Getting paint on clothes is a common mishap—whether you’re working on a DIY home project, attending an art class, or helping kids with crafts. That first splash of color might look like the end of your favorite outfit, especially if the paint dries. But here’s the good news: with the right methods, tools, and timing, you can remove most paint stains from clothing.
Different types of paint—acrylic, latex, oil-based, watercolor, spray paint—require different cleaning strategies. Some respond well to warm water and detergent, while others need stronger solvents and a bit more patience. Understanding what kind of paint you’re dealing with and how long it’s been sitting on the fabric is key to choosing the right removal method.
In this guide, you’ll discover multiple ways to get paint out of clothes—no matter what kind of paint you’re dealing with. From quick hacks using household ingredients to more specialized stain-removal techniques, you’ll be able to rescue your clothes from even the most stubborn paint splatters.
Contents
- Identify the Paint Type Before You Begin
- Things to Know Before Removing Paint from Clothes
- Method 1: How to Remove Wet Acrylic or Latex Paint
- Method 2: How to Remove Dried Acrylic or Latex Paint
- Method 3: Removing Wet Oil-Based Paint
- Method 4: How to Remove Dried Oil-Based Paint
- Method 5: Removing Spray Paint from Clothes
- Method 6: Dish Soap and Baking Soda Paste
- Method 7: Vinegar and Ammonia Solution
- Method 8: Commercial Paint Stain Removers
- Fabric-Specific Paint Removal Tips
- How to Remove Paint After It’s Washed and Dried
- Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Paint from Clothes
- Final Words
Identify the Paint Type Before You Begin
Water-Based Paints
These include acrylic, latex, and watercolor paints. They are generally easier to remove, especially if you act quickly while the paint is still wet.
Oil-Based Paints
Often used for furniture, walls, and artwork, oil-based paints are more durable—and tougher to get out of fabric. They usually require turpentine, paint thinner, or dish soap with a degreasing effect.
Spray Paint
Spray paint can be either water-based or solvent-based. It’s often fast-drying and clings tightly to fabric fibers.
Fabric Paint
Ironically, the hardest paint to remove is the one made for fabric. It’s designed to be permanent, but some fresh stains may still be removable with aggressive techniques.
Things to Know Before Removing Paint from Clothes
Always Check the Fabric Label
Delicate materials like silk, rayon, and wool require gentler approaches than cotton, denim, or polyester. Never use strong chemicals on fabrics marked “dry clean only.”
Work from the Back of the Stain
This helps push the paint out of the fabric rather than further into it.
Never Put Paint-Stained Clothes in the Dryer
Heat will set the paint, making it much harder—if not impossible—to remove.
Method 1: How to Remove Wet Acrylic or Latex Paint
Fresh acrylic or latex paint is water-soluble, so acting fast makes all the difference.
What You’ll Need
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- Toothbrush or nail brush
- Paper towels or absorbent cloth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blot the excess paint gently with paper towels. Avoid rubbing it in.
- Rinse the stain under running warm water from the backside to push paint out.
- Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water.
- Scrub the stained area using a soft brush in circular motions.
- Rinse and repeat until the stain fades or disappears.
- Wash the garment normally after the stain is gone.
This method works well for t-shirts, cotton pants, and workwear.
Method 2: How to Remove Dried Acrylic or Latex Paint
Dried paint is harder to tackle, but it’s not impossible with some elbow grease and the right tools.
What You’ll Need
- Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer
- Butter knife or spoon
- Soft toothbrush
- Paper towel
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Scrape off excess dried paint with a dull knife or spoon.
- Apply rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to the stained area.
- Let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Scrub with a toothbrush to break down the paint.
- Blot with paper towel and check your progress.
- Repeat if needed, then wash as usual.
This is ideal for denim, canvas, and cotton-blend clothes.
Method 3: Removing Wet Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint is trickier due to its greasy nature, but fast action gives the best results.
What You’ll Need
- Paint thinner, turpentine, or mineral spirits
- Old toothbrush
- Gloves
- Dish soap
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
- Blot the wet paint with a paper towel—don’t rub.
- Dab paint thinner onto the stain using a cloth or cotton ball.
- Gently scrub with a toothbrush.
- Rinse with dish soap and warm water to remove the solvent.
- Launder separately to prevent spreading residue.
Best for older, untreated fabrics like jeans, cotton jackets, or work aprons.
Method 4: How to Remove Dried Oil-Based Paint
This will take more time and patience, but results can be worth it depending on the fabric and paint depth.
What You’ll Need
- Acetone or nail polish remover (for color-safe fabrics)
- Cotton balls
- Toothbrush
- Dish soap
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Scrape off dried chunks of paint carefully with a spoon.
- Apply acetone to the stain using cotton balls.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a toothbrush.
- Wash the area with dish soap to remove residue.
- Rinse thoroughly and launder the garment.
Always test acetone on a hidden area before using it on visible fabric.
Method 5: Removing Spray Paint from Clothes
Spray paint settles quickly into fibers and can contain both oil and solvents.
What You’ll Need
- Hairspray (alcohol-based) or rubbing alcohol
- Toothbrush
- Blunt knife
- Dish soap
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Scrape off any dried paint with a dull knife.
- Apply hairspray or rubbing alcohol to the stain.
- Let it soak in for 15 minutes.
- Scrub with a toothbrush using circular strokes.
- Rinse and repeat until most of the paint is removed.
- Wash the garment in warm water with detergent.
Good for t-shirts, leggings, and outdoor work clothes.
Method 6: Dish Soap and Baking Soda Paste
A natural method for removing water-based paints from most washable fabrics.
What You’ll Need
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- Warm water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create a paste using equal parts dish soap and baking soda.
- Apply the paste to the paint stain.
- Let it sit for 20–30 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a brush.
- Rinse under warm water and check the stain.
- Repeat if necessary.
Safe for casual clothes and children’s garments.
Method 7: Vinegar and Ammonia Solution
This DIY solution works for stubborn water-based paint or combination stains.
What You’ll Need
- White vinegar
- Ammonia
- Salt
- Warm water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1 tablespoon ammonia, and 1 tablespoon salt in warm water.
- Apply the solution to the stain.
- Let it soak for 30 minutes.
- Blot with a cloth, rinse, and launder.
Avoid using this method on delicate or non-colorfast fabrics.
Method 8: Commercial Paint Stain Removers
Special stain removers are available for paint cleanup, especially for professionals and artists.
What You’ll Need
- Paint stain remover (fabric-safe)
- Gloves
- Brush or sponge
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Apply a small amount of stain remover to the stained area.
- Follow the label instructions for soaking time.
- Scrub gently if needed.
- Rinse and wash according to the garment label.
Best for studio aprons, uniforms, and repeated-use clothes.
Fabric-Specific Paint Removal Tips
Cotton and Denim
Handle water-based and even oil-based paints well. Use hot water and stronger solutions as needed.
Wool and Cashmere
Stick to spot-cleaning methods like cold water, mild detergent, and blotting.
Polyester and Synthetic Blends
Avoid solvents like acetone unless you’ve done a patch test. Use alcohol or dish soap methods.
Delicates (Silk, Rayon)
Always test on hidden areas. Stick to cold water and gentle blotting with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
How to Remove Paint After It’s Washed and Dried
What You’ll Need
- Rubbing alcohol
- Nail polish remover
- Soft brush
- Patience
- Soak the stained area with rubbing alcohol.
- Let it sit for 30–60 minutes.
- Scrub the fabric gently with a toothbrush.
- Apply dish soap and wash in warm water.
- Repeat if needed, or try acetone if safe.
Some stains may be permanent after heat drying, but lightening them is still possible.
Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Paint from Clothes
Don’t Rub a Wet Stain
Rubbing pushes the paint deeper into the fibers, making removal harder.
Don’t Use Hot Water on Oil-Based Paint
It can set the stain permanently. Always start with solvents first.
Don’t Skip the Patch Test
Solvents can damage or discolor fabric. Always test on an inside seam first.
Don’t Let Paint Dry if You Can Help It
Fresh paint is always easier to remove. Act quickly for best results.
Final Words
Paint stains might seem like a lost cause, especially when they’ve dried into fabric, but don’t give up on your clothes just yet. Whether it’s a splash of acrylic from an art session, a smear of latex from a home project, or an accidental brush with oil-based paint, you now have a wide range of solutions to try.
Each paint type requires a slightly different approach, and the fabric’s durability plays a big role in what will work best. Acting fast is always your best ally, but even old, dried paint stains can be removed with the right tools and patience.
Choose a method that matches your fabric and paint type. Use gentle steps first and escalate as needed. With some effort, you can extend the life of your clothes, restore your favorite pieces, and clean up paint stains like a pro.