Ultimate Guide: How to Get Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes Easily

Acrylic paint is a favorite for crafting and home projects, but things can get messy fast when it ends up on your clothes. Luckily, knowing how to get acrylic paint out of clothes doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether the paint is still wet or already dried, quick action can save your favorite shirt from becoming a permanent work of art.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple steps that can help lift that stubborn stain and get your clothes back to looking fresh. Let’s dive in and find the best way to tackle those unwanted paint splatters!

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Wet Acrylic Paint

Dealing with wet acrylic paint on clothes is much easier than trying to remove dried paint. Acting quickly is key to preventing the paint from settling into the fabric. Follow these steps for the best results:

Step 1: Scrape Off Excess Paint

As soon as you notice the spill, gently scrape off as much excess paint as possible using a blunt object, like a spoon or a butter knife. Be careful not to press too hard, as this could push the paint deeper into the fibers of the fabric. The goal here is to remove the bulk of the paint without spreading it further.

Step 2: Rinse the Fabric Under Cold Water

Hold the stained area under cold running water. Make sure to do this from the backside of the fabric to push the paint out of the fibers rather than through them. Avoid using hot water at this stage, as heat can cause the paint to set into the fabric, making it harder to remove.

Step 3: Apply Dish Soap or Laundry Detergent

After rinsing, apply a small amount of dish soap or liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain. Dish soap works well because it’s designed to break down grease and oils, which can help loosen the paint. Gently rub the detergent into the stain with your fingers or a soft cloth, working it into the fabric to lift the paint.

Step 4: Scrub Gently with a Soft Brush or Cloth

Once the detergent is applied, use a soft brush, like a toothbrush, or a clean cloth to gently scrub the stained area. Be sure to scrub in circular motions and focus only on the stained area to avoid damaging the fabric. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you can let the soap sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat if Needed

After scrubbing, rinse the area thoroughly under cold water again. Check if the stain is still visible. If the paint is still there, repeat the process of applying soap and scrubbing until the stain starts to fade. It may take a few rounds to completely remove the paint, especially if the fabric has absorbed a lot of it.

Step 6: Wash the Clothing as Usual

Once the majority of the paint is removed, wash the clothing as you normally would, following the care label instructions. If possible, use cold water to avoid setting any remaining traces of paint. After washing, check the stain before drying the clothing—once the fabric is dried, any remaining paint will be more difficult to remove.

How to Remove Dried Acrylic Paint from Clothes

Dried acrylic paint can be a bit more stubborn than wet paint, but it’s not impossible to remove with the right approach. Acrylic paint is designed to dry quickly and stick to surfaces, which is great for art but less so when it ends up on your favorite clothes. However, with some patience and the right techniques, you can still rescue your fabric. Here’s a detailed guide on how to tackle dried acrylic paint stains:

Step 1: Scrape Off the Dried Paint

The first thing you’ll want to do is scrape off as much of the dried paint as possible. Use a blunt object like a butter knife, a spoon, or even a credit card to carefully chip away the dried paint. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fabric, but try to remove as much of the surface layer as possible. This will help make the next steps more effective.

Step 2: Apply Rubbing Alcohol or an Alcohol-Based Solution

Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) is one of the best solutions for breaking down dried acrylic paint. It helps soften the paint and makes it easier to remove from fabric. If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer with a high alcohol content can also work. Here’s what you should do:

• Soak a cotton ball or clean cloth with rubbing alcohol.
• Dab the stained area with the soaked cotton, making sure the alcohol fully penetrates the fabric and the dried paint.
• Let the alcohol sit on the stain for a few minutes to loosen the paint.

Pro Tip: Always test rubbing alcohol on a hidden area of the fabric first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.

Step 3: Gently Scrub with a Brush

Once the paint has softened from the alcohol, use a soft-bristle brush, such as an old toothbrush, to gently scrub the stained area. Scrub in small, circular motions to lift the paint off the fabric. Be careful not to scrub too harshly, especially if the fabric is delicate, as this could damage the fibers.

If the stain isn’t coming off easily, apply more rubbing alcohol and let it sit a little longer before scrubbing again.

Step 4: Rinse with Warm Water

After scrubbing, rinse the area under warm running water. Warm water helps wash away the paint particles that were loosened by the alcohol. Hold the fabric so the water flows through the stain from the backside, helping push the paint out of the fibers.

Step 5: Apply Dish Soap or Laundry Detergent

Once you’ve rinsed the area, apply a small amount of dish soap or liquid laundry detergent to the stain. Dish soap works well because it cuts through grease and oily substances, which is great for loosening up any remaining paint. Rub the detergent into the stain using your fingers or a soft cloth, then scrub the area gently once more with a brush.

Step 6: Rinse and Repeat if Necessary

Rinse the fabric under warm water again to check if the stain is completely gone. If the paint stain is still visible, repeat the process of applying alcohol, scrubbing, and rinsing until the stain fades. Be patient, as it may take several rounds to fully remove the paint, especially if the stain is large or deeply set into the fabric.

Step 7: Wash the Clothing as Usual

Once the majority of the paint is removed, wash the garment according to the care label instructions. Use the warmest water setting allowed for the fabric to help ensure any remaining traces of paint are washed out. After washing, inspect the stained area before putting the clothing in the dryer. If the stain is still visible, avoid using the dryer, as heat will set the stain and make it harder to remove in future attempts.

Final Tips

• Avoid using hot water during the process, as it can set the stain further.
• For delicate fabrics like silk or wool, consult a professional cleaner or use gentle, non-abrasive methods to avoid damage.
• Be persistent—dried paint can take several attempts to fully remove, but with patience, the stain will usually come out.

Alternative Methods for Stubborn Acrylic Paint Stains

If the traditional methods of soap, water, and rubbing alcohol haven’t completely lifted that tough acrylic paint stain from your clothes, don’t worry. There are several alternative approaches you can try to tackle those particularly stubborn stains.

These methods incorporate household items and more specialized products that can effectively break down dried acrylic paint. Here are some alternatives you can use to remove even the most persistent paint stains:

1. Vinegar and Baking Soda Method

Vinegar and baking soda are two common household items that can be surprisingly effective at removing acrylic paint stains. Their natural cleaning and degreasing properties make them a great alternative to harsher chemicals. Here’s how to use them:

• Soak the stained area in white vinegar for about 15-30 minutes. Vinegar helps to soften the dried paint and prepare it for removal.
• After soaking, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stain.
• Using a soft brush (like an old toothbrush), gently scrub the baking soda into the fabric. The combination of vinegar and baking soda will create a fizzing reaction that helps lift the paint.
• Rinse the area thoroughly with warm water and inspect the stain.
• If the stain persists, repeat the process or follow up with dish soap or laundry detergent.

2. Using Acetone or Nail Polish Remover

Acetone is a powerful solvent that can break down tough stains, including dried acrylic paint. While it’s a more aggressive approach, it can be very effective for stubborn stains. Nail polish remover containing acetone can also work in a pinch. However, acetone can damage certain fabrics, so always test it on a hidden area first.

• Apply a small amount of acetone to a clean cotton ball or cloth.
• Blot the stain with the acetone-soaked cotton, allowing it to saturate the paint.
• Let the acetone sit for a few minutes to break down the paint.
• Using a soft brush or cloth, gently scrub the stained area to remove the paint.
• Rinse the fabric under warm water and wash as usual.

Note: Acetone can dissolve synthetic fibers like polyester, so be cautious when using it on blends or delicate fabrics.

3. Using a Commercial Stain Remover

For those who prefer a more targeted solution, commercial stain removers designed to tackle paint or oil-based stains can be an excellent option. These products are specifically formulated to dissolve stubborn substances like acrylic paint, and they’re often available in spray, liquid, or gel form. Here’s how to use a commercial stain remover:

• Apply the stain remover directly to the affected area, following the instructions on the product label.
• Let the product sit on the stain for the recommended amount of time (usually 5-10 minutes), allowing it to penetrate and break down the paint.
• Gently scrub the stained area with a soft brush or cloth, working the product into the fabric.
• Rinse the area thoroughly under cold or warm water and inspect the stain.
• If needed, repeat the process before washing the garment.

Pro Tip: Some effective commercial products include Goo Gone, OxiClean, and Zout, which are formulated to lift acrylic and oil-based paint stains.

4. Hair Spray or Hand Sanitizer

Believe it or not, certain household items like hair spray or hand sanitizer can be used to remove acrylic paint from clothes. This is because these products often contain a high concentration of alcohol, which helps dissolve the paint.

• Spray the stained area with hair spray or apply hand sanitizer generously.
• Let it sit for a few minutes to soften the paint.
• Gently scrub the area with a soft brush or cloth to lift the paint.
• Rinse with cold or warm water and check if the stain is fading. Repeat if necessary.

Hair spray and hand sanitizer are convenient and readily available alternatives, especially when you’re in a pinch.

5. Paint Thinner or Turpentine (for Extreme Cases)

If all else fails, paint thinner or turpentine can be used as a last resort. These strong solvents are typically used for oil-based paints, but they can also work on stubborn acrylic paint stains. However, they should be used with extreme caution, as they can damage delicate fabrics and are often too harsh for everyday clothing.

• Apply a small amount of paint thinner or turpentine to a clean cloth or cotton ball.
• Gently blot the stain, allowing the solvent to penetrate and dissolve the paint.
• After blotting, rinse the area thoroughly with warm water.
• Wash the garment as usual, but avoid drying it until you’re sure the stain is completely gone.

Warning: Paint thinner can have a strong smell and is flammable, so be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety instructions.