Paints—Oil Paints, Varnishes, Enamels
Treat oil paint, varnish, and enamel stains quickly, since a dried or hardened paint stain is almost impossible to remove. Scrape off as much of the paint or varnish as possible before using any remover. If the stain has hardened, apply a solvent on both sides and give time for it to soften. Do not rub too hard; rubbing roughens the cloth. Use one of the following methods:
Soap and water.—If the material is washable, remove fresh stains by washing with plenty of soap. If the stain has dried, soften it first by rubbing oil, lard, or petroleum jelly into it.
Turpentine or other solvents.—Sponge the stain with pure turpentine or, if the spots are large or scattered, wash the whole article in it. Or soak in a liquid of equal parts ammonia water and turpentine, rinse several times in fresh turpentine, wash in soapy water. Carbon tetrachloride, kerosene, alcohol, or benzene may be applied in the same way as turpentine. Benzene is good for the usual type of spar varnish. Alcohol will remove stains of shellac varnish, but never use alcohol on acetate rayon or vinyon.
Paint and varnish remover.—Equal parts of benzene, carbon tetrachloride, and amyl acetate (banana oil) make a very good paint remover. Apply the remover and rub in a dry-cleaning soap to help loosen the stain. Finally rinse out with carbon tetrachloride.