Accidentally getting oil-based paint on your clothes can feel like a disaster. These paints are designed to be durable and long-lasting, which unfortunately means they’re tough to remove from fabric. But don’t give up hope just yet—if you act quickly and use the right methods, removing oil-based paint from clothing is possible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through effective solutions and important tips to help you get oil-based paint out of your clothes without ruining them.
How to Get Out Oil Based Paint from Clothes
Oil-based paints are made to last. They resist harsh weather, stick firmly to surfaces, and hold up over time. “Related article: Oil based stain vs water based stain” That’s great—until a few drops land on your favorite shirt. Because of how strong and sticky oil-based paint is, it can feel almost impossible to remove it from clothing. Many people end up tossing the garment entirely.
Removing oil-based paint from clothing is a risky task. The wrong method can actually make the stain worse by spreading it deeper into the fibers. And if the paint has already dried, getting rid of it becomes even more difficult—especially if it covers a large area.
That said, if the stain is small and still fresh, you might be able to save the fabric. In our tests, we were able to successfully get rid of several drops of oil-based paint using a few specific products and techniques. Below are the methods that actually work when you’re trying to remove oil-based paint from clothes—along with some common approaches that usually don’t.
First, Know When It’s Worth Trying
Before jumping into stain removal, assess the damage. If the oil-based paint has soaked a large portion of the fabric or is already fully dry, removal may not be worth the effort. Dried oil paint bonds deeply to the fabric, often leaving permanent marks no matter how hard you scrub.
But if the paint is still wet and the spot is small—say, just a few drops—there’s a real chance you can remove it successfully. In those cases, acting quickly and using the right products makes all the difference.
How to Remove Oil Based Paint from Clothing
1-Synthetic Thinner (Mineral Spirits)
Mineral spirits, also known as synthetic thinner, is a gentle solvent commonly used when removing fresh oil-based paint from clothing. It works well on fabrics like cotton, denim, or poly blends and is safer than harsher solvents. When removing oil-based paint from clothing, gently dab a small amount of mineral spirits onto a cotton pad or cloth, then carefully blot the stained area. Don’t rub—this could spread the paint further.
Once the paint begins to loosen and lift off the fabric, rinse the area thoroughly with warm water and immediately wash the garment using laundry detergent. Mineral spirits may not be as fast-acting as stronger thinners, but they are less likely to damage clothing—making them a smart first choice when removing oil-based paint from clothing.
2-Lacquer Thinner
Lacquer thinner is much more powerful than mineral spirits and can break down tough or semi-dry oil-based paint quickly. This makes it a highly effective option—but also a risky one. It can cause damage to fabrics, especially synthetic or delicate materials, by fading colors or even melting the fibers.
Only use lacquer thinner on heavy-duty fabrics like canvas, workwear, or old clothing you don’t mind potentially damaging. Always spot-test first in an unnoticeable area. Apply it using a cotton ball, blot the stained area carefully, and once the paint softens, rinse and wash thoroughly.
3-Turpentine
Turpentine is a natural solvent derived from tree resin that can effectively break down oil-based paint stains on fabric when used carefully. It’s traditionally used in oil painting and woodworking to clean brushes or remove sticky residues. It is also effective for treating fresh oil-based paint stains on clothing. While not as commonly used as mineral spirits today, it’s still an effective option.
Use a cloth or cotton ball soaked in turpentine and dab gently at the paint. Allow the solvent to work on the oil-based paint stain for a couple of minutes before rinsing the fabric thoroughly. Wash the clothing immediately. Be aware that turpentine has a strong odor and can irritate skin or lungs—always use it in a well-ventilated space, and wear gloves if needed.
4-Acetone (Nail Polish Remover)
Acetone can help with small, very fresh oil-based paint stains. It’s not as powerful as mineral spirits or lacquer thinner, but it’s easy to find at home. When removing oil-based paint from clothing, soak a cotton swab in acetone and carefully dab the stain. Use caution, as acetone may cause discoloration or fading on dyed fabrics. Use extra care when removing oil-based paint from clothing with acetone, since it can lighten or damage colored fabrics. After application, rinse and wash as usual.
Why Dish Soap and WD-40 Usually Don’t Work
Some online tips suggest using dish soap and WD-40 for removing oil-based paint from clothing. While these might sound harmless, they’re rarely effective—especially on dried or thick paint. In fact, WD-40 can make things worse by softening the paint and causing it to spread deeper into the fibers. Dish soap is better suited for water-based paint or grease, but it’s simply not strong enough to break down oil-based formulas.
If the stain is less than a few minutes old, a small amount of dish soap might help with immediate blotting, but it shouldn’t be your main strategy.
What to Keep in Mind During the Process
When it comes to removing oil-based paint from clothes, timing and technique are everything. Always act quickly—fresh paint is far easier to remove than dried paint. Work in a well-ventilated area when using any kind of solvent, and avoid breathing in fumes.
Before using any cleaner or solvent, test it on a hidden part of the fabric to ensure it won’t cause damage or discoloration. After treatment, wash the garment separately in the washing machine and avoid using heat (such as a dryer) until you’re sure the stain is completely gone—otherwise, you risk setting it permanently.
In short, removing oil-based paint from clothing is challenging, and success depends largely on how fresh and small the stain is. While products like synthetic thinner (mineral spirits) and lacquer thinner can be effective, household items like dish soap or WD-40 usually won’t help and may even make things worse.
When dealing with a favorite piece of clothing, prevention is always better than cure—so next time, grab that painting apron before picking up the brush. “You may be interested in this article: How to get out water based paint from clothes.”
