How to Get Paint Out of Clothes: Step By Step Guide for 2024

While paint strippers might be the best option when figuring out how to get paint out of clothes, this solution can be very hazardous to use.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission mentions some of the risks of using this substance, including health and safety hazards.

To avoid using a paint stripper, try out some of these other options to understand how to get paint out of clothes.

Jump to Section

• What to Do Before Removing Paint From Clothes
• How to Get Water-Based Paint Out of Clothes (Latex or Acrylic)
• How to Get Oil-Based Paint Out of Clothes
• How to Get Fresh Paint Out of Clothes
• How to Get Dried Paint Out of Clothes
• Other Products to Remove Dried Paint from Clothes
• What to Do If a Paint Stain Can’t Be Removed from Clothes

What to Do Before Removing Paint From Clothes

Wet or Dry Paint

The first step in figuring out how to get paint out of clothes is to determine the severity of the stain and how long the paint has been soaking into the clothes. The drier the paint, the more difficult it will be to remove the stain. If possible, try to treat the paint stain as soon as you can.

When figuring out how to get paint out of clothes, the sooner you act, the better chance you’ll be able to remove the stain. Whether you’re looking to remove dry paint from clothes or remove wet paint from clothes, this process can be entirely different!

Type of Paint

Next, you’ll want to determine what kind of paint stain you’re dealing with when learning how to get paint out of clothes. Most paints are water-based, such as acrylic or latex.

However, oil-based paints can still be common paint mediums if you’re painting woodwork or furniture. The process for removing acrylic vs oil paint is completely different, so you’ll need to know which paint you’re working with.

While it might be easier to learn how to get dried acrylic paint out of clothes, it’s still entirely possible to figure out how to get paint out of clothes from oil-based paints as well!

How to Get Water-Based Paint Out of Clothes (Latex or Acrylic)

Supplies to Remove Water-Based Paints

If you’re dabbling in acrylic painting ideas for beginners, you’ll also want to learn how to get paint out of clothes. Latex and acrylic paint are also common tools for children’s arts and crafts, so these tips will help you determine how to get kids paint out of clothes.

To get started, you’ll need warm water, a clean rag or paper towel, washing detergent and a tool to scrape at the paint, such as a dull knife or a spoon. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and water as another option for how to get paint out of clothes with baking soda!

Steps to Remove Water-Based Paint From Clothes

Fortunately, learning how to get dried acrylic paint out of clothes is almost as easy as figuring out how to clean paint brushes.

1. First, you’ll scrape off as much of the paint as possible before scrubbing the stain with warm water.
2. Does paint come out of clothes in the wash? It sure can! Before throwing the garment in the washing machine, saturate the stain with detergent and water.
3. Do you have baking soda in the cupboard? If the stain is really stubborn, you can make a paste with baking soda and water for another idea of how to get paint out of clothes with baking soda.
4. Then, wash the clothing and, if the stain remains, continue to blot the paint spot with detergent and run it through the wash again.

How to Get Oil-Based Paint Out of Clothes

Supplies to Remove Oil-Based Paint

Using oil-based paint is another fun project when diving into painting for beginners. But when it comes to learning how to get paint out of clothes, it can be a challenge.

However, before you toss out your clothes, try these tips to learn how to get wall paint out of clothes. First, gather a clean rag or paper towels, turpentine or paint thinner, hot water and washing detergent. You can also use a stain remover for extra help in removing the stain.

Steps to Remove Oil-Based Paint From Clothes

The easiest way to figure out how to get paint out of clothes is to turn your clothing inside out to blot the backside of the stain.

1. Turn your clothes inside out.
2. Use turpentine or paint thinner to blot at the stain. However, take caution when using turpentine or paint thinner since the solution contains chemicals and can be flammable. Wear gloves, avoid contact with your skin and make sure to have a good airflow in the room when using this solution. Also, test this solution on a small piece of clothing to ensure it doesn’t discolor the fabric.
3. Next, rinse the stain with warm water and soak it in washing detergent overnight. Make sure to check the tag to follow the right temperature for the fabric.
4. The next day, run the garment through the washer and then air dry it. If the stain remains, run the clothing through the washer again.

How to Get Fresh Paint Out of Clothes

Supplies to Remove Fresh Paint From Clothes

It’s important to remember when learning how to get paint out of clothes that the sooner you try to remove the stain, the easier it will come out. If possible, quickly change clothes to treat the stain after the paint has splattered on your clothing.

You’ll need warm water, dish soap, a sponge and maybe acetone. If your stain is from oil-based paint, you’ll need a paint thinner, clothes, dish soap, sponge and possibly a pre-soak stain remover.

Steps to Remove Fresh Paint From Clothes

Following these steps will help you figure out how to get paint out of clothes that's still fresh:

1. To remove wet paint from clothes, first soak the paint in warm water. This might remove the stain before the paint dries.
2. If the stain is still in place, soak the stain from the inside of your clothing with warm water.
3. Then, use a sponge or paper towels to blot the stain with dish soap.
4. Throw the clothing in the wash to get rid of the rest of the stain.
5. For oil-based paint, scrape off the fresh paint as much as you can and then rinse the stain with warm water.
6. Then, spot the stain from the back with paint thinner to try to remove the stain.
7. Apply dish soap and allow the clothing to soak overnight.
8. In the morning, put the clothing in the washer.
9. If the stain is still visible, treat it with a pre-soak stain remover and wash it again.

How to Get Dried Paint Out of Clothes

Supplies to Remove Dried Paint Out of Clothes

Are you wondering how to get dried paint out of clothes? While it’s easier to remove fresh paint from clothes, it’s still possible to get dried paint out of clothes as well.

In addition to warm water, dish soap and a sponge, you’ll also need a tool to remove the dried paint from clothing, such as a spoon or dull knife. If you’re learning how to get paint out of clothes with oil-based paint, you’ll also need a paint thinner and paper towels.

Steps to Remove Dried Paint Out of Clothes

To remove dry paint from clothes, follow these steps:

1. You’ll first scrape off as much dried paint as you can with the back of a spoon or a dull knife.
2. Then, flush the stain with warm water from the back and soak it with dish soap.
3. Throw the clothing in the washer and repeat this process if the stain remains.
4. If you’re removing oil-based paint, use a paint thinner to blot the stain before treating it with dish soap.
5. Then, run the clothing through the washer and treat it with a pre-soak stain, if needed.

Other Products to Remove Dried Paint From Clothes

Vinegar

Does vinegar remove paint from clothing? As it turns out, this solution can be effective when figuring out how to get paint out of clothes, especially latex paint.

Simply soak the stain in a mixture of two parts vinegar, two parts ammonia and one part salt for two hours. Then, run your clothing through the washer.

Although this method can be effective, it can also damage the fabric. Make sure to test out this method on a small portion of the stain before washing your entire outfit.

Rubbing Alcohol

When all else fails, you can also use rubbing alcohol if you’re wondering how to get paint out of clothes. When treating a dried latex or acrylic paint stain, apply rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and dab the stain before throwing it in the washer.

Test this on a small part of the fabric before treating the entire stain since it can fade the color of your clothing.

Nail Polish Remover

Nail polish remover is an excellent product if you’re trying to figure out how to get paint out of clothes after washing. This solution usually contains alcohol or acetone which breaks down paint fibers.

This can be a better alternative to paint thinner and is usually most effective on the stain after you’ve washed your clothes. This product can also bleach your fabric, so test this solution before committing to it.

Hairspray

Hairspray is another creative tool that can help you when figuring out how to get paint out of clothes, especially dried paint.

Simply spray a small amount onto the stain and let it soak for a few minutes. Then, scrub the stain with a paper towel or brush before running it through the washer.

Hand Sanitizer

What liquid removes paint from clothes? Hand sanitizer is an effective solution if you’re learning how to get paint out of clothes. Since the liquid contains alcohol, it quickly breaks down paint fibers.

You can apply hand sanitizer by itself or combine it with hairspray or acetone nail polish remover to get the paint out. Let the sanitizer sit on the stain for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a toothbrush and tossing the clothing in the washer.

Duct Tape

Duct tape can be a useful tool when figuring out how to get paint out of clothes.

If your clothing is sturdy and the paint is dried, you can easily use duct tape to lift thick paint off the fabric before running it through the washing machine.

Essential Oil

Essential oils are another helpful tool to understand how to get paint out of clothes. Apply a few drops to the stain to help loosen the paint and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, apply a pre-soak treatment and toss your clothing in the washer.

Be mindful that this solution can leave an oily mark, so it’s best to try it out before applying it to the entire stain.

What to Do If a Paint Stain Can’t Be Removed From Clothes

Tie-Dying

So, you’ve tried every option and you still can determine how to get paint out of clothes. Why not turn your clothing into a fun art project?

By using easy painting techniques, you can simply transform your old clothing into a rebranded tie-dye outfit!

One of the best ways to learn this project, especially if you’re diving into painting for beginners, is to take art classes. A professional artist will guide you step-by-step through this fun project and answer any questions along the way.

There are tons of art classes located all over, including art classes in NYC, art classes in Chicago and art classes in Atlanta.

Reuse Around the House

If you still can’t figure out how to get paint out of clothes, reuse your old clothing around the home. Learn how to modify the material into a cool tablecloth or picnic blanket.

You can also use the old clothing for protective gear for future projects, such as taking art classes like watercolor painting for beginners.

Whether you’re battling a dried acrylic paint stain or a wet oil-based stain, there are tons of ways you can learn how to get paint out of clothes. The most important step is determining what kind of paint you’re dealing with, and the proper tools you’ll need to remove the stain.

If the stain is stubborn, you can also get innovative with several other solutions, such as using hand sanitizer or nail polish remover. 

Before you throw out your paint-stained clothing, try these tips to learn how to get paint out of clothes. If the stain won’t go away, reuse your clothing for tie-dye or another fun art project around the house.

For even more creative ideas and inspiration, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!