If you’ve ended up splotching some paint on your clothes – don’t fret! Now it’s true that, with paint, you must act quickly and wash it off before it has time to sit. And if the paint has dried up, you must make a mental note of the type of paint it was before you proceed.
A mixture of turpentine and paint thinner would work the best for oil-based paint, whereas warm water and dish soap (or detergent) are perfect for acrylic and water-based paints. You can take the help of acetones and hairsprays for the stubborn areas.
There are a number of things you must keep in mind! So we prepared a detailed step-by-step guide for you on how to get paint out of clothes. Here you go!
Types of Paint
There are three types of paint- water-based, oil-based, and acrylic. They are used for different purposes and have different levels of strength &smell.
Water-based colors are the easiest to remove. They also smell the least and have excellent color retention over time, with a faster drying speed than the rest. Also known as latex paint, water-based paints are the most eco-friendly option.
Oil-based paints are cheap but more durable. They use alkyd or linseed oils as their base, for which they take a long time to dry. You must use turpentine or paint thinners during clean-up.
Acrylic paint is the most preferred for DIY and arts & crafts projects. They can be used on various surfaces, such as woods, metals, and fabrics. With this type of paint, you must work fast, as dried acrylic can be challenging to remove.
How to Remove Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint is tough, so you must clean it up as soon as you notice a stain without giving it time to dry. Before you begin, read the paint tin instructions, as they often have clear instructions on removal.
Step 1: Prepare Your Surface
Find an area that is well-ventilated as both turpentine and paint thinners have toxic smells which can cause suffocation or breathing difficulties. Also, cover the area you will be working on with old newspapers so you do not end up accidentally transferring the paint.
Step 2: Scrape Off the Excess
With the back of a spoon or a palette knife, scrape off the extra paint.
Step 3: Protect the Garment
To prevent the stain from bleeding further, turn the clothe inside out and place some tissues or paper towels inside. Add extra layers against the stain.
Step 4: Dab in Your Solution
Dip a rag into turpentine or paint thinner and use it to blot out the stain. Always remember to test this step out first on an inconspicuous corner to check whether it is safe to use on the fabric.
Tip: Never use turpentine or paint thinner on delicate garments, as they can completely ruin them.
Step 5: Brush with Acetone
Slightly pour some acetone on the stained area. With the help of an old toothbrush, gently scrub it to clean up any residue. You can either use rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.
Step 6: Wash and Dry
Wash your fabric in cold water. Let it dry once there are no more residues left.
How to Remove Water-Based Paint
Removing water-based paints from clothes is much easier. You only need a few basic household items.
Step 1: Scrape
With a clean palette knife or spoon, scrape off all the extra paint. This step is more critical if your paint has already set in.
Step 2: Run It under Warm Water
Turn the clothe inside out and rinse the reverse side of the stain under warm water to push the pigments out.
Step 3: Prepare Your Solution and Dab It
Prepare a mixture with 1 cup of cold water and 1 tablespoon of cleaning agents, such as detergent or dish soap. Dip a clean rag into it. Use it to blot out the stain. Repeat as necessary.
Step 4: Pour Acetone and Launder
Run a cold cycle on the washing machine, or simply wash it by hand under cool water. If you still notice some residue, soak a cotton ball in acetone and gently dab out the stain. Launder again to wash off all the cleaning products.
If all your efforts fail, take it to a professional. Remember to always test out the rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover at first to check if it would ruin your garment.
How to Remove Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paints are known to be tough-to-remove, just like oil-based paints. They can be more difficult once they have set.
Step 1: Scrape Off the Excess
With the back of a spoon or a palette knife, scrape off the extra paint.
Step 2: Rinse with Warm Water
Run warm water over the affected area to soften the pigment and wash off the excess.
Step 3: Prepare Your Mixture
Mix warm water and dish soap in a 1:1 ratio. Dip a sponge into it and gently dab into the stain—repeat, as necessary.
Step 4: Apply Alcohol-Based Products
Pour nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, or even hairspray over the stain and scrub the affected area gently. You can use another cloth or a soft-bristled old toothbrush.
Step 5: Launder and Dry
This time, rinse the garment in cold water and let it dry after the stain has been completely removed.
How to Remove Fabric Paint
Heat is the number 1 enemy when it comes to removing fabric paint from clothes. It sets the stain. So, never iron, dry, or use hot water.
Step 1: Scrape
For wet paint, use the back of a spoon or clean palette knife and remove all the excess paint.
Step 2: Wash the Garment
Rinse the garment with cold water and detergent.
Step 3: Apply Denatured Alcohol
If your paint has dried, repeat step 1 but place it flat first with a clean rag underneath. Apply a few drops of denatured alcohol or soak your garment in it if the stain is big. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then blot it out with a dry cloth. Repeat as necessary.
Step 4: Wash
Using a mild detergent, run a cold wash cycle and dry once the stain is completely gone.
Conclusion
There you have it. Now you know how to get paint out of clothes, no matter the type of paint. So, stop worrying about accidental spills and begin creating your new masterpiece!
