How to Get Paint off Leather Boots: 3 Straightforward Methods

Wondering how to get paint off leather boots? When you invest in buying yourself a neat pair of leather boots. The last things you would want is to walk around with paint stains on them. I have done it before, and all I can tell you is that it completely sucks. 

So after getting that great pair of leathers, some paint got on them. I had to find every possible method I could use to free up my shoes. The paint stain was ruining the style and my mood. 

Tips to remove paint on leather 

When removing from leather I figured there are some basic components that are used everywhere. So I figured if I wanted to make my boots new again, I had to have either of the following or all;

• Using cooking or baby oil
• Using Vaseline
• Using fingernail polish
• Using rubbing alcohol
• Using soap, water, and a soft brush

Basic methods 

Method 1

The first and easiest method I came by was to dip a cotton swab in some baby oil. It’s quite easy to do, you just gently wipe the pint lightly and let that oil penetrate for a few minutes. 

You can repeat the steps a few times and afterwards, you just use a slightly blunt knife to scrape away the pain from your precious leather boots. Afterwards, just wipe off any remaining and it’s as good as new. 

Method 2

The second method that I found very easy was to use a vinegar and baking soda solution. It soaks up some oil from the paint making it dry and easy to scrape off. At the same time, it does make for a pretty neat shoe polish for your leather boots. 

Method 3

Amongst the basic methods, I figured this would be quite easy to do at home as well. If the paint stain from water m-based paint then warm water will probably do the trick. Just wipe it with a cloth that would have been soaked in some warm water. 

Other Methods and Recipes to try

Some stains are a bit stubborn. They get stuck to that boot as if they own it. Normally because of the type of paint that would have been used. Let’s look at some other methods that can help with that boot. 

1. Soap and Water

Water is a useful source that can help to clean off some paint stains. If you just spilt some paint then some water and a clean rug should do the trick. If it hasn’t dried off then that is really not a problem. 

However, at times water alone may not be enough to clean stubborn paint on leather furniture. So you may want to use some soap with that. You will just have to use gentle and effective soap to remove paint stains.

To do this you will need the following 

• Soap and Water Leather Cleaning Recipe
• Gentle soap powder
• Hydrogen peroxide(if the stain is dry)
• Water
• Bucket
• Clean cloth
• Leather conditioner

2. Soft Bristle Brush

At times if you find the stain too late and it would have already dried on your boot. A soft bristle brush can do the magic just fine. The paint stains can be removed by gently brushing the leather with a soft bristle brush. This will crack the paint and remove the stains. 

When working with this method, make sure that you are very gentle. Too much pressure and force may cause the brush to scratch on your booth. Leaving an ugly scar and at times discolouration. 

You will need the following;

• Soft bristle brush
• Water with dishwashing liquid
• Dry cloth

3. Rubbing alcohol

Alcohol has some properties that may harm your leather. You will find that rubbing in alcohol is composed of chemical compositions that are not harsh on leather if done well. 

The best method if you want to make sure that your leather does not whiten is to make sure that you have a conditioner at hand. Once you rub off the paint with the alcohol. Condition it so it does not dry out. 

You will need;

• Rubbing alcohol
• Leather conditioner
• Damp cloth

4. Fingernail Polish Nail polish

This method is quite easy as well. You just have to dab some nail polish onto the paint stain until it begins to come off. When you see that happening just take a paper towel and wipe the paint gently to clean the shoe. 

You may need a lot of paper towels to leave your shoe spotless. When most of the paint and polish is removed. You may use some nail polish remover to take away any of the remaining nail polish. 

You will need:

• Nail polish remover
• Paper towel

5. Petroleum Jelly

When using petroleum jelly such as vaseline. Apply it on the stain as it will moisten as loosen the paint stains. When you are done just wipe or scrape it off although some will require a lot of wiping to fully come off.

When you are done wiping it, you can use some dark shoe polish that matches with your shoe so that it covers up any stains that might be there. This method works for sofas as well. Or even some jackets too. 

What you will need;

• Petroleum jelly
• Soapy cloth
• Dull knife

6. Dull Knife or Scraper 

Dull knives or scrapers work well with chalk paints. They dry off forming a block of chalk. You may as well use a regular scraper or dull knife and just scrape them all off. 

Another method especially if the paint is still wet would be to get some cold water and a sponge and clean out the area until the paint is no longer visible. 

You will need; 

• Coldwater
• Sponge
• Dull knife/scraper
• Leather cleaner

Final thoughts

I understand that cleaning a stubborn stain on leather is very hard at times. I went through it. If you are careful however and you know what you are doing. Your shoe will come out looking as good as new 

So depending on how big your stain is. I’m sure that from checking the above list, you’ll find a method that works for you. You will have that stain out in no time and you’ll enjoy your favourite pair.