Key Takeaways
- Act quickly while the paint is still wet, as acrylic paint dries into a plastic-like finish.
- Use cold water, a small amount of soap, and gentle scrubbing before trying stronger cleaners.
- Dried paint may need rubbing alcohol or stain remover to loosen it.
- Always test on a hidden spot first to avoid damaging your shirt or uniform.
Why Acrylic Paint Is Tricky
Acrylic paint is excellent for crafts, signs, school projects, and more. The problem is that it is water-based when it is wet and turns more like plastic when it dries. Find here more about how acrylic paint is waterproof. That is why fresh paint is easy and old paint is not. So the faster you work, the better your results will be. If you let it sit overnight, you will still have options, just not the simple ones.
What Acrylic Paint Is Made Of
Acrylic paint consists of pigment for color, water to help it flow, and a binder that allows it to adhere to various surfaces, including fabric, paper, or wood. Once the water dries, the binder hardens. That is perfect on canvas. It is not ideal for your favorite hoodie. Acrylic is also used in numerous other products because it is durable and holds color well, such as bathtubs, furniture, and artificial nails. Acrylic keychains are a good example of the acrylic material because they are clear, allowing you to see the material, which is a sturdy plastic. They remain durable and good-looking even when tossed around.
Things You Should Grab Before You Start
You do not need fancy stain machines. Most people have what they need at home. Get a clean cloth or paper towels, mild dish soap, cold water, and a soft brush or old toothbrush. For tougher stains, have rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer without color, or a stain remover nearby. If the item is expensive or sentimental, proceed more cautiously and test it first. I always tell people to work from gentle to stronger, not the other way around.
How to Remove Wet Acrylic Paint
Wet paint is the easiest to fix. If you see the spill right away, you can save the shirt in a few minutes. Do not rub hard at first. Rubbing can push paint deeper into the fibers of the material. If you are a more visual learner (like me), WikiHow has a great YouTube video on how to get acrylic paint out of clothes while the paint is wet.
Rinse and Blot Method
Turn the fabric inside out if you can, and run cold water through the back of the stain. This pushes paint out the way it came in, blot with a clean cloth. Add a drop of dish soap and gently work it in with your fingers. Keep rinsing and blotting until the color fades. This steady, patient motion works better than scrubbing like crazy.
When Soap and Water Are Enough
Sometimes, kids drip paint on cotton shirts during art class, and it hasn’t dried yet. A little soap, cold water, and a thorough rinse may remove it all. If the fabric appears clean, wash it immediately in the machine on a cold setting. Do not put it in the dryer until you are sure the stain is gone. Heat can lock in a stain.
How to Remove Dried Acrylic Paint
Dried paint is stubborn because the acrylic has formed a film. You will need to loosen it. That means a bit more time, but it is still possible. Try to flake off any crusty parts first with your fingernail or a dull knife.
Using Rubbing Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer
Rubbing alcohol helps break down dried acrylic. Apply a small amount to the stain and let it sit for one to two minutes. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub the spot gently. You should see the paint start to lift. Blot with a clean cloth and repeat the process. Be careful, as getting acrylic paint on your skin can be unsafe. Hand sanitizer can also work, as it often contains alcohol. Just make sure it is not full of bright dye.
When to Try a Stain Remover
If alcohol removes some of it but not all, try a laundry stain remover. Apply it, let it soak as instructed on the bottle, then wash it off in cold water. Check the spot before drying. If the stain remains, repeat the steps. Sometimes two rounds are needed.
Testing on Delicate Fabrics
Some fabrics, such as silk or wool, or those labeled “dry clean only,” can be sensitive. Test your cleaner on the inside hem or an area people will not see. If it looks fine after a minute, then treat the stain. If not, call a cleaner. It is better to ask for help than ruin the fabric.
What Not to Do
Do not use hot water first. Hot water can cook the paint into the fibers. Do not toss the item into the dryer before the stain is gone. Heat makes stains more challenging to remove. Try not to pour bleach on it unless the fabric is white and labeled explicitly as bleach-safe. Even then, bleach does not always break down acrylic paint. It can just fade the area. Also, avoid scrubbing super hard on knit shirts. You can fuzz up the fabric, and that looks worse than a faint paint spot.
Extra Tips for Tough Fabrics
Denim, canvas aprons, and work shirts can handle stronger cleaning. You can let rubbing alcohol sit a little longer on these. But be careful, as there are a lot of things you cannot clean with rubbing alcohol. You can also use a spoon to scrape carefully once the paint has softened. For stretchy leggings or sportswear, use gentle care. Those fabrics can pill. It is normal to feel like the stain is half gone. Many stains look better after the whole wash cycle. That is why checking before the dryer is such a big deal.
Quick FAQ
Can I get old acrylic paint out of clothes?
Yes, sometimes. It depends on how long it has been there and the fabric—alcohol and stain remover help.
Does vinegar work?
Vinegar is good for some stains. It is not the strongest for acrylic paint. You can try it, but I would start with soap and alcohol.
Why cold water?
Cold water keeps the paint from setting. It gives you more time to lift it out.
What if it is a uniform or company shirt?
Treat it the same way, but test first. Branded shirts, embroidered logos, and patches can react differently to cleaners.
Holding a Master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois, Josh Clarke has dedicated more than 15 years to managing and disseminating information across various platforms. His professional journey includes significant experience as a research librarian, where he developed an expertise in sourcing and providing accurate and comprehensive answers to diverse questions. In 2018, Josh brought his rich experience to our platform, quickly establishing himself as a reliable source for general FAQs. He has been overseeing our information curation since then, combining his research skills with a flair for engaging content delivery. When not involved in information management, Josh enjoys exploring digital photography and participating in local quiz competitions, hobbies that complement his inquisitive nature and love for learning.
