My daughter has dried tempera paint on a nice dresser.

[Melissa G]

Any tips for how to get it off wood with the least amount of damage?
Thanks,
Melissa

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

1. Should wash off

Try some house hold cleaner ,simple green , windex, clean rags, a little solvent,whatever products you have around the house,or all of them,what ever works. Should dissolve and wash off.Have a putty knife ?, that should help.

[Melissa G]

4. I'll get back to you on what works...

Thanks for the input. I was just hoping someone had solved this problem before and had personal experience.

[Warpy]

2. I'd probably try a plastic spatula first

you know, one of those nylon things that doesn't scratch Teflon. I'd use it very carefully to avoid scratching the finish.

After getting all the surface stuff off, take the rest off with a rag dampened in a mixture of water and oil soap.

[Melissa G]

3. I found an article that suggests hot water and mild soapy detergent

It was a restoration article. I'll probably try your approach first. I tried some scraping on the metal handle and did not get very far, so I'm not thinking the more delicate wood is gonna fair better.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

5. Joy dish soap has methyl alcohol in it

try some of that with hot water .Commercial fisherman use joy to break up fuel spills . And ah, it works ! And in cold water too ! Also you can buy a can of furniture restore a finish,about $10.00 home depot. You wipe it on with a clean rag, it restores the original finish. Has various properties in it, including some stain. It does what it says it does. So worry not about the finish look, it can be easily restored.Which is to say, you may have to go after it with some serious elbow grease, or abrasive pad if necessary. Or solvents,even lacquer thinner if necessary. The next step up from there is Goof Off paint and graffiti remover- home depot or lowe's paint department. There is something in a spray can to remove most anything ! Good Luck. And I think in the Goof Off product line there is a specific for that particular problem.Talk to a sales rep. or google Goof Off's product lines.

[Melissa G]

6. Thanks for this excellent advice!

I'll run over to Home depot this weekend!

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

7. You are most welcome

and watch out for those bargins !

[Melissa G]

8. For the record... Joy and hot water work well! Thanks! n/t