Nothing ruins a painting session more than getting paint on your clothes. In most cases, unless you are very lucky, the color is quite different from that of the jeans and will leave a bad stain if you do not act promptly and effectively. While there is no 100% safe treatment, there are some solutions to this old problem. Obviously, the best way to deal with a stain on your clothes is to prevent it from forming, but if you've already made the mess, know that there is a good chance you can "save" your jeans.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Remove the Water-Based Paint
Step 1. Pour warm water onto the stain
Since this type of paint is water-soluble, it is easier to remove than oil-based paints. The first thing you need to do when you dirty your clothes with water-based paint is to wet the affected area with hot water. Soak a cloth in water and use it to blot the stain, letting the liquid soak into the fibers of the jeans.
Step 2. Treat the fabric with soap and warm water
When you have softened the area with plain water, you can proceed with the actual cleaning. Pour 15ml of laundry soap into 120ml of water and mix the mixture. When the two ingredients have formed a uniform solution, rub it on the stained area of your pants using a damp cloth. Make gentle circular motions; if the stain is quite large, start at the edges and gradually move towards the center. This method reduces the risk of spreading color into surrounding fibers.
Step 3. Give it a try with denatured alcohol
While a simple soapy solution should work, it's likely that it won't completely fix the problem. In this case, you can use denatured alcohol to blot the fibers to be treated and lift the paint.
Nail polish remover is a great alternative to denatured alcohol, but it could damage the fabric. If you are concerned that it may leave a worse stain than paint, run a test by rubbing it on a hidden corner of your jeans, such as the inside or bottom of your pants
Step 4. Scrape the paint with a toothbrush
The bristles are abrasive enough to eliminate the color and the size of the toothbrush allows you to work with precision. After scrubbing the fabric with alcohol, try scraping it with the toothbrush for a minute and see the results.
If you are not satisfied, apply more alcohol
Step 5. Put the pants in the washing machine
After performing these treatments, the best thing you can do is to wash your jeans normally in the washing machine. Water-based paints generally disappear with a simple cycle in the washing machine, and small residues that you have not been able to remove (or have forgotten) should be washed away.
As always, remember to wash your clothing following the instructions on the labels
Step 6. Color the stain with a fabric marker if needed
If, despite all your best efforts, there is a noticeable area of color left, you can try to hide it with a fabric marker, which you can buy at fine art or scrap stores. Try to get a similar shade to the pants and apply the color over the stain. Although you are simply masking one spot with another, the similarity between the colors can, however, deceive the eye of the beholder.
Part 2 of 3: Remove the Oil-Based Paint
Step 1. Scrape off the paint with a blade if it is dry
Oil paints are known to be more stubborn to remove than water colors. In this case, in fact, the water cannot dilute and dissolve them. If the stain you are trying to remove is already dry, you can try to remove at least most of the color by scraping it with a knife. Scrub the fabric with a blunt blade; this way, hopefully, you should get rid of the excess paint that has failed to penetrate the fibers.
Generally, it is recommended to use a blunt knife, as the sharp ones could damage the pants
Step 2. Purchase an oil paint remover or paint stripper
Unlike water-based paints, which can be removed relatively easily with hot water, oil paints must be removed with special chemical solvents. While solvents are the best way to get rid of these colors, remember that they may not be safe on clothes. You should rely on an oil-based thinner, as it is relatively inexpensive and you can buy it in supermarkets or paint shops.
You should always keep some thinner on hand, even if you haven't stained yourself yet; by doing so, you will be able to intervene promptly if necessary
Step 3. Apply the solvent to the stained area and scrub
Use a cloth slightly moistened with product and dab it on the dirty surface of the jeans. Make small circular motions, starting from the perimeter of the stain inwards. By doing this, you minimize the risk of paint spreading to adjacent fibers. When used correctly, the thinner is able to lift the color from the fabric.
- If you are concerned that the cloth is not effective enough, you can use a toothbrush.
- If you think you need a more aggressive chemical, such as an industrial paint stripper, it's worth testing it on an inconspicuous area of the pants (inside or bottom hem) before using it on the stain. This foresight allows you to limit any damage to a relatively small and irrelevant area.
Step 4. If the problem persists, cover the halo with glycerin
If the thinner didn't solve the problem, cover the stain with some glycerin and let it work overnight. The active chemical in this product is supposed to dissolve the paint and lift it from the fibers of the fabric.
If you don't already have it, know that glycerin is a very popular product available in every supermarket
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Paint Stains
Step 1. Work slowly and carefully as you paint
While it may seem obvious and almost patronizing advice, remember that one of the most common mistakes is overconfidence and haste. This is especially true when painting large surfaces, such as walls or ceilings. It goes without saying that the amount of time you'll save by working fast isn't worth the risk of damaging your clothing. Take your time and make sure the brush or roller is not overly saturated with color before applying it to the surface.
Step 2. Put on an apron
An apron or lab coat is a very common piece of clothing to protect clothes. Aprons can be "badly treated" and you certainly don't have to worry about their appearance in case they get stained with paint. If you have a kitchen one that you don't mind "sacrificing", you can wear it while you paint.
Step 3. Remove clothing when painting
While this is only valid advice for when you use paints at home and definitely not in professional situations, know that the easiest way to protect your clothes is to take off your clothes, leaving only your underwear on. By doing so, the color will fall on the body, from which you can remove it with a simple shower.
Step 4. Keep solvent and other cleaning products handy when you paint
Even if you are careful, there is always the possibility of some mistake. If you do stain your clothes, you will find that it is much more convenient to have everything you need (denatured alcohol or solvent) in the same room, instead of having to run around the house looking for them.
Advice
- Treat the stain on your jeans as soon as possible! The more time you allow the paint to set, the more difficult it will be to wash.
- If the pants are of great value and you are not sure you can clean them yourself, you should take them to a dry cleaner. In all likelihood, they have already had to deal with paint stains and may therefore have specific products to adequately remove the color.
