Removing paint from leather is a task that must be done with great care while considering the quality of the leather and the type of paint. Exposure to chemicals and water can damage the quality of the leather. If you are in doubt about the type of paint used, start with the less abrasive procedure, then continue with the stronger ones. You have the possibility of treating the fresh paint more easily. You can also do this with water or oil.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Remove fresh paint
Step 1. Act as quickly as possible
If you wait a long time, the paint is very likely to dry. When it dries, it will be much more difficult to remove.
Step 2. Use a flat tool to remove the paint
Take something like a spatula and use it to carefully remove the excess paint from the leather. Begin cleaning the edges of the stain to prevent the paint from spilling out. Keep the tool level to avoid contact with the sofa and not scratch the leather.
- Leather is sensitive to moisture and for this, make the effort to remove as much paint as possible without resorting to water.
- You can also use a razor blade or a credit card.
Step 3. Clean off the paint with a kitchen towel
Get a towel that absorbs moisture well. Pat the stain out while collecting as much leftover as possible. If possible, use a dry towel to avoid damaging the leather.
If you don't get the results you want with the dry towel, add a non-abrasive soap (like hand soap) and a little water. After cleaning the stain, apply the towel to the surface to absorb the water as soon as possible
Method 2 of 4: Remove the paint with water
Step 1. Rub with a damp towel
Water-based paint is easy to clean and this can usually be done with a simple damp cloth. Try to limit the amount of water you use on leather, as this material does not react well to water.
- Be sure to wring out the towel so that no drop of water falls on the leather.
- When cleaning, start at the edges of the stain and work your way inward. Do not make quick, wide movements. Gently rub and dab the stain.
Step 2. Make use of a credit card for scratching
While the water will not remove all of the paint, it will dissolve it a bit and allow you to easily remove it. Take a credit card and use it to remove the paint from the sofa.
Step 3. Pat with a towel to dry
Do not let the water sit on the leather otherwise it will damage the material. Immediately take an absorbent towel and pat the surface until there is no liquid left.
Method 3 of 4: Remove the paint with oil
Step 1. Apply olive oil
The oil will penetrate and loosen the paint from the surface while allowing the rest of the stain to be easily removed. Use a cotton swab or rag to apply the oil. Make an effort to absorb as much of the leather as possible.
Otherwise, you can use baby fat or oil
Step 2. Blot the stain dry
Do this using a dry towel to remove the paint after treating it with oil. Reuse the latter as many times as necessary while drying between each application to remove the remains of paint that the oil has removed.
Pat the oil-soaked pad on an absorbent paper to remove any paint that has accumulated with each application
Step 3. Remove any remaining oil
To rid the leather of oil, you should scrub it with a leather cleaner or a rag with soap. Use a mild detergent such as hand soap to reduce damage to the surface.
Step 4. Dry the surface
Do not leave water on the leather. Absorb any remaining moisture by dabbing the surface with a dry towel.
Method 4 of 4: Remove stubborn stains
Step 1. Check the maintenance instructions
For stubborn stains, you may need to apply very abrasive chemicals to the leather. Check the care instructions and consider contacting the manufacturer to find out about the effects of a chemical on the leather surface.
Step 2. Do a spot test
Before using a more abrasive chemical on the leather, apply some of the substance to an inconspicuous area, such as near the bottom of the seat. If the product does not seem to damage the leather, then you can use it to treat a more visible area.
Step 3. Use the nail polish remover
Apply this to a towel or cotton swab and dab the remover in small layers onto another surface to remove excess liquid. Dab the paint off, being careful not to get more nail polish remover on the leather. Rub until all the paint is removed.
Step 4. Use isopropyl alcohol
If the nail polish remover doesn't work, pour isopropyl alcohol on a towel or cotton swab. Remove excess liquid, then rub the stained area until all of the paint is removed.
It is crucial that you apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to the leather, as this will dry it out
Step 5. Clean off moisture and abrasive chemicals
Use a damp cloth and a little mild soap to remove chemicals. Then use a dry towel to absorb the water.
Step 6. Apply leather cream to the previously treated area
Get a professional leather balm from an auto parts store and apply it to the part. This will reduce any discoloration that may occur when removing the paint and make the leather supple.
Consider using the cream after any treatment, especially when applying abrasive chemicals such as isopropyl alcohol and nail polish remover
Advice
- Removing paint from a car's leather seat is much easier if you clean it immediately after it gets stained. When the paint dries and sets in for several days, it can be almost impossible to remove it without damaging the leather, even if a specialist is called in.
- There is controversy over using a razor blade to remove paint marks from a leather seat. Some experts say this practice is very safe as long as the blade remains tilted and too little pressure is applied. On the other hand, others claim that the underlying leather can be damaged very easily. Be careful when using a razor blade.
