How to remove paint from door knobs without removing them

Do you want to learn how to remove paint from door knobs without removing them? If so, you’re in luck. This post is the ultimate guide for anyone looking to get this pesky job done and move on with their lives.

We discuss the various ways to get paint off door handles and the different approaches for different knobs. By the end, you should better understand what you should do and how, given your situation.

Why learn how to get paint off door handles?

When you want to renovate or redecorate, you sometimes need to get paint off door handles. Perhaps they don’t fit your theme or just look tatty.

However, removing them is tricky. They often have intricate mechanisms that are hard to uncouple from the surrounding door body.

That’s where cleaning can be beneficial. You can keep original features while upgrading the rest of the space.

Natural door knob paint removal options

So, how can you remove door knob paint naturally?

Baking soda paste

Starting with the most basic, you can use baking soda paste. This option is available everywhere and is inexpensive.

Start by mixing baking soda with water until it forms a thick paste. Then, apply it to door knobs and wait for it to work its magic for 10 minutes. Once it loosens the paint, use an old toothbrush to start scrubbing. You should find that the paint starts to fall away.

For complicated knob designs, use a craft brush set. These come with different-shaped brushes that get into cracks and crevices.

Use lemon juice (or citric acid)

You can also try removing paint with lemon juice (or the purer industrial form used by the food industry, citric acid). Again, allow the acid to sit on the paint for about 10 minutes, sometimes longer, until it starts dissolving the paint. Then, use a cloth or a soft-bristled brush to remove it.

For complicated knobs (escutcheon pull handles, concealed rose, pull handles, lever handles, push-button handles, etc.), use a cotton swab to apply the acid to hard-to-reach areas. This method allows you to get more even coverage and prevents work from looking patchy.

Whip up a washing soda solution

Finally, for natural methods, you could use a washing soda solution. This method requires mixing sodium carbonate with a warm cup of water (1 tbsp to 1 cup) and then applying it to the painted door handle (as before).

Use craft brushes for complicated designs like Euro locks, bolt-through pull handles, thumb turn handles, etc. You can use toothpicks for even greater precision, especially in small painted holes.

Chemical door knob paint removal options

Natural methods are safe, but aren’t always as effective as you would like. Sometimes paint won’t come off at all, or if it does, it is only in patches after multiple rounds of scrubbing.

Fortunately, chemical paint removal options for door knobs work faster. These are often more powerful than conventional, natural methods.

Commercial paint remover

The most obvious option is to use commercial paint removal products. These are usually gel-based, allowing them to adhere to the entire surface.

For these, follow the instructions on the pack. Usually, you apply the product for between 10 and 30 minutes, allow it to work its magic, and then wash or wipe it off.

Rubbing alcohol

You could also use rubbing alcohol. This option is usually far cheaper and allows you to treat multiple surfaces in succession.

Rubbing alcohol is best for dissolving latex-based paints. (It won’t usually work on other paints, so you may need to experiment.)

To apply this chemical paint remover, put on a pair of nitrile gloves and then soak a cloth in your alcohol solution before applying it to the painted areas.

Usually, you allow the alcohol to sit for a few minutes before brushing or scrubbing it away. You should find that compatible paints naturally flake and then loosen, allowing you to remove them fully.

Unfortunately, alcohol isn’t the perfect paint removal option, so you may need to repeat this process several times. However, if it isn’t working at all, you may just have the wrong paint.

Acetone

Finally, you can try acetone. It is a strong solvent for tough paint, but you should be careful because it can damage some finishes.

When using acetone, follow the same process as for alcohol. For complex door handle designs, use a cotton swab to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Don’t use acetone on door knobs containing iron and steel, since it can cause them to react with moisture.

Thinking of removing paint from your door knobs?

This guide on how to remove paint from door knobs without removing them should have taught you what to do if you find yourself in this situation. However, if you want to replace old door knobs entirely, Knobbles and Bobbles can help. We’re one of the UK’s leading homeware suppliers for various handles for different settings, giving you more choice than ever.

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