Getting oil-based paint on your clothes can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to ruin your favorite outfit. Oil-based paints are strong, sticky, and hard to remove, yet with the right methods, even fresh or semi-dried stains can be successfully removed. In this guide, you’ll learn effective ways to get oil-based paint out of clothes and tips to protect your fabrics while doing it.
How to Get Out Oil Based Paint from Clothes
Oil-based paints adhere extremely well to the surfaces they’re applied to. They’re durable and resistant to harsh weather conditions — which is great, until a few drops end up on your favorite outfit. Because oil-based paint is so strong and sticky, removing it from clothing can feel almost impossible. That’s why many people simply throw the garment away once it’s stained.
Getting oil-based paint out of clothes is tricky and risky. Using the wrong method can make things worse by spreading the stain deeper into the fabric fibers. If the paint has dried or covers a large area, removing it becomes even harder. However, if the stain is small and still fresh, it’s possible to save your clothing. In our tests, we successfully removed a few drops of oil-based paint using lacquer thinner. “You may also be interested in: Can paint thinner remove paint?” Below are other methods that truly work when trying to get oil-based paint out of clothes.
1-Synthetic Thinner (Mineral Spirits) – Safe Method
Mineral spirits, also known as synthetic thinner, are a commonly used mild solvent for removing fresh oil-based paint from clothes. They work well on fabrics like cotton, denim, and polyester blends, and are safer to use than stronger solvents. To remove oil-based paint from clothing, apply a small amount of mineral spirits to a cotton pad or cloth, and gently blot the stained area. If the paint is thick or dried on the surface, carefully scrape off the excess with a knife before wiping.
Once the paint begins to loosen and lift from the fabric, rinse the area thoroughly with warm water and wash the garment immediately using laundry detergent. While mineral spirits may not act as quickly as stronger thinners, they’re much less likely to damage your clothes, making them a smart first choice for removing oil-based paint stains.
2-Lacquer Thinner
Lacquer thinner is much stronger than mineral spirits and can quickly break down tough or semi-dried oil-based paint on clothes. This makes it a highly effective option, but also a risky one. It can cause color fading or even melt the fibers, potentially damaging fabrics—especially synthetic or delicate materials.
Use lacquer thinner only on heavy-duty fabrics such as canvas, work clothes, or old garments where damage won’t be a concern. Always perform a spot test on an inconspicuous area first. Apply it with a durable cloth, gently blot the stained area, and once the paint softens, rinse thoroughly and wash the garment well.
3-Turpentine
Turpentine is a natural solvent derived from tree resin and, when used carefully, can effectively break down oil-based paint stains on fabric. Traditionally, it’s been used for cleaning paintbrushes or removing sticky residues in oil painting and woodworking. You can also use turpentine to clean fresh oil-based paint stains from clothes. Although it’s not as commonly used today as mineral spirits, it remains an effective option—best suited for small stains.
Dampen a cloth with turpentine and gently blot the oil-based paint on the fabric. Allow the solvent to sit on the stain for a few minutes before rinsing the fabric thoroughly. Wash the garment immediately afterward. Turpentine has a strong odor and can irritate the skin or lungs, so always use it in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves if necessary.
4-Acetone (Nail Polish Remover)
Acetone can help remove small and very fresh oil-based paint stains from clothing. To clean oil-based paint from clothes, soak a cloth in acetone and gently rub the stained area in circular motions. Be extra cautious when using acetone, as it can cause discoloration or fading. It’s always a good idea to test it on a small, hidden area of the fabric first to see how it reacts. After application, wash the fabric thoroughly.
Things to Keep in Mind When Removing Oil-Based Paint from Clothes
Removing oil-based paint from clothes can be challenging, but the right approach makes a big difference. The most important rule is to act fast—fresh paint is always easier to remove than dried paint. Always work in a well-ventilated area when using solvents, and wear gloves to protect your skin.
Before applying any solvent, test it on a hidden part of the fabric to ensure it won’t cause discoloration or damage. Once the paint begins to loosen, rinse the area with warm water and wash the garment separately using laundry detergent. Avoid using a dryer until the stain is completely gone, as heat can permanently set any remaining paint.
Keep in mind that not every stain can be saved. If the paint has dried over a large area, it might be impossible to remove it completely. However, for small and fresh stains, products like mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, or turpentine can be surprisingly effective when used carefully.
In the end, prevention is the best protection—always wear old clothes or a painting apron next time you tackle a paint project. You may also be interested in: How to remove oil paint from hands.”
