How do I remove paint from the outlets in my living room?

Question

The idiots that painted the room last time painted right over the outlets. I've removed the old covers and I'm going to replace them but the electrical outlet itself still has paint on it.

I have no idea how it is that the house hasn't started on fire yet considering it just screams "fire hazard".

Incidentally, I don't think its latex. I can't replace the outlet itself so I need to remove the paint.

Answer 1

Agreed with the person above, just replace the outlet. Here is how you do it, unscrew the old outlets and it may be tough but yank the wires out of the holes. Once your wires are exposed, get your new outlet and you will see two sides, one is a copper side with copper screws and the other is aluminum with aluminum screws, your wires are most likely black and white, the black wire goes on the copper side and the white goes on the aluminum side. If there are two black wires and two white wires, it does not matter which hole they go on on there proper side. s***w the new outlet in put the new cover on and flick the power. Good luck.

Answer 2

Maybe try a Mr. Clean magic eraser.  I don't know if it'll work on that kind of paint, but I'm always amazed at what those things will do.

Answer 3

I think it would be easier and less of a hassle to just replace the outlets. They're not that expensive and not dificult to do. Just make sure your electricity is off.

Answer 4

Agreed; whatever you do, DON'T use a solvent to try to get the paint off!

Answer 5

replace the outlets. simplest job you will ever do.

Answer 6

Won't catch fire but it's going to be a tedious job with a sharp knife. The blade will have to enter the outlet 1/2 inch before you got shocked so it's really not that dangerous