Those who have a passion for painting often find themselves splattered in color, a playful mark of creativity. And while a little paint on clothes is part of the charm, it can sometimes leave behind colorful reminders that are harder to wash away.
Whether painting a complex masterpiece or merely enjoying the act of painting, it's too easy for paint to end up on your clothes. While these moments of colorful enjoyment are certainly to be included in the fun, they tend to leave those dreaded stains, particularly when using acrylic paint.
As one of the artists' favorites, acrylic paint is prized for its rich colors and rapid-drying properties. Although these characteristics make it hard to work with, they also make it exceptionally inconvenient to remove from clothes once it has dried.
The good news is that paint stain isn't the worst thing that can afflict your favorite garments. Both wet and dry acrylic paint can be safely removed from fabric using the proper techniques.
In this blog post, we'll walk you through quick, effective ways to remove acrylic paint from your clothes, so that you can continue making art without worry.
Keep reading to know more!
Recommended Clothing for Painting in Case of Stains
When you are painting, always use a smock or some old clothes, so that if paint spills over you by chance, it will not ruin the clothes that you wear daily. Using protective or old clothes not only protects your best clothes but also enables you to get immersed in the creative process without hesitation.
Acrylic paint, in particular, can be tricky. It's between water-based and oil-based paint in terms of how difficult it is to remove; it's stickier than water-based paint but less stubborn than oil-based paint.
That's why it's important to act quickly if a spill occurs and know how to remove acrylic paint from clothes before it sets in permanently.
Knowing where acrylic paint falls on this spectrum can help you approach stain removal more effectively.
What to Know Before Removing Acrylic Paint from Clothes
Before addressing the procedures for removing this type of paint, whether wet or dry, we would like to outline some general guidelines for handling this situation.
Act Quickly
Removing acrylic paint while it's still wet is much easier than trying to tackle it after it has dried.
Acrylic paint dries quickly, allowing you only a brief window of time to react before it sets into the fabric. When dried, it leaves a plastic-like finish that adheres tightly to the fibers, making removal a much more challenging process.
So, there will be a greater chance of saving the material, treat the stain promptly, the moment you see it. Use cold water and begin cleaning immediately—already a minute or two can be a huge difference.
Waiting even for a moment before cleaning may allow the paint to dry on the surface and penetrate deeper into the material, particularly when using absorbent materials like cotton or linen.
Acting promptly can often mean the difference between a complete removal and a permanent mark.
Remove the Paint to Prevent Spreading
If the paint is fresh, scrape off as much as possible with a blunt knife, spoon, or even blotting paper. This will keep the stain from continuing to spread deeper into the fabric.
Keep the Garment Moist with Water
Acrylic paint bonds quickly to fabric and becomes much harder to remove once it dries. To avoid this, keep the stained area damp until you're ready to treat it properly.
Scrape the Paint Off the Fabric
If the paint is already dry, gently scrape off as much of the surface as possible with a blunt knife, spoon, or a stiff-bristle brush. Be sure to be careful not to damage the fabric in the process.
Removing Wet Acrylic Paint
One advantage of acrylic paint is that, while it's still wet, it acts like a water-based paint and can be easily cleaned up.
Follow these steps to effectively remove wet acrylic paint from clothing:
Soak the Garment in Cold Water
The moment you spot the stain, soak the item in cold water to thin it with some mild detergent. Or wash the stained area with a burst of warm water to soften the paint. The trick here is to keep the stained area wet and not allow the paint to dry.
Wash the Garment in Warm Water (30°C)
After treating the stain, machine wash the garment using warm water at 30°C. For better results, you can add a stain remover. There are plenty of reliable options available on the market.
Once the wash cycle is complete and the garment is dry, inspect the area to make sure the stain is fully gone. Repeat the process if necessary.
Removing Dry Acrylic Paint
If the acrylic paint has already dried, it can be more challenging to remove, but not impossible. With the right approach, you can still lift the stain without damaging your clothing.
Here's how to remove dried acrylic paint stains effectively:
Apply an Alcohol-Based Product
Once dry, acrylic paint forms a plastic-like coating, similar to oil-based paints. To break down this layer, use a product that contains alcohol, such as isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), hand sanitizer, or even acetone (for tougher fabrics).
Gently Scrub the Stain
Dampen a clean cloth or sponge with the alcohol-based solution and gently scrub the stained area. Continue scrubbing until you begin to see the paint transferring onto the cloth—this means the stain is lifting.
Pre-Wash the Garment in Cold Water
As with pre-washing clothes stained with wet acrylic paint, soak the garment and, ideally, use a specialized detergent. This helps loosen the dried paint and prepare the fabric for a deeper clean.
Let it sit for at least 15–30 minutes to allow the detergent to break down the paint residue. Once soaked, you're ready to move on to the final wash to entirely remove the stain.
Painting by Numbers with Canvas by Numbers
Accidents happen, but that doesn't mean your favorite clothes have to be ruined. Whether the acrylic paint is fresh or has already dried, acting promptly and utilizing the right techniques can make all the difference.
From soaking in cold water to applying alcohol-based solutions, these simple methods can help lift even stubborn stains without damaging your fabric.
With a bit of care and quick action, you can keep creating freely, without worrying about your wardrobe.
FAQs
1. Can vinegar or baking soda remove acrylic paint from clothes?
Not effectively. They may soften the paint, but won't dissolve it. Alcohol-based products work better.
2. Is acetone safe on all fabrics?
No. It can damage delicate or synthetic fabrics. Always patch test or use isopropyl alcohol as a safer option.
3. What's the best way to remove dried acrylic paint?
Use isopropyl alcohol or a commercial stain remover. Gently scrape off excess paint first.
4. Can I remove acrylic paint after it's been washed?
It's harder, but possible. Try alcohol or acetone, and scrub carefully with a toothbrush.
