How to Remove Acrylic Paint from Clothes?

Acrylic paint stains on clothing may be a hassle. Be at ease! Those ugly acrylic paint stains may be gone with the appropriate equipment and techniques. Step-by-step instructions covering both wet and dry paint stains are provided in this book. We’ll also go over some practical pointers and techniques to make the work go more smoothly.

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

Dull knife, spoon, or old credit card
A clean rag or paper towels
Washer
Soft-bristled nylon brush

Materials

Heavy-duty laundry detergent
Enzyme-based stain remover
Commercial paint remover
Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
Cotton swab

How to Get Wet Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes?

You are lucky if the paint stain is wet! Wet acrylic paint comes off far easier than dried paint.

Lift Away the Paint

When an acrylic paint stain is a drop or glob, try to get as much paint off the fabric’s surface with a dull kitchen knife, spoon, or the edge of an old credit card. Don’t massage, especially not with a paper towel or cloth, since this will drive the paint more into the fabric.

Flush Out the Paint

Then flip the cloth over and hold the soiled portion under cold or warm running water. Keep the water pressure mild to prevent the stain from spreading; the idea is to rinse the paint out of the fibers.

Apply Stain Remover

Use a stain remover on the soiled area as directed on the label. Enzymes in stain removers can assist to break down paint, so look for those. Spot the stain using your fingertips or a soft-bristled brush. Give it fifteen minutes at the very least. The paint will break down more easily and be easier to wipe off as result.

Wash as Usual

Toss the garment into the washing machine and follow the care label directions. Wash the clothing in cool water with mild detergent. Before you throw the clothing in the dryer, double-check that the stain is completely removed.

Check the Stained Clothing

Following the instructions on the garment care label, dry the item after you feel confident that the stain has been gone. If any paint remain, do not use the dryer as the high temperatures will permanently fix the stain. Subsequently, you must wash the item again and carry out the earlier stain removal procedures.

How to Get Dried Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes?

Though still possible, removing the paint will be a bit more challenging if it has dried.

Treat With Isopropyl Alcohol

When it comes to cleaning dried acrylic paint off clothes, isopropyl alcohol is the way to go. To prevent the paint from spreading, soak a cotton ball or pad in isopropyl alcohol and wipe it from the stain’s outside edges into the center. Work gently so that the alcohol permeates the cloth. Give the alcohol a good several minutes to settle. The paint will be helped to loosen and soften from the cloth fibers by this.

Lift Away Loosened Paint

Use the edge of an old credit card or a butter knife to scrape off as much paint as you can once it has melted. Take care not to fray the cloth. If need, repeat the operation using additional alcohol. Never rub as this might let the paint seep into the cloth more deeply.

Treat the Stained Area

After removing as much paint as possible, use an enzyme-based stain remover to clean the area. Apply the stain remover using your fingers or a soft brush, then gently massage it into the affected area. To make sure the stain remover gets into the fabric and dissolves any leftover paint particles, let it on for a minimum of 15 minutes.

Wash the Clothes

Additional Methods to Try on Acrylic Paint Stains

1: Rubbing Alcohol

Either mist the stain with alcohol or lightly wet a cotton ball or clean cloth with rubbing alcohol.
Up until the paint begins to peel off, dab the affected area with a towel dipped in alcohol.
Spot clean the area with warm water.

2: Nail Polish Remover (Acetone)

To be sure the fabric won’t be damaged or discolored, test acetone on a concealed area.
Smear the stain using a cotton ball or piece of cloth dipped in acetone.
Using a fresh cloth, wipe until the paint begins to come off.
Scrub under warm running water.

3: Baking Soda Mixture

Acrylic stains that are either wet or dry come out well with this technique.
Combine rubbing alcohol, dish soap and baking soda in equal proportions.
Spot the stain with the paste, then let it for fifteen minutes.
Scrub with water and soap.

4: Dishwasher Soap

When wet, acrylic paint dissolves with the degreaser in dishwashing detergent. Work a few drops of dishwashing soap into the stain, then rinse with warm water.

Tips for Washing Clothes with Acrylic Paint Stains

Never try to remove a stain without first reading the care label and washing the clothing as directed.
Get moving; the sooner you treat the stain, the better.
Up until it is partly or totally gone, dab alcohol into the discoloration.
To protect the fabric, always test the detergent on a hidden spot first.
Paint may be pushed deeper into the fibers and the cloth damaged by excessively vigorous scrubbing.
Use of hot water might set the stain or harm the cloth.
To stop further stains, wait to put the clothing in the dryer until the stain is gone and avoid using the dryer until the garment is totally clean.

Final Thoughts

A little paint accident shouldn’t destroy your best shirt! With a new spill or a dried-on stain, the greatest chance of removing the stain is to follow these instructions.

FAQs

How do you get dried acrylic paint out of clothes?

Once acrylic paint has dried on clothing, it may be impossible to remove it entirely. The pigment in acrylic paint is suspended in a polymer solution that is water-soluble when wet but water-resistant when dry. Isopropyl alcohol is the best choice for removing dried acrylic paint from clothing.

Will acrylic paint come off clothes in the wash?

Water-based acrylic paint is much easier to remove from clothes. Oil-based acrylics are much more challenging to remove, but possible. As with any stain removal method, you’ll need patience because you’ll probably have to wash the item a couple of times to remove the paint.

Is acrylic paint permanent on clothes?

Textile medium is a liquid that you mix with acrylic paint that allows the paint to be thinner, more soft and flexible and permanent on fabrics. Nowadays a lot of acrylic paint companies make their own textile or fabric medium to add to their paints.

Can sanitizer remove acrylic paint from clothes?

They both contain alcohol that works the same way as Nail Polish Remover in removing acrylic, poster and latex paints. Rub either onto the stain with the help of a toothbrush and cover it well. You can even choose to use both! Once the paint gets loose you can toss it in the washing machine.

Does vinegar remove paint from clothing?

Soaking dried latex paint stains in a 2:2:1 mixture of vinegar, ammonia and salt is a powerful way to lift paint from clothing fibers before laundering. Use a paint solvent like turpentine to tackle dried oil-based paint stains on clothing.