It is no secret that painting is a messy process, especially when you are using spray paint. If you happen to get spray paint on your clothes, don’t worry. In this article, you’ll learn how to get spray paint off clothes without discoloring or damaging them. The chances are that you already have everything you need at home.
The best way to remove spray paint from fabric depends on the type of paint and how fresh the paint stains are. Most spray paints are oil-based unless they are acrylic or latex. Both latex and acrylic paint types are water-based.
The most appropriate paint removal techniques differ for wet or dried paint stains. For wet spray paint stains, it is best to blot up as much excess paint as possible using paper towels before applying your paint remover of choice.
Blotting it draws more wet paint up into the towels rather than spreading it around. Dried paint is often much more troublesome to remove.
Chemical paint thinner discolors or damages many types of fabric. Instead, try using one of the simple DIY stain removal methods listed below.
Best Ways to Safely Remove Spray Paint from Fabric
Spray paint is incredibly versatile when it comes to DIY projects around the house. When accidents happen, it is critical to act quickly to remove-spray-paint stains before they dry.
To avoid causing further damage to your clothing, avoid using bleach or chemical paint thinner.
For water-based paints like latex and acrylic, washing the garment in warm water and dish detergent might do the trick. If any paint remains after washing with soap and water, try one of the methods listed below.
When dealing with oil-based paint, it is best to use an oil-based paint remover. Avoid putting the garment through the washing machine until you have hand-washed it first.
While the oil-based paint won’t harm the washing machine itself, the paint may spread to other items in the load.
If you are trying to remove dried paint, scrape away as much as possible using a blunt-edged object like a butter knife or paint scraper.
Apply a paint remover and allow it to soak into the fabric for at least 15 minutes to loosen the paint. It is a good idea to do a patch test on an inconspicuous area of the garment first.
How to Get Spray Paint off Clothes using Hairspray
Many aerosol hairspray products contain alcohol as a solvent. Hairspray works effectively to remove both water- and oil-based spray paint stains and can effectively get acrylic paint out of clothes without damaging the material.
Spray the stain until it is thoroughly saturated, then let it sit for at least five minutes. Scrub the stain in a tight circular motion with an old toothbrush to loosen the paint, then rinse the garment with cold water.
If any of the spray paint stains remain, treat them with a laundry stain remover, then launder the garment according to the directions on the label.
Remove Spray Paint from Fabric with Nail Polish Remover
Acetone nail polish remover works best on latex-paint. Soak a clean rag, paper towel, or cotton ball in the nail polish remover and use it to dab the paint stain.
To get dried latex paint out of clothes, keep blotting the fabric until most of the paint has been loosened. Avoid using nail polish remover on acetate or acrylic fabrics.
Get Spray Paint off Clothes using Dish Detergent
If you can, like the way to get spray paint off metal surfaces, wash the item immediately when the paint is still wet. Instead of soaking the entire garment, rinse the affected area under running water from the underside of the stain.
Place a few drops of dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent on the stain and scrub it in a small circular motion with an old toothbrush. Rinse and repeat the process until the stain is completely gone.
Remove Spray Paint from Clothing with Turpentine
Turpentine is one of the most effective ways to remove oil-based spray paint from clothes. The oil forms a stronger bond with the fabric than water-based paints, so oil-based paint is often more difficult to remove.
Ensure that the area where you’re using turpentine is well-ventilated, and use protective equipment like rubber gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator mask.
Place several layers of paper towels underneath your garment, and soak a clean rag or cotton ball in the turpentine. Dab the stain to thin the paint, replacing the paper towels underneath as needed.
Once most of the paint is gone, hand wash the garment with a mixture of warm water mixed with three or four drops of your usual liquid dish soap or laundry detergent and rinse with cold water. Launder the garment in your washer as usual.
Follow the same procedure for getting spray paint off carpet. Be sure to dab at the stain rather than rubbing it so it doesn’t spread.
How to Remove Spray Paint from Jeans with Rubbing Alcohol
The most efficient way to remove spray paint from jeans or for removing spray paint from glass and mirrors is with rubbing alcohol. It is an effective stain remover on any type of paint, whether it is water- or oil-based.
Scrape and rinse away as much wet paint as possible, then soak the affected area with 90-proof rubbing alcohol for at least five minutes or longer for dried paint.
To further loosen the paint and for getting spray paint out of jeans, fold the stain down the middle and rub the fabric against itself.
Scrub it vigorously with an old toothbrush and rinse the garment with cold water. Repeat the process until most of the paint is gone, then launder your jeans as usual.
If you accidentally get spray paint on your clothes during an art or home improvement project, it is possible to remove spray paint from the fabric without damaging it, no matter what kind of paint you have to clean up.
Removing paint from fabric is easier when it is still wet, so it is essential to act quickly. Whether you need to remove spray paint from jeans, cotton, polyester, or any other type of fabric, we’ve got a DIY solution for you.
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