How to Remove Paint Stains

While decorators’ workwear and proper preparation can minimise accidents, even the most experienced decorators occasionally encounter unwanted paint splatters or drips. When this happens, addressing any paint stains promptly and effectively is the best way to protect the surface from further damage. Explore our guide to removing paint stains to find tried-and-tested methods that work on a range of materials, including fabric, carpets, wood and masonry.

How to remove paint from clothes

Wearing suitable workwear and PPE is the best way to protect your clothes from paint stains caused by overspray and splashes, but significant paint spillages could seep through and cause stains on your underclothes. If you need to remove paint from clothes, you’ll first need to identify the type of paint to choose the appropriate stain removal technique.

Removing emulsion paint stains from clothing

Emulsion paint is water-based, making it easier to remove than oil-based formulas. Follow these steps for effective stain treatment:

1. If the stain is new and the paint is still wet, scoop as much paint off the item as you can using a flat-edged tool like a table knife. If the stain has dried, skip this step.

2. Turn the garment inside out and rinse the stained area with cold water. This helps flush the paint out of the fibres.

3. Dish soap is one of the most effective household stain removers. Apply a small amount directly onto the stain and gently work it in using a clean cloth or sponge, taking care not to spread the paint pigment by scrubbing it harshly.

4. Rinse the garment with cold water and repeat this process until the stain has almost disappeared.

5. Check the care instructions for the item and wash it in the washing machine on the appropriate cycle. This should remove any remaining marks.

6. If the item is still stained after washing, you can try using a specialist stain remover. Some of these products contain bleach, so take care when using them on coloured garments, as this could cause more staining.

Removing gloss paint stains from clothing

Gloss paint is oil-based, making the stain removal process trickier than it is for water-based paints like emulsion. Try these steps to get gloss paint out of clothes:

1. If the paint is still wet, scrape as much as possible off with a flat-edged tool. If it has already dried, go straight to step 2.

2. Turn the item inside out and lay the stained area on something absorbent, like old rags or towels. Start blotting the stain with turps or paint thinner to lift it away from the garment. You should always test a small area first, as it could discolour the fabric.

3. Rinse the item with cold water. The stain should have lifted, but if any pigment remains, apply fabric detergent to the area and leave it to work into the stain overnight.

4. Wash the item in the washing machine on a regular cycle (if it is machine washable – check the care label).

5. If the stain still hasn’t gone, you may need to use a specialist stain remover and then wash the garment again.

How to remove paint stains from carpets   

If you don’t protect the floors while painting, or if a large amount of paint seeps through dustsheets while decorating, it could stain. Learn how to remove water and oil-based paint stains from carpets and rugs here.

How to get water-based paint out of carpet

Water-based paint, like emulsion, is easier to remove from carpet than oil-based paint, but it can still be challenging. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Scrape off any excess paint with a flat-edged tool, whether it’s wet or dry.

2. Blot the stained area with a damp cloth, loosening any paint from the carpet fibres. Don’t scrub, as this could spread the stain.

3. Apply a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent to the area and continue blotting with a cloth.

4. Leave the area to dry, and if it needs further treatment, apply a specialist carpet cleaner.

How to get oil-based paint out of carpet

The steps for removing oil-based paint from carpet are almost identical to those for water-based paint, with one additional step: you can apply paint thinner to the stain after blotting with a damp cloth, then proceed to blot with dish soap or detergent.

How to remove paint from brick

Whether your brickwork has been compromised by overspray when decorating other areas, or a previous homeowner has painted the exterior and you want to let the natural material shine, removing paint from brick is relatively straightforward. These tips can be used when removing water and oil-based paint:

1. Apply a suitable paint stripper to the affected area – we recommend Barratine Peelaway 1 for brick. This is a great way to remove a large amount of paint at once and can also be used to treat smaller splashes.

2. Once the product has worked its magic, use a stiff brush to remove the paint from the textured surface of the bricks.

How to remove paint from wood  

Both water and oil-based paint can be removed from wood by sanding or applying a paint stripper. Often, a combination of both methods is required – sanding, stripping and sanding again. You may be able to buff away small paint splatters from wooden furniture, skirting or trim using abrasives, while larger painted areas will need to be treated with a chemical paint stripper.

Tips to avoid paint stains

Now you know how to remove paint stains, make sure you take the necessary steps to prevent them in the future, including:

• Cover flooring and furniture with dustsheets

• Wear suitable workwear and PPE when decorating to protect yourself and your clothes

• Remove light fixtures when painting ceilings

• Use painters’ tape to mask off any areas you don’t want to paint, ensuring a neat finish

For more handy decorating tips, check out our guide to cleaning paint brushes and learn how to assemble the perfect professional paint brush set.