How to Get Dried Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes for Kids

You can also use rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) to remove dried acrylic paint from kids’ clothes. For wet acrylic paint stains, simple household items like dish soap, laundry detergent, baking soda, vinegar, or even hairspray can do the trick!

Removing dried acrylic paint from kids’ clothes might seem tough, but it’s doable! Remove any excess paint by scraping off with a dull kitchen knife. When most of the dried paint comes off dab isopropyl alcohol onto the stain. Let the solution sit for 15 minutes. After it dissolves the paint gently scrub with a toothbrush. Then rinse it with water. Apply dish soap or laundry detergent, scrub again, and rinse thoroughly. If you still spot any stain repeat the process before washing the garment as usual.

As a mom I always deal with my kids’ messy clothes. It’s one of the regular chores for me at home. But sometimes my kids give me nightmares with a variety of stains. I’ve dealt with grass or mud stains from their playground, food stains from their favorite ketchup or fries, and the most common one, ACRYLIC PAINT STAIN. A little paint drip on the clothes can be hard to remove.

Last week, my son came home from art class. He was very proud of his new masterpiece. But my eyes wandered to his shirt. You can call it a colorful explosion of dried acrylic paint all over his shirt. I’ve experienced many stains for many kids. Acrylic paint stains are also not very unusual at my home ( as every child is planning to be the next Picasso!). But dried acrylic paint? That felt like a whole new level of disaster. My first thought was, “There’s no way this is coming out.”

I’ve already tackled several types of stains and fresh acrylic paint stains as well. So I easily figured out how to get dried acrylic paint out of clothes. I want to share my experience with you so that you can easily remove dried acrylic paints from your kid’s clothes whenever any laundry disaster happens (after all every kid is crazy with their colors). 

Does Acrylic Paint Stain Clothes?

Parents often choose acrylic paints for their kids’ art projects because it’s water-based. They also dry quickly and are very much vibrant. Unfortunately, acrylic paint stains clothes. If they are not treated earlier and get dried then they leave a stubborn stain. However, its quick-drying nature also makes it notoriously difficult to remove from fabric once it sets.

Acrylic paint is water-soluble. That means you can wash it out with water and soap when it’s wet. But once it gets dry acrylic paint becomes solid and water-resistant. It sticks to the fabric like a second skin. This is why if you want to remove acrylic paint from fabric you have to act fast. 

Why Does Acrylic Paint Stick to Clothes?

• Water-Based When Wet: Acrylic paint can be diluted with water. It makes it easy to work with during the painting process. However, this water-soluble property disappears as it dries.
• Durability When Dry: Once dry, the paint forms a water-resistant and flexible film. This property ensures it adheres firmly to surfaces, including fabrics.
• Bonding to Fibers: Acrylic paint attaches tightly to fabric fibers. 

Acrylic paint is made from a blend of pigments. It is suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. My kids love to paint with acrylic as when wet this emulsion is soft and water-soluble. The fun part of this color is when it dries the water evaporates. Then, it leaves behind a durable plastic-like film. 

Whenever kids mess their clothes with acrylic paint this film blonds tightly to the fibers of their shirts. Especially fabric like cotton and polyester. Dry paint is stubborn to remove. The unique property of acrylic that makes it ideal for art, vivid colors, and durability, also makes it harder to remove from clothing. 

How to Get Dried Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes: Easy Removal

When my son came home with paint all over his shirt I thought now I had to get rid of this shirt. But I wanted to give it a try to rescue it from all the colors. At first it seemed impossible to remove but I applied some techniques with the right tools. 

I share the whole process below. If you follow them you can reclaim your child’s favorite garment. Here’s what you’ll need to follow:

Tools You’ll Need:

• Butter knife or dull kitchen knife or tool
• Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
• Clean white cloth or paper towels
• Good-quality, heavy-duty laundry detergent
• Warm water
• Soft-bristled brush (optional)

Step-by-Step Process: Easy Stain Removal Methods

I followed these step by step processes to get dried acrylic paint out of clothes.

Step 1: Scrape Off Excess Dried Paint

When I saw the paint was already dried on my son’s shirt, I gave up. But then I tried to scrape off as much dried paint as possible. I used a butter knife or to gently scrape off the dried paint. You can also use any dull kitchen tool instead of a butter knife. Be careful while doing it. Scrape off the paint with patience, otherwise it can damage the fabric.  

If you can scrape off the dried paint first then next steps will be easier for you. This will make the stain easier to treat.

Step 2: Apply Isopropyl Alcohol

After scraping off the dried paint, on the stained area I poured a generous amount of isopropyl alcohol. I applied it directly onto the dry stain. The best part of isopropyl alcohol is it helps to soften the paint. I let this solution sit for at least 15 minutes. After 15 minutes it did its magic to soften the paint. 

You have to ensure adequate ventilation if working indoors.

Step 3: Blot the Stain

After using the isopropyl alcohol you’ll notice that the paint is softened a lot. The alcohol will dissolve the acrylic polymer. It’ll allow the paint to lift off from the fabric.

Next you’ll have to blot the stain. Blotting the stain is an important step here. I used a clean cloth to blot the softened paint. I continued blotting until no more paint transfers onto the cloth.

Step 4: Treat with Liquid Laundry Detergent

A good-quality, heavy-duty laundry detergent is my ultimate stain remover (also commonly found at any house). I applied liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain. I gently rub it in with a soft-bristled brush. You can also rub it with your fingers. After rinsing the area with warm water you’ll see the stain has faded a lot. 

If you spot any residue of the stain then apply more detergent and scrub the stained area. 

Step 5: Launder the Garment

If you are satisfied with the color fading result, wash the garment. Wash the garment in the washing machine using the hottest water temperature recommended for the fabric. 

Check the stain before drying; if it’s still visible, repeat the above steps.

Quick Steps to Remove Fresh Acrylic Paint

Messing up with colors is not uncommon for my kids. They often turn their clothes into a colorful disaster. So, I have experienced removing acrylic paints so many times. I follow the below steps if I can identify the stain while they are fresh.

• Blot the Stain: The first thing you have to do is remove as much as paint you can. I use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the excess paint on the cloth. I recommend you avoid rubbing as it can spread the stain further.
• Rinse Under Cold Running Water: Cold water will help you here. Whenever I spot acrylic paint stains I quickly hold the stained area under cold water. This helps push out as much paint as possible from the fibers.
• Apply Soap: Soap helps me to get rid of different types of stain. Acrylic paint stain is no different. Onto the stained area I gently rub a small amount of liquid laundry detergent. I also use dish soap.
• Scrub Gently: I use fingers or a soft-bristled brush to scrub the detergent into the stain. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fabric.
• Rinse and Repeat: I rinse the cloth with cold water. If I still see the hint of stain then I repeat the process until the stain fades or disappears.

Removing Acrylic Paint from Delicate Fabrics

It’s not necessary that your kids will always leave paint marks on cotton. Once my youngest daughter left an acrylic stain on my silk skirt. And I had trouble removing it fully.  

Delicate fabrics like silk and lace can get damaged easily if theory is not treated with care. They require more care than cotton to avoid damage. 

Here’s how to clean acrylic stains from delicate fabrics:

• Use Mild Solutions: Stick to soapy water and avoid harsh chemicals like acetone or paint thinner.
• Test First: Always test stain removers on an inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure they don’t cause discoloration or damage.
• Blot Gently: Use a soft cloth to blot, not rub, the stain to avoid tearing or stretching delicate fabrics.

How to Handle Acrylic Paint on Different Fabrics

How to Get Rid of Acrylic Paint on Jeans

Wondering how to get acrylic paint off denim? Honestly, jeans are one of the most durable fabrics. So you can use isopropyl alcohol or commercial stain removers to tackle dried paint stains. After excess paint comes off, scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush for stubborn spots. Wash it according to the care label.

How to Get Acrylic Paint Out of Polyester

Polyester can handle alcohol-based products well. So, isopropyl alcohol will help you here as well. Blot the stain after applying isopropyl alcohol. Then wash with warm water and detergent.

Until the paint is gone, repeat the stain removal process.

How to Get Dried Acrylic Paint Out of White Clothes

Removing stains from white clothes is very hard. White clothes are tricky because stains are more visible on them. If your kid gets stain on their white clothes use a combination of isopropyl alcohol and baking soda. This solution will target the stain and will not damage the fabric.

What Removes Acrylic Paint from Clothes? Active Ingredients

If you have kids at home then accidentally (or intentionally!) getting paint on clothes will not be unusual. But the good news is there are some products available just around you that work very well removing those stubborn stains. I’ve also used some of them to successfully remove stains from my kids’ clothes. 

I often get a common question from parents, “What takes acrylic paint off clothes?” So, I’ll share my insights about some of the most effective solutions from my experience. Some of them are also common household ingredients that work on acrylic paint stains.

Isopropyl Alcohol: The Hero of Stain Removal  

Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is one of the best products. It breaks down the acrylic polymers in the paint. Isopropyl alcohol helps to loosen the paints bond to the fabric

This solvent works by loosening the paint’s bond to the fabric. Then it becomes easier to lift the stain. 

I’ve personally used this method to remove dried paint from my son’s clothes. Though the stain looked permanent. A little isopropyl alcohol worked wonders. It removed the stain completely. However, always test alcohol on a hidden area first. Otherwise it might discolor delicate fabrics.  

Can you remove acrylic paint without rubbing alcohol? Yes, you can do it. It’s normal to not have isopropyl alcohol at home. I have alternative solutions for you. From the ingredients below you’ll learn how to remove dried acrylic paint from clothes without rubbing alcohol.

Dish Soap: A Must-Have for Fresh Stains

For fresh acrylic paint stains, dish soap is my go-to. Dish soap has grease-cutting properties and also works well on water-based paint. 

Dish soap has mild properties. That’s why dish soap is not harmful for delicate fabrics. Once my daughter accidentally spilled bright blue acrylic paint on her white cotton shirt. And dish soap saved the day! 

I applied a few drops of dish soap directly to the wet paint stain. I also added a bit of warm water. I scrubbed the stain gently with a soft-bristled brush. And surprisingly, the stain was gone after a few rinses. The fabric wasn’t also harmed.

Commercial Stain Removers: Heavy-Duty Help  

Products like OxiClean or Resolve are designed to tackle tough stains. That also includes acrylic paint. These commercial stain removers contain powerful cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can dissolve even the most stubborn paint spots. 

They come with user instructions. Simply follow the instructions on the packaging to clean the stain.

If I spot any larger stain or old stain on my kids clothes I use OxiClean. They work best when I’m short on time. The results are often impressive. But again, test the product on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire stain.  

Baking Soda: The Natural Scrubber  

I love using baking soda because it doesn’t damage the fabric. Many parents ask me what is the most effective yet natural cleaning agent. I suggest baking soda. It is an excellent natural alternative for removing paint stains. It helps to scrub away stubborn paint. The best part is, it’s a budget-friendly solution. Most parents already have it in their kitchen.

After learning how to remove acrylic paint from clothes with baking soda I always keep it in my kitchen. The user method is also simple. Mix baking soda with water and create a thick paste. Apply the paste to the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. And then scrub with a soft brush.  

I’ve successfully used this method on my kids’ play clothes. Those were already durable and didn’t require delicate handling.

Acetone: Use with Caution  

You can remove acrylic paint with acetone. Acetone can be highly effective for removing paint. It is one of the common ingredients in nail polish remover. However, it can’t be used on delicate fabrics. Acetone can damage or discolor the delicate materials. But they can be used on durable fabrics like denim. 

I use acetone for extreme cases when other solutions don’t work. When my son managed to get a massive paint streak on his canvas sneakers, I used acetone to save them. But be careful—acetone isn’t suitable for every fabric, so proceed with caution.  

Warm Soapy Water for Minor Stains  

If your kid gets minor or fresh paint stains, warm soapy water can often do the trick. Combine a mild liquid detergent with warm water and use a clean and dry cloth to dab the stain. Gently scrub in a circular motion until the paint lifts. Rinse with cool water and repeat if needed.  

This method is perfect for small accidents or when you catch a stain right away. It’s gentle enough for delicate fabrics, making it ideal for baby clothes or items with sensitive materials.  

What Should You Keep in Mind?  

Consider the type of fabric and the size and age of the stain. Test any cleaning solution on a hidden area of the garment first to avoid discoloration or damage.

How to Get Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes with Hairspray

Hairspray can be a surprisingly effective stain remover due to its alcohol content. The best part is it is easily available at any house. 

Whenever you spot any acrylic paint stain on the clothes grab your hairspray quickly (it’ll save the day and your kid’s favourite garments!). 

• Spray a generous amount on the stain. 
• Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a clean cloth. 
• Do it a couple of times and rinse the cloth with your favorite detergent.

How to Get Black Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes

Removing black acrylic color from clothes is a bit challenging as it has a tendency to leave stains more than other colors. But you can get rid of these tough insoluble stains using some techniques. 

You can save your clothes from permanent staining by following these steps:   

1. Place the stained area over a clean towel or paper towel.  
2. Pour isopropyl alcohol directly onto the stain.  
3. Let the alcohol sit for about 10-15 minutes.  
4. Blot the stain with a clean cloth or sponge. Press down to lift the paint.
5. Apply a few drops of dish soap directly to the stained area.
6. Scrub the stain with a soft-bristled brush. 
7. Rinse the fabric under cold running water. 

If you notice that the stain is not coming off then mix the dish soap with isopropyl alcohol. It will enhance its effectiveness. For best results, use a stain-removal detergent. 

How to Get Acrylic Paint Out of Carpet

Accidents don’t always happen on clothes. As kids are always active with their colors, it can be spilled on the carpet as well. I’ve already discussed in one of my blogs how to remove permanent marker stains from carpet. Let’s check out how you can clean acrylic paint from carpet. 

If acrylic paint lands on your carpet:

• Scrape off excess paint with a blunt knife.
• Blot the area with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water.
• Apply isopropyl alcohol and blot until the stain lifts.
• Rinse with clean water and let the carpet air dry.

Post-Stain Removal Clothes Care

You have a stain free cloth now but the job is not yet done. It’s essential to give the entire garment some extra care to restore its original condition. If you can ensure a proper post-stain removal care then the fabric will stay intact and look as good as new.

Washing the clothes with care and love is the first step. Start by rinsing the treated area thoroughly under cold running water. Cold running water will remove any remaining traces of the acrylic paint remover or cleaning solution. This step helps rinse out any residual chemicals and also loosened acrylic paint spots. 

If the fabric still feels sticky or stiff, rinse it a second time with lukewarm water with detergent.  

If you are using a washing machine then wash the entire garment using a gentle cycle. Use a good-quality detergent. Avoid hot water at this stage, as it may set any leftover stain or damage delicate fabrics. Instead, use lukewarm water. Lukewarm water is effective yet safe for most materials.  

Now it’s drying time. But before drying, inspect the garment carefully. If you notice even the faintest trace of paint on clothing, avoid placing it in the dryer. Heat can set any remaining stain permanently. Instead, air dry the clothes. Air drying is always a simple and safe choice. 

Proper care doesn’t just end with cleaning. For future protection, consider using a fabric spray or stain repellent to make acrylic paint removal easier the next time your child’s creative process runs wild. 

Pro Tips for Preventing Acrylic Paint Stains

• Lay down drop cloths or old newspapers during art projects.
• Dress kids in old clothes or aprons while painting.
• Teach kids to wipe excess paint off brushes before using them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Kids are supposed to be creative with their colors. So, having some color explosion on clothes is not unusual for them. As a parent I always try to be patient with my kids’ creative accidents. I’ve dealt with paint on their clothes so many times. Dealing with those stains can feel overwhelming but if you know the right trick you can remove the toughest stains.

Act quickly with wet stains, and for dried ones, don’t hesitate to use tools like isopropyl alcohol, dish soap, and baking soda. As every fabric is different and reacts differently to the stain removing solution, it’s better to test a small area first. 

My tip for you is to be patient. With the right tools in your hand that you already have at home, you can save your kid’s favourite garments.

If you have any tips or success stories about removing stains from your kid’s clothes, share them in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.