Removing Old Paint Drips From Hardwood Floors

[Charlie Page]

Does anyone know of a product or trick for removing old drips off hardwood floors and overbrush from moldings without sanding or using paint stripper?

Occasionally a plastic putty knife works but not in this situation.

I've thought of using a heat gun to soften then the plastic putty knife but I'm a little reluctant.

Any thoughts?

[Stan Austin]

Charlie--- one method that I have used is to use a well sharpened chisel of the best matching width to the paint or even a utility knife with a new blade. The key is sharpness so that you aren't tempted to gouge the wood. It just takes some care and precision so that you can flick off the paint. Remember, the paint is resting on an existing finish so with a little bit of luck it will come off.
If that doesn't work then some precise sanding, followed by a touch up with a matching stain and then a dab of polyurethane to seal the repair. A Q Tip works best for those two operations.
I wouldn't use a chemical paint remover. It's just to messy.
Stan

[Will Brown]

A razor blade works well if you have a steady hand. Moldings are harder when they aren't flat. If you know what type of paint it is, sometimes you can scrub it off with a little thinner.

[Charlie Page]

Stan and Will - Thanks for the suggestions. I'm helping my sister get the upstairs half of her double ready for rental. Many previous owners just slapped paint all over the place and never bothered to use a drop cloth or masking tape so there's quite a bit to remove.

We've fixed the major cracks in plaster and painted everything from ceiling to walls to crown moldings and trim in the bed rooms. The place looks great now....except for those drips and lazy painting!

[dl meckes]

If the paint is on the floor, get a blow dryer and heat it up a bit - it will be easier to remove with a razor...