Skip to Main Content
Back to Stain Tips

Acrylic Paint on Fabric (Fresh & Heat-Set)

Rinse the fabric with water to remove as much of the stain as possible. Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap to pre-treat the stain. Machine wash in hottest water the garment will allow using laundry detergent. Air Dry. If any stain remains, repeat as needed.

SPECIAL NOTE: *OxiClean® powder may be added to the wash cycle by following the manufacturer’s suggestion to boost cleaning power.

If you have additional questions, we would love to hear from you! Feel free to call or text us at 1-800-CRAYOLA weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Time. If you would prefer to send us an email, visit our contact us page.

Related Tips

Explore answers to common questions, helpful stain removal tips, and creative ideas for making the most of our art supplies and free resources!

  • Cleaning Materials
    Dull Knife or Metal Spoon
    Laundry Detergent

    Fabric (fresh)--Scrape off excess wet or dry air-dry clay using a dull knife or metal spoon. Wash the fabric in hot water/cold rinse with laundry detergent on heavy duty cycle. If stain remains, repeat procedure.

    Fabric (heat-set, melted)—Presoak the fabric in laundry detergent according to the directions on the container. Wash as directed above.

  • Cleaning Materials
    Dull Knife or Metal Spoon
    Liquid Dish Soap
    Laundry Detergent

    Clean-up stains as soon as possible, as wet paint that has not yet cured will be easier to remove.

    Wet Paint

    1. Using a dull knife or metal spoon, scrape up any excess paint.

    2. Prepare a large container with warm water and dish soap. Wash the garment by hand to remove as much of the colorant as possible.

    3. For launderable fabrics, run it through a standard wash cycle with laundry detergent on the hottest temperature the material can withstand. Do not include unstained garments in the wash cycle.

    4. Repeat as needed and avoid heat-drying until satisfactory results are achieved. Air-dry instead, as heat can set the stain.

    Dry Paint

    1. Saturate the paint with a solution of warm water and dish soap.

    2. Using a dull knife or metal spoon, scrape up any excess paint.

    3. Using a soft bristle brush, scrub the area in a circular motion to help release the paint from the surface.

    4. Wipe with a cloth to pick up the loose pieces of dried paint.

    5. Repeat until no more colorant can be removed.

    6. For launderable fabrics, run it through a standard wash cycle with laundry detergent on the hottest temperature the material can withstand. Do not include unstained garments in the wash cycle.

    7. Repeat as needed and avoid heat-drying until satisfactory results are achieved. Heat can set the stain.
  • Cleaning Materials
    Laundry Detergent
    Paper Towels
    Soft Bristle Brush
    Sponge

    Rub or brush dried paint from fabric. Wipe off wet paint with a damp sponge or paper towel. Wash in hot water with laundry detergent for about 12 minutes (use heavy soiled setting if there is no minute timer on your machine) and rinse in warm water. Repeated laundering may be necessary.
  • Cleaning Materials
    Laundry Detergent

    1. Pre-treatment should not be necessary
    2. Machine wash fabric with detergent in the hottest water allowed according to fabric washing instructions. Hot water cycle is preferred.
    3. Repeat laundering, as needed, making sure to air-dry between washings. Heat-drying may set stains.
  • Cleaning Materials
    Oxiclean Carpet Cleaner
    Paper Towels
    Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover
    Woolite Spot

    While stain is wet, remove as much of the stain as possible with paper towels, using a blotting motion. Be careful not to spread the stain. Apply any of the above cleaning products and use according to the directions on the container. If stain remains, repeat procedure.

    NOTE: If stain has dried, we do not offer a stain removal suggestion, since the acrylic paint will be permanent.

Can't Find What You're Looking For?

We're here to help with your creativity!

Support

We are happy to offer stain removal suggestions as a service to consumers. While our methods were tested successfully, we can't guarantee results. Test each suggestion on an inconspicuous area first. Consult a professional cleaner if needed. Recommended brands are effective, but others may work too. Methods are for adult use only. Check containers for use and warnings.

Call 800-272-9652 weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM ET if you have further questions.

We are happy to offer stain removal suggestions as a service to consumers. While our methods were tested successfully, we can’t guarantee results. Test each suggestion on an inconspicuous area first. Consult a professional cleaner if needed.
Recommended brands are effective, but others may work too. Methods are for adult use only. Check containers for use and warnings.

Call 800-272-9652 weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM ET if you have further questions.