Can You Get Oil Paint Out of Clothing?
Oil paint is an incredibly versatile and vibrant medium used by artists of all kinds. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most difficult types of paint to get out of clothes. But all hope is not lost! If you find yourself with a clothing stain of oil paint, the following guide will help break down different methods to try and remove the stain.
Eliminate or Reduce the Stain
- Blot it up quickly – Oil paint dries quickly, so the first step you should take is to blot away the paint with a clean, dry cloth before it has the chance to set in.
- Wash the garment with warm water and pure soap – After blottitng, you should follow up by gently washing the garment with warm water and mild soap. Try not to be too vigorous as this can spread the stain even further.
- Dab the stain with rubbing alcohol – If the stain is still present after washing, you may want to try dabbing it with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Be sure to test the garment first in an inconspicuous spot.
- Apply Castor Oil or Petroleum Jelly – This method is best used on light-colored clothing. Apply a generous amount of castor oil or petroleum jelly to the stain and allow for it to sit for about an hour before washing.
Other Removal Methods
Stains from oil paint can be notoriously difficult to remove, but there are other methods that can be tried if your attempts fail.
- Apply some ammonia – Mix a solution of one part ammonia to three parts water and apply directly to the stain. Allow it to sit for approximately five minutes, then rinse the garment with cold water.
- Mix some detergent with water – You can also try mixing a small amount of detergent with warm water and applying it to the stain. Allow the garment to sit for several minutes, then rinse with water.
- Call in a professional – If all of the above fails, it may be best to seek the help of a professional dry-cleaning service.
Removing oil paint from clothing can be a daunting task, but with a bit of elbow grease and determination, it can be done. Remember to take all the proper precautions before applying any of the above methods, as some may damage the fabric of the garment. Good luck!