Water-based acrylic paints are popular because they are versatile, dry quickly, and are water-soluble. They also have the advantage that brushes and hands can be cleaned easily. Compared to oil paints, they are also less hazardous. Therefore, they are safe to use around children and pets. However, acrylic paints become water-repellent when dry and are difficult to get off clothes.

This guide will explain how to get acrylic paint off clothes. We will also explain how to remove acrylic paint once it has dried.

1. Precautions Regarding Acrylic Paint Stains

Acrylic paint stains are easily removed when they are still damp. However, once they have dried, they are very difficult to remove. If possible, acrylic paint stains on clothing should be rinsed off immediately with running cold water.

Once acrylic paint dries on clothing, it is very difficult to remove completely. This is because acrylic paint is a pigment suspended in a polymer solution. It is water-soluble when wet but not when dry.

Isopropanol is the most effective way to get dry acrylic paint off clothes. Other stain removers, such as ammonia, acetone, or paint thinner, can also dissolve acrylic paint. However, they are better suited to removing acrylic paint from hard surfaces than from textiles.

In addition, solutions with a high water content, such as vinegar or window cleaner, should be avoided. This is because the high water content makes them ineffective against insoluble stains. Therefore, when it is necessary to wash paint off clothing, use isopropanol.

Isopropanol, ammonia, acetone, and paint thinner are flammable. Therefore, when using these substances to pretreat stains on washable materials, be sure to rinse off any residue with running cold water before washing. This will prevent the appliance from catching fire.

2. Tools and Equipment You Need

To clean dry acrylic paint, you will need:

• A butter knife or scraper
• A cloth
• Isopropanol
• detergent
• washing powder

To clean cet acrylic paint, you will need:

• A butter knife or scraper
• A cloth
• Detergent
• Washing powder

3. How to Remove Acrylic Paint from Clothes

If acrylic paint gets on your clothes, you should remove it immediately. This will prevent it from leaving a permanent mark. If this happens, you can wash the clothes as follows

3.1 Rinse the Paint Off with Cold Water

Rinse the paint off by placing the garment in running cold water. It is best to let the water run off the back of the garment. This way, the water pushes the paint away from the fabric rather than through it. If there is a lot of paint on the garment, you can scoop it off with a plastic spoon or paper towel and then rinse it off with water. It is important to try not to push the paint deep into the fabric fibres.

3.2 Pre-treat the Stain and Wash

Pre-treat the paint stain with a laundry stain remover or washing-up liquid. You then need to follow the washing recommendations on the label to remove the acrylic paint from the fabric. For example, wash the laundry as usual using the maximum water temperature that the laundry can withstand.

3.3 Check the Stain Before Drying

Before putting the laundry in the dryer, make sure that the stain has been removed. The heat from the dryer can set the stain. If the stain is still there, repeat the above stain removal steps.

4. How do I Get Acrylic Paint Off My Clothes Once it Has Dried?

Once acrylic paint has cured, it is very difficult to remove from clothes. You can follow the steps below to remove acrylic paint from clothes. However, before you start, please assess whether the clothes are worth saving.

4.1 Scrape Off the Paint

To remove paint from fabric, you can use a butter knife or scraper. When using a scraper, you need to avoid damaging the clothes. If you accidentally scratch the clothing, it may not be necessary to remove the acrylic paint from the clothing.

4.2 Disintegrate the Paint

Next, use a cloth dampened with isopropanol to gently rub the stain, allowing the paint to soak in. Isopropanol dissolves the waterproof layer of dry acrylic paint. If the color transfers from the clothing to the cloth, the alcohol is disintegrating the paint.

4.3 Pre-treat the Stain

After the top layer of paint has been removed, rinse the alcohol off the laundry in cold water. Then, pretreat the stain with a laundry stain remover or liquid detergent.

4.4 Wash the Laundry

Again, you need to follow the washing instructions on the label. For example, wash the laundry as usual at the maximum water temperature that the laundry can withstand.

4.5 Check the Stain Before Drying

The high temperatures in the dryer can make stains more difficult to remove. Therefore, before putting the laundry in the dryer, make sure that the stains have been removed during washing. If there are still stains, repeat the stain removal process.

5. Other Methods

If the stain cannot be removed after repeated attempts using alcohol and stain remover. Then, you can try the following alternative methods.

5.1 Baking Soda Mixture

This method is suitable for removing both wet and dry acrylic stains. First, mix equal parts baking soda, dishwashing liquid, and rubbing alcohol. Then, apply the paste to the stain and leave it for 15 minutes. Finally, rinse thoroughly with soap and water.

5.2 Dishwashing Liquid

Dishwashing liquid often contains powerful detergents that can dissolve acrylic paint when it is damp. You can rub a few drops onto the stain and then rinse with warm water.

5.3 Nail Polish Remover

Acetone-based nail polish remover can be used to remove dried acrylic paint stains. This is because acetone dissolves acrylic. However, you need to be careful when using this remover. This is because it can damage materials.

To find out whether the remover is safe to use, apply it to a hidden area of the item. If there are no problems, blot up the discolored area with a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover. You can then wash the area with soap and water.

5.4 Hair spray

As hair spray usually contains alcohol, it is an effective remover for dried acrylic paint. Spray the stain and then wash with soap and water.

5.5 Paint remover

Alternatively, you can use commercially available stain removers designed for acrylic or emulsion paints. These also effectively remove acrylic paint.

6. Summary

It should be noted that the following industrial solvents or household chemicals should be avoided when dealing with acrylic paint stains. This is because these solvents may damage the fibers of certain materials, such as acetate or triacetate. Common industrial solvents include pure acetone, turpentine, and petroleum-based paint removers or thinners.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

7.1 How Long Does it Take for Acrylic Paint to Cure on Fabric?

Acrylic paints usually take 30 minutes or more to dry. Therefore, the sooner you treat a stain, the more likely it is that you can remove it completely.

7.2 Can Baking Soda Remove Acrylic Paint?

Baking soda can remove both wet and dry acrylic stains. However, this method is best used in combination with baking soda, dishwashing soap, and alcohol. Leave the paste on the stain for 15 minutes, then rinse with soap and water.

7.3 Can Hairspray Get Acrylic Paint Off Clothes?

Hairspray contains isopropanol, which can remove acrylic paint stains. However, hairspray may damage some materials. Therefore, please try other methods before using hairspray.