Asked on Mar 19, 2015

Removing paint from plastic outdoor chairs

861650
by 861650
Dug two white plastic chairs out of a dumpster. Parts of it would not come clean so I purchased that spray paint for plastic (white). I applied several coats. When they would get a little dirty, I used Clorox and water to clean them (One part Clorox & three parts water.) Here in N.C., we have a lot of red clay dirt and is impossible to remove. Now, when you sit down in the chairs and start to get up, your clothes sort of stick to the chairs. One neighbor, who had on a black T-shirt and jeans sat in one several times...he always wears black! When he got up, you could see black residue on the chairs. There is more--So, I started scraping the paint off with a five-in-one tool and have made a big fat mess as the black would not come off. These chairs have a high back and are very sturdy so I am hesitant to throw them away. I did call the manufacturer and they said not to use Clorox but there was no information on the can about what to use or not use. QUESTION: Can you use paint remover on plastic chairs? Or, should I repaint them and if so, maybe I should paint them black. LOL!
I realize this is a long story but just wanted to warn you guys about paint for plastic and what not to use to clean them.
  4 answers
  • ...I use a product called 'Krud Kutter' to remove paint. It might take a little while to get it all off, but I have used this product with great success....even on a pair of jeans , that accidentally got paint on them ! you could then repaint, if you wish...with a paint MADE SPECIFICALLY for plastics. You can purchase this ( Krud Kutter ) at Wal-mart/ Home Depot/ etc. :)
    • See 2 previous
    • 861650 861650 on Mar 19, 2015
      @Shelby @ The Weathered Barn Studio Thanks for the info. But, I will tell you that the N.C. red clay is difficult to clean and a lot of times you never get it out or off anything.
  • Jeri Jeri on Mar 19, 2015
    I have painted several plastic items...................never had your problem. As to your problem..........................I would sand them and wash them down......................letting them completely dry..........................then paint them a deep color..................black or whatever..............................painting several light coats and letting them completely dry between coats!
    • 861650 861650 on Mar 20, 2015
      @Jeri Thanks for the helpful hints. Possibly, I did not let them dry completely between coats previously. And, I'll take your suggestion and paint them BLACK this time. At least you will not see any red clay stains! Tell you one thing, I will never wash them with Clorox again!!!
  • Alice Shockley Alice Shockley on Mar 20, 2015
    I would imagine the chlorine had some kind of chemical reaction with the paint and that's why it's sticky now. I agree with Jeri. Clean them as best you can (not with Clorox lol), sand them (not all the way off, but well, and repaint. The new paint should seal in the problem paint.
    • 861650 861650 on Mar 20, 2015
      @Alice Shockley Don't you just love this site! Thanks for the info as I so appreciate it. I promise never to use clorox on this type of paint ever again!
  • Dawn French Dawn French on Mar 20, 2015
    maybe try TOTALLY CLEAN Yo can buy it at Dollar Tree. anything is worth a try. :).and f it does not clean chair use it else where. im going to try it on my fireplace. also try TSP Buy it at hardware store maybe a groc store even good luck. I have a chair painted blue the paint is coming off it does sit out all yr will try to repaint i think because im impatient its peeling need to leave for a day or so before 2nd coat. :)'