So, you just finished painting your wall, but oops! Bright paint strokes all over your hands. Don’t worry; all DIY painters have been there. Luckily, removing paint from skin isn’t that difficult. Here’s how you can get wet or dried paint off your skin.
Act Fast
Paint is easier to remove when it’s wet. So, as soon as you notice those accidental paint drips or splatters on your skin, make your move.
Removing Water-Based Paint
Water-based paints include latex and acrylic. They are fairly simple to remove from your skin as they contain a water-based formula. Here are some ways to remove them:
- Water and dish soap
- Baby or vegetable oil
- Petroleum jelly
1. Water and Dish Soap
Water and dish soap can help you get rid of latex and acrylic paint from your hands.
- Wash your skin normally with liquid hand soap to loosen the paint.
- Wash your hands in warm water and apply dish soap.
- Let it soak for a minute or two.
- Gently scrub the painted area with a microfiber cloth or toothbrush.
- Wash your hands again with soapy water.
2. Baby or Vegetable Oil
If dish soap solution doesn’t work, don’t lose hope. Baby oil effectively breaks down the pigments in paint and makes it easier to remove. Olive and coconut oil also work well.
- Apply a few drops of oil to the painted area.
- Let it sit for 3-4 minutes.
- Use a cotton ball or microfiber to scrub the paint. A cotton ball does a better job removing paint from tricky areas between your fingers and under the nails.
- Use a paper towel to rub off the oil substance from your hand.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
3. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly isn’t as effective as baby or vegetable oil, but it works fine.
- Apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly to the painted area.
- Let it sit for 3-4 minutes.
- Scrub the paint with a toothbrush.
- Repeat the steps till the paint comes off the skin.
- Wash your hands with soapy water.
Removing Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paints include alkyd and enamel. Most spray paints are also oil-based. They are difficult to remove with soapy water and require an oil-based solution to get rid of. Here’s how you can remove them:
- Olive oil
- Nail polish remover or acetone
- Mineral oil, turpentine, or paint thinner
1. Olive Oil
Using olive oil is an effective way to get oil paint off your skin. It’s natural, so there’s no risk of skin damage. You can use vegetable or cooking oil if you don’t have olive oil.
- Apply a generous amount of olive oil to the painted area.
- Let it soak for 5 minutes.
- Gently scrub the paint with a toothbrush.
- Use a cotton ball to reach between your fingers and under the nails.
- Rub off the oil substance from your hand with a paper towel.
- Repeat this multiple times till the paint comes off.
- Rinse your hands with soap and water.
2. Nail Polish Remover or Acetone
Olive oil does a great job removing oil paint from the skin. If it doesn’t work, you can use nail polish remover or acetone, but they can be harsh on your skin.
- Apply 2-3 drops of nail polish remover to a microfiber cloth.
- Dab it on the painted area. If it doesn’t remove the paint, gently rub the area.
- Scrub the remaining paint with a toothbrush.
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.
- Nail polish remover or acetone can be harsh on the skin. So, moisturize the treated area with a lotion or cream to replenish lost moisture and keep your skin happy.
3. Mineral Oil, Turpentine, or Paint Thinner
Mineral oil, turpentine, and paint thinner can effectively remove oil-based paint stains, but they are harsh chemicals. So, use them only if no other method works.
- Apply 2-3 drops of mineral oil to a microfiber cloth.
- Gently rub the painted area.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub the remaining paint.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Moisturize the treated area with a lotion so your skin doesn’t burn or crack.
Pro tip: Vicks VapoRub contains turpentine oil, but in lower and safer quantity, and it does a great job removing paint from the skin. Before using harsh chemicals, make sure to give Vicks a try.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Your hands aren’t a canvas to show off your painting skills. And that’s the reason why professional painters wear gloves and other personal protective equipment. Here’s all you need to wear before painting so you don’t get paint on your skin.
- Painter’s hat or ballcap
- Protective eyewear
- N95 mask or respirator (if you’re working with oil-based paints)
- Latex gloves
- Long sleeves and pants (or coveralls)
- Shoes
You can purchase these items from Amazon or your local home improvement store.
FAQs
How can I remove paint from my face?
Use mild solutions like a baby or cooking oil to avoid damaging your skin. Scrub the paint with a microfiber cloth, and don’t forget to moisturize the treated area with a lotion so the skin doesn’t crack.
How can I treat sensitive skin?
If you have sensitive skin, stick to dish soap or an oil-based solution to remove the paint. You may use a commercial paint remover to remove stubborn paint, but test it on a small area to ensure it doesn’t cause skin irritation.
Can I use a pumice stone to remove paint from my skin?
Yes. Using pumice stone with an oil-based solution can effectively remove paint from your skin.
DIY or Hire a Pro for Painting?
Painting is a messy and time-consuming task that’s best left to the pros. Paint Gnome connects you with the best painting pros in your area who can transform your house from boring to beautiful. You also don’t have to worry about getting paint on your skin.
Main Photo Credit: martabystron from Pixabay / Canva Pro / License
