Yikes! Oil paint and fabric
Ah, you got oil paint on your clothes! It’s ok. Don’t panic. To get oil paint out of clothes, try using dish soap, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer.
You can even try WD-40.
These will all break down the oil in the paint. Remember, like breaks down like. So, oil-based paints need oil-based cleaners to kinda melt into while you mix ’em up.
And make sure you act fast! The sooner you can remove the oil paint, the better your chance of successful stain removal. Fresh stains are generally easier to remove compared to dried or set-in stains.
So, first, make sure it doesn’t dry. If this means you need to soak it in water- fine. The water won’t get the stain out but it will stop the oil from evaporating and, therefore, the paint from hardening.
Find the first oil-baed cleaner in your home and pour it on the stain. Don’t rub the stain in further. For more detail, follow my guide below.
It is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to remove oil paint from clothes.
Note: Before you start the process, it’s important to check the care label on your clothing item to ensure you don’t use any cleaning methods that may damage the fabric.
Step-by-Step: How to get oil paint out of fabric
Before washing
- Blot the excess: Is the oil paint wet? If so, use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently blot the stain. Avoid rubbing or spreading the paint further into the fabric.
- Protect the surrounding area: Place a cloth or paper towel underneath the stained area . It will absorb the paint so it doesn’t transfer to other parts of the fabric.
- Pre-treat the stain: There are several methods you can use to pre-treat the oil paint stain. Choose one of the following options:
- Dish soap: Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stained area. Gently work it into the fabric using your fingers or a soft brush. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Rubbing alcohol: Moisten a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and dab it onto the stain. Blot the area gently, working from the outside of the stain toward the center. This helps to prevent the spreading of the paint.
- WD-40: Spray a small amount of WD-40 onto the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes. Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth.
- Hand sanitizer: Apply a generous amount of hand sanitizer to the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes. Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth. Note: Before using any of these methods, test them on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment to ensure they don’t cause any damage or discoloration.
- Rinse the fabric: After pre-treating the stain, rinse the fabric under cold running water. Hold the stained area directly under the faucet, allowing the water to flow through the backside of the stain. This helps flush out the loosened paint particles.
Washing Instructions
- Launder the garment: Check the care label on your clothing item for any specific instructions regarding water temperature and washing methods. Wash the garment in the washing machine using an appropriate laundry detergent. Follow the care label’s recommendations for the water temperature and cycle.
- Check the stain: After laundering, inspect the stained area. If the oil paint stain is still visible, avoid drying the garment, as heat can set the stain further. Instead, repeat steps 4-6 until you have removed the stain completely.
- Air dry the garment: Once the stain is fully removed, air dry the garment. Avoid using a clothes dryer, as the heat can set any remaining traces of oil paint.
After your clothes are dry, check if there are any traces of the oil paint left. If the stain persists, it may be best to seek professional dry cleaning assistance or consult with a stain removal expert.
Remember, different fabrics may require specific care and stain removal methods. If you are unsure or dealing with a valuable or delicate item, it’s advisable to consult a professional cleaner for guidance.
Oil paint offers artists a versatile and expressive medium to bring their creative visions to life. Its rich colors, slow drying time, and unique texture make it a favored choice among artists across different genres and artistic styles.
After the garment is dry, check if there are any traces of the oil paint left. If the stain persists, it may be best to seek professional dry cleaning assistance or consult with a stain removal expert.
