How to Get Paint Out of Clothes: Your Ultimate Stain Removal Guide

We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of refreshing your living room walls or helping your kids with an art project when suddenly—splat! There’s paint on your favorite jeans or that comfy t-shirt you can’t bear to part with. It’s frustrating, right? But before you toss those paint-stained clothes into the donation pile, let me share some good news: most paint stains can actually be removed with the right techniques!

As someone who’s turned countless paint disasters into laundry victories, I’m excited to walk you through exactly how to get paint out of clothes using methods that actually work. Whether you’re dealing with fresh splatters or stains that have been there for weeks, this guide has you covered.

The Golden Rule: Act Fast When Possible

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to clean up a spill when you tackle it immediately? The same principle applies when figuring out how to get paint out of clothes. Fresh paint is significantly easier to remove than dried paint, so whenever possible, address those splatters right away!

That said, I understand we don’t always notice paint stains immediately. Sometimes you discover dried paint days after your painting project. Don’t worry—I’ve got solutions for those stubborn dried stains too.

Know Your Enemy: Identifying Paint Types

Before diving into removal techniques, it’s important to know what type of paint you’re dealing with. The three most common types that end up on clothing are:

• Acrylic paint: Water-based but becomes water-resistant when dry
• Latex paint: Water-based and generally easier to remove
• Oil-based paint: More challenging to remove and requires different solvents

Not sure what type of paint you’re battling? Look at the paint can if you have it, or consider where the stain happened. Kids’ craft paint is typically acrylic, wall paint is usually latex, and artistic paintings often use oil paints.

How to Get Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes

Acrylic paint is commonly used for crafts and can be stubborn once dried. Here’s my step-by-step process:

1. For wet paint: Rinse the stained area under cold running water from the back side of the fabric to push the paint out rather than through the material.

2. For dried paint: Mix equal parts warm water and isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). Apply this mixture to the stain using a sponge or old toothbrush.

3. Gently scrub the stain in circular motions, being careful not to damage the fabric. You should see the paint starting to loosen.

4. For particularly stubborn stains, try soaking the affected area in rubbing alcohol for about 15 minutes.

5. Rinse thoroughly and apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent directly to any remaining stain.

6. Wash the garment in cold water according to the care label instructions.

I once saved my daughter’s school uniform with this method after an art class disaster. The acrylic paint had almost completely dried, but the alcohol trick worked like magic!

How to Get Latex Paint Out of Clothes

Latex paint is commonly used for home projects and walls. Here’s the approach I recommend:

1. For wet paint: Immediately blot (don’t rub!) with paper towels to remove as much paint as possible.

2. For semi-dry or dried paint: Create a solution of warm water and dish soap. Apply it to the stain and gently scrub with a soft brush.

3. If that doesn’t fully work, try using rubbing alcohol or a product called “Goof Off” (test on an inconspicuous area first).

4. For seriously stubborn dried latex paint, you might need to try ammonia mixed with warm water (1 tablespoon per cup), but be sure to:

• Work in a well-ventilated area
• Never mix ammonia with bleach (it creates toxic fumes)
• Test on a hidden part of the fabric first

5. Rinse thoroughly and wash as usual.

Just last month, I knocked over a can of latex paint while touching up my hallway. Using this method, I was able to save my jeans despite the significant splatter!

How to Get Oil Paint Out of Clothes

Oil-based paint presents the biggest challenge, but don’t lose hope! Here’s how to get oil paint out of clothes:

1. For fresh paint: Blot away excess paint carefully without spreading it further.

2. Check the paint can: Look for the recommended paint thinner or solvent.

3. Apply the appropriate solvent (typically turpentine or mineral spirits) to the back of the stain using a clean cloth. Place cardboard between fabric layers to prevent the paint from transferring.

4. Blot gently, working from the outside toward the center of the stain.

5. Once most of the paint is removed, create a paste of dishwashing liquid and water. Work this into any remaining stain with a soft brush.

6. Rinse well and wash according to the garment’s care instructions.

Remember, when working with solvents for oil paint removal, always do so in a well-ventilated area and keep these chemicals away from children and pets!

How to Get Dried Paint Out of Clothes When Nothing Else Works

Have you discovered a completely dried paint stain that’s been there for ages? This requires a bit more persistence, but it’s still worth trying:

1. Scrape off excess: Use a plastic knife or old credit card to gently scrape away as much dried paint as possible.

2. Apply solvent: Based on the paint type, apply the appropriate solvent (alcohol for acrylic, soapy water for latex, or paint thinner for oil-based).

3. Try a commercial remover: Products like “Goo Gone” or “Motsenbocker’s Lift Off” are specifically designed for dried paint removal.

4. The soaking method: For really stubborn dried paint, try soaking the garment overnight in a solution appropriate for the paint type.

5. Laundry pre-treatment: After the above steps, apply a strong laundry pre-treatment and let it sit for at least an hour before washing.

One of my readers once successfully removed a 3-month-old dried paint stain using this persistent approach. She was thrilled to save her designer jeans!

General Steps for Paint Stain Removal

Regardless of paint type, these general principles will help increase your chances of success when figuring out how to get paint of out clothes:

1. Act quickly when possible, but don’t give up on dried stains.

2. Always check the care label on your garment before trying any removal method.

3. Test any solvent or cleaner on an inconspicuous area first.

4. Work from the back of the fabric when possible to push the paint out rather than deeper into the fibers.

5. Be patient and gentle to avoid damaging the fabric.

6. Don’t put stained clothing in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is completely gone—heat can set the stain permanently.

When to Call It Quits

Let’s be honest—sometimes, despite our best efforts, some paint stains just won’t budge completely. If you’ve tried multiple methods and the stain remains:

1. Consider whether the garment could have a second life as your dedicated “painting clothes”
2. Look into dyeing the entire garment a darker color to mask the stain
3. Get creative with patches, embroidery, or other embellishments to cover the stain

Final Thoughts

Learning how to get paint out of clothes might seem challenging at first, but with the right approach and a bit of patience, you can save most of your paint-splattered garments. Remember that different paint types require different removal techniques, so identifying the paint is your first step to success.

Have you ever rescued a piece of clothing from what seemed like certain doom? Or do you have a paint stain you’re currently battling? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!

Happy cleaning, and may all your paint stay where it belongs—on your walls and canvases, not your clothes!

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Note: Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the garment first. Some fabrics, especially delicate ones, may react poorly to certain solvents. When in doubt, consult a professional dry cleaner, especially for valuable or sentimental items.