How To Remove Paint from Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops look beautiful and take minimal effort to care for. However, sometimes the occasional spill will happen and it’s important to know how to clean it up without damaging your countertop. Thankfully, quartz is very durable and takes some effort to damage. By using the wrong chemicals, your quartz can be damaged or look faded.

Follow this helpful guide to learn how to remove paint spills and stains from your quartz countertops without using strong paint removers and harsh chemicals.

Table of Contents

Two Types of Paint

Before breaking out the soap and water, it’s always good to know what type of spill you are dealing with. The two most basic and commonly used paint types used in home design are water-based paint and oil-based paint.

 Oil Based Paint

Oil paints are not often used in the home since it is a difficult paint to work with and it is known to contain dangerous chemicals. Although its setbacks limit its use for home design, oil paints are known to have a smoother finish and are more durable than water based paint.

 Water Based Paint

Water paint is a mixture of acrylic, latex, vinyl, and water. These are much easier to work with than oil and dries much faster. Water based paints are often the preferred choice for home design.

 As stated, oil paints are much harder to remove, requiring a solvent to chemically eliminate the spill. When using oil based paints, consult the paint instructions and quartz company on what products can be used for safe removal.

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Removing Wet Paint

Wet paint is easy to clean-up since it is still wet and manageable.

Use a damp paper towel or soft cloth to blot the paint. Try not to wipe the wet paint, because that will cause it to smear and cover more of the countertop. Blot up the most amount with the towel, then use a soft sponge or dip the cloth in warm water to remove the excess.

Removing Dry Paint

 Dry paint can be a little trickier since it has time to dry and adhere to the quartz countertop. Depending how long the pain was left to dry, it can be a simple method or require a little elbow grease to remove.

 1. Soap and Warm Water

 If the paint was left to dry for a few hours or days; grab a microfiber cloth, bucket of warm water and some mild dish soap. Dip the wet cloth into the soapy water and scrub in a circular motion to remove the dried paint.

 This method is the most common and effective way for cleaning quartz countertops and eliminating stains.

2. Using a Scraper

 Using a sharp object like a scraper, putty knife or razor blade can help scratch off tough paint stains. Hold your sharp instrument at a 45-degree angle to the countertop and gently scrape off the dried paint. Focus on small areas that are easy to remove, while systematically scratching the larger blots, and brushing away the residue. After scraping off as much of the stain as possible, use a wet microfiber or soft cloth to clean off the area.

 Always use caution when using sharp objects and be delicate with scraping paint. Quartz is very scratch resistant, but it can still be scratched if enough force is applied.

 This scraping method is excellent for other difficult stains or fast-drying messes like removing food matter or gum.

3. Rubbing Alcohol

For tougher stains, rubbing alcohol is an optimal choice as a stain solvent. A solvent helps chemically remove the stain and disinfects the quartz at the same time. Rubbing alcohol dries quickly, so it does not leave much of a mess either. Rubbing alcohol is readily available and suggested on several quartz company care guides.

Damp a soft rag with the rubbing alcohol and wipe in a circular motion over the paint stain. Once the paint has dissolved, wipe away the residue with a damp cloth or paper towel, and let air dry.

If the stain still stands, use a combination of scraper and rubbing alcohol technique.

 Rubbing alcohol is highly effective in removing a variety of stains from your countertops.

4. Vinegar + Water

Another excellent chemical solvent is using a combination of vinegar and water. Vinegar is an acidic substance that is exceptional at removing stains, as well as deodorizes the affected area.

Combine a solution of 50% vinegar and 50% warm water and use a microfiber cloth to wipe the paint-stained surface. Like the rubbing alcohol, the vinegar-water solution should start dissolving the paint. If the stain lingers, then using a scraper will help the vinegar-water solution work more effectively.

5. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a non-abrasive cleanser which is a perfect choice for cleaning difficult paint stains on quartz countertops.

Mix a few scoops of baking soda into a bowl of water until the baking soda turns into a paste-like substance. Spread the paste onto the affected area and let sit for several minutes. Depending on how deep the stain is, additional applications could be required, as well as letting it sit for a longer period of time. For seriously tough stains, baking soda can be left on overnight to allow the complete breakdown of the paint elements.

After waiting the allotted time, remove the baking soda paste with a damp cloth and rinse with warm water. Dry using a soft, clean cloth.

 6. Company Suggested Products

For paint stains that just do not seem to go away, it is highly recommended to look at what brand of paint you are working with and follow the instructions for removal when stained.

At the same time, research what brand of quartz countertop you have and find a care guide on their website suggesting how to remove paint stains.

Every company has their own care guide on removing stains, advising specific products to be used when such an event occurs.  Improperly using products the company does not recommend can damage your quartz countertop and possibly void its warranty.

Quartz Built Sturdy

Quartz is built to be stronger than most natural stones you can purchase on the market. When using these methods, remember that quartz is manufactured and designed to be resistant to scratching and staining. Quartz is non-porous, meaning it has a smooth surface with no tiny grooves or indents for liquids, food or chemicals to seep into. Whatever is sticking on the quartz is on the surface, so typically a simple cleaning is usually all that is required.

However, that does not mean quartz is impervious to scratching or staining. Like any material, it can be damaged if enough force is applied or left neglected.

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Chemicals to Avoid

When cleaning quartz countertops, avoid cleaning with high acidic chemicals. Products like bleach, paint removers, paint thinners, and sealants can permanently discolor the slab.

Also, avoid using harsh scrubbers or abrasive scrubs as it dulls the finish over time.

With all these tools, you have everything you need to remove paint stains from your quartz countertops. Be mindful to use caution when using sharp objects, be aware of what chemicals you are using, and if you can always call the paint and quartz companies for more assistance.

Why you can trust Marble.com

When it comes time to get the job done, our fabrication and installation teams have the equipment and expertise it takes to get your project cut and delivered the right way, every time. We at Marble.com are known for our incredibly quick turnaround, as we understand having countertops and other mainstays installed quickly and properly is important to our customers. We value your time, and our goal is to create the best work possible and have you enjoying it as possible.

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