, door, and window trims. These pieces were crafted by my wife's great grandfather and grandfather back in 1955, and they hold a lot of sentimental value. Any tips on how to safely clean up the paint without damaging the wood? Here's a picture for reference: https://imgur.com/a/M9F0Lup
2 Answers
You might want to start with a wet cloth and a 5-in-1 tool. Just scrub and scrape a bit—you may need to do it a few times, but if it’s latex paint, it should mostly come off.
Tackle those splatters as soon as possible! Use hot soapy water with a fingernail or Scotch-Brite pad. Acetone or nail polish remover could also help soften up the latex paint, but make sure to test it on a hidden area first to check how it affects the finish.
Thanks for the tip! Unfortunately, it's been on there for years—since about 2014 when the last owner painted. Dreading this cleanup!