Whether it's water- or oil-based, removing splattered paint from shoes is a difficult task that can get even tougher depending on the type of material the shoes are made of. If the shoes are new, an old favorite or an expensive pair, it may be worth the effort it takes to attempt paint removal. Patience and persistence, in addition to the right cleaning materials, are the secrets to success.
Fabric or Canvas Shoes
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Latex or Acrylic Water-Based Paint
Tip
Removing wet paint from fabric shoes is easier and yields better results than trying to remove dry paint. Keep paint wet throughout the cleaning process; if the paint is already dry, scrape away as much as possible with a stiff bristled brush before wetting.
Things You'll Need
Clean cloth
Toothbrush
Dish soap
Nail polish remover
Cotton ball or swab
Step 1: Wipe Wet Paint
Dip a clean cloth in water and wipe away as much wet paint as possible from the shoe. For large spills, scoop off paint with a spoon.
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Step 2: Rinse with Water
Run the shoe under warm water to rinse out remaining paint.
Step 3: Scrub the Sole
Using an old toothbrush, scrub any paint that is on the sole of the shoe.
Step 4: Wash with Soap
Mix one part warm dish detergent and one part water in a bucket. Wet a cloth or sponge in the soapy water and wring it out before blotting the leftover paint stain vigorously. Repeat the process until most of the paint is removed.
Step 5: Blot Spots
Pour a small amount of nail polish remover on a cotton ball and blot gently until all paint is removed. Rinse the shoe under warm water.
Step 6: Launder
Launder shoes in the washing machine in cold water on the delicate cycle and allow them to air dry.
Removing Oil-Based Paint
Things You'll Need
Clean cloth
Spoon
Rubbing alcohol
Cotton ball or swab
Mineral spirits
Dish soap
Step 1: Wipe Wet Paint
Dip a clean cloth in water and wipe away as much wet paint as possible from the shoe. For large spills, scoop off paint with a spoon.
Step 2: Apply Rubbing Alcohol
Soak a cotton ball or swab in rubbing alcohol -- gently squeeze out the excess so it's not dripping -- and dab it on the paint-stained spot until the stain loosens and lightens.
Tip
For stubborn oil-based paint stains, alternate between applying mineral spirits and water to the stain using a cloth or toothbrush and blotting thoroughly between each application.
Step 3: Blot, Don't Rub
Blot a cloth dampened in warm, soapy water on the stain before rinsing under warm water until the paint is removed.
Step 4: Launder
Wash shoes in the washing machine in cold water on the delicate cycle and allow them to air dry.
Leather Shoes
Removing Latex or Acrylic Water-Based Paint
Things You'll Need
Clean cloth
Rubbing alcohol
Cotton ball or swab
Leather conditioner
Step 1: Wipe Wet Paint
Wipe away wet paint with a dry cloth, taking care not to smear the paint over a larger area. Work on one small section at a time.
Step 2: Dab with Alcohol
Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab on the paint until it loosens and is removed.
Step 3: Blot Dry
Wipe the old paint spot with a clean, dry cloth, blotting until it dries.
Step 4: Buff
Rub leather conditioner on any discolored spots and buff using firm pressure and a soft cloth to even out the finish.
Removing Oil-Based Paint
Things You'll Need
Clean cloth
Commercial residue removing product
Cotton ball or swab
Leather conditioner
Step 1: Wipe Wet Paint
Wipe away wet paint with a dry cloth, taking care not to smear the paint over a large area. Work in one small section at a time.
Step 2: Dab on a Residue Remover
Apply a small amount of a commercial cleaning product made for removing sticky or greasy messes to a cotton ball or swab and let it sit for one minute on a small paint spot. Gently wipe away the paint and cleaner with a soft cloth.
Step 3: Air Dry
Allow the shoe to dry overnight after the paint is removed.
Step 4: Buff
Rub leather conditioner on any discolored spots and buff using firm pressure and a soft cloth to even out the finish.
Tip
If it's dried paint on the leather, use your fingernail or the tip of a thin knife to peel off as much paint as possible before buffing the area with leather conditioner.
Suede
Removing paint from suede shoes is the most difficult, but the treatment is the same for oil-based or water-based paint stains.
Things You'll Need
Clean cloth
Dish soap
Pencil eraser
Clean toothbrush or shoe brush
Fingernail file
Step 1: Blot Wet Paint
Remove as much of the wet paint as possible by blotting gently with a clean cloth.
Step 2: Clean With Soap
Mix a small amount of dish soap in warm water to create foaming bubbles and suds. Scoop up the soap suds and place them on the paint, rubbing them in gently with a clean cloth to remove the paint. Wipe with a dry cloth and allow to dry completely.
Step 3: Erase
Rub a pencil eraser in the direction of the suede's grain to lift away paint. Brush off eraser crumbs by hand.
Step 4: Dry Brush
Step 5: File
Run a fingernail file or fine-grit -- 220 or higher -- sandpaper over the spot gently to remove remaining paint.
Step 6: Dry Brush
Brush with a shoe brush or dry toothbrush to lift and restore the nap.