How to Get Dried Acrylic Paint Out of Clothes

What You’ll Need

Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl, 70% or higher) or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
An old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush
A butter knife or spoon (for scraping)
Laundry detergent (liquid or powder)
Optional: white vinegar, dish soap, or a commercial stain remover

Step-by-Step

Scrape off excess paint. Use the butter knife or spoon to gently lift away any thick, raised paint. Work from the edges toward the center to avoid spreading the stain. Don’t press hard—you could damage the fabric.
Test the alcohol on a hidden area. Apply a drop of rubbing alcohol to an inside seam or hem and wait 5 minutes. If the color fades or the fabric feels sticky, stop and use a gentler method (like vinegar or dish soap) instead.
Soak the stain with alcohol. Lay the garment flat and pour rubbing alcohol directly onto the dried paint, saturating it completely. If using hand sanitizer, rub it in generously. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes—the alcohol breaks down the acrylic’s plastic binder.
Scrub with the toothbrush. Gently scrub the stain in a circular motion. You’ll see paint transfer onto the brush and start to flake off. Add more alcohol if it dries out. Keep scrubbing until no more paint lifts.
Rinse with warm water. Hold the fabric under warm running water to flush away the loosened paint. Check if the stain is gone; if not, repeat steps 3–5 before washing.
Wash as usual. Apply a little liquid detergent directly to the stain, rub it in, then wash the garment in the hottest water safe for the fabric (check the care label). Use a normal cycle.
Air dry and inspect. After washing, air dry the garment. Do NOT put it in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is gone—heat sets acrylic permanently. If any paint remains, repeat the whole process.

Common Mistakes

Using hot water before the paint is dissolved—this bakes the plastic into the fibers.
Drying the garment in a dryer too soon—heat makes the stain permanent.
Scrubbing too hard on delicate fabrics, causing holes or fuzz.
Skipping the patch test and ruining the fabric’s color.
Using acetone (nail polish remover) on synthetic fabrics—it can melt them.

Tips

Act fast if the paint is still wet—flush with cold water and wash immediately.
For stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it, and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing.
If the garment is dry-clean only, take it to a professional and mention the paint type.

Troubleshooting

Paint won’t budge after scrubbing: Soak the stain in alcohol for up to 30 minutes, then scrub again. If still stuck, try freezing the garment overnight and scraping the paint off—cold makes acrylic brittle.
Fabric color faded after using alcohol: Rinse immediately with cold water and wash. The stain may be gone, but the color loss is permanent—this is why testing first is crucial.
Stain reappears after washing: You didn’t remove all the paint; it’s just been spread. Repeat the alcohol soak and scrub, then wash again.
Fabric is delicate (silk, wool): Use white vinegar instead of alcohol. Soak in a 1:1 vinegar-water solution for 30 minutes, then gently blot with a cloth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use nail polish remover (acetone) on acrylic paint?

Yes, but only on natural fibers like cotton or linen. Acetone can dissolve acrylic, but it will melt synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon. Always test on a hidden spot first.

Will hairspray work?

Hairspray contains alcohol, so it can work, but it’s less effective than rubbing alcohol because the alcohol concentration is lower. Use it only if you have nothing else.

What if the paint is still wet?

Flush the stain with cold water from the back, then wash with detergent. Hot water will set the paint, so keep it cold.

Is it safe to put the garment in the dryer after washing?

Only if the stain is completely gone. Heat permanently sets acrylic paint. Air dry to be safe.

Can I use vinegar to remove dried acrylic?

Vinegar works on some fabrics, especially delicate ones, but it’s slower. Soak in a 1:1 vinegar-water solution for 30 minutes, then scrub.

What if the paint has been there for months?

It’s still possible, but harder. Soak in alcohol for an hour, scrub, and repeat. You may need to do this several times.

Sources: Golden Artist Colors – Acrylic Paint Removal Guide. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.