Getting paint on your clothes, your carpet or your table is almost inevitable when you're painting. The good news: because acrylic is water-based, it's fairly easy to remove — especially while it's still wet. The bad news: once it dries, the job gets harder. In this guide we walk through how to remove acrylic paint stains from different surfaces, step by step.
The golden rule: act immediately
The single most important rule in removing acrylic stains: deal with it while the paint is wet. Wet acrylic comes out easily with soap and water; the more it dries and hardens, the harder it gets. Act the moment the stain happens.
Removing it from clothes and fabric
Wet stains
Lift the excess paint with a paper towel (blotting, not wiping). Rinse the back of the stain with cold water, working from the back through to the front. Then rub with soap or liquid detergent and wash. Most wet stains come out this way.
Dried stains
Gently scrape the dried stain first with a fingernail or spoon. Soak the stain in cold water, apply liquid detergent or (isopropyl) alcohol and leave it a few minutes; then rub and wash. Stubborn stains may need a second go. Use a stain remover rather than bleach.
Removing it from carpet and upholstery
Blot up the excess paint (don't rub or spread it). Dab with a damp cloth, cold water and a little liquid detergent, working from the outside in. On dried stains, a little alcohol helps; test it on a hidden corner first. Be patient and keep dabbing.
Removing it from hard surfaces (tables, floors, glass)
On smooth surfaces such as glass, tile and laminate, acrylic comes off relatively easily. Wipe it with a damp cloth while wet. If it's dried, soften it with warm soapy water and lift it gently with a scraper or plastic card; on glass a razor blade works (carefully). Take care on wood and porous surfaces not to scratch them.
Removing it from skin
Acrylic on your hands usually comes off by rubbing with soap and warm water. If it's dried, rubbing in a little hand cream or olive oil first softens it before you wash. Don't scrub your skin; acrylic is harmless and comes off after a couple of washes.
Prevention: the best cleaning is not staining at all
- Wear an apron or old clothes while you work.
- Protect the table with newspaper, plastic or a cloth.
- Keep a bucket of water and a cloth within reach.
- Wipe up splashes immediately.
Common mistakes
- Rubbing and spreading the stain: It spreads over a wider area; blot instead.
- Using hot water: It can set some stains; start with cold.
- Waiting for it to dry: It only gets harder; act straight away.
- Using a harsh chemical without testing: It can damage the surface or fabric; test on a hidden corner first.
Frequently asked questions
Can dried acrylic stains be removed?
They can, but it's harder. Soften in water and remove gradually with alcohol/detergent and scraping. Acting while wet is always easier.
Is acrylic paint permanent?
Once dry it becomes water-resistant, which is why a dried stain on clothing can be stubborn. Even so, being water-based it comes out far more easily than a solvent-based paint.
Should I use bleach?
Not recommended; it can damage the colour of the fabric. Liquid detergent, alcohol and stain remover are safer.
Is it harmful to skin?
No; water-based acrylic is harmless on skin and comes off with soap and water. Keep it away from your eyes all the same.
How do I get a stain out of carpet?
Blot it up, dab from the outside in with cold water and detergent, and if it's dried try a little alcohol (testing on a hidden corner first).
Acrylic stains aren't frightening — especially if you act straight away. With the right method you can easily clean paint off clothes, carpet, tables and your hands. So paint freely; our water-based acrylic paints are both safe and easy to clean up!
