It is very easy to go wrong when using spray paint. Acrylic paints in spray cans are known to go all over the place if they are used improperly. Timeliness is an essential element in removing any type of stain caused by paints and varnishes. While nothing guarantees you will be able to remove it right away, you can get better results by following some basic rules about the cleaning process of spray paint.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Clean the Still Fresh Stain
Step 1. Dab it while it is still fresh to remove the excess
If you spot the stain while it is still fresh, you are in luck, otherwise it will be more difficult to treat if it has time to dry. You can greatly reduce the damage caused by water-based paints, such as spray paints, by placing the garment in the sink and scrubbing with some paper towels. When it is soaked, turn it over so that it continues to absorb the stain.
Before scrubbing, it is important to dab. If you rub on the stain before absorbing it, you will allow the color to penetrate into the fabric, spreading it
Step 2. Spray the affected area with a stain remover
The still fresh paint can be treated quickly with a product specially designed to remove the stains. The choice will depend on the type of spray paint you used. Read the label carefully if in doubt.
- You can get rid of stains caused by water-based paints by wiping with a little dish soap.
- To treat oil-based stains, you can also use turpentine, WD-40 or hairspray. However, spray paint is acrylic, so it's best to use water-based paint removal methods when the stain is still fresh.
Step 3. Rub the area with a dry cloth
Applied properly, the chemicals will do their job. You just have to make sure you cover the entire affected area. By rubbing it on a dry cloth, you will ensure that the paint stain is absorbed. Continue scrubbing with vigorous movements. If part of the cloth becomes soaked in color, turn it over.
- Obviously, it is preferable to choose a cloth to throw away if it becomes discolored.
- Repeat this until you have removed as much paint as possible. Don't be surprised if you can't get rid of it entirely. Each drop of paint absorbed makes the stain that has formed less evident.
Method 2 of 3: Clean Dry Spots
Step 1. Scrape off the excess paint
It is very difficult to get dry paint off a piece of clothing, so you will probably have to resign yourself to the fact that you will not be able to remove it completely. Either way, you have the option to remove most of the stain without the use of chemicals or liquids. Grab a butter knife or use your fingernail to scrape off excess residue. Since they are dry, you should actually tear them apart. You will not be able to remove the paint that has penetrated the fibers, but you will get remarkable results by scratching it.
Step 2. Use an alcohol-based cleaner or paint remover
Alcohol-based cleaners, such as acetone-based nail polish remover or hairspray, are the best choice for fighting acrylic paint stains, as they break the bonds of acrylic plastic. Unfortunately, they are less effective once the color has penetrated the fibers. If the stain is completely dry and you haven't seen any improvement with alcohol-based cleaners, try using a stronger paint remover.
However, keep in mind that paint strippers contain harsh chemicals that could completely discolor the garment you are treating. Therefore, it is better to use them only in last resort
Step 3. Put the garment in the washing machine
By washing the garment in the washing machine after treating it with an alcohol-based cleaner, you will at least know if the stain can be removed. If the fabric is still dirty, there is nothing you can do but cover the affected area. Fortunately, some stains (especially those on black clothing) can be camouflaged quite well with fabric markers and other "bleaching" products.
Step 4. Use a colored fabric marker to hide the stain
Because the dried paint has basically stuck to the fibers, sometimes the best solution is to fight one stain with another. On the market there are markers specially designed to cover paint stains on fabrics. Go to a DIY store and look for a marker that matches the color of the garment being treated.
Paint stains are very noticeable on jeans, but you might be lucky if denim is the problem. Since the color bath of jeans usually veers into shades of blue and black, there are many markers that suit this range of shades
Step 5. Go to your trusted dry cleaner
Dry stains tend to solidify on washed clothes. Since dry cleaners specialize in treating stains (and they will no doubt have faced this kind of problem before), it might be worth checking one out. While she won't be able to fix the problem with a garment cleaning, she may offer some advice or help based on the type of stain.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Stain Formation
Step 1. Check how you use the spray
Although paint stains can form when you let the paint drip or apply too much, the spray is specially designed to paint accurately and accurately. In light of these considerations, to prevent the problem it is necessary to use the spray can correctly. Deliver color with short, controlled streams. Make sure the nozzle is not facing you before pressing. Remember to shake the can often to improve the consistency of the paint.
If in doubt, read the instructions on the can
Step 2. Put on a poncho for painting
It is a product specially designed to protect clothes from stains. You can buy it for little money at a hardware store. Alternatively, try making one by punching two large arm holes in a trash bag and wearing it while you paint.
This protection can be uncomfortable, especially if you need to paint in a hot area. However, a slight discomfort will keep you from damaging your clothes
Step 3. Painting in underwear
Obviously, you can only do this in some situations, for example if you need to paint inside a house or indoors. However, you won't run the risk of ruining your clothes if you don't wear them. Because dry paint absorbs heat, stripping will also solve the problem of excessive heat while painting.
Advice
- In these cases, timeliness is your friend. Treat stains as soon as possible. The longer they stay on the fabric, the more difficult it will be to remove them.
- In the worst case, try turning the stained dress into a custom piece. If you have no hope of saving it, consider adding more paint, turning an accidental stain into a drawing or figure.
- By blotting the stain with cold water, you can keep it moist for longer.
