How to Get Spray Paint Out of Clothes

My kids and I use spray paint for fun activities and DIY projects at home. But as fun as it is, it gets very messy. Getting spray stains out of clothes can be tricky, but I’ve tried several methods that always do the trick.

I’ll share some ingredients and ways to get spray paint out of your clothes. But first, you should know a few things.

Things to Note When Dealing With Spray Paint Stains on Clothes

Here are some things to take note of when dealing with spray paint stains on your clothes: 

  1. Wash When Wet

One of the best ways to get rid of spray paint off clothes is to treat the stain while it’s still wet.  Whether you’re telling with cotton, silk, or polyester, it’s best to act fast on spray paint stains before it dries up. 

  1. Blot Out Excess Paint

If you are lucky to catch the spray paint stain while it’s wet, ensure you blot out the paint using absorbent paper towels. 

  1. Determine Whether It’s Water-based, Oil-based, or Latex Paint

Spray paint can be oil-based, water-based, or latex paint. The method to use for your stains will depend on the kind of paint stain you are dealing with. So, read the spray can label to determine what kind of paint it is. Water-based paint can be treated using water and dish detergent, while oil-based requires tougher stain removal like hairspray and nail polish. 

  1. Perform a Spot Test

Before going ahead with any of the removal methods of your choice, ensure you perform a spot test. This is to help you find out if a stain removal method is suitable for your clothes or not. Soak some cotton wool in the solvent of your choice and sab it on a hidden part of the stained cloth. Wait for some minutes to check for any discoloration or damage. If there is no discoloration, you can go ahead with the method. 

Methods to Get Rid of Spray Paints Off Clothes

If you have spray paint on your clothes, here are some steps to help you get rid of it without discoloring them: 

1: Dish Detergent 

Dish detergent is one of the number one go-to for laundry stains. This method is excellent for wet and water-based paint stains only. 

Step 1: Apply some dish detergent over the stain and use an old toothbrush to scrub it. 

Step 2: Rinse the affected area and wash as usual if the stain is gone. 

Step 3: If there is still stain, repeat the process until there is no stain. 

2: Hairspray 

Hairspray

Hairspray contains alcohol, effectively removing oil paint stains without damaging them. Here are some procedures for using hairspray to remove spray paint stains: 

Step 1: Spray the stain with the hairspray until it’s thoroughly saturated.

Step 2: leave for about 5 minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush to loosen the stain. 

Step 3: Rinse the cloth with cold water and wash accordingly if no stain is left. 

Step 4: If any paint stain remains, use a laundry stain removal to treat it. 

3: Nail Polish Removal

Nail Polish Remover

Nail Polish remover contains acetate, which makes it great for removing latex-based spray paints. However, nail polish remover isn’t a good choice for acrylic clothes because it may damage the material. 

Step 1: Soak a rag in nail polish removal and dab the affected area. 

Step 2: Keep blotting the stained area or use a soft-bristle toothbrush to scrub the surface until the stain starts to loosen gently. 

Step 3: Rinse the affected area and Washcloth as usual. 

4: Vinegar

Vinegar is acidic, making it an excellent stain removal. You can consider this removal method if you are dealing with minor spray paint stains. Vinegar is also suitable for water-based and oil-based spray paints. 

Step 1: Soak a cotton ball or rag in vinegar and apply to the affected area after blotting out the paint. 

Step 2: Let the vinegar sit on the stain for up to 20 minutes, then dab gently with the rag. 

Step 3: Rinse the affected area under warm water and wash clothes as usual. 

5: Turpentine

Turpentine is a top choice when dealing with oil-based spray paint. Oil paint stains form a strong bond with fabrics, so it takes more time to get them out of clothes. 

Step 1: Place paper towels under their garments to prevent the turpentine from soaking out. 

Step 2: Wear protective gear like rubber gloves and a mask because Turpentine has a corrosive and sharp smell. Also, it is best to use turpentine in an area that is well ventilated. 

Step 3: Soak a small cotton ball in turpentine and dab the affected area to thin the paint.

Step 4: Once the stain is gone, wash the garment with warm water and dish detergent and launder the cloth as usual. 

Note: Turpentine is best for wet spray paint stains. 

6: Rubbing Alcohol

Nail Polish Remover

Rubbing alcohol is a great stain removal for wet stains, whether water- or oil-based. To be safe, you should perform a colorfast test before going ahead with this method. 

Step 1: Apply rubbing alcohol to the stained area and let it sit for up to 10 minutes. 

Step 2: Dab gently with a towel and then rinse the alcohol under water. 

Step 3: Check if the stain has been removed, then wash as usual. 

7: WD -40 

WD-40 is a powerful chemical that can penetrate deep into spray paint and other stains. 

Step 1: Spray WD-40 on the stained area and leave it for a few minutes. Ensure you only spray the affected area because WD-40 can discolor your clothes. 

Step 2: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub the affected area to loosen the stain, then rinse under warm water. 

Step 3: Wash your clothes as normal and if you have WD-40 stain left, use a stain treatment to get it out. 

How To Remove Spray Paint From Jeans

Rubbing alcohol is one of the best products to get rid of spray paints from jeans. Start by scraping off dried paint or blotting out wet paint. Then spray rubbing alcohol on the area and soak for up to 5 minutes. You can rub the fabric against each other or use a toothbrush to scrub the affected area. Rinse with cold water and wash your jeans as normal. 

How To Remove Dried Spray Paint From Clothes 

Dried spray paint stains may feel so intimidating that you may want to throw out the clothes before even trying to clean them. The good news is that there are some tips to get dried spray paint out of your clothes.  Here are some steps to get dried spray paint out of your clothes: 

Step 1: Scrape Out Dried Paint: 

Before treating the stain, get a dull knife or spoon to scrape off some dried paints. Don’t use a sharp knife to avoid cutting your fabric. 

Step 2: Get The Strongest Cleaners

Finding the best and strongest stain cleaners when dealing with dried spray paint is best. You can try rubbing alcohol, turpentine, and sanitizer. You can also add vinegar and ammonia to the mix for more effectiveness.

Step 3: Scrub The Stain

After adding a strong stain removal of your choice, Use a soft-bristled brush to gently rub the affected area and loosen the stains. 

Step 4: Wash As Normal

Once no stain is left on the cloth, you can wash and launder your clothes, following the manufacturer’s instructions. 

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