How to Remove Krylon Paint

Written By
Samantha Volz
Samantha Volz
Published: Jul 2, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Krylon spray paint can be used on surfaces from toy models to kitchen counters, depending on the type of paint you choose. Removing Krylon paint, whether to redo a project or because of a spill or overspray, also depends on the product; some are water soluble, while others will require lacquer thinner to dissolve.

Things You Will Need

  • Water
  • Soap or trisodium phosphate
  • Scrub brush
  • Lacquer thinner
  • Paintbrush
  • Scraper
  1. Mix hot water and dish soap until the cleaning solution forms suds. For solid surfaces such as stone or brick, you can mix two cups of trisodium phosphate cleaner into one gallon of hot water for a stronger cleaner solution.

  2. Soak the bristles of scrub brush in the cleaning solution and apply to the Krylon paint. Some Krylon products are water soluble, and will dissolve under the cleaning. Scrub until all paint has been removed.

  3. Rinse the surface in clean warm water to remove residual cleaner. If the paint remains on the surface, the Krylon is not water soluble.

  4. Apply a thin layer of lacquer thinner onto the Krylon paint. Use a paintbrush to cover the painted area with thinner. Allow the thinner to work on the paint for five minutes (unless otherwise instructed by your specific product) and then remove the loosened paint with a plastic scraper or scrub brush. Reapply thinner as necessary until all paint is removed.

  5. Rinse the surface with clean warm water to remove residual thinner.

The Drip Cap

  • Krylon spray paint first went into production in 1947, using an aerosol system that helped painters save the time usually spent on brushing and rolling.
  • Removing Krylon paint, whether to redo a project or because of a spill or overspray, also depends on the product; some are water soluble, while others will require lacquer thinner to dissolve.
  • Rinse the surface in clean warm water to remove residual cleaner.
  • Apply a thin layer of lacquer thinner onto the Krylon paint.
Samantha Volz

Samantha Volz has been involved in journalistic and informative writing for over eight years. She holds a bachelor's degree in English literature from Lycoming College, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with a minor in European history. In…

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