How to Get Wet & Dried Spray Paint Out of Clothes

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Plus, how to cover up stains & prevent them from happening
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It’s easy for a bit of wayward paint to splatter onto your jeans or sweatshirt while spray painting. Luckily, there are a few ways you can get wet and dry aerosol paint out of your clothes, whether it’s acrylic/water-based or oil-based. We spoke with several cleaning and painting experts to find out the best ways to get spray paint stains off clothes—read on to learn more!

How do you get spray paint off clothes?

Remove spray paint from your clothes by blotting the excess paint with a paper towel. If the stain is oil-based, gently dab it with turpentine or mineral spirits. Dab water-based paint stains with dish or laundry detergent, then rinse the soap. Wash the stained clothing in a washing machine in its own load of laundry.

Section 1 of 4:

How to Remove Wet Spray Paint Stains

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  1. If you've caught the stain while it’s still fresh, you're in luck—paint is typically harder to clean once it’s dry. Simply take a paper towel and press it into the spray paint to absorb it. Just keep blotting the area with a fresh towel until most of the paint is sopped up. [1]
    • Make sure you’re blotting the paint instead of rubbing it. If you rub the paint, you can push it deeper into the fabric and spread it around. [2]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Spray Paint from Clothes
    Treat acrylic paint stains with dish soap or a stain remover . If the spray paint is acrylic or water-based, rinse off any excess paint with cool water. Then, green cleaning expert Susan Stocker says to “put dishwashing liquid” on the stain and gently dab and scrub it with a cloth, sponge, or soft brush. Once the paint is gone, she says to rinse out the spot with cool water. [3]
    • Alternatively, rub a stain remover into the stain to lift up the paint. Or, dab and scrub the stain with equal parts laundry detergent and water.
    • Vinegar and ammonia are other alternatives that can help remove acrylic spray paint. Simply wet a cloth with either cleaner and dab the stain.
    • Check the spray paint can to see if it’s acrylic/water-based or oil-based. If the label doesn’t tell you the type of paint, look at the cleaning instructions. If they mention paint thinner or mineral spirits, you’re dealing with oil paint.
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  3. Dab oil paint with turpentine , mineral spirits , or paint thinner . If the spray paint is oil-based, Stocker suggests using a “solvent like turpentine,” mineral spirits, or paint thinner to get out the stain. Wet a cloth or cotton ball with the solvent and gently dab it into the paint. Just keep blotting the area until the paint is gone. [4]
    • It may take several applications of the solvent to get out the paint.
    • Warning : Wear a mask and gloves when using either of these solvents, as they can produce strong fumes.
    • Note : Test the turpentine, mineral spirits, or paint thinner on an inconspicuous part of your garment to ensure it doesn’t stain or damage the fabric.
  4. After treating the spray paint stain, laundry and cleaning specialist Kamel Almani recommends washing your item “separately as normal in the washing machine.” This helps get out any remaining paint and prevents any residue from staining the rest of your clothes. [5]
    • Check the stain before drying your garment . If there is still paint on your clothes, treat the spot with more dish soap, stain remover, or turpentine. Then, wash it again.
    • Heat can cause any leftover stains to set, which is why it’s important to remove as much of the paint as possible before drying your garment. [6]
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Remove Dried Spray Paint Stains

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Spray Paint from Clothes
    Stocker says “if the paint’s already dried, it can still be [removed], but is a bit more time-consuming.” She suggests “scrap[ing] off as much as you can with a metal spoon” or blunt, plastic butter knife. [7]
    • As you scrape off the paint, it should come off in chunks.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Spray Paint from Clothes
    Dab the stain with acetone , hairspray, or rubbing alcohol. Almani recommends using “alcohol-based liquids” like acetone nail polish remover, denatured alcohol, hairspray, and rubbing alcohol to remove dried acrylic and oil-based spray paint. Simply apply the cleaner of your choice onto the stain and repeatedly “dab [it] with an absorbent towel” to dissolve and lift the paint. [8]
    • Turpentine is another great option for removing dried oil-based spray paint.
    • If any specks of paint come off, Stocker suggests using “a dry cloth” that’s white to “rub off the little flecks.” [9]
    • Know that alcohol-based cleaners are slower to work once the paint has set into your clothes. It may take several applications to lift the paint.
    • If the stain is completely dried and you haven't seen any improvement from the alcohol-based cleaners, a heavy-duty paint remover may do the trick.
    • Note : Spot test the cleaner on a hidden part of your garment to ensure it doesn’t damage it or cause discoloration. Acetone in particular should not be used on acetate, modacrylic, triacetate, or silk fabrics, as it can cause the fibers to disintegrate.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Spray Paint from Clothes
    Use a product like WD-40 or Goof-Off on stubborn stains. Both WD-40 and Goof-Off are formulated to help remove tough stains like dried-on paint, whether it’s oil-based or acrylic/water-based. Simply follow the directions on the product to apply it to the stain. This typically involves spraying the product on the paint, waiting several minutes, and then dabbing the stain with a cloth. [10]
    • Note : Before applying WD-40 or Goof-Off all over, spot-test it on an inconspicuous part of your garment to see if it stains or damages the fabric.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Spray Paint from Clothes
    Treat the stain with stain remover or detergent once the paint is gone. If the paint is acrylic-based, apply stain remover, detergent, or dish soap onto the stained spot and rub it in with a soft brush, toothbrush, or cloth. If the paint is oil-based, rub a bit of laundry detergent or dish soap into the stain and soak it in warm water overnight. [11]
    • Treating the spot with a stain remover helps dissolve any remaining paint and prevent the cleaner you used from staining your garment.
  5. Throw your clothes in your washing machine and wash them as normal according to their care tag. Just launder your garment in a separate load to prevent your other clothes from potentially getting stained. [12]
    • Inspect the stain before you dry your garment . If there are still spots of paint on your clothes, apply more acetone, hairspray, or WD-40. Then, treat and wash the garment again.
    • Do not dry your clothes with heat until you are certain the spray paint stain is gone. Heat can cause the stain to set permanently.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Spray Paint from Clothes
    Dry cleaners use special cleaning solvents that may be able to get out stubborn, dried spray paint that didn’t come out in the wash. Stocker suggests taking your item to a professional dry cleaner, telling them about the issue, and asking if they can potentially remove the stain. [13]
    • Even if the dry cleaner is unable to remove the paint with their products, they may be able to offer advice on how to treat the stain.
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Section 3 of 4:

Concealing the Spray Paint Stain

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  1. Use a fabric pen to hide the stain. If the spray paint stained your clothes and won’t come out, sometimes the best option is to color over the stain and blend it in with the rest of the fabric. Simply get a fabric pen that matches the color of your clothes and apply it over the paint. Or, even use paint to cover up the stain.
    • For instance, if you got spray paint on your jeans, use a mixture of blue fabric pens to color over the stain.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Spray Paint from Clothes
    Use the stained garment as an opportunity to get creative and turn it into a custom art project. For instance, add more paint to turn the stain into part of a design or illustration, like a flower or zig-zag stripe. Or, splatter your garment with paint to give it an artsy look.
  3. If you don’t want to conceal the stain, simply designate your spray-painted clothes as your new cover-up garment for when things get messy. For instance, wear it when you paint, do DIY projects, or clean around the house.
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Section 4 of 4:

Preventing Spray Paint Stains

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  1. Wear a rain poncho , apron, or clothes you don’t mind getting stained. Cover up as much of your body as possible to prevent spray paint from splattering on your clothes. Either wear a plastic rain poncho or make your own by cutting arm and head holes in a garbage bag. Or, simply wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting sprayed with paint. [14]
    • Always wear a mask and gloves when using spray paint to protect yourself from the fumes and getting paint on your skin. Mural artist Laura Johnson says, “It’s best to use spray paint outside” or in an area with “adequate ventilation.” [15]
    • If you get spray paint on your skin, painting specialist James Guth says you can remove it with baby oil or orange cleaner . [16]
    • Put down a drop cloth or sheets of newspaper to protect surfaces from getting stained with spray paint, too.
  2. Spray painting properly helps prevent drips and leaks which can lead to clothes stains. Start by shaking the can of paint for about 1 minute to mix up the paint and remove clogs. [17] Then, Guth recommends “to spray left to right” in short, straight bursts. He says, “The best technique is to always move your hand” so “you don't get a high load on one location.” [18]
    • Shake the can of spray paint in between bursts to re-mix the paint and remove clogs.
    • Of course, make absolutely sure the nozzle is turned away from you before you fire.
    • Check the instructions on the spray paint can for specific directions for the type of paint you’re using.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What removes spray paint?
    Susan Stocker
    Professional Cleaner
    Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.
    Susan Stocker
    Professional Cleaner
    Expert Answer
    If it's acrylic paint, then you can use dishwashing liquid and cold water. If you have oil paint, you'll have to use a solvent like turpentine.
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  • Question
    Is there any way to remove puffy paint from jacket?
    Community Answer
    Peel the puffy paint off, then throw it in the laundry. That should do the trick.
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      Warnings

      • Don’t put untreated clothes in the laundry and dryer. This can set the stain and make the paint nearly impossible to remove.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/laundry/how-to-get-paint-out-of-clothes.html
      2. ↑ https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/spray-paint-clothes-pros-share-164013776.html
      3. ↑ Susan Stocker. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      4. ↑ Susan Stocker. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      5. ↑ Kamel Almani. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.
      6. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a17273/stains-paint-latex-may07/
      7. ↑ Susan Stocker. Cleaning Guru. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      8. ↑ Kamel Almani. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.
      9. ↑ Susan Stocker. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      1. ↑ https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/spray-paint-clothes-pros-share-164013776.html
      2. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/laundry/how-to-get-paint-out-of-clothes.html
      3. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/laundry/how-to-get-paint-out-of-clothes.html
      4. ↑ Susan Stocker. Cleaning Guru. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      5. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a17273/stains-paint-latex-may07/
      6. ↑ Laura M. Johnson. Mural Artist. Expert Interview. 23 September 2022.
      7. ↑ James Guth. Painting Specialist. Expert Interview. 21 July 2020.
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/9Ec28Q3itcg?si=fCylQh6aB-u2SBDJ&t=99
      9. ↑ James Guth. Painting Specialist. Expert Interview. 21 July 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      It’s easier to get spray paint out of your clothes if you act while the paint is still wet. Blot up as much of the paint as possible with a paper towel. Then, spray or scrub the area with a stain remover. If the paint is water-based, you may be able to get it out by scrubbing it with a few drops of dish soap. If it’s oil-based, you’ll need to use a solvent like turpentine, WD-40, or hairspray. Rub the stain remover into the spot with a dry cloth until you’ve gotten as much of the paint out as possible. Then, launder the item like you normally would. If the paint has dried on, scrape away as much as you can with the edge of a butter knife. Then, treat the area with acetone or an alcohol-based stain remover. When you’re done, throw the item in the washing machine. If any of the stain is still visible, try covering it up with a fabric marker that matches the rest of the item, or take your clothing to a dry cleaner for professional cleaning. For tips on how to remove spray paint stains from your clothes if they’re still wet, read on!

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