Sticky paint has happened to be quite a few times over the years, and in that time I’ve tried different methods to tackle the issue. Of all the different ways, I’ve found the following to be the most effective in fixing sticky paint.
The best way to fix sticky paint is to use heat. A hairdryer is ideal for heating areas where the paint is sticky. Heating the paint removes moisture and dries out oils leaking from the paint on the base material. Heating may not work on certain surfaces, in which case you’ll need to strip the paint and repaint it.
Following my guide should see successful results using heat most of the time. But if it doesn’t, I’ve also provided a step-by-step guide on how to remove the sticky paint the right way so you can repaint.
How to Fix Sticky Paint
There are many ways to fix sticky paint, but not all are practical methods for a homeowner. Two of my favorites are easy to do safely and with household tools. You can either heat the paint or you can strip and replace it.
How to Remove Sticky Paint with Heat
This is a better method of fixing sticky paint on doors or wood. But overheating may melt plastic frames if you are too aggressive.
For this method, you need:
- Old sheet or rag
- Hairdryer
Step 1: Setup
Set the dryer to the lowest setting. You do not want to burn the material you are trying to remove the paint from.
Step 2: Protect
Put an old towel or rag down under where you are going to remove the paint to protect the floor. You may want to make the towel wet so that it does not stick to the hot paint.
Step 3: Power
Plug the hairdryer in. You may want to use an extension cord so that you do not need to keep unplugging it as you move around to other frames.
Step 4: Technique
The hairdryer’s air temperature should be a little above what is comfortable to put your hand under. This will also help you set the distance of how far you hold the hairdryer from the wall.
Step 5: Heat
Use the hairdryer to blow the area where the paint is sticky. This will heat the surface of the paint, remove moisture, and dry out oils leaking from the paint on the base material.
How to Remove Sticky Paint with Paint Stripper
If heating does not work, you will have to move on to stripping the paint back and repainting it.
This process involves chemicals and more tools than the heating method.
You will need:
- Sharp scraper
- Paint stripper or cleaning solvent
- Old rags
- Primer (oil-based)
- Paint brushes and/or rollers
- New paint
Step 1: Preparation
You want to take any peeling paint off with the scraper. This will save you some paint stripper, and it will help you to avoid brushing stripping chemicals onto the bare frame.
Step 2: Use Solvent Cleaner or Paint Stripper
You can try rubbing solvent over the paint with an old rag. This will loosen the oils and chemicals that are making the paint feel sticky. This is also a safer way of removing sticky paint on plastic.
For sticky wood or metal doorframes, use a paint stripper. Paint the entire area that has sticky paint and wait for it to flake off. You can help it after a few minutes with a scraper.
Whichever method you decide to use, make sure to wear gloves and eye protection.
Step 3: Clean
Before painting, you want to remove all the old paint and paint-stripper with solvent and a rag. Remove the solvent with a damp rag and let it dry. Moisture and residues from chemicals will end up giving you sticky paint again.
Step 4: Prime
Oil-based primers are the best, as these offer a clean tacky surface for the paint. Use a roller or a brush to apply the primer to everywhere that you are going to paint. Let the primer dry as written in the instructions.
Step 5: Clean
Inspect the dry primer coat for imperfections: bubbles, brush hairs, and bugs. Pull out the defects and sand with fine-grit paper to level the surface out.
Step 6: Paint
Rub away the dust with a damp cloth. You can now paint over the primer.
Health Tip: Paints, solvents, and paint strippers emit powerful fumes, so you may want to wear a filter mask.
Can You Paint Over Tacky Paint?
Will sticky paint eventually dry? It will, but it can take hours and even days for thick coats to stop that tacky feeling. You can paint a second coat over tacky paint, but you may ruin the first coat.
You may have a weekend or less to get the second coat on. So, how can you speed things up?
Try drying your paint with the following methods:
- Wait – Read the instructions from the paint manufacturer; they will tell you the ideal drying time. The more coats you paint on, the longer it will take to dry. Water-based paints will dry faster, but drying time will also depend on humidity.
- Talcum – You can try to speed up the drying process, but if you try this too early, you may have to start from the beginning. Dust the talcum over the tacky paint and wait for it to soak up the moisture or oils in the paint. Then you can carefully brush or blow off the excess.
- Car wax – Car wax will help with paint that is still tacky days after painting. You can try applying it with a soft, clean cloth, rubbing it over the tacky areas. If you push down too much, you risk pulling the paint off.
You will also thin out your paints before using them. The amount of water or thinner you use will affect drying time. But if the paint is so soft that you can ruin it with a cloth after two days, it is a sign that you need to start again.
Why Is My Paint Sticky?
Here are several frequently asked questions to do with sticky paint.
What Does Sticky Paint Mean?
Sticky paint is where the paint still feels wet, and it may be soft enough to dent with a finger.
Why Is It Still Tacky After a Year?
You may be wondering why your paint is still tacky after a year. Tackiness is often due to inferior paint, old paints, or stripper chemicals seeping through. It is important to have a clean and dry surface to paint on.
How Long Should My Paint Take to Dry?
Paint can take between a couple of hours and a couple of days to dry. Water-based paint should be able to take a second coat after six hours in a dry climate. It is better to leave oil-based paints a full day to dry.
How Can I Make My Paint Not Sticky?
- Oil-based – Oil-based paints work better on primer. Start with a clean surface, brush on your primer, and then paint. Make sure you leave enough drying time between coats.
- Water-based – With water-based paints, you should start with a higher water mix to allow the paint to soak into the wood or concrete. Thick water-based paint is gummy, and it is easy to paint it on too thick, which takes longer to dry.
