How to Remove Acrylic Paint Stains From Clothes, According to an Artist and Professional Cleaner

Whether you’re a seasoned artist with paint splatters all over your favorite apron or a crafter who just got a bit too enthusiastic about their latest DIY project, acrylic paint stains happen to the best of us. To learn how to salvage stained pieces, we turned to those who know a thing or two about dealing with this particular type of blemish: cleaning professionals and artists. 

Here’s exactly how these experts get acrylic paint out of clothes, including their step-by-step instructions and recommended supplies.

Materials Needed

• Scraper or palette knife
• Soap
• Laundry detergent
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Nylon brush or toothbrush
• Baking soda
• Dish soap

When gathering your supplies, keep in mind that any go-to household stain removers (such as vinegar) likely won't be effective enough here. Their higher water content won't be enough to break down acrylic paint’s insoluble properties.

Additionally, industrial solvents, like acetone or paint thinner, should also be avoided. While they can dissolve acrylic paint, they'll likely be too harsh on the fabric. "Even if you somehow manage to get dried acrylic paint off with repeated applications of acetone, you’ve now got a serious flammability issue to worry about," warns cleaning professional Mary Gagliardi. Trust us—there are safer, more fabric-friendly ways to handle those acrylic paint stains.

Instructions

1. When the paint is still wet, start by scraping off any excess paint. Avoid using rubbing or blotting motions until any globs of wet paint have been removed by the scraping method.
2. While you held off on the elbow grease in step one, now is the time to put it to use. Using a soft nylon brush or toothbrush, rub in a liquid laundry detergent, says Gagliardi. "Give the fabric a quick scrub," she instructs.
3. Rinse the garment in cold water. Repeat the process as necessary. Be prepared to scrub, rinse, repeat several times, depending on the severity of the stain.
4. Follow up with isopropyl alcohol, advises Tejada. Scrub the rubbing alcohol into the stain until it's mostly or completely removed.
5. Next, machine-wash the garment. Be sure to use a cold water cycle as heat and hot water can set any remaining pigment into the fabric. (You can also opt to hand-wash.) Allow the fabric to air dry afterwards.
   

Act Quickly

One feature of acrylic paint that can be a plus for many crafters is how quick-drying it is. On the flip side, however, this can become a con in the event of spills or splatters.

"Unfortunately, acrylic paint is nearly impossible to completely remove once dry, but one can get close," says Ileana Tejada, sales representative at Arch Art Supplies. 

Acrylic paint dries quickly—usually in under an hour—so keep an eye out for any spills or stains as you’re working. The quicker you treat a stain, the better chance you have of removing it.

How to Remove Dried Acrylic Paint From Clothing

While it's best to remove acrylic paint stains while they're still wet, not all hope is lost if you're dealing with dried acrylic paint. For dried, stubborn stains, mix equal parts baking soda, dish soap, and rubbing alcohol to create a paste. Apply to the stain, allowing the paste to sit. Gently scrub with a soft brush or toothbrush, before rinsing the fabric in cold water and then laundering as normal.