Quick Tip: Removing acrylic/latex paint from clothing

Working in restoration and being an illustrator, I come into contact with paint on a daily basis. In fact, I most likely have more clothes that are spattered with paint than I do "good" clothes. For the most part, I have come to accept this as the sacrifice I'm willing to make to do something I love! But sometimes...that paint seeps its way onto clothing that I want to keep pristine! You know, for those occasions that I want to look nice, dare I say...pretty. While this is frustrating, I have learned how to deal with those few unruly paint drops, smears, and smudges.

Please note: the steps below have been used on cotton clothing, I have not tried this on synthetics.

First, and the MOST important step to removing latex or acrylic paint from clothing is to immediately put the item in cold water, ice cubes work too. The sooner you can get the item into cold water the better. However, I have done this procedure with clothing that has sat for a day or two and while the results aren't as good, it does still work. Do not use hot or warm water, or put the item in the dryer or use an iron on it until the stain is removed. Using any sort of heat on the paint stain will cause it to set and once that happens, the paint will not budge! 

You can also add some dish soap to the stain and work it in a bit before putting the clothing into the water. Let the item sit in the cold water for a while. I usually let it sit for a few hours. Depending on the size of the stain and how soon you get into the cold water, will determine how quickly the paint will start to dissipate without having to do much else.

Next, grab the dish soap, any old dish soap will do, and apply the dish soap to the paint stain. Rub the stained fabric together. Rinse (with cold water), and repeat until the stain is gone. Once the stain has been removed, you can launder and dry the item as usual.

See...pesky paint stain is all gone! :)

Quick Tip: Light a candle with spaghetti

 

Jar candles are a great way to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere in your home. The warm glow and soft scents of a burning candle sets a romantic ambiance and relaxing mood for your environment, but what do you do when the candle burns down to a point that you can't reach the wick to light it?

Use an uncooked spaghetti noodle! The noodle will burn like a match does and it is long enough to reach the bottom of the jar. You won't have to invest and store fireplace matches and (usually) spaghetti is always available!   

Quick Tip: Removing Paint from Hardware

For several months, I have been refinishing an oak staircase, doors and trim work, and built-in cabinets in our 1920's home. This last month, I completed the cabinets and the built-in bench (pictures to be posted soon). Like the cabinets, the hardware for the doors was covered in paint. Instead of purchasing new hardware, I used this simple technique for stripping the paint and returning the hardware to its original luster. All you need is a pot, water, and baking soda.

This process is easy to do and it works really well!

-Fill an old pot (you do not want to reuse the pot for cooking after this process) with about a quart of water.

-Add a 1/4 cup of baking soda. Don't stir it, just let the baking soda sit on the bottom of the pot.

-Bring the water to a simmer. Using tongs, add the pieces of hardware to the water. Let them simmer in the water for about 15-20 minutes.

-Remove them with the tongs, and using a soft toothbrush or cloth, remove any remaining paint.

I have used this method several times now and I am always pleased with the results!