How to remove dried paint from clothes?

Scissors:-) ?

-- ....next big purchase is wood for the next project, Mark

it’s pretty hard to remove dried paint because it has generally absorbed into the interior fibers of the material. With that said, you can try a little bit of whatever solvent the paint says to use to remove it as if it was wet. I’ve also had limited luck using rubbing alcohol on latex paint. But limited success is the best I’ve done. Generally anything that I’ve got paint on has just become my favorite clothes to do future painting in.

-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!

Go to Wal Mart and buy another shirt, pants, whatever, before the laundry person see it.

-- Tim -- http://tmuli.com

Try this site http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf385111.tip.html

Lew

I use Goof Off to remove dried latex paint. It works pretty well on oil-based paint, too. I’ve used it get paint out of carpet.

• Test the solvent in a hidden area to make sure it doesn’t damage the carpet.
• Flood the paint drop with the solvent. Be generous.
• Scrub with a paper towel or old rag.
• Suck up the mess with a shop vacuum.
• Repeat until the paint is gone.

If you’re going to do more than just a small job, buy xylene instead—it’s cheaper. Goof Off is mostly xylene.

-- Steve B - New Life Home Improvement

Generally 40 grit or larger on a side grinder will obliterate whatever paint you’re lookin’ at.

-- Earle Wright, Lenoir City, Tennessee

Sometimes the citrus style hand cleaners will take the paint stains off. I have had luck with a couple brands for removing all kinds of stains from clothing, but a word of warning, it will sometimes remove the die in clothing too.

-- Steve-o

I don’t, it adds character ;-)

-- Doug, woodworking in Alabama

Now you have a pair of work clothes to use on your next project. Once paint is dried that’s it!

if the cloth was white, chlorine based liquids can work, like chlorex. they dont really remove the paint but remove the pigment. oil based paint can be removed with chaotic soda (drain opener or paint stripper, drain opener is cheaper), but it will happily digest any organic material, like your skin or cotton based cloth, so it is good only for 100% synthetic fabrics.

-- The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep...

I just keep wearing that article of clothing everytime I paint. This way I never have to worry about removing paint from another article of clothing.

-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.

I’ll second SteveB… Goofoff is the best… Just don’t use it in the house! The smell will drive you nuts for hours. Treat the paint and let it soak in. Blot out as much as you can and then rinse it out. (Outside of course) Then take it inside and wash it as normal. Check it before you put it in the dryer, as heat will set any paint you missed.

Tom

-- Anybody can become a woodworker, but only a Craftsman can hide his mistakes.