Best Ways to Removing Water-Based and Oil-Based Paint Stains
Need to clean dried paint stains from your clothes? Whether it happened while painting your home or during an art project, don’t worry—there are simple ways to remove those tough stains.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to figure out what kind of paint you have on your clothes and the best ways to get rid of it. With some basic items you probably have at home, you can make your clothes look good as new. Let’s start learning how to clean those dried paint stains easily and effectively.
Identify the Type of Paint Stain
To start how to get paint out of clothes, first find out what kind of paint it is. Water-based paints like latex are easier to clean than oil-based paints, which are often used for furniture and have stronger chemicals.
Water-Based Paint
Water-based paints, like latex and acrylic, are usually easier to clean off. These are often used for painting walls inside and outside the house or for small craft projects.
Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paints are harder to remove because they have strong chemicals. These paints are used for things like shiny gloss paints and wood finishes.
It’s important to know what kind of paint you’re dealing with. Check the label on the paint can or try to remember what you used. Different paints need different cleaning methods.
Materials You Will Need to Remove Paint Stains
For how to get paint out of clothes, here are the things you will need to:
- Detergent
- Dish soap
- Rubbing alcohol
- Acetone or nail polish remover
- Paint thinner or turpentine
- Scrub brush or toothbrush
- Sponge
- Butter knife or plastic scraper
- Warm water
- Washing machine
Getting dried paint out of your clothes can be tricky, but with the right steps, you can make your clothes look clean again. Follow this easy guide to remove both water-based and oil-based paint stains.
How to Get Water-Based Paint Out of Clothes?
Step 1: Scrape Off Excess Paint
Start by gently scraping off any dried paint chunks from your clothes. Use a butter knife or a plastic scraper for this job. Be careful not to damage the fabric while scraping. This step helps remove most of the paint, making it easier to clean the rest later.
Step 2: Pre-Treat the Stain
After scraping, it’s time to treat the stain. Mix a small amount of laundry detergent with warm water and apply it to the stained area. Use a scrub brush or an old toothbrush to gently rub the stain. This helps loosen the paint stuck in the fabric. Rub the area for a few minutes to make sure the detergent works well on the stain.
Step 3: Wash the Garment
Next, wash the stained item in the washing machine. Use the hottest water temperature that is safe for the fabric (check the label on the clothes for instructions). Hot water helps break down the paint. After the wash, check if the stain is gone. If you still see paint, don’t put the clothes in the dryer. The heat from the dryer can make the stain harder to remove. Instead, repeat the pre-treatment and washing steps.
Step 4: Use Rubbing Alcohol for Stubborn Stains
If the paint stain is still there after washing, try using rubbing alcohol. Pour some rubbing alcohol onto a clean cloth and gently blot the stained area. The alcohol will help break down any leftover paint. Once you’ve treated the stain, wash the garment again. This should help get rid of any remaining paint.
How to Get Paint Out of Clothes Stained with Oil?
Step 1: Scrape Off Excess Paint
Just like with water-based paint, you should start by scraping off any dried chunks of oil-based paint. Use a butter knife or plastic scraper to gently lift the dried paint off the fabric. Be careful not to damage the material while scraping. This step helps make the next cleaning steps more effective.
Step 2: Apply Paint Thinner or Turpentine
Oil-based paint is harder to remove, so you’ll need something stronger, like paint thinner or turpentine. Pour a small amount of paint thinner or turpentine onto a clean cloth. Gently dab the stained area with the cloth and rub softly to break down the paint. The chemicals in paint thinner or turpentine will help dissolve the oil-based paint. Make sure to use these products in a place with good airflow and avoid getting them on your skin.
Step 3: Use Acetone for Tougher Spots
For really tough stains, you can use acetone or nail polish remover. Apply a few drops of acetone to the stubborn spots and gently rub with a cloth. Acetone is strong and can help dissolve the hardest parts of the paint stain. After using acetone, let it sit for a minute, then move on to the next step.
Step 4: Pre-Treat the Stain
After using the paint thinner or acetone, rinse the stained area with warm water to wash away the chemicals. Then, apply some detergent to the stain and gently rub it with a sponge or brush. This helps lift any remaining paint from the fabric. Rinsing with warm water also helps remove any leftover oily residue from the paint thinner or acetone.
Step 5: Wash and Check
Finally, wash the garment in the washing machine, following the care instructions on the fabric label. Use the hottest water temperature that is safe for the clothes. After washing, check to see if the stain is completely gone. If the paint is still there, don’t use the dryer, as the heat will set the stain, making it harder to remove. Repeat the cleaning steps if needed until the stain is fully gone.
By following these easy steps, you’ll understand how to get paint out of clothes effectively, whether the paint is water-based or oil-based. With a bit of patience, your clothes can look clean again!
Final Steps – Check, Rewash and Air Dry
Inspect the Clothes After Washing
Check the clothes to make sure all the paint is removed.
Wash Again if Needed
If there’s still paint on the clothes, repeat the pre-treating and washing steps.
Air Dry the Clothes
Let the clothes air dry instead of using a dryer. Heat from the dryer can make any leftover paint stick even more.
By following these simple steps, you can remove paint stains from your clothes. Be patient, as some stains may need extra effort to fully disappear.
Additional Tips and Precautions
Act Fast When Dealing with Wet Paint
If you notice a paint stain while it’s still wet, act quickly. Wet paint is much easier to clean off than dried paint, so try to remove it as soon as possible.
Test Cleaning Products on a Small Area
Before using strong chemicals like paint thinner or acetone, test them on a hidden part of the fabric. This will make sure the product doesn’t damage or discolor your clothes.
Avoid Using a Dryer Until the Stain Is Gone
Don’t put your clothes in the dryer until the paint is fully removed. The heat from the dryer can cause the paint to set into the fabric, making it even harder to get out.
Final Words on How to Get Paint Out of Clothes
To wrap up, removing dried paint from clothes is possible if you follow the right steps. First, identify whether the paint is water-based or oil-based, then use the appropriate cleaning methods. Acting quickly and using the right products will help save your clothes. Remember, some stains may take time, but with patience and persistence, even the toughest paint stains can be removed.
