Acrylic paint stains on clothes can ruin your day in seconds.
You’re working on a fun project, and suddenly there’s a bright splotch on your shirt. The paint dries quickly and clings to fabric like glue. Most people think these stains are permanent and toss their clothes away.
But you don’t have to say goodbye to your stained items just yet. There are proven methods to remove acrylic paint from fabric, even after it’s dried.
Keep reading to learn the exact steps on how to get acrylic paint out of clothes and save your favorite garments.
Is Acrylic Paint Permanent?
Acrylic paint isn’t completely permanent on clothes, but it’s designed to be long-lasting. When wet, it’s much easier to remove.
Once it dries, the paint bonds tightly to fabric fibers and becomes water-resistant.
Can You Get Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes?
Yes, you can remove acrylic paint from clothes with the right techniques.
Fresh stains are easier to tackle than dried ones. For wet paint, quick rinsing under cold water works well.
For dried paint, you’ll need stronger solutions, such as rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.
The type of fabric matters too. Cotton and polyester respond differently to cleaning methods, so adjust your approach accordingly.
Let’s look at how to get acrylic paint out of clothes with easy steps and reliable products.
The Safety Checklist Before You Start
Before you start removing acrylic paint, take a few safety precautions. These steps protect both you and your clothes.
- Work in a well-ventilated area: Some cleaning solutions have strong fumes that can cause headaches or dizziness. Open windows or turn on a fan.
- Wear gloves to protect your skin: Rubbing alcohol and acetone can dry out your hands or cause irritation.
- Test cleaning solutions first: Apply any product on a hidden area of the fabric. This prevents damage or discoloration to visible parts of your clothing.
- Keep products away from kids and pets: Store cleaning solutions safely after use.
How to Get Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to remove acrylic paint from your clothes effectively.
Steps to Remove Fresh Acrylic Paint from Clothing
Fresh acrylic paint is much easier to remove than dried paint. Act quickly for the best results.
Step 1: Blot the Stain.
Use a paper towel or clean cloth to blot excess paint immediately. Don’t rub, as this spreads the paint and pushes it deeper into the fabric fibers.
Step 2: Rinse Under Cold Water
Hold the fabric under cold running water with the stain facing down. This flushes the paint out instead of pushing it through. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear.
Step 3: Apply Cleaning Solution
Choose an appropriate cleaner based on whether the paint is wet or dry. Apply it directly to the stained area.
Step 4: Scrub Gently
Use an old toothbrush to scrub the stain in circular motions. Be gentle but thorough to lift the paint from the fibers.
Step 5: Rinse Again
Rinse the area completely under cold water.
Check if the stain is gone by holding the fabric up to the light. Look carefully for any remaining paint residue that might still be visible.
Step 6: Repeat if Needed
If paint remains, repeat steps 3-5 until the stain disappears. Multiple treatments often work best.
How to Remove Dried Acrylic Paint from Clothing?
Dried acrylic paint is tougher to remove, but it’s not impossible. You’ll need stronger solutions and a bit more patience.
Step 1: Scrape Off Dried Paint
Use a butter knife, credit card edge, or spoon to lift dried paint from the fabric surface. Work gently to avoid damaging the fibers.
Scrape in one direction and remove all loose, flaky paint before moving forward.
Step 2: Apply Rubbing Alcohol
Pour rubbing alcohol directly onto the stain.
Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to soften the paint and break down its bond with the fabric.
Step 3: Scrub the Area
Use an old toothbrush to scrub in circular motions with moderate pressure.
You’ll see the paint start to loosen and lift away. Add more alcohol if the area dries out.
Step 4: Rinse and Wash
Rinse with cold water, check the stain, and repeat if necessary. Then wash the garment as usual.
Cleaning Products that Can Help (Use Carefully)
Different cleaning products work better for different types of acrylic paint stains. Here’s what you need to know about each option.
1. Dawn Ultra (Best for Fresh Stains)
Dawn Ultra dish soap works best on fresh acrylic paint.
It breaks down paint oils before they set into fabric. Dawn is safe for most materials and won’t cause damage or fading.
Oxi Clean tackles older stains that have already set. Mix it with water according to the package directions, then soak the garment for 1-6 hours.
The oxygen-based formula breaks down paint particles bonded to fibers.
It’s gentler than harsh solvents but still effective on stubborn paint residue that regular soap can’t handle.
Murphy Wood Cleaner tackles dried acrylic paint with its oil-based formula. I
t’s less harsh than acetone but stronger than regular soap. Best for tough stains on durable fabrics like denim or canvas.
Nail polish remover contains acetone, which effectively dissolves dried acrylic paint.
Never use it on acetate, triacetate, or delicate fabrics.
Always test on a hidden spot first. Apply with a cotton ball and blot gently. Work in a ventilated area and rinse immediately after the paint lifts to prevent fabric damage.
Klean Strip is a powerful solvent for extremely stubborn dried paint. Use it only when other methods fail.
Apply sparingly and avoid using on delicate or colored fabrics.
DIY Home Remedies for Acrylic Paint Stain Removal
You don’t always need store-bought products to remove acrylic paint.
Common household items can work just as well for many stains.
Soap-Based Home Solutions
Soap-based remedies are gentle on fabrics and work well for fresh paint stains.
They’re safe to use on most types of clothing.
- Dish Soap: Regular dish soap works best for fresh acrylic paint stains. Mix it with warm water and apply it directly to the stain. The soap breaks down paint oils and lifts them from fabric fibers.
- Laundry Detergent: Create a paste by mixing detergent with water. Apply the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing. The enzymes help break down paint particles.
- Hand Soap: Works in a pinch for small, fresh stains. Wet the area, apply soap, and rub the fabric together gently until the paint lifts.
Alcohol-Based Household Options
Alcohol-based solutions are stronger and better for dried paint.
They dissolve the paint’s bond with fabric but require careful handling.
- Rubbing Alcohol: Highly effective on dried acrylic paint. Pour it directly onto the stain and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. The alcohol dissolves the paint’s bond with the fabric.
- Hand Sanitizer: Contains alcohol and works similarly to rubbing alcohol. Apply a generous amount to the dried paint stain and let it sit for several minutes. This works best on smaller stains.
- Hairspray: Check that it contains alcohol before using. Modern hairsprays have less alcohol, making them less effective. Spray it directly on the stain and let it sit before scrubbing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Removing Acrylic Paint
Removing acrylic paint requires care and patience. Avoid these common mistakes that can make stains worse or damage your clothes.
Mistake: Using hot water on fresh stains.
Fix: Always use cold water when rinsing paint stains. Hot water sets acrylic paint into fabric permanently and causes the paint to bond more tightly with the fibers.
Mistake: Rubbing the stain vigorously.
Fix: Blot gently using a dabbing motion. Rubbing spreads the paint and pushes it deeper into the fabric.
Mistake: Putting stained clothes in the dryer immediately.
Fix: Air-dry first, then check in natural light. Use the dryer only once the stain is gone.
Mistake: Skipping the spot test.
Fix: Always test cleaning products on hidden fabric areas first to prevent discoloration or damage.
Mistake: Using too much cleaning product.
Fix: Use moderate amounts of solution. Overloading can saturate the fabric and spread the stain. Add more only if needed.
Mistake: Ignoring fabric care labels.
Fix: Check the care label before using harsh chemicals. Different fabrics like silk or wool require gentler treatments than cotton or denim.
Here’s When Professional Cleaning is the Better Option
Sometimes, attempting to remove acrylic paint yourself can do more harm than good.
- Delicate or Expensive Fabrics: Silk, wool, and cashmere require special care. Professional cleaners have the right tools to safely treat these fabrics.
- Large or Set-In Stains: If the paint covers a large area or has sat for weeks, professional cleaning is your best option.
- Vintage or Heirloom Clothing: Don’t risk damaging irreplaceable items with DIY methods. Professionals know how to work with fragile fabrics.
- When Home Methods Have Failed: If multiple cleaning solutions haven’t worked, seek professional help. Continuing can weaken the fabric.
- Dry Clean Only Garments: Always take “dry clean only” clothing to professionals. Home products can permanently ruin these items.
Conclusion
Learning how to get acrylic paint out of clothes is possible with quick action and the right approach.
Fresh stains wash out easily with dish soap and cold water. Dried paint requires stronger solvents, such as rubbing alcohol or acetone. Always test products on hidden areas first and avoid hot water or the dryer until stains are gone.
Don’t throw away your paint-stained clothes just yet. Try these methods and save your favorite garments.
Have you successfully removed paint stains? Share your experience in the comments below.
