How to Remove Fabric Paint From Lycra Material

Lycra is a fiber that is based on rubber. When mixed with other fabrics like cotton or polyester, Lycra can help a garment stretch and hold its shape. Because Lycra is mixed with other kinds of fabrics, it may seem that paint or other spills are absorbed quickly into the fabric, giving the illusion that removing fabric paint from things made of Lycra is difficult. No matter how absorbent Lycra products may seem, treating spills early is the key to removing fabric paint and preventing stains.

Things You'll Need

• Paper tower, cloth, or blotter
• Paint solvent
• Brush
• Laundry detergent
• Laundry pretreatment (optional)

Instructions

1. Blot the spill with a clean paper towel, cloth or blotter. Let the clean cloth or towel sit directly on the spot for a few seconds. This will help to absorb as much liquid as possible. When you have soaked as much liquid into the cloth as possible, turn the garment inside out.

2. Look at the label on the paint that you are using to see if it is water- or oil-based. This will affect what method you use to remove the stain. If the paint is oil-based, pour a small amount of paint solvent onto the stain. Work the solvent into the spot using a brush or clean cloth until the stain begins to come up. If the paint is water-based, pour a small amount of laundry detergent on the stain. Work the detergent into the stain using a brush or clean cloth. You can also use a pretreatment at this time.

3. If you are working with an oil-based paint, use warm to hot water to break up the remaining solvent. Launder the fabric per the manufacturer's instructions. If you are working with water-based paint, use cool to cold water to break up the remaining detergent. Launder per the manufacturer's instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, launder garments as soon as you have removed the stain. Washing things as soon as possible will rid your garments of any remaining paint that may be embedded into the fabric.

• Never use hot water on oil-based stains. Hot water can cause stains to set permanently into fabrics.

References

• Cameopaints.com
• Caring for Spandex and Lycra