Check the can or tube of paint for the words “latex” or “acrylic latex. " If you see this label, follow the steps below to remove your stain. If the paint can is unavailable, think back through your past painting projects. Did you clean your brushes with water or paint thinner? If you used water, you were most likely working with latex paint, and can use the steps below.
If the paint has already dried or you are tackling an old stain, scrape off as much as possible before you attempt to clean it with water or another liquid agent. If your clothing has many layers of dried paint, you can use tape to remove many of them. Apply a strong tape like heavy duty duct tape, gaffer’s tape or auto repair tape to the surface of the stain, then quickly remove the tape. It should bring the dried paint with it! Be sure to dispose of excess paint responsibly, following the disposal process listed on the paint can.
A mixture of hand soap and dish washing detergent makes a great paint cleanser, especially for fresh stains. Combine the hand soap and detergent in a small bowl, using a 1 to 1 ration. Apply the solution to the paint stain using a sponge, and tamp it repeatedly for at least 1 minute. Then rinse in warm water and repeat as necessary until the stain is gone or nearly gone. If you are working with a dried stain, use hairspray or isopropyl alcohol to remove the paint. [1] X Research source Rub the hairspray or alcohol onto the stain for one minute, then rinse using warm water. Repeat this step as necessary until the stain has disappeared or seriously faded.
If you are unsure if you are dealing with an oil paint stain, check the can or tube of paint for the words “oil paint” or “oil-based paint. " If the paint can or tube is unavailable, try to remember how you cleaned your brushes or other materials after painting. Did you use water, or was a paint thinner such as turpentine required? If you used turpentine, white spirit or another, similar product, you were most likely using oil paint and can follow the steps below.
Do not apply water or rinse the stain. This will only make the stain more difficult to remove.
Check the paint can for a recommended cleaner. If you are working with specialty craft paint, check an art supply store for a specialized cleaner. [2] X Research source If you cannot find a recommendation for a specific cleaner or if you do not have time to find and purchase a recommended solvent, you can use turpentine or white spirits on most oil-based stains. Distilled turpentine can be purchased at any home improvement or paint store. However, you should never use turpentine on fabrics containing acetate, triacetate or rayon, so be sure to check your garment’s care information before proceeding.
Replace the cloth or towels under the clothing as they become wet. This will help ensure that the cloths will continue absorbing the paint as it dissolves. Watch your fabric for color bleeding or running. If you notice that the colors in your clothing are beginning to run, stop applying solvent. It is unlikely that you will be able to remove the paint stain from this item.
Rub a high-quality laundry detergent into the stained area before soaking. If you don’t have laundry detergent, mix dishwashing soap into the warm water to help cut the grease in the paint and solvent.
It is possible to damage sensitive fabrics by scrubbing too hard or using harsh brushes. For this reason it is best to remove excess paint using the dull side of a spoon or another similarly dull object.
You can purchase dry spotter, or you can make it at home using coconut oil and liquid dry cleaning solvent. [4] X Research source
To prevent the stain from running or bleeding, change the cloth often. Keep the stain and the clean cloth damp with the dry spotter. They won’t remove the paint when dry, and allowing the stain to dry will make it harder to remove later.
