How to Get Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes Effectivelly

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Have you ever searched for how to get acrylic paint out of clothes after an art project went wrong? Acrylic paint is fun to use for painting and crafts. But when it lands on your shirt or pants, it can be hard to remove.

Many people enjoy painting at home, at school, or with friends. Acrylic paint is bright and dries fast. However, it also sticks quickly to clothes. If you don’t act fast, the stain can stay forever. This can be frustrating, especially if you like your clothes or if they are new.

But don’t worry. There are some simple methods to save your clothes from acrylic paint stains. In this article, we will talk about how to remove fresh and dried acrylic paint from clothes. We gathered these guides from various sources, Friday (16/5/2025).

Acting fast is the best way to remove acrylic paint from clothes. The longer it sits, the harder it gets to clean. Follow these steps as soon as the paint hits your clothing:

1. Remove extra paint

Use a spoon, knife, or the edge of a card to gently lift off the wet paint. Work slowly and try to pick up as much paint as possible without spreading it. Be careful not to push the paint deeper into the fabric. Avoid rubbing the area, as this can make the stain worse.

2. Rinse with cold water

Hold the stained part of the fabric under cold running water. Turn the fabric inside out and rinse from the back of the stain. This helps to flush the paint out through the fibers instead of driving it deeper. Keep rinsing until the water starts to run clearer.

3. Apply soap or detergent

Use a few drops of dish soap or laundry detergent directly on the stain. Gently rub it into the fabric using your fingers or a soft-bristled brush. A toothbrush works well for small stains. Make sure the soap covers the entire stained area and let it sit for a few minutes to help break down the paint.

4. Soak the fabric

Fill a bowl or sink with warm water and add a bit more soap or detergent. Place the stained clothing in the water and let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes. This gives the soap time to loosen the paint from the fabric fibers. Gently swirl the fabric in the water now and then to help the process.

5. Wash the clothing

Take the fabric out of the water and rinse it well. Then, wash it in your washing machine using regular laundry soap. Choose the warmest water temperature that is safe for the fabric (check the label on your clothes). Washing will help remove any remaining paint and soap.

6. Check before drying

Before putting the clothing in the dryer, check if the stain is completely gone. Heat from the dryer can set the stain and make it permanent. If you still see paint, repeat the cleaning steps. Only dry the item when you are sure the stain is gone.

These steps work best when the paint is still wet. If the acrylic paint has dried, don’t worry. You can still try other methods.

Removing dry acrylic paint takes more effort. But it is possible with the right tools and patience. Follow these steps:

1. Scrape off dry paint

Use a dull knife, spoon, or even your fingernail to gently scrape off as much of the dried paint as you can. Be careful not to damage the fabric. This step helps remove thick layers of paint so the cleaning products can work better.

2. Use rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol (also called isopropyl alcohol) helps to soften and break down dried acrylic paint. Pour a small amount onto a cotton ball or clean cloth. Dab the stained area gently and allow the alcohol to soak in for 10–15 minutes. This gives it time to loosen the paint.

3. Scrub the stain

After soaking with rubbing alcohol, scrub the area gently using a soft cloth or old toothbrush. Work in small circles and add more alcohol if needed. You may see the paint start to lift and break apart. Continue scrubbing until most of the stain is gone.

4. Add soap and wash

Next, apply dish soap or laundry detergent to the stain and rub it in well. Rinse the fabric under warm water to remove any leftover paint and alcohol. Then, wash the clothing in the washing machine with your usual laundry detergent.

5. Try nail polish remover (optional)

If the stain is still strong after using rubbing alcohol, you can try nail polish remover with acetone. Put a little on a cotton ball and dab it on the stain. Be sure to test it on a hidden part of the fabric first to make sure it doesn’t cause damage or discoloration.

6. Repeat if needed

Some stains take more than one try to remove. If you still see paint after washing, repeat the steps again. Do not dry the clothing in the dryer until you are sure the paint is completely gone. Heat can make the stain permanent.