Sand down a dried paint drip, dust off, then touch up with matching paint for a smooth, invisible finish.
RP-01Check the paint is fully curedDon't touch a drip until it's completely hard, not just dry to the touch. Water-based paint needs at least 24 hours; oil-based gloss can take up to a week. Press the drip lightly with a clean finger - if it feels tacky or soft, wait longer. Sanding paint too soon will smear it and make a bigger mess.
RP-02Protect the area and gather toolsLay a dust sheet below the drip to catch sanding dust. Get fine-grit sandpaper, a sanding block, and a soft cloth ready. Check there's nothing nearby - like a socket or switch plate - that you need to cover or avoid.
1 pack · Fine-grit sandpaper (240-320 grit) RP-03Sand the drip flatWrap sandpaper around the sanding block for an even, flat surface. Sand gently along the line of the drip with light pressure until the ridge is level with the paint around it. Stop and feel with your fingertips often - you want it smooth, not sanded into a dip.
RP-04Feather the edgesOnce the ridge is gone, widen your sanding slightly beyond the repair using very light pressure. This blends the sanded patch smoothly into the surrounding paint so there's no hard edge. Wipe away dust with a dry cloth now and then to check your progress.
RP-05Clean off the dustWipe the sanded area with a slightly damp cloth to remove all sanding dust. Let it dry fully before painting - this only takes a few minutes. Any dust left under new paint will show as small bumps once it dries.
RP-06Touch up with matching paintLoad a small brush lightly and apply a thin coat of matching paint over the sanded area. Feather the edges by dragging the brush outward so the new paint blends with the old. Don't overload the brush - that's how drips happen in the first place.
1 each · Small paintbrush 1 each · Matching paint (leftover from original tin) RP-07Let it dry and check the finishLeave the touch-up to dry fully - check the tin for drying time, usually a few hours for water-based paint. Once dry, view the area from different angles in good light. If the colour looks patchy or thin, apply a second thin coat the same way.
RP-08Tidy upShake out the dust sheet outside and fold it away. Rinse the brush according to the paint type - water for water-based paint, or brush cleaner or white spirit for oil-based paint. Reseal the paint tin tightly so it's ready for the next touch-up.
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