This is especially important for bigger spills, as they will be more unsightly and harder to get out once they dry.
You may be able to completely get rid of fresh paint spots this way. Acrylic paint is a water-based emulsion, meaning they are designed to be soluble in water. [2] X Research source
Regular dish soaps are ideal for this type of job, as they contains abrasive elements and compounds that cut through dried-on stains.
Due to the repellent relationship between water and various oils, the baby oil will have trouble working if the skin is still wet. [5] X Research source
Baby oil is one option that is much gentler and more beneficial to the skin than paint removers that use harsh chemicals as their primary agents. [7] X Research source Using a mildly abrasive implement like a cotton ball or sponge will help scour paint out of the deeper contours of the skin.
Pat the area with a towel before proceeding to treat the spot so that the water on your skin doesn’t dilute the alcohol.
For ease of application, press the cloth or cotton swab to the mouth of the alcohol bottle and turn it upside down, soaking a compact circle perfect for scrubbing. Pure rubbing alcohol is one of the most highly recommended methods for removing paint from various surfaces. [10] X Research source
You may have to scrub quite forcefully to reach paint that has settled deep into the skin.
Acetone is a harsher substitute for the gentler rubbing alcohol, and should be used only when soap and water and alcohol have failed to remove the stain. One of acetone’s most common uses is as nail polish remover, which means it’s been proven to work effectively on dried on acrylic paints. [14] X Research source
Because of its mildly caustic properties, acetone is irritating to the skin, but is usually not dangerous. Make sure you have no known allergy or intolerance to acetone before using it to treat skin.
Always wash skin after it has come into contact with acetone.
