How to Remove Paint From Vandalized Trees
If the local spooks or school spirits got a little out of hand last homecoming or Halloween, the tree in your front yard may have more to show for it than just a little toilet paper. They may also have a bit of spray paint. Paint on the bark will not harm the tree and will wear away over time. But until then, it will leave a long-term eyesore. Solvents can harm the tree more than the paint actually can. But you can remove paint from vandalized trees if you do so carefully.
Swab mineral spirits onto the spray paint with a clean sponge. Allow the mineral spirits to sit for five to 10 minutes.
- If the local spooks or school spirits got a little out of hand last homecoming or Halloween, the tree in your front yard may have more to show for it than just a little toilet paper.
- Paint on the bark will not harm the tree and will wear away over time.
Wipe the paint with a clean cloth. The mineral spirits should help dissolve the paint so it can be blotted away.
Apply a water-based, biodegradable solvent to the tree. Spray the solvent onto the affected area. Wait three minutes for the solvent to dissolve the paint. Wipe the solvent away with a clean sponge.
Brush at the bark with a scraper or a copper-wire brush to loosen and remove the layer of paint and surface bark without removing the bark completely.
- Wipe the paint with a clean cloth.
- Wipe the solvent away with a clean sponge.
Remove Paint From Tile
As with any paint spill, you'll have an easier time removing one from tile if you get the paint while it's wet. Scrub the grout with a synthetic fiber scrubber. If your spill has dried, you may be able to remove much of it by scraping with a plastic putty knife; again, it's best to avoid metal, but if a plastic knife doesn't do the job, use a beveled putty knife with rounded corners. You may have to repeat this treatment more than once. Finish up by scrubbing with soapy water or mineral spirits. Scrub discolored grout with an old toothbrush, using rubbing alcohol to dissolve latex paint residue and lacquer thinner for oil paint.
Tip
According to the United States Forest Service, you can remove paint from trees with a power washer and sand blaster. Machines such as this are available for rent from many home improvement or heavy equipment stores.
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References
Tips
- According to the United States Forest Service, you can remove paint from trees with a power washer and sand blaster. Machines such as this are available for rent from many home improvement or heavy equipment stores.
Writer Bio
Tracy Morris has been a freelance writer since 2000. She has published novels and numerous online articles. Her work has appeared in national magazines and newspapers including "Ferrets," "CatFancy," "Lexington Herald Leader" and "The Tulsa World." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Arkansas.
