Paint spills can happen often on the jobsite, and when they do, time is of the essence. Whether it’s a knocked-over can, a cracked lid, or a roller tray mishap, spilled paint soaks into surfaces fast and creates serious cleanup headaches.

In this weekly how-to, powered by KnowHow, we walk you through the exact process for containing and cleaning up paint spills. Whether you’re dealing with water-based or oil-based paint, this guide gives you everything you need to handle spills with confidence and compliance.

1. Gather Your Materials

Before jumping into cleanup, make sure you have the right tools on hand:

• Rubber gloves
• Safety glasses
• Spill kit (with absorbent socks and pads)
• Absorbent materials (sawdust, granular absorbents, or kitty litter)
• Paint thinner (for oil-based paint only)
• Rags or cloths
• Disposal container (for hazardous materials)

2. Control the Spill

If the paint is still spreading, you need to contain it before it reaches drains, walls, or furniture.

For large spills, use an absorbent sock from your spill kit (or a ring of sawdust or kitty litter) to create a dam and stop the spread. Then, absorb as much paint as possible using absorbent pads, granular absorbents, or more kitty litter.

Once saturated, carefully transfer all used absorbents and barriers into your disposal container for proper handling. Your goal at this stage is containment and safe collection.

3. Cleaning Up Water-Based Paint

Start by blotting up the remaining paint with a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid smearing it further — always work gently and methodically.

Next, use a damp cloth to wipe the area, starting at the outside edges and working inward. Rinse your cloth frequently to avoid spreading the paint around.

Repeat as needed until all visible paint is gone. Once finished, properly dispose of any materials used and ensure the area is completely dry before allowing foot traffic or equipment use.

4. Cleaning Up Oil-Based Paint

Begin with the same approach as water-based paint: blot the area with cloth or absorbents to remove as much as possible.

If residue remains, apply a small amount of paint thinner to a clean rag and gently rub the affected area. Continue wiping and reapplying as needed — always working in a well-ventilated space.

Once the paint is fully removed, dispose of all contaminated materials appropriately and dry the area completely before use.

5. Dispose of Paint and Materials Properly

Paint waste — especially oil-based — should never be poured down a drain or into a storm sewer. These materials can be hazardous to the environment and are often subject to specific disposal regulations.

Follow your local or municipal guidelines for hazardous waste disposal. Most areas have designated drop-off sites or community hazardous waste programs. Label your containers if required and store them safely until they can be removed. Responsible disposal isn’t just about compliance — it protects your crew, your community, and your reputation.

Put Spills Behind You With Help from KnowHow

Paint spills don’t need to derail your day, but only if you know what to do when they happen. Whether it’s latex-, water- or oil-based, acting quickly and following the right cleanup steps prevents long-term damage, safety hazards, and costly fines for improper disposal.

Want to give your crew instant access to this process and 1000+ more when they need it most? KnowHow helps restoration teams respond to real-world problems with clarity and speed — no guesswork, no delay. Click to access this template or book a demo with KnowHow to see how you can keep your workforce confident, competent, and ready for anything.