Paint spills and drips can happen even on the most beautiful quartz countertop surfaces. While quartz is touted for its durability, removing dried paint can be tricky. With some effort and the right techniques, you can get your quartz counters looking pristine again.
What You’ll Need
- Paper towels or clean rags
- Painter’s tape
- Plastic putty knife or scraper
- Denatured alcohol
- Acetone nail polish remover
- Magic eraser sponge
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- White toothpaste (non-gel)
- Baby oil or mineral oil
- Soft scrub cleanser
- Poultice powder
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Remove excess wet paint
If the paint spill is still wet, use paper towels or a clean rag to blot and wipe up as much as possible. Take care not to spread the paint around. Work quickly before the paint dries and adheres to the surface.
Step 2: Let paint fully dry
If unable to remove all the wet paint, allow any remaining paint to dry completely. This prevents smearing and smudging which can spread the stain.
Step 3: Try gentle abrasion
Use a plastic putty knife or scraper to gently lift off any dried bits of paint. Take care not to gouge or scratch the quartz surface. You can also try rubbing the stain lightly with a magic eraser sponge moistened with water.
Step 4: Try solvents
If gentle abrasion doesn’t fully remove the stain, try using solvents. Use a small amount of denatured alcohol, acetone nail polish remover, or dish soap on a clean cloth. Test on an inconspicuous spot first. Gently rub the stain, taking care not to damage the surface.
Step 5: Make a baking soda paste
For stubborn stains, make a paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Spread onto the stain with a damp cloth or sponge. Let sit for up to 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse clean. Baking soda is mildly abrasive to lift stains but won’t etch quartz.
Step 6: Try white toothpaste
Non-gel toothpaste contains silica which can act as a gentle abrasive. Dab a small amount onto the stain and let sit for 30 minutes. Rub gently with a damp cloth, then rinse clean. Repeat as needed for tough stains.
Step 7: Use baby oil or mineral oil
These oils can help dissolve paint. Pour a small amount onto the stain and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Scrub gently with a soft cloth, then clean with dish soap and water. Oils may leave behind a residue that needs thorough removal.
Step 8: Use a poultice
For stubborn oil-based paints, a poultice can draw out the stain. Mix a paste of poultice powder and water, spread onto the stain, and cover with plastic wrap. After 24 hours, remove and scrub clean. Repeat if needed.
Step 9: Use soft scrub or polish
As a last resort for tough stains, use a soft scrub cleanser designed for quartz or an automotive polish. Test on a small hidden area first. Apply with a damp cloth and rub gently. Rinse and dry thoroughly after scrubbing.
Tips to Prevent Paint Stains
- Cover nearby surfaces with plastic or painter’s tape when painting nearby.
- Clean up spills as quickly as possible before paint dries.
- Use a small brush to paint near countertops to avoid drips.
- Move countertop items like small appliances before painting.
- Avoid placing paint cans directly on quartz counters.
How to Remove Other Stubborn Stains from Quartz
Beyond paint, quartz counters can fall victim to other stubborn stains that require some elbow grease to remove. Here are some tips:
For dried food, grease, and oil: Use a degreasing cleanser, dish soap, or mix baking soda and water into a paste.
For permanant marker: Try rubbing alcohol or acetone nail polish remover.
For nail polish: Use non-acetone polish remover or rubbing alcohol.
For hard water marks: Make a paste with baking soda and water and let sit before scrubbing.
For limescale and mineral deposits: Use white vinegar and scrub with a magic eraser sponge.
For dye transfer: Create a poultice with powder and hydrogen peroxide or use a stain remover pen.
For scorch marks: Make a baking soda and water paste and scrub. Or try a magic eraser.
For etching or dull spots: Use a quartz polish to restore the surface shine.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried these techniques extensively without success removing the paint, it may be time to call in a professional. Companies specializing in countertop restoration have commercial-grade stain removers, polishes, and tools to recondition the quartz and remove difficult stains. This is especially true if the paint has dried for a long period or you are concerned about damaging the surface during aggressive scrubbing. For best results removing stubborn dried paint from quartz, contact the countertop installation company to inquire about professional stain removal.
Conclusion
Paint spills can happen, but with some persistence you can often remove dried paint from quartz yourself. First try gentle abrasion like scraping and magic eraser scrubbing. Solvents like alcohol and acetone can help dissolve paint. For tough oil-based stains, make a baking soda paste or use a poultice. Avoid harsh cleaners that can scratch or dull the surface. Go slowly and test in inconspicuous areas first. If you’ve exhausted DIY methods, call a professional refinishing company to make your quartz counters look brand new again.