Paint dripping onto your hands is almost inevitable during a DIY painting project. I have experienced it multiple times. Luckily, removing paint from the skin isn’t that difficult.
Start by washing your hands with soap and water, then scrub with a microfiber cloth. For stubborn stains, apply baby oil or vegetable oil and gently rub for a full minute. Use olive oil or nail polish remover to remove oil-based paints.
Act Fast
Paint is easier to remove when it’s wet, so as soon as you notice accidental paint drips or splatters on your skin, move quickly.
Removing Latex Paint
Latex paints are fairly simple to remove from your skin as they contain a water-based formula. Here are some ways to remove them:
Dish Soap
Water and dish soap break down latex and acrylic paint on your skin. Dish soap breaks down oils and grime, which helps to dissolve the paint binders.
- 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.
- Wash your hands again with soapy water.
Baby Oil or Vegetable Oil
If dish soap doesn’t work, don’t lose hope. Baby oil effectively breaks down the pigments in paint and makes it easier to remove. Vegetable and coconut oil also work well.
- Apply a few drops of oil to the painted area.
- Let it sit for three to four 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 the oil residue from your hand.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
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 three to four minutes.
- Scrub the paint with a microfiber cloth.
- 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
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 five minutes.
- Gently scrub the paint with a microfiber cloth.
- 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 with soap and water.
Nail Polish Remover or Acetone
Olive oil does a great job removing oil paint from skin. If it doesn’t work, you can use nail polish remover or acetone, but they can be harsh on your skin.
- Apply two to three 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 microfiber cloth.
- 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.
Mineral Oil, Turpentine, or Paint Thinner
Mineral oil, turpentine, or paint thinner can effectively remove oil-based paint stains, but they are harsh chemicals. So, use them only if no other method works.
- Apply two to three drops of mineral oil to a microfiber cloth.
- Gently rub the painted area.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Moisturize the treated area with a lotion so your skin doesn’t burn or crack.
My 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 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
FAQs
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.
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 irritate your skin.
Yes. Using pumice stone with an oil-based solution can effectively remove paint from your skin.
DIY or Hire a Pro for Painting?
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Main Photo Credit: hedgehog94 / Adobe Stock Free / License
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