Painting a fence, ceiling or window frames almost always leaves marks on your clothes. Fresh paint can still be washed out, but dried paint seems like a lost cause. In fact you have a good chance of saving the garment if you identify the type of paint correctly.
Emulsion and acrylic paints (water-based) respond well to alcohol-based products. Alkyd paints and solvent-based enamels are better softened with WD-40. A simple check: if the tin says brushes can be cleaned with water, the paint is water-based.
What you will need
- rubber gloves
- aerosol hairspray containing alcohol
- a stiff-bristled brush
- WD-40 Multi-Use or WD-40 Smart Straw
- a sponge and clean cloth
- mild washing-up liquid, warm and cold water
Important: Wear gloves: paint and solvents irritate the skin. Test the product on a hidden area of the fabric first and take extra care with synthetics and delicate items.
Step 1
Remove the top layer of paint
Lay the garment flat and put cardboard or a paper towel under the stain. Carefully scrape off anything that is flaking with a blunt knife or plastic card. The thinner the remaining layer, the faster the product will work.
Step 2
Water-based paint: hairspray
Spray a generous amount of alcohol-based hairspray onto the stain. The alcohol softens the acrylic film and lifts it from the fibres.
Then soak the garment in cold water for about an hour to wash out the hairspray and softened paint.
Step 3
Scrub with a brush
Take the garment out of the water and scrub the stain with a stiff-bristled brush in circular motions until the paint comes away. If an outline remains after the first attempt, repeat the hairspray and soaking.
Step 4
Alkyd paint and enamel: WD-40
For solvent-based paint, cover the whole stain with WD-40 Multi-Use. On small spots, WD-40 Smart Straw is handier so you do not soak the surrounding fabric.
Work it in with a sponge and give it a few minutes to get under the dried film.
Step 5
Wipe away the softened paint
Wipe the stain with a clean cloth, moving to a fresh part as soon as paint appears on it. Repeat until no more colour transfers to the cloth. Add a little more WD-40 if needed.
Step 6
Wash with detergent
Soak the garment in warm water with mild washing-up liquid to remove the paint residue and the greasy WD-40 film. Scrub the stain once more, rinse and wash as usual. Do not dry it on a radiator until you are sure the mark has gone.
Tip: Keep a can of WD-40 and a rag nearby when painting: a fresh drop of enamel on clothes, gloves or tools wipes off in a minute, while dried paint takes much longer to soften.
What next
Old, thick stains do not always vanish completely but usually become almost invisible. WD-40 Multi-Use is useful after painting too, for cleaning roller handles, tin lids and metal scrapers.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».