REMOVING PAINT STAINS

Many of us found a calling as a chef, baker, dalgona coffee maker, fashion designer or even an artist while we were locked away inside our homes. Many old passion projects came out of the attic and were worked upon with a lot of joy. Some of us finally got around to that workout routine we promised we would (kudos to you!) But this blog is dedicated solely to our artist trope that finally blew the dust off their paintbrushes and got to work. 

Painting isn’t the cleanest work in the world, you have to be prepared to make some mess (which, by the way, is the only mess we totally approve of). There is always that one designated tattered shirt that is sacrificed to the paint gods. On the off chance, you’re feeling confident and wear something else, and the inevitable splatter happens - we know the screeching panic that’s going to follow.

If it isn’t you indulging in art and craft, your child might be, in which case the chance of stained multi-coloured clothes rises exponentially. Those tiny stained sleeves are a thing of nightmares when it comes to scrubbing. 

 And that is the reason why we do what we do, we write a blog about it!

Two things to keep in mind 

First things first, be quick to respond, wet paint will always be easier to remove than dry. Your masterpiece will have to wait. Grab some paper towels or microfibre cloth and blot the paint. Do not rub the cloth as that can cause fibres to break and will in turn damage your garment. Press on it to blot. You can even use a fork to scoop the paint off the fabric.

Secondly, some paint stains will be easier to remove than others so work according to the kind of paint you’re dealing with. Paints broadly have 2 bases - water or oil - once you know what it is you can go with the appropriate solution.

Manufacturer’s Instructions

Your paint manufacturer might provide you with a cleaning technique, either on the box or on the website. Follow that to the T. 

Oil-Based Paints 

Oil-based paints tend to dry quickly so you need to act swiftly to do damage control. Place the fabric under cold running water and let it rinse away. If the pigmentation remains take a little amount of your Natural Laundry Detergent and treat the area by rubbing it. You can now toss it in your washing machine and add the necessary amount of detergent.

Some stains can be rather stubborn when it comes to oil paints so here are other remedies you can resort to. 

Dishwashing Liquid

This method can be used for both water-based latex paints, acrylic paint and oil-based paints. Latex paints are used to paint walls. Your natural Dishwashing Liquid should be your go-to stain remover for paints, yes you heard that right. Rinse the garment with some warm water. Make a solution of water and dishwashing liquid and dip an edge of your rag in it. Dab the stain with the soaked end of your rag and let this sit for a few minutes. You can scrub and rinse the fabric in warm water. Repeat the process if needed and wash with cold water.

Turpentine Oil

Turpentine has a strong odour so if you decide to get on with this, try taking it outdoors and with a mask on. Place some paper towels and keep the garment stain down on the towel. Dab some turpentine from the other side, this thins out the paint. Keep changing the paper towel as and when needed. After some of the colour has come out you can use the dishwashing liquid method to do the rest.

Liquid Detergent

Suitable for acrylic paint and watercolours. Take a little bit of your Liquid Laundry Detergent and rub it directly onto the stain. If the fabric is delicate you can add a bit of water to the detergent and then rub it onto it. 

Nail Polish Remover

This one is appropriate for acrylic, poster and latex paints. Grab a rag cloth and add some nail polish remover and dab away at the stain. It loosens the paint and thins it. Once the paint has dislodged you can wash it by hand under cold water or toss it in the washing machine with your usual load.

Sanitizer or Hairspray

Sanitizer does more than just protecting your hands and Hairspray does more than just keeping that perfect bun intact. They both contain alcohol that works the same way as Nail Polish Remover in removing acrylic, poster and latex paints. Rub either onto the stain with the help of a toothbrush and cover it well. You can even choose to use both! Once the paint gets loose you can toss it in the washing machine. 

Try all new Koparo's Natural Dishwashing Liquid for best results on paint stains.