Don't throw out those trousers or that shirt just because you got a little paint on them. With a little time and effort, you should be able to get the stain out, especially if you begin working before it sets. A paint's gloss will not affect how you treat its stains, but the processes for removing latex paint stains and oil-based paint stains are slightly different.

1

Removing Latex Paint Stains

Remove excess paint using a white cloth, paper towel or light-coloured rag. Dab the affected area with the cloth. Do not rub the affected area because it may cause the stain to spread.

Scrape the paint from the affected area using a dull-edged object. This could be a butter knife, a spatula or a plastic paint scraper. Brush away the paint particles.

Rinse the affected area with warm water from the inside of the garment. Do not use hot water because it could cause the stain to set.

Mix a solution that is half hand washing soap and half warm water. Use a cloth to dab the affected area once again, tamping it vigorously, then rinse the fabric. Repeat this step until the stain is no longer visible.

Wash the garment or have it dry cleaned. If you wash it at home, check to see if the stain is still visible before drying the garment. Drying the garment could cause the stain to set.

  • Remove excess paint using a white cloth, paper towel or light-coloured rag.
  • Do not rub the affected area because it may cause the stain to spread.
  • If you wash it at home, check to see if the stain is still visible before drying the garment.

Follow steps 1 through 3 of the instructions for removing latex paint stains. Blot up wet paint, scrape the affected area and rinse the garment.

Place the stain face down on a light-coloured cloth or a stack of paper towels while the garment is still wet. Do not let the garment dry. Wet a cloth with turpentine and use it to tamp the affected area from the inside of the garment. Repeat this step, replacing the stack of paper towels or cloth, until no more paint can be removed.

Use dishwashing detergent -- not dishwasher detergent -- to treat the remaining stain. Place a small amount on the affected area and gently work it into the fabric. Soak the garment overnight.

Launder the garment. Check before drying to see if the stain remains. If the stain is still visible, treat with a prewash stain remover and launder again.