Removing Exterior Paint Stains From Clothes: Effective Methods

Getting exterior paint out of clothes can be a tricky task, but it's not impossible. The key to success is acting quickly and choosing the right method for the type of paint you're dealing with. Most paints fall into two categories: water-based and oil-based. Water-based paints are generally easier to remove and often respond well to a combination of warm water, detergent, and vigorous sponging or blotting. Oil-based paints may require more aggressive cleaning agents and a bit more elbow grease. In both cases, it's important to act fast, as dried paint can be much harder to remove and may even become impossible to get out. So, if you want to save your favourite paint-splattered outfit, don't delay – start scraping, sponging, and blotting!

Removing acrylic paint

Removing Wet Acrylic Paint:

• Act quickly: Start by scooping away any excess wet paint with a spoon, dull knife, credit card, or a soft scrub brush.
• Flush with water: Hold the garment under cold running water, ensuring the water flows through the backside of the stain. This helps push the paint away from the fabric.
• Treat with detergent: Apply liquid laundry detergent to the stain and gently rub it in. You can use a soft nylon brush or a toothbrush for this step.
• Rinse and repeat: Thoroughly rinse the stained item in cold water and repeat the process as needed to remove the paint.
• Machine wash: After treating the stain, machine wash the garment using cold water and following the care instructions on its tag.

Removing Dried Acrylic Paint:

• Scrape off excess: Use a blunt knife, butter knife, or a scraper to carefully remove any excess dried paint from the fabric. Be gentle to avoid damaging the clothing.
• Break down the paint: Apply isopropyl alcohol to a clean cloth or cotton ball and gently rub it onto the stain. Isopropyl alcohol can break down the water-resistant layer of dried acrylic paint. You can also use a toothbrush to scrub the alcohol into the fabric for stubborn stains.
• Flush with water: After treating with alcohol, flush the garment with cold running water to remove any residue.
• Treat with detergent: Pre-treat the stain with a laundry stain remover or liquid laundry detergent.
• Machine wash: Launder the item using the hottest water temperature recommended on the garment's care tag.

Additional Tips:

• Act fast: The key to successful stain removal is to act quickly. Acrylic paint dries quickly, and it is much harder to remove once it has set.
• Test for colourfastness: Before applying any treatment, check an inconspicuous area of the fabric for colourfastness to ensure the treatment won't damage or discolour the clothing.
• Avoid certain products: Stay away from using vinegar, window cleaner, or ammonia to treat acrylic paint stains, as their high water concentration renders them ineffective on insoluble stains.
• Avoid industrial solvents: Products like acetone and paint thinner are meant for hard surfaces and can damage fabrics. They also pose a risk of spontaneous combustion in your washing machine.
• Check before drying: Always check that the stain has been completely removed before putting the garment in the dryer. Heat from the dryer can set the stain and make it permanent.

Removing latex or water-based paint

If the paint is still wet, start by scraping off any excess with a flat tool, like a plastic knife or a spoon. Be careful not to damage the fabric. Then, flush the stain with warm running water, working from the back of the fabric. Next, use sponges to tamp the stain with a solution of dishwashing soap and warm water. Repeat this process until the stain is removed. If the stain persists, try blotting it with acetone. Remember to double-check the fabric label before using acetone, as it can damage certain fabrics.

If the paint has already dried, the process is more challenging but still possible. First, dampen the back of the stain with warm running water. Then, use a mix of detergent and warm water to saturate the stain and blot it with a cloth or paper towel. Rinse and repeat this process until the paint stain is gone or no longer visible.

For both wet and dried paint, the most important thing is to act quickly. Paint stains can become permanent if they are not treated promptly. Additionally, avoid putting stained clothing in the dryer, as the heat can set the stain.

Removing oil-based paint

Oil-based paint is more difficult to remove from clothing than water-based paint and may even be impossible if it has dried. The key thing to remember is to never use water when treating the stain. Here is a step-by-step guide to removing oil-based paint from your clothes:

Step 1: Scrape away any excess paint

Use a dull knife or the edge of a spoon to gently scrape away any wet paint. Be careful not to damage the fabric underneath. If the paint has dried, try to carefully chip away at it without damaging the clothing.

Step 2: Blot the stain

Use a clean rag or cloth to blot the stain. Moisten the cloth with a small amount of paint thinner or turpentine, and continue blotting until the stain is gone. Be sure to move to a clean area of the rag as you work.

Step 3: Rinse the area

Once you have removed as much paint as possible, rinse the area with water.

Step 4: Treat the stain with dish soap or laundry detergent

Spot treat the stain with a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent. Gently work it into the fabric, including the fibres behind the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes.

Step 5: Soak the garment

Place the garment in a large bowl or sink of warm water. Agitate the soap and stain with your fingers, then let it sit for an hour.

Step 6: Wash the garment

After soaking, remove the garment from the water and use a toothbrush to gently scrub the paint stain. Rinse the garment in the sink to wash away any loosened paint. Then, load the garment into the washing machine and wash it according to the care instructions.

Step 7: Inspect and re-treat if necessary

It is important to check the stain before putting the garment in the dryer, as the heat may set the stain permanently. If the stain is still visible, repeat the above steps or try using a commercial paint remover.

Removing poster paint

• Act quickly: Paint stains are much easier to remove when they are still wet. The longer you wait, the more likely the stain will set into the fabric fibres and become permanent. So, it's important to treat the stain as soon as possible.
• Remove excess paint: Use a spoon, dull knife, or a soft scrub brush to gently scrape away any excess wet or dried paint. Be careful not to rub or scrub the stain, as this may spread it further into the fabric.
• Flush the stain with warm water: Turn the garment inside out and flush the back of the stain with warm running water. This will help to remove any loose paint particles and reduce the intensity of the stain.
• Treat with detergent and warm water: Create a mixture of equal parts detergent and warm water. Using a sponge or clean cloth, gently work the mixture into the stain until it is saturated. Then, blot the stain with a clean rag or paper towel. Repeat this process until the paint is no longer visible.
• Rinse and reapply: Rinse the treated area with warm water and reapply the detergent mixture if necessary. You can also try using a commercial stain remover on the affected area.
• Wash as usual: After treating the stain, wash the garment as you normally would, following the care instructions on the label.

If the stain persists, you may need to take more aggressive action, especially if the paint has dried. Here are some additional steps you can try:

• Alcohol-based cleaner: Apply an alcohol-based cleaner, such as nail polish remover, hairspray, or rubbing alcohol, to the stain using a clean cloth. This will help to break down the paint and make it easier to remove. Be sure to test this method on a small, hidden area of the fabric first to ensure it does not cause discolouration or damage.
• Consult a professional: If the stain still remains, consider consulting a dry-cleaning professional. They have access to more specialised tools and chemicals that may be more effective in removing the stain.

Remember to always check the care label on your garment before attempting any stain removal techniques, and to protect your hands with gloves when handling stain removal products.

Removing emulsion paint

Emulsion paints, also known as water-based paints, are relatively easy to remove from clothing if you act quickly. Here is a step-by-step guide to removing emulsion paint from your clothes:

Step 1: Remove Excess Paint

Use a blunt tool, such as a spoon or an old credit card, to gently scrape away any excess wet paint. Work towards the centre of the stain to avoid spreading it onto unaffected fabric. If the paint is already dry, use a plastic knife, stiff-bristled brush, or similar tool to gently scrape off any paint that rises above the fabric's surface.

Step 2: Flush Stain with Water

Rinse the back of the stain with warm running water. This will help to remove any remaining excess paint and prevent it from being driven further into the fabric's fibres. Make sure to keep the garment flat and taught under running water.

Step 3: Treat with Detergent

Apply liquid laundry detergent to the stain, using just enough to saturate it. Add a small amount of warm water to create a lather and gently work the solution into the stain with your fingers. Avoid rubbing the fabric together, as this can damage the fibres and spread the stain.

Step 4: Soak the Garment (Optional)

While this step is optional, it is highly recommended for tough stains. Soak the stained garment in a bucket filled with 1/4 cup of liquid laundry detergent per 2 gallons of warm water for about an hour.

Step 5: Launder the Garment

Leaving the detergent on the stain, wash the garment in the washing machine (or by hand if that is recommended for the fabric). Use the warmest water allowed for the garment, as indicated on its care label, and a full dose of laundry detergent.

Step 6: Inspect and Dry

Before drying, inspect the garment to ensure the stain is completely gone. If any part of the stain remains, repeat Steps 3 to 5. Once the stain is removed, dry the item as you normally would. Avoid tumble drying or using direct heat on stained garments, as this can set the stain.

Additional Tips:

• Act quickly! Paint-stain removal is much easier if the paint is still wet.
• Always check the care label of your garment before treating stains and follow any specific instructions.
• When removing stains, use gentle blotting or dabbing motions to avoid spreading the stain.
• Be persistent. Paint stains can be stubborn and may require multiple treatments.
• If all else fails, consult a professional dry cleaner who can advise on the best course of action.

Frequently asked questions