The 11 Most Effective Ways to Get Acrylic Paint Stains out: (2023)

What is Acrylic Paint:

Acrylic painting has gained immense popularity among artists, both beginners and professionals alike, for its versatility, vibrant colors, and ease of use. Whether you’re a budding artist or an experienced painter, acrylic paint offers a myriad of advantages that make it a preferred choice for many creative endeavors. Acrylic paint can be used on a variety of surfaces and has a quick drying time, unlike other art mediums.  

In fact the quick drying time is one of the most significant advantages of acrylic painting.  Unlike oil paints, which can take days or even weeks to dry, acrylic paint dries rapidly, often within minutes. This is one of the main differences between acrylics and oil paints and is the reason art studios around the world use it.  This property enables artists to work at a faster pace and allows for layering and blending techniques without long waiting periods. It’s perfect for those who prefer a more spontaneous and dynamic painting process, or for those who come to the art studio for a paint night or kid's art lesson.
     
Acrylic paints are available in an extensive range of colors, including a variety of hues, shades, and metallic finishes. Whether you’re seeking bold and vibrant tones or subtle and muted shades, acrylics offer a diverse palette to suit any artistic vision. Furthermore, acrylic paints can be easily mixed together, allowing artists to create a virtually unlimited array of custom colors and achieve the desired effects.

Acrylic paint is highly versatile and can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, including canvas, wood, paper, fabric, glass, and more. Its compatibility with various materials makes it a preferred choice for artists working in different mediums, such as painting, mixed media, and even crafts. 

Whether you’re creating a traditional painting or experimenting with unconventional surfaces, acrylic paint offers the flexibility you need.  Acrylic paint is known for its durability and longevity. Once dry, it forms a water-resistant and flexible film that protects the artwork from moisture, yellowing, and fading.

This quality ensures that your acrylic paintings can withstand the test of time, making them suitable for display in various environments, including homes, galleries, and even outdoor settings. Additionally, acrylic paint can be varnished for additional protection and a glossy finish. The outstanding finish that this art medium brings along with its ease of use, quick dry time and easy clean up is why art studios around the nation have chosen to use it over oil paints.
   
Acrylic paint is renowned for its user-friendly nature. It is a water-based paint, which means you can thin it with water or use it directly from the tube, depending on the desired consistency. It dries quickly on brushes and palettes, making cleanup a breeze. Unlike oil paints that require solvents for cleaning, acrylic paint can be easily rinsed off with water, and cleaned with a paper towel.  

But what happens when wet paint gets on yours, or your child's clothing.  Do you grab an old toothbrush?  Nail polish remover? Do you use cold water or warm running water?  Do you clean it as if its an oil-based paint or try to use a paint thinner?  What is the best way to treat this type of paint when it stains?  Lets talk about eleven simple ideas you can use for stain removal.  Granted, there may be times when you simply can not get your outfit back to its original splendor, but with these simple steps there is a good chance you can.

Top 11 Ways to Clean Acrylic Paint Out of Clothing:

Accidents happen, and if you’re an artist or enjoy working with acrylic paint, chances are you’ve encountered the dreaded scenario of getting paint on your favorite shirt or favorite outfit.  It can happen no matter how careful you are, no matter what protective clothing you are wearing, and no matter what you do to prevent it. But fear not!  I have good news for you! I am going to show you the eleven effective methods that I use, to help you clean those acrylic paint stains out of your favorite outfit.

Acrylic paint stains can be challenging so let’s dive in and rescue your wardrobe!  A word of warning, sometimes there simply is no getting a stubborn stain out of clothes.  If you try all of the below listed tips and still find yourself in this situation consider using these as your new painting outfit.  I own several shirts and a couple of pants that I have dedicated just for this purpose.  The more paint I get on them, the more the actual article of clothing becomes a work of art in it's own right. 

        1. Clean Off Excessive Paint Quickly:

While wearing old clothes or a protective apron is always your best bet, I get it... accidents happen.  The key to successfully remove acrylic paint from clothing is to act quickly. As soon as you notice the wet acrylic paint on your clothes, the first thing you need to do is try to remove as much excess paint as possible before it dries. The quicker you do this the better. Use a spoon or a blunt knife to gently scrape off any excess paint, without spreading it further. Be sure to use the edge of a dull kitchen knife or the spoon to scrap off the excess paint.  The last thing we want is to make a small paint spot larger or to spread the paint to other articles of clothing.  Also, be careful when scraping delicate fabrics as they tend to tear easily.  For these types of garments I would forgo the knife option and stick with the edge of a spoon. 

        2.      Blotting with Paper Towels:

If the acrylic paint is still wet, grab a paper towel and gently blot the stain. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as it can push the paint deeper into the fabric. Continue blotting with the paper towel until you’ve absorbed as much paint as possible.
        

3. Pre-treating with Dish detergent:

For fresh or dried acrylic paint stains, pre-treating with dish detergent can work wonders. Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stained area and gently work it into the fabric with your fingers or a soft brush. An old toothbrush with soft bristles will work. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the dish detergent to penetrate the paint.

       4.      Dabbing with Rubbing Alcohol:

Rubbing alcohol is another effective solution for acrylic paint stains. Moisten a clean cloth or cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and gently dab the stained area.  I prefer to use a cotton ball over the clean cloth, but either one is effective.  Blotting motions will help lift the paint from the fabric. Rinse the area with water afterward.  Denatured alcohol is preferred, but I have used regular rubbing alcohol as well.

        5.      Employing Hairspray:

Believe it or not, hairspray can come to your rescue when dealing with acrylic paint stains. I have used this method on several articles of clothes and had fairly good success. Spray a small amount of hairspray directly onto the stained area and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then, use a clean cloth to blot the area, repeating the process until the stain begins to fade.

        6.      Applying Vinegar and Warm Water:

A mixture of vinegar and warm water can be a powerful solution for removing acrylic paint from clothing. Create a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and warm water, and soak the stained area for a few minutes. Gently scrub the stain with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly.  Like with the dish detergent I think the best option is an old soft bristled toothbrush.

        7.  Try Dabbing the Stained Area with Nail Polish Remover:

Nail polish remover contains acetone, which is great for breaking down dried paint.  Similar to the above listed tips, dab the stained area with a clean cloth or cotton ball.  As the stained area begins to fade, rise it with warm water.  I would not recommend using nail polish remover on delicate fabrics, as the acetone can damage and discolor the fabric. I have used nail polish remover on several pairs of pants that had paint on them and was able to get them back to near new condition.

    8. Using a Commercial Stain Remover:

If the above methods don’t fully remove the acrylic paint stain, consider using a commercial stain remover. Follow the product instructions carefully and ensure it is suitable for the fabric type. Delicate fabrics can be further damaged by commercial stain removers. It's always a good idea to spot test the commercial stain remover on an inconspicuous area first to avoid any potential damage.

     9. Use Paint Thinner to Remove the Paint:

I personally have only used paint thinner on oil based paints.  For oil based paints it works fantastic and lifts most stains without a problem.  I have never attempted to use paint thinner for acrylic paint stains, but I have talked to several other artists who have had great success with this.  Dab the paint thinner onto the spot and gently scrub it into the fabric.  

For heavy stains or stubborn stains I have heard it is best to pour the paint thinner directly onto the fabric and then scrub and rinse.  I would recommend using odorless paint thinner and rinsing it completely before putting it into the washing machine. 

10. Washing Machine Technique:

For machine-washable garments, once you’ve pre-treated the stain using one of the methods mentioned above, toss the clothing item into the washing machine. Use the recommended temperature and a laundry detergent that is suitable for the fabric. Check the stained area after washing, and repeat if necessary before drying.

       11. Seeking Professional Help:

If all else fails, and the stain persists, your best option is to seek professional dry-cleaning services. Experienced dry cleaners have the expertise and tools to tackle stubborn acrylic paint stains without damaging your clothing.


Don’t let acrylic paint stains ruin your favorite outfit and don't let the stubborn stains it can bring detour you from using it.  As I have mentioned before acrylics are one of my favorite art mediums.  Protective aprons, smocks, or old clothes should always be used but if you find yourself in a situation where this isn't possible you do have a good chance of getting the stain out. When I am teaching my students I always provide this option.  Most kid's love the aprons and think it's a cool. 

By acting swiftly and employing the right techniques, you can effectively remove these stains and extend the lifespan of your garments. Remember to try the methods mentioned here, and be patient and persistent when tackling those stubborn acrylic paint marks. With a little effort and the right approach, you’ll be able to restore your clothes to their former glory. Happy painting and stain-fighting!