Spray painting is a quick and convenient way to cover surfaces evenly with a fresh coat of paint. It’s an excellent material to have for quick touch-ups and DIY projects. But do you know how to get spray paint out of clothes? We’ll show you how in this article.
All You Need to Know About Spray Paints
What are spray paints?
Spray paint is liquid paint that comes in an aerosol can. You need to press the button found on top of the can to dispense a fine mist of paint. There’s usually a small metal ball in the can that mixes the paint when you shake it.
Spray painting is an excellent alternative to the traditional paintbrush method. It creates an even coverage within a less amount of time.
It’s also a portable and handy way to apply a new coat of paint or touch up fading surfaces. There are two significant types of spray paint, water-based and oil-based.
Where can you use spray paint?
Spray paints are usually associated with making graffiti or wall art. However, its uses go beyond those activities. Check out these ways on how to use spray paint at home.
- To Paint Hard- to- Reach Areas
Spray paints can help reach nooks and crannies of furniture with intricate details. For example, you can turn an old wicker chair into an eye-catching piece by spray painting it with a brighter color.
- To Give Your Furnishings a New Look
You can update the design of your home accessories by spraying them with a different color. It’s an inexpensive and quick way to change the look of your home’s interior.
- To Provide a Smooth Finish
When you use a paintbrush for your DIY projects, it often leaves brush marks that can ruin the overall look of your furniture. Spray paint can provide a smoother and more even finish that looks more professionally made.
- To Create Art Work
Spray paint can help you create exciting artwork on your walls. You can use stencils to come up with various designs and patterns.
How to use spray paint?
- Avoid spraying too much paint or too near the subject. It would be best to hold the can about 10 inches away from the item you want to spray to prevent the paint from dripping.
- Use side-to-side strokes and spray evenly.
- Allow the paint to dry completely before spraying another coat.
How to Remove Water-based Spray Paint from Clothes
It can be pretty frustrating when you accidentally spray some paint on your clothes. But, you don’t need to worry because there are remedies you can do at home to remove spray paint from fabrics.
The method to get rid of paint stains depends on the spray paint used. We will first discuss water-based paint removal.
What is water-based spray paint?
Water-based paint is a high-opacity kind of paint that dries up quickly. Even if it is water-soluble, it can still be absorbed by the sprayed surface.
How to Get Rid of Wet Water-based Spray Paint from Clothes
It’s relatively easier to deal with fresh paint stain than an old one. Here are the steps you can follow.
- Gently remove excess paint by blotting it with a paper towel or a clean cloth.
- Dip a sponge in nail polish remover and dab it on the fabric. Rinse the sponge after every application to remove excess paint.
- Apply plenty of liquid laundry detergent or dish soap to the stain.
- Place the garment under running water, making sure you target the stained area.
- Rub the affected area using your fingers while the water is still running under the garment.
- Apply more soap if needed. Do the process again until the water is clear or the stain disappears.
- Wash the garment in a washing machine.
How to Remove Dry Water-Based Spray Paint from Clothes
When the water-based paint has dried up, removing it is more challenging. However, there’s still no cause for worry because there is still hope for your precious clothes if you follow these simple steps:
- Apply a hearty amount of heavy-duty stain remover at the underside of the garment. Focus on the stained part.
- Leave the stain remover on for two minutes. You may also check the product label for a recommended soaking time.
- Saturate the stained area with a heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent and gently rub the garment between your fingers.
- You may soak bleach-safe garments in oxygen or chlorine bleach for about an hour.
- Toss in the washing machine and run your usual wash cycle.
How to Remove Oil-Based Spray Paint from Clothes
Before removing the paint stains, check the kind of paint you were using. If the spray paint is oil-based, the stain removal method differs from water-based paint removal. If you’re sure that the paint is oil-based, then here are the steps you need to follow:
What is Oil-Based Spray Paint?
Oil-based paint dries faster and is more durable than water-based paint. However, it has a more pungent smell and comes in limited colors.
How to Remove Wet Oil-Based Spray paint from Clothes
- If the stain is new, you can use a plastic spoon or fork to scrape as much paint as possible.
- Lay the garment stain down on an old towel or any thick absorbent cloth that’s bigger than your clothing.
- Moisten a clean sponge with turpentine and blot the stain from the back.
- Change the towel once it becomes stained or wet.
- Repeat the process until you are satisfied with your progress.
- Gently rub some laundry detergent on the affected area.
- Let the garment soak overnight in water, then wash it on the washing machine using your normal spin cycle.
How to Remove Dry Oil-Based Spray Paint from Clothes
- Use a hard-bristled brush to remove as much dried paint as possible.
- Moisten a sponge with paint remover and gently rub it on the affected area.
- Put a generous amount of liquid dish o laundry soap.
- Place the garment under running water while continuously rubbing the affected area.
- Repeat the process until you can remove as much stain as you can.
- Launder the washing machine using the cycle recommended by the fabric’s care label.
Managing your expectations when removing dry oil-based spray paint would be best. Oil-based paints tend to get absorbed better than water-based paints, making stain removal a challenge.
It is best to manage the stain early on to avoid further problems. Some spray paint manufacturers include instructions on removing stains, so check the can’s label.
How to Prevent Spray Paint Stains
The age-old adage “prevention is better than cure” can also apply to DIY projects involving spray painting. It would be best if you’d prevent stains rather than remove them. Here are some tips to ponder on before you grab those cans.
Control how you spray.
Manufacturers ensured that aerosol cans make precise and accurate liquid bursts, so dripping or excessive paint application rarely happens.
The problem lies in how you press the nozzle. Make sure to make quick and controlled sprays. Also, ensure that you direct the nozzle instead of your body on the subject.
Shake the can often so you’ll get an even paint consistency and prevent any blockage. It will help if you read the spray paint can for instructions on using the product correctly.
Wear old clothes
It’s excellent advice to wear old clothes when handling spray paint or any paint for that matter. Spills and accidental spills happen, which can damage your favorite shirts and jeans.
Leave your nice clothes for other occasions and wear something you won’t feel bad tossing in the garbage bin afterward.
Make sure to place your paint-stained clothes in a garbage bag and dispose of them in your outdoor bin. Paint can be flammable, so it’s best to be on the safe side.
Wear a plastic paint poncho.
If you do not want to stain any of your clothes, even the old ones, you can wear a paint poncho. This protective plastic garment can be worn over your clothes to protect them from stains and spills. You can buy these inexpensive ponchos in any hardware store.
You can also make your paint poncho by cutting three holes on an extra-large garbage bag. Cut one hole on top of your head and one on each side for your arms.
Remember that these plastic garments can make you feel hot and uncomfortable, especially during the summer. However, the minimal discomfort is worth protecting your most precious clothes.
Summary
Updating the look of your home using spray paints can be a fun and rewarding activity. There may be a few setbacks, like when you accidentally spray on your garments.
However, there are ways on how to get spray paint out of clothes that you can do. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to follow.
Jessica Oliver is a fashion enthusiast with more than ten years of experience in the industry. She previously managed her own clothing store in New York before becoming a mother of three. With a passion for sustainability and a desire to share clothing care and recycling tips.