Cleaning Acrylic Paint Spills Off Garments
Water-based acrylic paint sticks well to fabric and may not come out in a regular wash, especially after it cures into a water-resistant film. Acting fast improves the odds of full removal, and acetone can break down paint that has already dried. Acetone is typically stocked by beauty supply, hardware and home improvement retailers.
By Toby Rivera4 steps
Because acrylic paint is water-based, it works well for many projects and delivers strong color. The downside is what happens when it lands on clothing: a normal wash may not lift it, and sometimes the stain cannot be removed at all. After acrylic paint dries, it can turn water-resistant, so speed matters when treating the stain. If the paint has already dried, acetone may dissolve it. Acetone is commonly available at beauty supply shops, hardware stores and home improvement retailers.
Acrylic paint spills can be removed with soap and water if you act quickly enough.
Step 1
Use a butter knife or paint scraper to lift off any paint you can.
Step 2
Hold the garment under warm running water and rinse away as much paint as possible. Let the water pass through the fabric so it reaches the underside of the stained area.
Step 3
In a container, combine dish detergent and warm water in equal amounts. Soak a sponge in the mixture, then work it into the paint stain. Blot and press the stain firmly to pull the paint out of the fabric. Rinse with warm water and keep scrubbing until no stain remains.
Step 4
For any stain left behind, dab it with a cotton cloth that has been partly soaked in acetone. Do not apply this method to fabrics containing acetate or triacetate. Then launder the fabric as you normally would.
