If you've spilled paint on your carpet, the best time to remove it is while it's still wet. However, there are some reliable ways to remove dried paint and avoid the hefty cost of carpet replacement. Products like WD-40, Goo Gone, acetone-containing nail polish remover and ordinary paint thinner can remove dried paint. Before you start with any of these products, however, it's best to try a small amount of the chemical on an inconspicuous part of your carpet. If it doesn't remove the coloring or otherwise damage your carpet, you know it's okay to use for removing the paint stain.
To remove dried paint with WD-40, you'll need to gather a can of WD-40, clean, white rags (or those that are not dyed), a hard-bristle brush, and a razor blade or knife. Before you apply the WD-40, you should use the razor blade and/or brush to scrape as much of the dried paint off your carpet as possible. Next, apply the WD-40 to your carpet stain to soften it. Work it in with a clean rag. Once you've worked a generous amount into your carpet, let it sit undisturbed for about 20 minutes.
After about 20 minutes have passed, it's time to go back to work with a fresh rag and some elbow grease. Scrub the stained area with the WD-40 still on it, and the paint should begin to soften and lift off. Next, you'll need to scrape at the leftover paint using your razor blade again. Once the paint stain has been removed, you can use a solution of dishwashing liquid and water to clean the area. Follow up with a rinse with clear water.
You may use this method to remove dried paint with a product like Goo Gone as well. To protect yourself from injury, wear protective gloves to keep your hands safe from the chemicals you use as well as the sharp razor blade. Some people have success with scraping the paint with a dull knife instead. This method may prove safer for your hands. However, you may have to spend a longer time scraping the paint stain.
You may also remove dried paint with nail polish remover or paint thinner. To remove dried paint with either chemical, start by scraping the paint stain with a razor blade or knife to get as much of the paint off as you can before you apply the chemical. Then, scrub the chemical into the stain. If you are using paint thinner, it may be more helpful to blot the stain up instead of scrubbing it. Once the paint has softened and begun to come up, alternate blotting/scrubbing with gentle scraping. Follow up by cleaning the previously stained area with dishwashing liquid and water and then rinsing it with clear water.