For art enthusiasts, getting paint stains on clothes or shoes is quite common. No matter how hard you try to cover it up, some colorful drops may find their way onto your shoes.
Removing paint from shoes seems impossible, especially if it has already dried. People often discard shoes with stains, thinking they are now wasted. Fortunately, you no longer need to do that. We have some simple tricks that can help you permanently remove paint from your shoes.
How to Remove Paint from Shoes
Before trying the following steps, remember that removing paint stains 100% may be challenging. Additionally, removing wet paint is much easier than removing dried paint.
However, patience is key. With the right approach, these methods can restore your shoes’ functionality.
1. Removing Wet or Dry Paint on Top
First, you need to remove excess paint on top, whether it’s wet or dry. If the stain is completely dry, use a small knife or any other sharp tool to scrape it off. Then, apply pressure quickly on the stained fabric and tear off the paint marks. You can also use your nails to scrape off large spots.
However, if the paint on top is wet, start by wiping it off with a damp cloth. Continue repeating this step until no more color comes off. Remember to keep the shoe fabric wet throughout the process. This will help it become more flexible, making the stain easier to dissolve.
2. Use Nail Polish Remover
Now that you’ve removed excess paint, place the shoes under running hot water. Apply a cleanser and scrub well with a brush.
Next, take a cotton ball and apply a small amount of nail polish remover. Gently rub it on the stained area of the shoe. This will immediately remove the spots.
If it’s oil-based paint, use rubbing alcohol instead of nail polish remover, then gently dab it on the affected area. Finally, wash the shoes with soap and water and wipe away any debris.
3. Turpentine
Place the shoes on a dry napkin with the stained area facing down. Now, pour a small amount of turpentine into an old towel. Rub it on the stained area inside the shoes. Apply firm pressure with the turpentine towel until the paint peels off onto the napkin on the other side. This method works best for wet oil-based paint stains.
4. Use Paint Thinner
If your oil-based paint stain is completely dry, consider using acrylic paint thinner. To do this, put your shoes in the bathtub with one hand. Take the paint thinner and pour it directly onto the affected area. It will soften the stain, making the paint come off faster.
These simple tricks help remove paint and other stubborn things like markers, gum, and tar from your shoes.
How to Remove Marker Pen/Gum from Shoes
To remove marker pen or gum from your shoes, apply nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol in the same way. However, because tar is large and sticky, you must scrape it off with a knife first. Finally, remember to wash the shoes with detergent water.
How to Remove Poison Ivy from Shoes
When walking through the forest, poison ivy may fall under your feet, and its juice may stick to your shoes. Be careful, as you may develop a rash as a result. To remove poison ivy from your shoes, wash them with equal parts warm water and Dawn detergent.
How to Remove Gum from Shoes
Put the shoes in a plastic bag and press them onto the gum. Put the shoes in the refrigerator for a few hours until the gum freezes. Now you can easily achieve it.
Another trick is to spread peanut butter on the gum and leave it for a few minutes. Finally, use a knife or wire brush to scrape it off.
How to Remove Gasoline Smell from Shoes
Working at a natural gas plant also has its drawbacks. One of them is that your shoes and clothes may be full of gasoline smell.
Anyway, you can remove the gasoline smell from your shoes with a simple trick. Put the smelly shoes in a plastic bag with vinegar or baking soda. Leave them for at least a day, then wash them with a cleaner.
Summary
Paint stains can be stubborn and may ruin your favorite pair of shoes. Fortunately, the above tricks can be a one-time method to remove paint stains permanently.
Moreover, you can also use similar tricks to remove tar, gum, or marker pen stains from your shoes. This way, you don’t have to waste money buying fancy stain removers or a new pair of shoes.
