How to Remove Interior Paint from a Cloth Recliner

It’s a common problem to have some splatters or spills on the furniture when repainting a room. Fortunately, it doesn’t mean that you have to toss or replace your beloved couch or rocking chair. It’s best to remove paint when it’s still wet, but even old, dried paint will come up with this removal method.

• WD-40
• Clean white cloths
• Blunt-edged object (like a butter knife or plastic paint scraper)
• Mild soap
• Water
• Bucket

1. Spray the paint spill area with WD-40. Use the “smart straw” to help you keep the WD-40 on the paint and off the upholstery. You want to cover the paint, but not saturate the area with the lubricant.
2. Wait 5-10 minutes for the WD-40 to soften the paint.
3. Next, gently scrape the paint with the blunt object.
4. Reapply WD-40 if needed, then wait and scrape again. Depending on how thick the paint is, you may need to reapply a few times.
5. Remove any remaining bits of paint by wiping them with a clean, white cloth.
6. If there is a residue of WD-40 on the upholstery, use warm water and a mild soap to wash the area. Rinse with clean water, and allow the area to air dry completely.

• Spot test before you begin by spraying WD-40 in a hidden area. Wait, then rub with a clean soft cloth to check for color retention. If no color transfers from the upholstery to the cloth, it is safe to proceed with the paint removal.
• Try to get as little WD-40 on the fabric as possible. Remove any residue immediately after removing the paint to prevent it from leaving a second stain.
• Avoid using colored cloths as the color from the cloth can transfer to the upholstery.