Acrylic Paint Removal

Acrylic paints began to be commercially available in the 1950s. Acrylic paint is a fast-drying paint, that can be diluted with water, but becomes water-resistant when dry. When used in art, the finished painting can look like (if so desired) a watercolor or an oil painting, depending on how much the paint is diluted or if any substances are added to it.

Alternately, one can allow it to retain its own unique characteristics. If you are among those who use this wonderful medium on a regular basis, then you are bound to get acrylic stains on clothing and furniture.

However, if you don't know how to go about it, the task of removing these stains can get very exasperating. The following tips have been tried and tested by many, and should take care of all the stains you have managed to spill.

This method works well on clothing or curtains that can be washed later. It works if the paint is dry; however, if you do it before the stain sets, you are likely to get the same results with half the effort. Combine 2 tablespoons of ammonia, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of salt together.

You can fill the solution in a spray bottle, and then spritz it onto the stain. Alternately, you can fill it in a bowl, and use a soaked sponge to work the solution into the stain. If the paint is thick, you can use a toothbrush dipped in the solution on it.

After doing this, add the remaining solution to about 3 mugs of water, and soak the garment in it overnight. Repeat the scrubbing and soaking procedure till the stain is gone.

Another suggestion is to use hairspray for stain removal from clothes. Spray the spot, and then use an object that will allow you to scrape the paint off. You can even use your fingernails! Following this up with a wash may get you better results. Another possible solution is pine cleaner.

Soak the garment and then scrub the spot. It the stain has set, you may need to repeat this procedure a few times. Another method you can use is to first take off as much paint as possible (when its wet) with a cloth or paper towel. Next, pour some scotch or any other strong alcohol over it, and rub the spot till the paint is gone. Then wash out the garment.

Paint spills on carpets are a fairly normal phenomenon. However, it is best to get it out while it is wet, for it gets very stubborn later. One way is to get off as much paint as possible while it is still wet, and then soak the spot with a solution of laundry detergent and water.

After a while of scrubbing, use a wet vacuum to remove the water from the carpet. Repeat this process to remove as much paint as possible. After you are done, set up some fans around, and leave them running for at least 24 hours. If the paint has dried, allow the first application of detergent and water to soak the spot for a couple of hours.

Another trick to use is diluted an acrylic brush cleaner solution. The great thing about it is you can get one that is non-toxic and bio-degradable.

While painting, most of us get some acrylic paint onto ourselves. Acrylic paint from skin comes off easily with soap and water. If it is dry, you can try some baby oil or petroleum jelly on it. You could also try gasoline or alcohol, but be careful not to ingest the former.