How to Remove Tempera Paints

Tempera paint can be lifted using household mixtures and materials.

Also known as poster paint, tempera paint is commonly used in art classes. It is especially popular among children due to its vivid colors and lack of toxicity. Although convenient, tempera paint is dye-based and notoriously difficult to remove from clothes and household surfaces. Fortunately, there are tools and household remedies that will help dissolve the paint from virtually any surface.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towel
• Warm water
• Plastic spoon
• Powdered oxygen bleach
• Wash cloth

Instructions

1. Treat a fresh tempera stain with a dry paper towel. Blot the paint to absorb it as quickly as possible.

2. Scrape any dried tempera with a plastic spoon to remove the majority of the stain. Blot the remainder with a paper towel soaked in warmed water until it comes loose from the surface.

3. Mix a solution consisting of 1 tsp. of powdered oxygen bleach for every 1 cup of water; this solution will not damage the color of fabric, clothing or furniture.

4. Saturate the stained surface with the bleach mixture. Allow it to dissolve the paint for 2 to 3 minutes.

5. Rinse the garment in warm water to eliminate trace of bleach, or blot all other surfaces with another wet paper towel. Dry the renewed area with a clean cloth.

References

• How to Clean Stuff: How To Remove Tempera Paint Stains
• Tempera Paint: Stain Removal Solutions
• Quick 'n Easy Stain Removal