Whether you paint a picture or paint a wall, the mess of painting is something we all encounter. When the paint dries, you are often left with two things: the finished product and clothes covered in paint.
Don’t let the stress of the mess take away from the project you completed or the art you created.
With our step-by-step instructions for removing different types of paint stains from your clothes, you can spend less time cleaning up and more time appreciating a job well done.
How to Remove Paint From Clothes
Not all paint is created equal. Different types have unique characteristics that require specialized cleaning. From water- and oil-based paints to acrylic and latex, we’ve got you covered.
Water-based paint is an arts and crafts staple. Remove water-based paint from your and your children’s clothes with these quick and easy steps:
- Flush the backside of the stained clothing with cold water.
- Mix 1 tbsp. dish soap with 10oz water and apply the solution to the stain.
- Blot the area with a clean rag.
- Launder the clothes in cold water.
With oil-based paint you can achieve that perfect glossy finish that will last. However, with durability comes a more stubborn stain.
Follow these instructions to get even the toughest oil-based paint off your clothes:
- Flush the clothes with paint thinner or acetone.
- Mix 1 tbsp. dish soap with 10oz water and apply the solution to the stain.
- Blot the area with a clean rag.
- Pretreat the clothes with stain remover.
- Launder the clothes with hot water.
How to Get Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes
Acrylic paint forms a plastic layer on the clothes when it dries, making it more difficult to remove. The quicker you’re able to remove the paint the easier it will be to get out of your clothes. If you’re able to treat the paint before it dries completely, simply flush the paint from the clothes using cold water, pretreat the remaining discoloration with stain remover, and wash with warm water.
If you’re unable to address the paint stains right away, don’t fret! You can still get the paint removed by applying rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover or alcohol-based hairspray to the stain before pretreating and washing the clothes. Just be sure to test the alcohol-based product on an inconspicuous area of the clothes to ensure that it will not cause more harm than good before application.
How to Get Latex Paint Out of Clothes
Latex paint is often preferred for its easier application and quick-drying characteristics. Luckily for your clothes, it’s also less durable than typical acrylic paint and easier to remove. Using the same cleaning method as described for acrylic paint removal should do the trick!
Remember to try the less aggressive pretreatment method first before turning to the alcohol-based products to get out the tough, dried-on paint. This will keep your colors bright and prevent any accidental damage that the alcohol might cause to the wrong fabric type. Remember to always test the alcohol-based product before application!
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Ashley Farrar
MS. MOLLY FOUNDATION
A portion of Molly Maid’s sales support victims of domestic violence in the communities we serve. To date, Ms. Molly has proudly raised more than $3 million – and we are not slowing down! This non-profit organization aims to increase public awareness of domestic violence and to provide victims with support. We believe everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes. The Ms. Molly Foundation strives to empower communities to end the cycle of violence in the home. It’s our goal to help give victims of domestic violence a second chance at happiness.
