Monday, February 8, 2010

How do I remove latex paint from metal wall plates?

The previous owners of our house painted nearly all of the metal wall plates with latex paint. We're in the process of repainting most rooms and rather than paint the wall plates our new colors, we'd rather just remove the paint altogether. Lowe's sells new plastic wall plates for cheap, but since the ones we already have are metal we'd prefer to keep them. Any ideas?How do I remove latex paint from metal wall plates?
Well paint stripper and a scraper will take that right off but nail polish remover or paint thinner would probably work tooHow do I remove latex paint from metal wall plates?
The best way to remove latex paint from metal without scratching or burning your metal wall plates is to soak them in hot vinegar.





Simply put white vinegar in a cooking pot (don't use the microwave) and heat the vinegar until it is slightly simmering. Once it's simmering and hot, lower the heat. Slip the metal plates into the vinegar and watch the latex paint start to bubble and peel away from the metal. If there are more stubborn spots, simply rub them with a sponge when you remove the plates from the vinegar. If there is still a bit of paint on the plates (which I doubt, but just in case), simply repeat the process.





This is how we remove paint from metal door and cabinet hinges when ReDesigning or staging a house. It works like a charm!
I would soak the plates in really hot water. The metal is not porous so the paint will probably wear off/wash off easily with some soaking and a bit of rubbing with a rag. I wouldn't use a scrubby or anything that might scratch unless you are going for a brushed metal look.





If the plates are embossed or engraved metal (something with a design) you many need to try a paint remover.
a heat gun carefully applied will soften it up. Use a sharp edged WOODEN or plastic putty knife to scrap it off. There are some latex paint removers out there, but the heat should be o.k
rubbing alcohol removes dried latex paint. works like magic and is inexpensive.

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