How to Get Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes

Introduction

Acrylic paint is an excellent medium for crafting and artistic purposes—until it gets on your clothing!

It is water based, quick to dry, and safe for kids and pets. No matter how hard you try, paint will eventually end up somewhere other than on your canvas, especially if small hands are involved. Not only may an enjoyable afternoon spent at the easel be saved, but your favorite shirt or pair of pants may also be saved if you know how to remove acrylic paint stains from clothing. Unlike watercolor or oil based paints, acrylic paint forms a durable bond with fabric fibers, making removal more challenging. Fortunately, you can clean your clothes and remove acrylic paint with a few ordinary household cleaners.

Keep reading to find out how to get acrylic paint out of clothes with laundry detergent and preserve the quality of your clothing.

Treat the Stain Before It Dries

Moving fast is your best bet for getting acrylic paint spots off. Once acrylic paint is dried, acrylic paint is almost impossible to remove, though one can get close." Your best option is to use a scraper, soap, and water to try scraping the paint off the fabric. It is best to take action before the stain dries because there is a possibility that the scraping technique can harm the clothes you are trying to clean.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes

How to Get Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes

First, scrape off any extra paint while the stain is still wet. Then, use the following procedures to deal with the remaining acrylic paint.

Step 1: Scrub the Stain with Laundry Detergent

Rub in the stain with eco friendly laundry detergent, being careful not to overwork it. The detergent formula is specifically designed to break down pigment based stains, as they'll be more effective in lifting the paint from the fabric fibers. Use a soft nylon brush like a toothbrush to scrub the fabric quickly. Rinse the discolored object well in cold water after using detergent, then repeat the process as necessary to remove the paint. Depending on how nasty the stain is, be ready to repeat the process multiple times.

Pre-Treating the Stain

Before tossing your stained garment into the washing machine, it's essential to pre treat the affected area. Start by rinsing the stained area with cold water to dilute the paint and prevent it from falling into the fabric. Next, apply a generous amount of laundry detergent to the stain, ensuring complete coverage. Gently massage the detergent into the fabric using your fingers or a soft bristled brush, focusing on the stained areas.

Let the Garment Soak

After pre treating the stain, allow the garment to soak for at least 30 minutes. This will give the laundry detergent ample time to penetrate the fabric and break down the acrylic paint particles. Extend the soaking time or repeat the pre treatment process before washing for particularly stubborn stains.

Wash in Cold Water

Once the garment is soaked, it's time to launder it as usual. Follow the care instructions on the garment's label, but opt for a cold water wash cycle to prevent the paint from setting further.Laundry care experts at the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension recommend using cold water for protein- or pigment-based stains to prevent them from setting deeper into fabric fibers.Use our eco friendly laundry detergent and add an extra boost of stain remover if needed. Avoid hot water, which can cause the acrylic paint to adhere more firmly to the fabric.

Check for Residual Paint

After washing, inspect the garment for any residual paint stains. If traces of acrylic paint remain, refrain from tossing it in the dryer, as the heat can set the stains permanently. Instead, repeat the pre treatment and washing process until the stain is completely removed.

Air Dry Only (Avoid the Dryer)

Once the stain has been successfully removed, air dry the garment to prevent any lingering paint particles from adhering to the fabric, and hang the garment outdoors or in a well ventilated area until fully dry. Avoid using a dryer, as the heat can cause any remaining paint residues to set into the fabric.

Step 2: Apply Isopropyl Alcohol for Stubborn Stains

After washing with detergent, follow up with isopropyl alcohol to ensure the stain is removed from the clothing. We recommend immediately cleaning with soap and water and following up with alcohol and a toothbrush. Scrub the rubbing alcohol into the stain until it's mostly or entirely removed.

Step 3: Machine Wash the Garment

Next, give your item a machine wash to ensure the stain is entirely removed and doesn't seep into it anymore. Turn the garment inside out to minimize wear on the stained area. Choose the cycle that corresponds with the garment you are cleaning and use cold water to wash it. Allow the fabric to air dry after the cycle is complete. This will help loosen and remove the paint further.

Alternative Methods to Remove Acrylic Paint

Try these other techniques if alcohol and stain remover are still ineffective after multiple applications.

Baking Soda Paste Method :

This method is effective for dried and wet acrylic stains. Equal quantities of dish soap, rubbing alcohol, and baking soda should be combined. After applying the paste to the stain and letting it sit for fifteen minutes, rinse with water and soap.

Dish Soap Method:

When wet, the degreaser in dish soap is potent enough to dissolve acrylic paint. Apply a small amount to the stain, then rinse with warm water.

Acetone or Nail Polish Remover Method:

Use an acetone containing remover for dried acrylic paint stains. Acrylic can be dissolved by acetone. After rinsing with soap and water, dab the discoloration with a cotton ball dipped in nail polish remover.

Hairspray Method:

 Alcohol is the active component in hairspray that helps it effectively remove hardened acrylic paint stains. After applying a stain remover, wash with soap and water.

Commercial Paint Remover Option:

Apply a paint stain remover from a store. If you want an option with less harmful elements, go with a high quality paint remover.

Final Thoughts: Removing Acrylic Paint Successfully

Zero Trace Laundry Detergent is a valiant fighter against fresh acrylic paint stains. By acting quickly, using the proper technique, and with patience, you can restore your clothes to their paint free glory. For particularly stubborn stains or delicate fabrics, consider consulting us. We will be delighted to help you.