How to Clean Paint Off Leather Coats

Remove paint spills from your leather coat with olive or linseed oil.

A splotch of paint on your leather coat may result from leaning against a freshly painted railing or bench that may not have been marked with a "wet paint" sign. However the accident happens, don't give up on your leather coat before trying a few different cleaning methods to remove the unsightly paint. Start cleaning as soon as possible. Wet paint is often easier to remove than dry paint.

Things You'll Need

• Rags
• Soft cloth
• White vinegar
• Olive or linseed oil
• Cotton swabs
• Mineral spirits

Instructions

1. Soak a rag in hot water and wring it out until it is just damp. Wipe away any wet paint immediately. Dry the clean leather thoroughly with a soft cloth.

2. Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and olive oil or linseed oil if the paint remains.

3. Dip a cotton swab into the vinegar and oil mixture, and gently rub the paint stain with the wet swab. If the paint-covered area is large, use a rag instead of a cotton swab.

4. Dip a cotton swab in mineral spirits if the paint remains. Rub the paint gently in a circular motion with the cotton swab. Try to only apply the mineral spirits to the paint, not the leather.

5. Dampen a rag in clean water. Wipe the cleaned area with the rag to remove the mineral spirits and dry the area before wearing or storing your coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Test all cleaners on an inconspicuous area of the leather coat, such as the inside of a sleeve, to ensure that the substance will not stain the leather. If the area becomes stained or discolored, do not use the cleaner on your leather coat.

References

• Children's Mercy: Safer Cleaning