How to Get Spray Paint off Your Hands

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Spray paint can be really useful, but it can also be really messy. It almost seems like it’s impossible not to get a little on your hands whenever you use it. Not to worry. Spray paint doesn’t have to be a huge pain to get off of your skin. Here's a list of different things you can use to remove spray paint that you probably already have lying around the house.

1

Dish soap

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-2-Version-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-2-Version-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-2-Version-8.jpg\/aid341121-v4-728px-Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-2-Version-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Add a few drops of a standard dish soap to your hands. Rub your hands together to help will lift and trap the paint particles so they’ll be easy to rinse off.
    • Dawn is a classic example, but you can really use any dish soap that’s designed to wash away grease and oil.
    2. Advertisement
2

Olive oil

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-1-Version-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-1-Version-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-1-Version-8.jpg\/aid341121-v4-728px-Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-1-Version-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once the spray paint dries, it can be difficult to remove. Natural oils such as olive or vegetable oil can help break up the particles in the paint that cause it to stick to your skin. Cover your hands with oil and rub it into your skin to start loosening the paint.
    • Any natural oil will be effective. You could use coconut, avocado, or even soybean oil to help loosen the paint.
3

Mayonnaise

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-3-Version-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-3-Version-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-3-Version-8.jpg\/aid341121-v4-728px-Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-3-Version-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Spread a nice dollop of the condiment onto your paint-covered hands and rub your hands together to work it into your skin. Leave the mayo on your skin for 2 minutes, then rinse it off with soap and water. [1]
    2. Advertisement
4

Coffee grounds

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Get Spray Paint off Your Hands
    Take some dish soap and add a few drops to your hands. Work it into a nice lather, then add a scoop of coffee grounds to the mix. Rub your hands together to break up and lift the paint from your skin. Then, wash the soap and coffee away with hot water. [2]
5

Nail polish remover

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-5-Version-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-5-Version-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-5-Version-8.jpg\/aid341121-v4-728px-Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-5-Version-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If there’s paint that continues to cling to your skin after you’ve scrubbed your hands, add some nail polish remover to a cotton ball and dab the paint directly. Then, try rinsing off the paint with hot water. [3]
    2. Advertisement
6

Rubbing alcohol

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Get Spray Paint off Your Hands
    If you don’t have acetone, or you don’t want to use nail polish remover, choose rubbing alcohol instead. Soak a cotton ball with the rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the paint. Rinse away the paint after it’s been saturated in the rubbing alcohol. [4]
7

Coconut oil and baking soda

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Get Spray Paint off Your Hands
    Combine 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of coconut oil and 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of baking soda in a container. Mix it together well and spread it over your hands. Rub your hands together like you’re working soap into a lather to massage the oil into your skin and loosen up the paint. [5]
    • If you don’t have coconut oil, no worries. You can use olive oil or vegetable oil instead.
    2. Advertisement
8

Paint thinner

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-8-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-8-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-8-Version-7.jpg\/aid341121-v4-728px-Get-Spray-Paint-off-Your-Hands-Step-8-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your hands are just covered with really stubborn, stuck-on paint, rub paint thinner over the painted areas. The paint thinner will break down the paint particles and make the paint easier to remove. [6]
    • Make sure you’re in a well-ventilated room to avoid breathing in the paint thinner fumes.
9

Toothbrush

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Get Spray Paint off Your Hands
    Smaller areas, such as around your fingertips, under your fingernails, and in the creases of your hands, can be especially difficult to get paint off of. Take a clean toothbrush and scrub the paint off manually once you’ve washed it off from the rest of your hands.
    • Soaking the toothbrush in warm water can make the bristles a little softer and gentler.
    • You can also use a toothbrush to scrub any stubborn spots of paint off of your hands.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I get spray paint off my hands without chemicals?
    James Guth
    Painting Specialist
    James Guth is the co-owner and founder of Chesapeake Painting Services LLC. With over 20 years of experience, James specializes in exterior and interior painting, drywall, powerwashing, wallpaper, staining, sealing, and carpentry. James holds a BS in Economics and Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Towson University
    James Guth
    Painting Specialist
    Expert Answer
    I would recommend rubbing baby oil onto your hands. It should lift the paint off your skin.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 5
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Tips

      • Once you manage to get the paint off, apply a moisturizing lotion to help rehydrate and soothe your skin. [7]
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • Try to wash off the paint as soon as you can. Once it dries and sets in, the paint can be more difficult to remove.
        Thanks
        Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0
      • Wash your hands as many times as it takes to get the paint off of them.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 10
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Make sure you work in a well-ventilated area if you’re using paint thinner or acetone.
        Thanks
        Helpful 4 Not Helpful 3
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Remove Acrylic Paint from Skin
      How to
      Clean a Blackened or Burnt Coffee Pot
      How to
      Get Wax Out of a Jar Candle
      How to
      Get Rid of Stinky Hands: Eliminate Odors from Garlic, Fish, Gasoline, Skunks, Bleach & More
      How to
      Remove Paint from Skin
      How to
      Get the Smell of Gasoline Off Your Hands
      How to
      Get Pepper Spray Off Your Hands
      How to
      Remove the Smell of Bleach from Your Hands
      How to
      Clean Food Coloring off Skin
      How to
      Get Fish Smell off Your Hands
      How to
      Make Hand Sanitizer
      How to
      Wash Your Hands
      Quick & Easy Ways to Remove Resin From Skin and Hands
      How to
      Get Spray Paint Off Skin
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://propaintersguide.com/how-to-get-spray-paint-off-your-hands/
      2. ↑ https://propaintersguide.com/how-to-get-spray-paint-off-your-hands/
      3. ↑ https://homesteady.com/12191602/how-to-remove-black-rust-oleum-fence-paint-from-skin
      4. ↑ https://www.paintspraypro.com/best-ways-get-spray-paint-off-hands-skin/
      5. ↑ https://propaintersguide.com/how-to-get-spray-paint-off-your-hands/
      6. ↑ https://www.bradthepainter.com/how-to-get-spray-paint-off-skin/
      7. ↑ https://homesteady.com/12191602/how-to-remove-black-rust-oleum-fence-paint-from-skin

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get spray paint off your hands, start by scrubbing your hands vigorously with an old toothbrush, dish soap, and hot water for 2-3 minutes. You can also try using a citrus degreaser instead of dish soap to get rid of the paint stain. If that doesn't work, mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda together, apply the paste to the affected area, and rinse it off with warm water. Applying baby oil may also lift the paint from your skin! For tips on using common foods like mayonnaise to remove spray paint, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 958,053 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Laurabeth Barton

        May 9, 2017

        "I was extremely skeptical, but decided to use the vegetable oil method. I put a tablespoon of oil on my hands and ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement