×
Back Button

How to Remove Paint From a Laminate Surface

Lisa East Hunter

Laminate counters, as with any slick surface, don't particularly love to be painted. Paint will generally flake and peel off the counter with a little elbow grease. If you have accidentally spilled paint on your laminate counters it can be removed easily with the right chemicals and tools.

  1. Spread on a thick layer of paint stripper using an inexpensive or old paint brush. The brush will be trashed after this project so don't use an expensive or good quality brush. Use a generous amount of paint stripper. Wear rubber gloves while working with this substance and avoid getting splatters on your skin or other surfaces nearby.

  2. Cover the spot with tin foil and allow the paint stripper to penetrate the surface of the paint. Tin foil will keep the stripper from evaporating too quickly and will help the chemicals do their job. This usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Use a scraper to test a spot. If the paint easily scrapes from the surface of the laminate you are ready to start removing paint.

  3. Use a scraper to begin peeling off layers of paint. Be careful not to scratch the laminate in the process. Remove as much paint as possible using the scraper, leaving only the stubborn spots.

  4. Slather some additional paint stripper onto extra fine steel wool. Work in a circular motion around the particularly tough spots until they are removed completely.

  5. Wash the laminate counter with mild soap and water to completely remove the chemicals.

  6. Tip

    If you are working with a particularly large section of paint, you should work in 2 foot by 2 foot areas so that the paint stripper does not dry completely before you begin removing the paint.