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How can I wash off acrylic paint from unwanted places?

Sometimes, we spend more time trying to remove paint than we do applying it in the first place. Whether it is because of an accidental spillage or we are simply trying to clean our brushes and pots after a modelling session, removing paint can be a chore!
It helps to have an understanding of the paint you are using when trying to remove it. Acrylic paint is water based, this is good news if you are trying to remove it whilst it is still wet because simply adding more water will dilute the paint. If you dilute it enough eventually it will disappear altogether.
There is no better advice than to wear protective overalls or gloves if you want to eliminate the risk of getting paint in unwanted places, however, if you should find yourself in a situation where you have an acrylic paint spillage, you must keep the surface wet whilst the clean-up operation is in the planning. This is because once dry, acrylic paint is waterproof so no amount of washing is going to remove it.
The best method for removing wet acrylic paint is to add as much water as you can to dilute it, the water will, of course, need to be removed afterwards to avoid an even bigger (all be it fainter) mess. Carpet cleaners are ideal for removing spillages from fabrics such as furniture or carpets but in the absence of a carpet cleaner, a good old fashioned sponge and a bucket of warm soapy water will do the job.
Clothing with paint spillages on them should be immediately put into the washing machine whilst harder surfaces should be thoroughly wiped clean.
If you are unfortunate enough to have a spillage that has dried then you are likely going to need some chemical assistance such as Strip Magic to remove it but always remember if using chemicals, to test them on a small area first. The best line of defence though is to get it when it's still wet.
Our top tip when cleaning up an acrylic paint spillage is to clean the offending item until the water runs clear, then clean it again!
Posted in: Painting

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