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Watercolor artworks can be stunning, yet they often leave behind unwanted stains. greg801 / Getty ImagesWhether created by a young child or a skilled artist, watercolor paintings bring vibrant color to any space. Unfortunately, the stains they leave on clothing can be quite a hassle. Use these tips to eliminate those annoying stains.
Ways to Remove Watercolor Paint Stains From:
Acetate, Synthetic or Wool Carpet, Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate, Wool
Use a sponge method by applying light strokes with a dampened pad, starting from the center of the stain and moving outward. Immediately rinse the area with water to dilute the paint. Apply a wet spotter and a few drops of ammonia (be cautious when using ammonia on silk and wool). Place an absorbent pad dampened with the wet spotter over the stain. Let the pad stay in place as long as it continues to absorb the stain. Change the pad as it picks up the stain. Keep the stain and pad moist with wet spotter and ammonia. Rinse thoroughly with water and repeat if needed. If a stain remains after drying, mix a small amount of Rit Color Remover following the instructions on the package. After testing on a hidden area, apply it to the stain and blot with an absorbent pad. For carpets, sponge the color remover onto the stain and blot with an absorbent pad. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry.
How to Eliminate Watercolor Paint Stains From:
Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex
Soak the item in a mixture of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent, and 1 tablespoon ammonia for 30 minutes. Rinse well. If the stain persists, soak the item in a solution of 1 quart warm water and 1 tablespoon white vinegar for 1 hour (be cautious when using vinegar on cotton and linen). Rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry. For set-in stains, apply rubbing alcohol (diluted with 2 parts water for acrylic and modacrylic) to the area and tamp (gently tap a brush on the stained fabric). As the stain loosens, blot the excess liquid and stain with an absorbent pad. Keep the stain and pad moist with alcohol and change the pad as it absorbs the stain. Let it dry. If any stain remains, mix Rit Color Remover as per the package instructions, test on an inconspicuous area, and flush it through the stain. Rinse thoroughly with clear water and allow to dry completely.
How to Get Rid of Watercolor Paint Stains From:
Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Bamboo, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Glass, Paint (flat or glossy), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Vinyl Clothing
or gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Vinyl Clothing
Immediately blot the spill with a cloth or sponge soaked in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
How to Get Rid of Watercolor Paint Stains From:
Alabaster, Marble
Immediately blot the spill with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water. Rinse well and dry with a clean cloth. If a stain persists, soak an absorbent pad in rubbing alcohol, wring it out almost completely, and place it over the stain. Wait for 5 minutes, then apply an absorbent pad soaked in ammonia and dampened. Alternate between alcohol and ammonia pads until the stain is gone. Wipe the surface with a cloth dampened with clean water and dry with a fresh cloth.
How to Get Rid of Watercolor Paint Stains From:
Asphalt, Cork, Linoleum, Vinyl Tile
Blot any excess spill with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. If a stain remains, place an absorbent pad soaked in rubbing alcohol over the stain. Let it sit for several minutes, then wipe the area with a cloth dampened with ammonia. Avoid using ammonia on linoleum or vinyl floor tiles. Rinse again with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water, rinse with clean water, and allow to dry.
How to Get Rid of Watercolor Paint Stains From:
Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo
Remove excess paint. Clean with a solution of washing soda or detergent (not soap) mixed with water. Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to scrub the surface. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let it air dry.
How to Get Rid of Watercolor Paint Stains From:
Grout
Blot the excess spill with a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water. If a stain persists, moisten a toothbrush with water, dip it into a small amount of baking soda or powdered cleanser, and gently scrub the stain. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry the area with a clean cloth.
How to Remove Watercolor Paint Stains From:
Leather, Suede
Paint will begin to discolor these fabrics instantly. Once the paint touches the material, promptly blot the spot with a cloth dampened with clean water. If the stain remains, dab the area with a cloth soaked in dry-cleaning solvent. Let it air dry. For leather, apply Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap to restore the leather.
How to Remove Watercolor Paint Stains From:
Wood
Combine dishwashing detergent with hot water, whisking it to generate a lot of foam. Use a cloth to dip only into the foam and apply it to the surface. Rinse with a cloth dampened with clear water, then polish or wax the wood as soon as possible.
A painting adds a lovely touch to any room, as long as the watercolor paint stays on the canvas. These stain-removal methods will assist you in removing unwanted paint stains.
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Dry spotter:
To create a dry spotter, mix 1 part coconut oil (available at pharmacies and health food stores) with 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent. This solution can be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent evaporation of the solvent. If needed, mineral oil can be used instead of coconut oil, though it is less effective.
Caution: Dry-cleaning solvents are hazardous and can be flammable.
Wet spotter:
For a wet spotter, combine 1 part glycerine, 1 part white dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Shake well before use and store it in a plastic squeeze bottle.
