Water-based acrylic paint is a widely preferred option due to its versatility, fast drying properties, and ability to be easily cleaned.
Water-based acrylic paint is a widely preferred option due to its versatility, fast drying properties, and ability to be easily cleaned from brushes and hands using water.
Additionally, it is considered less hazardous compared to other types of paints, making it suitable for environments with children and pets. However, once acrylic paint dries, it forms a water-resistant barrier, making it challenging to remove stains from clothing.
This article provides instructions on how to handle acrylic paint stains on clothes and offers techniques for removing dried paint from garments.
Materials and Tools Required
For Wet Acrylic Paint:
- Stain remover
- laundry detergent
- Cold running water
For Dried Acrylic Paint:
- Dried acrylic paint
- 1 butter knife or scraping tool
- 1 rag
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Stain remover
- Laundry detergent
Steps to Remove Wet Acrylic Paint from Clothing
If you accidentally get wet acrylic paint on your clothes, acting quickly to remove the paint can prevent a permanent stain.
Rinse with Cold Water
Hold the affected garment under cold running water, preferably allowing the water to flow from the back side of the fabric.
This helps to flush the paint off the clothing, rather than pushing it deeper into the fabric. If there is a substantial amount of paint, you can use a plastic spoon or paper towel to scoop off the excess before rinsing.
Pretreat the Stain
Apply a laundry stain remover or liquid laundry detergent directly to the paint stain.
Gently rub the pretreatment into the fabric to help loosen the paint.
Launder the Clothes
Wash the garment as you normally would, using the highest water temperature recommended on the care instructions of the clothing item.
Check for Stains Before Drying
Before placing the garment in the dryer, check if the stain has been completely removed.
Drying the clothing with a remaining stain can set it permanently. If there is still a visible stain, repeat the stain removal process.
It’s important to note that once acrylic paint has dried on clothing, it becomes challenging to remove.
Before attempting to remove dried paint, consider whether the garment is worth salvaging.
Steps to Remove Dried Acrylic Paint from Clothing
If acrylic paint has dried on your clothes, follow these steps to try and remove the stain:
Scrape off the Paint
Using a butter knife or scraping tool, gently scrape off as much of the dried paint as possible from the fabric.
Break Down the Paint
Apply isopropyl alcohol to a rag and rub it onto the stain.
Gently work the alcohol into the paint, and if you notice any pigment transferring from the garment to the rag, it indicates that the alcohol is breaking down the paint.
Pretreat the Stain
After dissolving the top layer of dried paint, rinse the garment with cold running water to remove the alcohol.
Then, apply a laundry stain remover or liquid laundry detergent directly to the stained area. Rub the pretreatment into the fabric.
Wash the Clothes
Wash the clothing item as you normally would, using the hottest water temperature recommended on the care instructions.
Check for Stains Before Drying
Before drying the garment, make sure the stain has been completely removed.
If there is still a lingering stain, repeat the process from step 2 onwards.
Remember, the heat from a dryer can set stains, so it’s crucial to ensure the stain is fully removed before drying the clothing.
*The information is for reference only.
