While trying to get paint work done, the last thing you want to do is remove paint stains from your clothes. That means you will be left with dried paint after your project. You may think your clothes are over, but they are not if you try some simple techniques.
In this article, we bring you some steps to remove dried paint from your clothes.
What To Know Before Treating Dried Paint Stains
Here are some things to consider before you start treating dried paint stains on your clothes:
1: Know The Paint You Are Up Against
The first step to ensure you get out to paint from your clothes is to figure out the kind of paint you are dealing with. Most paints are water-based (i.e., acrylic and latex) or oil paint, which is usually glossy. Acrylic paints are used mostly for artworks, while latex is for walls and ceilings. You can also check the can label to find out what kind of paint you are up against.
2: Scrape Out Excess Paint
Another tip to get out dried paint is by first scraping at the paint using a butter knife or toothbrush. This is to remove dried paint as much as possible before treating it. Meanwhile, this method is best for fabrics that aren’t too delicate.
3. Read Care Label Instructions
Before washing any of your fabrics, it’s best to read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to wash your fabric correctly.
4. Perform A Spot Test
If you are using a solvent to clean your clothes, then it’s best to perform a colorfast test to confirm it won’t damage your cloth.
How To Remove Dried Latex Paint From Clothes
If you aren’t sure whether you are dealing with latex paint, you can perform a test by dipping cotton into alcohol and rubbing it over a small part of your painting project. It’s most likely latex paint if the paint comes off.
Here are some steps to help you get Latex Paint Out Of Clothes
Step 1:
Scrape off excess dried paint and then treat the cloth with any of the following reagents:
- Hairspray
If you have hairspray, you can apply it to the stained area to loosen the paint. The alcohol content in hairspray will lift the paint off the fabric. Use a rag to rub the hairspray into the fabric, and don’t forget to perform a colorfast test first.
- Rubbing Alcohol
Another option to consider is rubbing alcohol by pouring it into the stain. To use this, it’s best to test an inconspicuous part of the cloth to confirm if the solvent won’t stain it.
- Dishwashing Liquid Soap
Apply dish detergent into warm water and then soak a sponge inside. Scrub the sponge over the stained area to remove paint.
- Acetone
Acetone is a potent solvent to remove the paint but make sure you don’t use it on fabrics containing acetate or triacetate to prevent damaging the fabric.
Step 2: Loosen the Paint
After applying hairspray or alcohol, you will need to scrub the stained area to loosen the paint. You can also use a butter knife, spoon, or soft-bristled toothbrush to loosen the paint. For delicate fabrics, it’s best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent over-scrubbing them. You can also apply more hairspray or rubbing alcohol to help loosen it some more.
Step 3: Run the Clothes Over Water
Once you’ve loosened up the paint, the next step is to run it over warm water to rinse off the paint. If your fabric can withstand hot water, then it’s advised to use warm water instead.
Step 4: Soak in Mild Soap
Soak your cloth in warm water with dish soap and scrub the stain to loosen them completely. If the stain remains, return to Step 1.
Step 5: Wash Your Clothes as Normal
Carefully read the instructions on the clothes care label and wash your clothes in the machine like you usually would. Meanwhile, washing the cloth separately from other clothes is best to prevent paint transfer.
After washing and rinsing, inspect the cloth to ensure the paint is completely gone. Only after the paint is gone can you dry it. If you dry before the stain is gone, the paint may set in permanently into the cloth.
How To Remove Dried Acrylic Paint From Clothes
Acrylic paint is a type of water-based paint mainly used for crafts and artworks on surfaces like metal, ceramics, and fabrics. Although water-based, acrylic paint contains some pigment that becomes water resistant once it dries off.
Here are steps to remove acrylic paint stains from clothes:
Step 1:
Scrape excess dried paint using a spoon, dull knife, or brush. This is to loosen the paint as much as possible before treating it.
Step 2:
Flush the paint with warm water and then apply some dishwashing liquid. Use a sponge or rag to scrub the surface until the paint loosens. Repeat this step until the paint no longer comes out.
Step 3:
Wash the clothes as recommended by the care label. If paint remains after washing, try using a stain remover, hairspray, rubbing alcohol, or nail polish (non-acetone) on the cloth. Then wash and rinse as you normally would.
How To Remove Dried Oil Paint Stain From Clothes
Latex paint is more common for home projects, but your paint could be oil-based. Check the can label to confirm if it’s oil-based or not. Oil paints are popular for surfaces that need a glossy finish, like furniture and woodwork. Also, you know it’s oil-based paint if you needed a solvent like turpentine to clean its brushes.
Oil paint stains are a little more difficult to remove than latex and acrylic paint, so you need some aggressive cleaning agents to get them out.
Here are some steps to get out dried oil-based paint stains:
Step 1: Blot The Stain
When dealing with dried oil paint stains, the first step is to soften the paint using paint thinners. You can check the can label for recommended thinners or use turpentine. Before you go ahead with this, make sure you test a hidden part of the cloth to confirm the thinner will not discolor or harm the garment.
Step 2: Rinse It Out
Rinse out the thinner to get out the thinner and loosened paint.
Step 3: Apply Stain Remover
Apply any of the following stain remover methods to get out the remaining stain:
- Laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid
Apply dishwashing liquid or detergent over the stain and soak the garment in warm or hot water overnight. You can check your care label for recommended water temperature.
- WD 40
Another method to get rid of oil paint stains is using a WD-40. Cover the entire stained area with WD-40 and use a sponge or soft-bristled toothbrush to rub it in.
- Stain Remover
You can use a store-bought stain remover to treat the stain before washing. Use a rag to work the stain remover into the fabric.
Step 4: Rinse the Garment
After applying any stain-removal methods, rinse the garment and wash normally. Don’t try to dry the cloth unless the stain is out completely.
These steps should help remove dried paint stains from your clothes. Consider wearing an apron or a cloth specifically worn for your art or home improvement projects to prevent future paint stains.