Paint is a chemical compound designed to cling onto surfaces and stay there for long periods of time. By default paint is a transparent liquid chemical which is dyed with special pigments in order to give it the desired colour. The combination of pigments and chemical agents creates a strong bond with surfaces, making paint stains tricky to remove from fabric. These pigments, along with chemicals in the paint, amplify the pigments and cause them to stick and spread over surfaces and materials. Removing paint stains from clothing may seem impossible, but there are ways to succeed. Knowing how to remove paint from clothes can save your favorite garments from an unfortunate end. Here are some basic considerations when tackling paint stains:
Regardless of what type of paint you are dealing with, number one priority is to act fast. Fresh paint stains are much easier to handle than a dried paint stain. Once paint dries up, the stain is permanent and will not be removed. If you cannot apply the right cleaning products there and then, at least keep the stain wet for the time being.- Regardless of what type of paint you are dealing with, number one priority is to act fast. Fresh paint stains are much easier to handle than a dried paint stain. Once paint dries up, the stain is permanent and will not be removed. If you cannot apply the right cleaning products there and then, at least keep the stain wet for the time being.
- If the stain has dried up, again try and scrape off as much as you can using a dull blade or butter knife, hard bristled brush might also help.
Water Based Paints: The Easier Challenge
If you’re dealing with water-based paint, you’re in luck – removing water-based paint stains from clothing is much easier than oil-based paint. Acrylic paint, though water-based, is harder to remove than regular water-based types. Flush the fabric under warm running water immediately. Doing so helps remove paint from clothes before it sets in.
- Flush out as much paint as possible off the fabric under a stream of hot water. Do this on the reverse side of the fabric (reverse to the stained area). For stubborn stains, consider soaking the garment in a mix of warm water and dish soap.
- Treat the stained area with detergent while still wet to remove paint stains effectively. Apply your selected detergent using a sponge and blot at the stain. Rinse and repeat the blotting as many times as necessary to yield optimal results. Stain will not likely come off first time around.
- Treat the stain with rubbing alcohol, spirit will dilute and remove many stains. However do not use things like nail polish remover as they will burn through synthetic fibre clothing and most likely destroy the garment. Rubbing alcohol works wonders on acrylic latex paint, loosening its hold on the fabric fibres.
- Using commercial stain removers (industry grade detergents) – if you have access to such cleaning products, it might be worth giving them a go, but remember to read labels and follow instructions before application. For a more natural alternative, a paste of baking soda and warm water can help tackle tough stains. For best results, wash clothing immediately in washing machine after treating the stain.
Oil Based Paints and Stains
Removing oil-based paints from any surface or material is much harder, so be patient, and keep in mind that stubborn paint stains might not come off. Oil-based stains are notoriously stubborn, and using the wrong technique can make things worse.
- If possible, read the label on the particular oil-based paint tin to see what paint remover/thinner to use for cleaning. Paint thinner or white spirits are typically your best bet to treat stubborn paint stains.
- If no specific thinner instructions are provided, treat the stain with white spirits (not alcohol beverages) such as mineral turpentine (turps).
- Follow up the spirit treatment by soaking the fabric in laundry detergent and hot water, for at least eight hours.
- As a final step, scrub at the stain using a hard-bristled brush or something similar and then wash it in the washing machine.
Even after multiple attempts, if the stain remains, consider taking the garment to a professional dry cleaner.
