How To Get Dried Acrylic Paint Out Of Clothes

Whether you're a full-time professional artist or someone who loves to paint in art class as a hobby, you're inevitably going to make a few big messes. There are numerous strategies for learning how to get acrylic paint out of clothes, and the great thing about them is that if one doesn't work, there is likely another that is more effective.

Getting paint on our clothing sometimes causes people to panic, but it isn't the end of the world if you splattered some on your clothes or other types of fabric.

Striving to remove acrylic paint from fabric becomes more or less complicated depending on the type of acrylic paint you use.

Various factors go into paint and the ease of removing a stain. Some of the methods below are stronger than others, so don't be afraid to try out a few until you get your desired result.

How to Get Acrylic Paint out of Clothes titleimg1 — (artemfaust/123rf.com)

About Acrylic Paint
Simple Strategies for How to Get Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes
- Act Quickly to Remove Acrylic Paint from Fabric
- A Simple Way to Remove Acrylic Paint from Jeans
- Rubbing Alcohol Stain Remover
- Using Ammonia and Vinegar to Remove Paint
- How to Use Dishwashing Detergent to Remove Paint
- Using Hairspray as Stain Remover
- Utilizing Acetone to Remove Paint
- Upgrade to Commercial Stain Remover
- Take a Trip to the Dry Cleaner

About Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is a favored medium among lots of artists because it dries so quickly. While this is great for creating a masterpiece, it isn't always ideal for trying to remove acrylic paint from jeans and other articles of clothing.

It becomes even more complicated with acetate or triacetate clothing pieces that require gentler care. The great thing is that it is relatively easy to remove acrylic paint from clothing.

Acrylic paint is a chemical-based paint while others, like latex paint, are more water-based. This design makes acrylic more permanent than water-based paint.

The permanence of acrylic paint refers to that paint's ability to fade while exposed to light. Some fade much faster than others, so determining what type you have helps you decide if you should go with a hardier cleaning method.

Acrylic paints also differ in drying times, so some require you to work more quickly than others. Regardless of the type of acrylic that you're using, there are a few strategies for you to tackle when removing acrylic paint stains.

Simple Strategies for How to Get Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes

When trying to remove acrylic paint from clothing or to get latex paint out of clothes, always perform a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that the recipes don't damage or fade the fabric.

After you've performed a spot test, it's safe to start working on a larger area to complete the stain removal.

Act Quickly to Remove Acrylic Paint from Fabric

Before you do anything else, act as promptly as you can before the paint dries and leaves a stain that is even harder to remove. The minute you notice splattered color, try scraping off most of the excess paint with a knife or spoon.

If you have wet paint, use paper towels to dab the spot and soak into the paper towel. If you have dried paint, scrape as much off as possible.

The key is to remove the most amount of pigment without ruining the garment. Once you have removed much of the paint, you're ready to use daily cleaning products as a stain remover.

A Simple Way to Remove Acrylic Paint from Jeans

Soap is often the safest product to use on clothing. The first stain removal method you should try is combining one-part liquid dish soap with one-part warm water.

To get paint out of jeans, dip a soft sponge in the soapy water and dab the stained area until the paint begins to lift. If the stain remains after vigorously blotting it, move on to another method.

Rubbing Alcohol Stain Remover

Rubbing alcohol is a go-to product for removing stains and cleaning up messes around the house. This solution is usually the next best method when soap and water don't work.

When trying to get rid of paint stains or for removing sticky tape residue from clothing, soak the stained area with isopropyl alcohol so it is entirely saturated. Once wet, use your fingernail or another hard surface to scrape away at the dried paint and lift it from the fabric.

Make sure to work against the grain of the clothing. Once you remove as much paint as feasible, put the clothing article in the washing machine and wash it on your typical setting with laundry detergent.

Dry the clothing as normal and check to make sure the stain lifted. If there is still a spot leftover, repeat the process.

Try alcohol for removing paint from leather but proceed carefully so you don't damage the material.

Using Ammonia and Vinegar to Remove Paint

Another hardy way to remove acrylic paint from fabric or to get grease smell out of clothes is to combine vinegar and ammonia. These two powerful ingredients cut through acrylic paint stains easier than other strategies.

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DIY Paint Stain Remover

1 cup ammonia
1 cup white vinegar
Salt

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Start by placing the stained article of clothing in a sink or bucket filled with cold water so that it is drenched. While the clothing sits in the water, mix the ammonia, vinegar, and a handful of salt in a large bowl.

Drain the water from the sink and wring out the soaked clothing. Dip a microfiber cloth or sponge into the ammonia and vinegar cleaning solution.

Scrub the dried paint but be careful not to damage the clothing. Once the stain has lifted, wash the garment in the washing machine as you regularly would.

Try this remedy to remove motor oil from clothing, too. You may be surprised at the results.

How to Use Dishwashing Detergent to Remove Paint

Dishwashing liquid is often more potent than ordinary dish soap, and most of us already have some on hand. Run the stained area of the clothing under warm water to loosen the paint.

In a separate bowl, mix equal parts warm water and dishwashing liquid. Use a sponge to start dabbing at the stain on your clothes or to get acrylic paint out of carpet. Rinse the area with water and repeat as often as necessary. Once the paint lifts, wash your clothing in the washing machine.

This simple household product can also be used for getting diesel out of clothing. Add some to the washing machine and let the garment soak in water and dishwashing liquid to eliminate the odor and stains.

Using Hairspray as Stain Remover

This method works best for stains that are still damp, but it's safe to try on dried paint as well. Use paper towels to remove excess paint.

Spray a clean cloth or sponge with hairspray and dab at the stain until most of it lifts. Dampen a clean cloth with warm water and scrub away the remainder of the paint.

You can also utilize this home remedy for getting pen ink out of clothes. After treating the stain, wash and dry your clothing as usual.

Utilizing Acetone to Remove Paint

Acetone is an ingredient found in nail polish remover. The great thing about this product is that it is made to remove paint from surfaces. Saturate a cotton ball, cotton swab, or rag with the acetone and allow it to sit on the stain for several minutes.

Dampen an old toothbrush or bristled brush under cold water and gently scrub the stained area. Throw the clothing in the washer. Once dry, check the stain and repeat if necessary. This strategy is one of the most powerful ways to remove acrylic paint from fabric.

Upgrade to Commercial Stain Remover

If you've tried all the previous solutions and they don't seem to work, upgrading to a commercial stain remover like turpentine is your best bet when learning how to get acrylic paint out of clothes.

Rinse your article of clothing under warm, running water and ring it out so it is damp. Lay a few paper towels on a protected surface and put the stain face down on them.

Soak a clean cloth in turpentine and blot the stain to break up the paint. Repeat this process and replace the paper towel once it gets dirty and wet. Rinse the clothing under fresh water and launder it once finished.

Take a Trip to the Dry Cleaner

When all else fails, the dry cleaner is usually the next best option to remove paint from jeans and other clothing types.

Dry cleaners are trained in stain removal of all kinds, and they have more gentle processes than those who try to take care of the problem at home. They may or may not be successful in lifting the stain.

Various factors determine stain removal effectiveness, like how long it has been there and what type of acrylic paint is used. If you tried all the aforementioned cleansers and the dry cleaners and still have a paint stain, it may be time to accept the loss.

If you weren't able to get rid of an acrylic paint stain, use that piece of clothing every time you paint, so you don't have to worry about ruining any more of your wardrobe.

It is also smart to cut that piece of clothing into rags to use around the home. If neither of those appeals to you, toss it in the trash and move on from the loss.

Painting with acrylics is a fun hobby, but it requires getting messy, and paint stains will happen. The best way to avoid acrylic paint stains is to take preventative measures.

Only paint in clothing that you don't care about getting ruined. If you don't have any clothes that you don't care about, try wearing an apron or another type of protective gear to keep as much paint off you as possible.

When expressing yourself through art, the last thing you should be worried about is getting your clothes dirty.