Whether you're painting walls or painting, there's a good chance that the paint will hit and stain your skin. However, ordinary paint removers are highly toxic and should not be used directly on the skin. Fortunately, there are a variety of methods that can be used to clean a variety of paints using ingredients commonly found in the home.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Oil and Rubbing Alcohol (All Types of Paint)
Step 1. Gently scrub the skin with soap and water to remove any sizable clumps of paint
Just remove as much paint as you can, and gently scrub the skin. Don't worry if there is still paint left behind. This step is only to reduce the amount of oil that will be used. Always start with soap and water. Many paints that are a mixture of water and latex will come off immediately by simply washing your hands.
The sooner you clean the paint, the better. Paint that has dried will be a little more difficult to remove
Step 2. Coat the affected skin with a thin layer of mineral oil or baby oil
Mineral oil is the best cleanser because it works effectively for removing paints, both oil-based, water-based, and latex. Pour enough oil on the entire area of the skin affected by the paint. Rub gently, then leave for 2-3 minutes to absorb.
In a pinch, you can use vegetable oils, including coconut, flaxseed, olive, and so on
Step 3. Rub the skin in a circular motion to lift the paint off the skin
Use your fingertips to rub the baby oil into the affected area of the skin, scraping off as much of the paint as possible. You can simply use your hands, and massage the painted skin with the oil in small circular motions.
Step 4. Use a cotton ball and dip it in the oil to treat the hard-to-clean areas
If you have an old washcloth, you can also use it, although the paint will stain the washcloth. You just need something slightly abrasive to scrub the skin. Gently rub the skin in a circular motion to remove any stubborn paint stains.
Step 5. Try rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover if you're still having trouble dealing with the stain
Wet a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and use it to clean paint stains that don't work with mineral oil. Some people say they have succeeded in removing paint using a liquid cosmetic remover.
Alcohol will dry out your skin if you leave it on for too long. Use a moisturizer after you're done to prevent chapped or flaky skin
Step 6. Rinse hands with soap and water
After successfully removing the paint, use soap and water to remove the grease and alcohol odor from your hands.
If the paint still won't come off, you may want to use a stronger oil-based paint. You can apply oil and other cleaners directly to the paint to clean it
Method 2 of 3: Using Vegetable Oil or Cooking Oil (Stubborn Stains)
Step 1. Wash the affected skin with warm water and liquid soap
Make a thick foam on the skin, then rinse the foam clean. This will remove some of the paint from the skin and make it easier for the oil to soak in and lift the paint.
Step 2. Use cooking oil or essential oil to clean the paint
Simply coat the painted skin with oil and allow it to soak in for a while before scrubbing it off. You can use a variety of oils because they all have the ability to clean. You will most likely be using your existing stock of oil at home, including oil:
- Vegetable
- Coconut
- Olive
- Essential oils, such as lavender or rosemary
Step 3. Rub the skin with oil and water until the paint comes off
Use a washcloth or hands to rub the skin with the oil. If the paint is gone, rinse the skin thoroughly. Or, add more oil if the paint is still on the skin.
Step 4. Make a salt scrub for a stronger, exfoliating cleanser
Mix equal amounts of salt and oil, then rub the mixture over the affected skin to remove it. You can use any oil. However, it's a good idea to use as much granular salt as possible, usually "coarse" or kosher salt is a good choice because it scrubs better.
Step 5. Use turpentine oil carefully to clean more serious stains
If you haven't been able to successfully remove the paint from your skin, turpentine oil will be effective. Pour the oil onto a cloth or cotton ball, don't apply it directly to the skin, then use it to rub the paint off. However, make sure you use it in a well-ventilated area, and use it as little as possible to remove paint. Although turpentine oil is not lethal, its vapors are not good if inhaled.
Rinse the skin with soap and water as soon as you are done using the turpentine oil
Step 6. Rinse the skin thoroughly
After rinsing your skin with warm water, it's a good idea to take a shower to remove any unpleasant sticky residue.
Method 3 of 3: Natural Cleansers and Solutions
Step 1. Use liquid hand soap to create a thick lather on the paint-affected skin
Pour in as much soap as needed and see how much paint can be removed after scrubbing with your hands or a washcloth. Rinse and repeat if the soap foam changes color, such as the color of the paint you want to remove.
Step 2. Mix in a natural cleanser for stubborn paint stains, such as spray paint
Mix cup of coconut oil (vegetable oil can also work), with cup of baking soda. Stir the two ingredients together until they are well combined, then use a toothbrush to scrub the paint with the ingredients. No need to add chemicals.
Step 3. Use mayonnaise to remove stubborn oil-based paint
Mayonnaise will naturally attract paint, especially oil-based ones. Place a lump of mayonnaise on the skin and spread it out to form a thin layer on top of the paint. Leave it for 2-3 minutes before scrubbing it with soap, water and a washcloth.
Step 4. Try Vick's Vapor Rub as a cleanser
Vick's actually contains turpentine oil but in much lower amounts, and is safer. Apply Vick's on top of the paint to form a thin layer and let sit for a few minutes. Then scrub the paint clean with a washcloth, soap and water.
Step 5. Try a sugar scrub for an exfoliating and moisturizing cleanser
Just wet your hands and the affected skin, then put about a tablespoon of granulated sugar on top. Gently rub the paint on the skin with sugar until the paint comes off and the skin feels smooth and clean.
This method is also effective for cleaning the skin after using harsher methods, such as using oil or Vick's
Step 6. Try wet wipes for professional cleaning of paint
If you're always in the studio, and you're prone to getting paint smudges, it might not hurt to spend a little money on special wipes for cleaning paint. These wipes are designed to remove paint without harming the skin. The following brands are biodegradable (biodegradable), natural and provide results that are practically always effective (some brands may have to be purchased online):
- GoJo
- Fast Orange
- Big Wipes
- SoHo Urban Wipes
