It depends-plastic scrapers can remove dried paint, but only if the paint is loose, thin, or on a surface where you can't use metal (to avoid scratches). Let me break down when it works and when it's a no-go, 'cause I've tested this a few times.
First, if the dried paint is loose or chipped-like a little splatter on a glass window or a peeling spot on a wooden shelf-plastic scrapers can work. I once had dried paint splatters on my kitchen window from a painting project. I sprayed a little warm water on the splatters to soften them, then gently scraped with a plastic scraper. The loose paint lifted right off, no scratches on the glass. It's also good for thin layers of dried paint-like if you accidentally got a little paint on a nonstick pan (don't ask how I did that!). The plastic can scrape off the thin layer without damaging the pan's coating.
But if the dried paint is thick, hard, or stuck tight-like a thick coat on a wall or old paint on metal-plastic scrapers just won't cut it. I tried to scrape thick dried paint off an old wooden chair with a plastic scraper once. I pushed as hard as I could, but the paint didn't budge-instead, the scraper's edge got bent and dull. A metal scraper would've sliced through that paint easily. Also, if the paint has been on the surface for years (like 5+ years), it's usually too tough for plastic. The plastic can't get enough leverage to lift the paint, so you'll just end up wasting time.
Another tip: if you're gonna try removing dried paint with a plastic scraper, soften the paint first. Use warm water, vinegar, or a little paint thinner (test it on a hidden spot first!) to loosen the paint. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then scrape gently. This makes the job way easier and keeps your scraper from getting damaged.
So to sum it up: plastic scrapers can remove dried paint if it's loose, thin, or softened first-but they're not for thick, tough, or old dried paint. Stick to metal scrapers for those jobs, and use plastic only when you need to avoid scratches.
Plastic scraper from hanke tools
