How to remove paint stains from clothes: Complete guide

Have you ever faced those dreaded paint stains on your kids' clothes after a school activity or a creative afternoon at home? Paint stains may seem like an impossible challenge, but the good news is that there are numerous effective methods to eliminate them. From the traditional tricks that our grandmothers taught us to advanced techniques with specialized productsHere we tell you everything you need to know to deal with any type of paint stain. Let's get to work!

Initial tips for treating paint stains

Before you rush into trying any method to remove paint stains, it is important to take into account a series of basic tips that will allow you to maximize your chances of success:

• Act quickly: The sooner you try to remove the stain, the more likely you are to succeed. Fresh stains are much easier to treat than dry ones.
• Identify the type of paint: Different types of paint (watercolor, acrylic, oil, latex, etc.) require different cleaning methods.
• Test in an inconspicuous area: Before applying any product, test it on an inconspicuous part of the garment to make sure it will not damage the fabric.
• Read the garment label: This will help you know the specific washing recommendations and avoid possible damage.

Steps to remove paint stains according to their type

The method for removing a paint stain varies depending on the type of paint. Below, we show you how to approach each of the most common cases:

1. Water-based paint

Water-based paint stains are the easiest to deal with. In addition to being very common in school activities, they are washable and usually disappear easily.

1. Rinse the stain as soon as possible with cold water. Do this from the back of the fabric to expel as much pigment as possible.
2. Apply liquid detergent directly on the stain and rub gently with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.
3. Let it act for a few minutes and rinse again with cold water.
4. Wash the garment in the washing machine following the instructions on the label.

2. Acrylic paint

Acrylic paint stains can be trickier, especially if they have already dried.

1. If the paint is wet, rinse it off. inmediatamente with cold water and rub with a clean cloth.
2. For dry stains, use isopropyl alcohol or nail polish remover (on a small area to test first). Soak a clean cloth with the product and gently rub the stain.
3. Repeat the procedure until most of the paint is gone.
4. Wash the garment as usual.

3. Oil painting

Oil paint stains are the most difficult to remove due to their composition. However, it is not impossible to get rid of them:

1. Use a solvent such as turpentine or denatured alcohol. Place the garment on absorbent paper to prevent the stain from transferring to other areas of the clothing.
2. Soak a clean cloth with the solvent and rub the stain from the outside to the center to prevent it from spreading.
3. Change the absorbent paper As many times as needed until there is no more paint left.
4. Wash the garment using detergent and hot water, as long as the fabric allows it.

4. Latex paint

Latex paint, popular in DIY projects, can also be easily removed.

1. Remove excess paint with a spoon or dull knife before it dries.
2. Wash the garment under running water. warm water from the reverse side of the stain.
3. Apply a mixture of water and liquid detergent on the stain.
4. Gently scrub with a soft bristle brush and rinse with warm water.

Additional home methods and useful tips

In addition to traditional methods, there are some home tricks that can help you get rid of the most stubborn stains:

• Baking soda and vinegar: Mix half a cup of vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda. Apply the mixture to the stain and rub with a sponge.
• Ammonia and salt: Prepare a solution with equal parts ammonia, vinegar and salt. Rub the stain and rinse with cold water.
• Delicate garments: For fabrics such as silk or wool, seek professional help at a dry cleaner.

Dealing with paint stains will no longer be a headache if you follow these practical steps. With the right techniques and a little patience, you can restore your clothes to their original appearance and keep them clean for a long time.