How to Remove Paint Stains from Clothes – Water- or Oil-based?

First question: water- or oil-based paint?

Before you do anything, work out which type of paint it is – it determines everything. The easiest clue is on the paint tin: if the instructions say to clean tools and spills with water, the paint is water-based (acrylic, latex, most wall paints and craft colours). If it says to clean up with white spirit or turpentine, it is oil-based (oil paint, alkyd, many varnishes). Water-based paint is water-soluble as long as it is wet; oil-based will not budge with water at all. That is why you need to know the type before you choose a method.

Water-based paint (acrylic and wall paint)

Water-based paint is the easiest – provided you are quick. As long as it is wet, it is water-soluble.

1. First scrape off excess paint gently with a blunt edge.
2. Turn the garment inside out and rinse from the back under running lukewarm water, so the paint is pushed out of the fabric.
3. Dab in a little liquid dish soap or detergent, and work gently from the outside in.
4. Rinse and repeat until the water runs clear, then wash the garment as normal.
5. If the paint has dried, it can be softened – some acrylics loosen with a little surgical spirit, but test on a hidden seam first.

Oil-based paint (oil paint, alkyd, varnish)

Oil-based paint needs a solvent – water does nothing. Use the solvent named on the tin if possible, and work in a well-ventilated room.

1. Scrape off excess paint gently before you start with solvent.
2. Place a clean cloth under the stain, and dab solvent (such as white spirit) from the back so the paint is drawn down into the cloth.
3. Move to a clean part of the cloth often, and work from the outside in to avoid a ring.
4. Wash the garment afterwards to remove solvent residue.
5. Mind the fire risk: cloths and rags with solvent or oil paint can self-ignite – lay them flat to dry outdoors before disposal, never in a pile.

Dried paint – and when it sets for good

Dried paint is a very different matter from wet. Water-based paint that has cured becomes partly water-resistant, and oil-based paint forms a firm film that bonds to the fibres. Scrape off gently what you can, try to soften the rest with the right solvent, and be prepared that old, fully dried paint – oil paint especially – may be permanent. Whatever the solvent: always test on a hidden seam first, as many solvents pull out the fabric's own dye or damage the fibres.

Delicate fabrics and solvent risk

Solvents are effective, but they are also risky on the wrong fabric. Take a moment to assess before you use them.

• Acetate can literally be dissolved by some solvents – keep white spirit and acetone away from acetate fabric.
• Wool and silk are sensitive and tolerate neither strong solvents nor hard rubbing well.
• Solvents can lift prints and dye – always test on a hidden area first.
• If the garment is valuable, or you are unsure of both the paint type and the fabric, a dried stain is a classic job for professionals.

Send the garment to us

If you are unsure of the paint type or the fabric, or the paint has dried into something valuable, you can send the garment to us. We assess both the paint and the fabric and choose a method and solvent to suit the garment and its care label, instead of you risking damage to a delicate colour at home. We take in garments from all over Norway – you order online, and you see the price before you order.

Frequently asked questions