How to Remove Paint From Clothing
If you spill paint on your clothes, don’t panic. However, you’ll want to remove the stain as quickly as possible and before it dries. It’s also important to note what kind of fabric you’re wearing because some fabrics, such as silk, are more fragile and could be permanently damaged. If you can’t remove the paint before it dries, there’s still hope of reviving your apparel. It may take a bit of elbow grease and patience, but in most cases, you can effectively remove the stain.
Different types of paint have different drying properties and varying levels of solubility. You can try a tiny test patch to see if the paint is latex or oil based. Take a cotton ball with nail polish remover and rub a small patch. If the paint starts to come off, it’s latex based. If not, it’s oil based. Here are a few methods of removing paint from your clothing based on the type of paint.
When working with any paint remover, always follow the safety instructions on the label especially when using chemicals such as paint thinner or nail polish remover. Wear appropriate eye protection and gloves.
How to Remove Water-Based or Latex Paint
If you’re dealing with fresh latex or water-based paint, it’ll wash out quickly with warm water. If it dries, you’ll first have to scrape off the excess paint. Work from the back of the fabric using a bit of force to flush out the stain. Dish soap is a good option if the stain is being stubborn. Dilute the detergent with warm water and use a sponge to tamp it out. Repeat this process until the stain is removed. If that doesn’t work, try using a stronger agent.
As mentioned above, you can remove latex paint with fingernail polish remover or acetone. Make sure the fabric doesn’t contain acetate or triacetate because the acetone will melt the fibers in the fabric. Make sure you’ve removed the paint before putting the clothes in the dryer, as the heat will cause the stain to set.
How to Remove Oil-Based Paint
Removing oil-based paint from clothing is challenging but not impossible. Ideally, work with the spill while it’s still wet. Scrape off any excess paint and blot with a white cloth. Keep rinsing the area because you don’t want it to dry. Place the fabric face down on a few paper towels and blot the back with turpentine. Use a tamping motion to break up the paint. Repeat this process until the paint is removed.
If the paint is already dry, try to dampen it to make the stain easier to remove. Remove excess paint and use paint thinner to break up the stain. Treat any remaining stains with dish soap and let the clothing soak overnight.
How to Remove Stubborn Stains
If you find that none of these methods work to get a paint stain out, try applying alcohol to the stain. Use a soft brush and scrub vigorously until you’ve successfully removed the paint. Another option to get dried paint from clothes is to use a solution of equal parts detergent and warm eater. Use a soft cloth to blot this mixture on to the stain. If the stain is still present and the fabric allows, try using a laundry stain remover before drying the clothes. Repeat until the stain is gone.
The best way to keep paint stains from your clothes and skin is to prevent spills in the first place. We recommend using protective gear while painting and wearing old clothes.