No matter if you are a pro or an amateur painter, odds are, you are going to get paint on your clothes. Whether you are repainting the living room or doing arts and crafts, paint is going to get on you and your clothes. Don’t throw away your clothes – knowing how to get paint out of clothes can definitely help post-painting, especially if you got paint on a favorite clothing article. Check out these tips on how to get paint out of clothes, no matter if it is water-based, oil-based or spray paint.

Keep in mind that the sooner you try to remove the pain, the better chances you have; hardened, dried paint is going to be trickier than new, wet paint. Also, make sure your clothing material can handle stain removal treatments by doing a spot test.

How to Get Water-Based Paint Out of Clothes

Water-based paints include acrylic and latex paints, and they are typically easier to remove from clothes than oil-based paints. Acrylics are often used in arts and crafts. Latex paints are for ceilings and walls.

1. Scrape off as much of the paint as possible with a spoon, dull knife or brush.
2. Turn the clothing inside out and run warm water over the stain.
3. Apply a mix of detergent or dish soap and warm water to the stain. Blot it with a rag or paper towel. Rinse and repeat until the paint is completely gone or no longer coming off.
4. If possible, apply a stain remover and then wash the clothing garment according to its tag.
5. If all of these steps don’t remove the paint, try blotting it with a non-acetone nail polish remover, hairspray or rubbing alcohol. (Acetone can melt some fabric fibers.) Wash again.

How to Get Oil-Based Paint Out of Clothes

Oil-based paints are often used for furniture, trim, cabinetry, metal and wood doors, ceilings, floors and walls. Surfaces that need a glossy finish or durability also require oil-based paints.

While water-based paints are easier to remove than oil-based paints, it is not impossible to get oil-based paints out of clothes.

1. Scrape off as much of the paint as possible with a spoon, dull knife or brush. You can also blot it with a cloth before rinsing the area, but don’t let it dry.
2. Turn the clothing inside out on a thick stack of rags or paper towels. Blot the paint stain with turpentine or paint thinner until no more paint comes off.
3. Rinse the stain before applying detergent or dish soap and soaking it in hot, soapy water overnight.
4. The next day, rinse the clothing garment and wash it according to its tag.
5. If all of these steps don’t remove the paint, treat it with a stain remover and wash it again.

How to Get Spray Paint Out of Clothes

When it comes to spray paint, you have two options: hairspray or laundry detergent.

With hairspray, spray it directly on the stain. Use a dry cloth to rub it. Repeat several times before washing the clothing according to its tag.

If you opt for laundry detergent, apply it to the stain and let it soak. After a few minutes, rinse with warm water. Repeat several times before washing the clothing according to its tag.

London Cleaners

If you don’t have the means or time to remove paint from your clothing garments, bring it by London Cleaners. Our professionals have experience in removing paint from clothing.

Stop by today with your paint-splattered clothing, and we will return it to you as good as new.