Becko
Painted-over screws can be incredibly frustrating. Whether you’re upcycling old furniture, trying to remove a shelf, or redecorating a room, discovering a screw head buried beneath layers of paint can quickly stall progress. We had such an issue with these when we first moved into our current home 6 years ago, and they were such a pain to sort when it came to trying to remove them before stripping, or re-painting as we wished. But fear not! There are several effective methods to safely remove painted-over screws without damaging your surfaces or tools.
In my blog I’ll walk you through the tools you’ll need to solve this pain in the bum issue, and the steps to take, what to avoid, and how to handle any issues that might arise along the way!
Why Painted-Over Screws Are a Problem
When paint dries over a screw head, it can fill the grooves (or slots) needed for a screwdriver to grip the screw. This makes it difficult to get proper traction, and often leads to stripped screw heads, damaged surfaces, or even broken tools. Worse, if the screw is rusted or if the paint is old and thick, it becomes even more stubborn.
Tools You May Need
Before starting, gather a few useful tools. You may not need all of them, but it’s helpful to be prepared:
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Flathead screwdriver
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Phillips (crosshead) screwdriver
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Craft knife or utility blade
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Wire brush or old toothbrush
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Paint stripper or nail polish remover (acetone-based)
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Heat gun or hairdryer
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Screw extractor kit (for particularly stuck screws)
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Power drill with appropriate bits
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WD-40 or penetrating oil
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Safety goggles and gloves (especially when using chemicals or power tools)
Step-by-Step Guide: Removing Painted Over Screws
Step 1: Soften the Paint
If the paint is old and hard, it can be difficult to cut away cleanly. Using a heat gun (on a low setting) or a hairdryer can soften the paint enough to make it more pliable. Hold the heat source a few inches from the screw head for about 30 seconds to loosen the paint.
Tip: Be cautious with heat near plastics or delicate surfaces.
Step 2: Score Around the Screw Head
Use a craft knife or utility blade to carefully score around the edge of the screw head. This helps isolate the paint covering the screw and prevents surrounding paint from chipping when the screw is removed. Try to cut around the circular shape of the screw as closely as possible.
Step 3: Clear the Groove
Once the perimeter is scored, use a flathead screwdriver or wire brush to scrape away the paint from the screw’s slot. If it’s a Phillips screw, make sure to uncover the cross-shaped groove fully.
You can also use a small pick tool, toothpick, or even a pin to get paint out of finer crevices. If needed, apply a little acetone (nail polish remover) with a cotton bud to break down stubborn paint. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before scraping.
Step 4: Try to Unscrew It Normally
Now that the screw head is exposed, try removing it with the appropriate screwdriver. Apply firm, steady pressure, keeping the screwdriver perfectly aligned with the screw to prevent stripping.
If it doesn’t budge:
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Tap the handle of the screwdriver lightly with a hammer to loosen the screw.
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Try tightening it slightly first—this can help break the paint’s hold and then allow you to unscrew it.
Step 5: Use Penetrating Oil (if necessary)
If the screw is rusted or jammed, apply WD-40 or a penetrating oil like PlusGas around the screw head. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then try unscrewing again.
What If the Screw Still Won’t Budge?
Use a Rubber Band
Place a wide rubber band over the screw head, then insert the screwdriver on top. The rubber gives extra grip, especially useful if the screw head is slightly stripped.
Try a Screw Extractor
If the screw head is too damaged to turn, a screw extractor kit is your best option. These kits are inexpensive and work with a standard power drill. They’re designed to bite into the damaged head and twist it out.
Drill It Out
As a last resort, you can use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw head to drill into it and either break it loose or completely remove it. Be very careful with this method—it can damage the surrounding surface.
How to Avoid Painted-Over Screws in Future
If you’re repainting furniture or walls with exposed screws, take a moment to cover screw heads before painting. Here are a few tips:
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Apply a dab of Vaseline or masking tape over screw heads before painting. This stops paint from sticking.
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Remove hardware entirely before painting, then replace afterwards.
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If screws must be painted over for aesthetic reasons, use slotted screws rather than Phillips—easier to clear and remove.
Dealing with Stripped Painted Screws
Stripped screws are common when the screwdriver can’t get a solid grip—especially when paint is involved. If this happens:
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Try using a screwdriver with a larger or smaller head.
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Tap a flathead screwdriver into the stripped head with a hammer to create a new groove.
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Switch to a screw extractor, as noted above.
If all else fails, drilling out the screw or using pliers (if part of the screw is raised) may be your best bet.
Common Scenarios and How to Handle Them
Painted Screws in Wood
Be extra gentle when removing screws from wood to avoid splintering. Softening paint with a heat gun helps reduce the need for aggressive tools.
Painted Screws in Metal
Use penetrating oil and allow plenty of time for it to work. Metal can be more forgiving than wood in terms of drilling or chiselling.
Painted Screws in Plaster or Drywall
Proceed with extreme caution. Any slipping or chipping could damage the wall. Scoring around the screw with a sharp knife is essential.
FAQs: How to Remove Painted Over Screws
Can I use vinegar to loosen a painted screw?
Yes, white vinegar can sometimes help loosen rusted screws. Apply it generously to the area and allow it to soak in. It won’t dissolve paint, but it can reduce rust.
What should I do if the screw breaks while removing it?
If the screw snaps, try using needle-nose pliers to twist out the remaining part. If it’s embedded, you may need to drill a pilot hole next to it and carefully pry it out. In worst cases, fill and sand over the area.
Is it better to use a manual screwdriver or a power drill?
For delicate surfaces or tight screws, start with a manual screwdriver. Power drills are faster but can strip or over-torque the screw if not used carefully.
What type of screwdriver should I use?
Use a screwdriver that fits perfectly in the screw head. Too small or too large and you risk stripping it. Use Phillips for crosshead screws and flathead for slotted screws.
How do I avoid damaging the paint around the screw?
Always score around the screw before trying to remove it. Use fine tools like a craft knife and avoid using too much force on painted surfaces.
This video is also really helpful in giving you a step-by-step guide to screw removal:
Removing painted-over screws doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With patience, the right tools, and the right technique, you can clear off the paint and unscrew the fixings without damaging your surfaces.
Take your time, assess the type of screw and surface, and always start with the gentlest method before moving on to more forceful techniques. Whether you’re restoring a vintage cabinet, redecorating your home, or just fixing a wonky bracket, mastering this small DIY skill will save you time, stress, and unnecessary damage.
Got your own trick for how to remove painted-over screws? Share it in the comments below—I’d love to hear it!