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What is the best way to get paint off of clothing?

Answer:
Have you ever seen a professional painter in paintless

work clothes? Even they get spots and splatters on them from time to time; the only difference is they seem to not mind them being there.

Removing paint from clothing is, of course, best accomplished as soon as it gets ON the clothing, if at all possible. And, best paint removal is accomplished with the thinning agent recommended by the paint manufacturer.

For oil-based or alkyd paints, most manufacturers list the proper thinning solvent (i.e., mineral spirits, etc.), which may also be used to clean up mistakes or spots on clothing. Caution: Some solvents may react with some clothing materials, and some may cause skin irritation. Read and follow manufacturers' instructions for safe and proper use.

Removal of fresh oil-based or alkyd paint is done by daubing a clean rag in the recommended solvent/thinner, then lightly rubbing the paint spot, refreshing the rag with clean solvent as necessary.

Removal of dried on oil-based or alkyd paint is more complex, and may require use of a portable steamer (available at home centers) to first soften the paint, then picking it free with a pin or needle point. Final clean up with solvent should dissolve any residue in the fibers.

For water-based or latex paints, fresh spots can usually be quickly and effectively removed from clothing with a clean water moistened rag daubed over the spot repeatedly, until clean. Rinse with clear water.

Removal of dried on water based paints may require the same process as for removing oil-based or alkyd dried on paints; i.e., the steamer and needle trick.


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