What techniques work to dig layers of paint out of small slotted screw heads, when the slot is so full of paint a screwdriver won't work?
I've tried an awl, utility knife and screwdriver/hammer. These all work, but are tedious when there are a lot of them.
See also: How can I extract rusted/painted outdoor screws? or How do I remove calcification from a screw head?
I have successfully removed paint from screw heads and slots by using a rotary tool with a small wire wheel attachment.
I've found that using a hot air paint stripper works.
Use the concentrating nozzle and a low to medium setting. Then when the paint is soft use a flat bladed screwdriver to first take the paint off the surface and then from the slot itself.
Once the head is free from paint a further heating of the screw will also help as there will be a differential expansion of the screw and hinge (or whatever the piece is) which helps loosen the screw.
A further trick I don't always remember is that it can help to try to tighten the screw first before removing it. This might just be enough to break the rust/paint/whatever is causing the screw to stick.
I just had good luck removing dried latex paint by soaking the screws in hot water, then rubbing them with a rag. It was pretty quick!
