How To Get Spray Paint Out Of Clothes (8 Proven DIY Hacks)

Spray painting is a fun but sometimes messy experience; some nozzle spray can get on your hands or clothes if you are not careful.

You want to get the wet or remove dried spray paint out without damaging your clothes or wasting time. Follow our tips below to learn how to get spray paint out of clothes.

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8 Clever HacksTo Get Spray Paint Out Of Clothes

1. Using Hairspray

One common element when experts discuss how to get spray paint off fabric is hairspray. This classic household staple is made of alcohol, which acts as an effective solvent against water or oil-based spray paints.

Spray the affected area until it is thoroughly saturated with hair spray.
Let it sit for five minutes.
Scrub the area in a tight circle with an old clean toothbrush.
If necessary, soak a cloth in hair spray and dab at the area repeatedly.
Rinse the spot thoroughly with cold water in the sink or shower.
Repeat this process if necessary.

2. Using Nail Polish Remover

Another sworn-by suggestion to remove spray paint is to use nail paint remover. This is not the best for acetate or acrylic spray paint or acrylic paint stains but works wonders on latex paint.

Soak a clean cloth in nail paint remover or paint thinner and dab the area until it is soaked.
If the paint is dry spray paint, blot until the pigment is loosened.
Once done, apply stain remover to the area and launder the item as usual.
Launder the item as usual to remove spray paint and any lingering smell of acetone nail polish remover. You may need to use a spray paint stain remover on the item before putting it in the machine.

3. Using Dish Detergent

Dish soap or laundry detergent is another excellent option for battling water-based paint spills on fabric. This is less effective on its own if the most spray paints dried than when it is freshly spilled. Often when discussing how to get spray paint off shirts, it is not recommended to use this method on its own when dealing with oil-based paint.

Immediately after the spray paints gets on your clothes, rinse the affected area with running water from the underside of the stain.
Add a few drops of detergent to the area and scrub in small circles with a toothbrush.
Rinse the area thoroughly with clean cold water.
Repeat these steps, if necessary.

4. Using Turpentine

Turpentine is another very effective anti-paint item to remove spray paint. It works well for oil-based paint spills. However, you do need to take more safety precautions before using more so here than with other methods on this list.

Ventilate the area you will be using the turpentine in.
Wear protective equipment, including goggles, gloves, clothing, and a respirator mask.
Place multiple layers of paper towel or cotton ball under the garment just in case the turpentine leaks through.
Soak a clean towel or rag in the turpentine and dab the stain, replacing the paper towel or cotton ball if necessary.
Once the area is soaked, leave it for 10 minutes.
Clean the garment in warm water mixed with three or four drops of laundry detergent or dish soap.
Launder the item with detergent and some stain remover if necessary.

5. Using Rubbing Alcohol

When considering how to get spray paint out of jeans, rubbing alcohol could be the best way. Rubbing alcohol is a very effective stain remover for excess wet paint or wet oil based (oil paint)- and water based spray paint.

We recommend choosing a 90 percent or stronger bottle and performing a spot test to confirm it will not damage your clothes. Once you have confirmed your clothes will not be damaged, you can continue.

If you are trying to remove dried paint, scrape away as much wet paint as possible using a blunt-edged object like a butter knife or paint scraper. Apply a paint remover and allow it to soak into the fabric for at least 15 minutes to loosen the paint.

Blot or scrape off as much paint as possible from the affected area.
Soak the area in rubbing alcohol and let it sit for five minutes.
Rinse the item under warm water.
Repeat steps two and three if necessary.
Launder the item as usual.

6. Using Mineral Spirits

Mineral spirits can be used to spray paint wash away that is freshly spilled. It is not as strong as turpentine but can be as effective. These spirits may not be as effective on dried paint, depending on the formula you are using.

Dip a clean cloth in the mineral spirits and soak the stain.
Leave that dried paint stain to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Rinse the affected area under warm water and clean with dish soap or detergent.
Repeat these steps if necessary.
Launder the item, potentially using a laundry spot treatment on the area if necessary.

7. Using WD-40

WD-40 is best for removing wet paint or wet oil based spray paint from clothing as its solvents and degreasing formula break down the oil. However, avoid getting WD-40 anywhere but the stain as this could lead to further staining.

Make sure to ventilate the area and wear protective clothing and gear beforehand.
Blot as much paint as possible.
Spray only the stained area with WD-40.
Let the stain soak in WD-40 for a bit to let the formula break down.
Rinse the area under warm water with some dish soap or detergent.
Repeat the above steps if necessary.

8. Using Vinegar

Another household staple that can help is vinegar. It is not the best for large spray paint stains, but can help with small ones in a pinch. This method works best on wet or dry oil- and water-based paint stains. Make sure to do a spot test beforehand to check if vinegar will discolor your clothes; dab a hidden area with vinegar and leave it for a few minutes to find out.

Scrape or blot the spray paint as best you can.
Soak the wet spray paint stains with vinegar using a soaked cloth.
Let the excess paint stains sit and soak for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse the stained area under warm water.
Repeat and launder if necessary.

How To Get Rustoleum Spray Paint Off Your Clothes?

Rustoleum spray paint is a popular brand for DIY fans that comes in a range of colors and finishes. Many people often wonder how to get Rustoleum spray paint off clothes, and it can be as simple as following our steps above.

Depending on the type of spray paint you are using, we recommend trying to scrape the area first before soaking or dabbing it with one of the solutions above. We recommend following any necessary safety tips and using a cloth or old toothbrush to get the job done.

Once you have followed the steps above, apply some paint stain remover and launder as usual to remove spray paint stains and any lingering smells.

Spray Paint On Clothes Removal FAQs

Can baking soda remove spray paint from clothes?

Baking soda may help remove some of the spray paint from clothes, but it is not a guaranteed solution.

What types of paint are hard to remove on clothes?

Typically, oil-based paints can be trickier as the oil in spray paints sticks very well to the fabric. It depends on a variety of factors, including the type, how dry it is, the size of the stain, and the material of the clothing.

Conclusion

There is no need to throw away your favorite clothes just because of a spray paint accident.

It is easy for removing spray paint stain once you know how; try our tips and tricks above for removing paint from clothes and make them clean and stain-free.