Does Spray Paint Wash Out of Clothes? Tips for Removing It From Fabric (2024)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

Nearly two-thirds of Americans have gotten spray paint on clothing.

Blot before washing,as wet spray paint washes out more easily than when dried.

Use dish soap, vinegar or rubbing alcohol.

Dried-on spray paint requires scraping gently, then dissolve with acetone-free nail polish remover.

Check fabric care labels before using any product.

With some effort, you can likely salvage spray-painted clothes.

Gentle abrasion lifts color, restoring fabrics.

Practice safety – work outdoors and use painter’s tape when creating designs.

Celebrate liberation through self-expression, while honoring clothing’s role in sustaining us.

Does Spray Paint Wash Out of Clothes?

When spray paint gets on your clothes, the first thing to do is:

• Blot up any wet paint.
• Scrape off any dried paint you can.

Determining if the paint is oil- or water-based will let you know what type of stain remover to use. With the right stain fighting products and techniques, spray paint often can be removed from fabrics in the wash.

Blot the Excess Paint

You’re going to want to blot up as much of the wet spray paint as possible with a paper towel or clean rag before it has a chance to set into the fabric.

1. Use a dry paper towel or clean cotton rag
2. Gently dab the paint stain
3. Avoid rubbing or spreading the paint
4. Work quickly before the paint dries

Scrape Off Excess Paint

You can scrape off excess dried spray paint from the fabric using a dull knife or fingernail before treating the stain.

Gently scraping with a butter knife helps remove the top layer of dried paint prior to using a solvent like rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.

Take care not to damage the fabric when scraping. Check first on an inconspicuous area before scraping visible areas.

This prepares the fabric to allow solvents better access to lift paint from fibers.

With patience, you can rescue clothes while learning techniques to prevent future spray paint mishaps.

Removing Wet Spray Paint

When finding wet spray paint on your clothes, start by:

• Dabbing it with a paper towel to absorb as much as possible before the paint dries.
• Using an ice cube to harden the paint so it chips off easier.
• Applying some acetone or nail polish remover to a cotton ball and gently dab the stain, being careful not to spread it.
• Letting it sit for a few minutes to break down the paint.
• If needed, making a paste of baking soda and water and gently rubbing it into the fabric using a toothbrush.
• Rinsing with cool water and checking if the stain persists.

You may need to repeat this process before washing as usual with paint thinner added to the detergent to fully eliminate the spray paint. Checking first on an inconspicuous area helps prevent damage. With some patience, wet spray paint can often be removed from fabrics.

Removing Dried Spray Paint

To truly conquer the challenge of removing dried spray paint from your clothes, you must arm yourself with knowledge and a few powerful tools.

First, it’s crucial to determine the fabric type before attempting any removal method.

For water-based paints, you can unleash the power of acetone or nail polish remover. Apply either substance onto a clean cloth and gently dab at the stained areas until you witness progress.

If oil-based spray paint has infiltrated your garment’s fibers, consider employing hairspray or turpentine as formidable allies in this battle for liberation from unsightly stains. These substances possess unique properties that aid in breaking down stubborn pigments.

Once treated with these potent solutions, allow your garments ample time to dry completely before proceeding further with stain removers or additional cleaning methods to avoid setting any remaining residue into the fabric permanently.

Home Remedies to Remove Spray Paint

To remove spray paint from clothes using home remedies, you can try dish soap, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol.

Dish soap is effective for water-based paints and should be r믭 gently into the stain.

Vinegar can be used to break down oil-based paints by soaking the garment in a mixture of 1 tablespoon salt and 2 tablespoons each of ammonia and vinegar.

Rubbing alcohol is another option for removing dried spray paint stains by applying it directly to the fabric with a cotton swab or pad.

Dish Soap

To continue removing dried spray paint from clothes, try using dish soap as a home remedy.

• Apply a small amount of dish soap to the stain and rub it in gently with a clean cloth.
• Rinse the area with water and launder the garment as usual.

Vinegar

After using dish soap, vinegar is another home remedy for removing spray paint from clothes.

Soak the stained area in a solution of equal parts vinegar and water, or apply a paste of baking soda and vinegar.

Let the solution sit for 30 minutes, then rinse the item with warm water and launder as usual.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can also be used to remove spray paint from clothes.

To use, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and gently dab at the stain.

Be sure to test the rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first to make sure it doesn’t damage the material.

Taking Clothes to the Dry Cleaner

If you can’t remove the spray paint from your clothes at home, take them to the dry cleaner.

Dry cleaners have the expertise and the chemicals to remove spray paint from your clothes.

The cost will vary depending on the severity of the stain and the type of fabric.

The turnaround time will also vary, but you can usually expect your clothes back within a few days.

Dry cleaners are insured against damage to your clothes, so you can be confident that your clothes will be safe in their hands.

Covering Up Spray Paint Stains

If you can’t remove the spray paint stain, you can cover it up with a fabric pen.

Choose a pen that matches the color of your clothes and apply it to the stain until it’s covered.

You can also try using nail polish or acrylic paint, but be sure to test the product on a hidden area of the fabric first to make sure it doesn’t damage the material.

If you want to prevent spray paint stains from happening in the first place, apply a spray paint primer to your clothes before you start painting.

You can also seal your clothes with a clear coat after you’re finished painting to protect them from future stains.

Preventing Spray Paint Stains

To prevent spray paint stains, use spray paint in short, controlled bursts and turn the nozzle away from you before spraying.

• Wear old clothes when spray painting.
• Cover surfaces with newspaper or plastic sheeting.
• Use gloves to protect your hands.
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Test spray paint on a small area of fabric before using it on a larger area.

Spray Painting Clothing Safely

When spray painting clothing, it’s important to:

• Wear gloves.
• Use a tarp to protect your work surface.
• Work outside or in a well-ventilated area.
• Test the paint on a small area of fabric first.

Setting Spray Paint on Fabric

To set spray paint on fabric, you can:

• Use a hair dryer on a low setting to help the paint dry quickly.
• Apply a coat of primer to the fabric before painting to help the paint adhere better.

The type of fabric you’re painting on will also affect the drying time. For example, cotton will dry faster than silk.

If you’re painting outdoors, make sure there’s good ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes.

You may also want to sand the fabric before painting to create a rough surface that will hold the paint better.

What Kind of Spray Paint for Fabric?

Now that you know how to remove spray paint from fabric, you need to know what kind of spray paint to use on fabric in the first place. Not all spray paints are created equal, and some are better suited for fabric than others.

• Permanent: The paint should be permanent so that it won’t wash off or fade.
• Water-based: Water-based paint is less likely to damage the fabric than oil-based paint.
• Textile-specific: Look for a spray paint that’s specifically designed for fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)