The Best Way to Remove Paint From Your Hands

Whether you’re a tradie, a DIY home improvement guru or you’ve been getting into some arts and crafts with the kids, you’re inevitably going to end up with dried paint on your skin. Not only can these stains be a nuisance, but they can cause irritation to the skin if they’re not removed properly. 

Unfortunately, not all types of paint can be easily removed with soap and water. That said, there are a variety of methods and products available that can help you effectively remove paint while also taking care of your skin.

In this article, we’ll break down the different types of paint and discuss some of the most effective approaches to removing paint from your hands and skin.

But before we dive into how best to remove paint from your skin, you’ll need to figure out what type of paint you’re working with. Chances are it’s either water-based or oil-based paint. Each of these requires a different method for removal.

Water-based paint vs oil-based pain

Water-based paints

Water-based paint, also known as latex paint, is a type of paint that uses water as its primary solvent or carrier. It’s typically formulated with a combination of pigments, binders and additives suspended in water. When water-based paints are applied to the surface, the water evaporates, leaving behind a dry film of colour and protection.

Water-based paints are a popular choice, commonly used for indoor walls, ceilings and exterior surfaces. You’ll often find water-based paints used as:

• Latex interior and exterior house paint in liquid or spray paint form,
• Acrylic craft paint,
• Watercolours,
• Tempera brush and fingerpaint, and
• Fabric paint.

Oil-based paints

Oil-based paint is a type of paint that uses an oil-based solvent, such as mineral spirits or turpentine, as its primary vehicle or carrier. This type of paint contains pigments, binders (such as alkyd or linseed oil) and other additives suspended in the oil. The oil acts as a medium to hold the pigment particles together, allowing the paint to adhere to surfaces. 

Oil-based paints are often used for:

• Artists oils,
• Exterior paints and stains from home improvement, and
• Varnishes.

Oil-based paints are known for their durability, smooth finish and ability to provide a hard, glossy surface. They’re often used on surfaces that require a tough, long-lasting coating, such as woodwork, metal and trim. With this in mind, you’ll often find oil-based paints being used on building or construction sites by skilled painters and tradies. 

Because of the hard coating formed when the oil paint dries, removing oil-based paint from your skin is much trickier. Cleanup generally requires solvents like mineral spirits or turpentine. While oil-based paints and solvents aren’t likely to harm your skin if left on briefly, it’s best to avoid frequent exposure. These products contain harsh chemicals that can pose long-term health risks.

How to remove water-based paints from your hands

Removing water-based paint is relatively simple, especially if the pain is still wet. Water-based paints dissolve in water, so they can be easily removed from your skin using a combination of hand or dish soap and water. 

To remove water-based paint from your hands, simply wet your hands with water and lather the area with soap. Gently scrub the area with your hands or a cloth and rinse with water. If you still have paint on your hands or skin, repeat the process until it’s completely removed.

If the paint has dried slightly, rubbing the skin with baby oil or even olive oil can help to loosen the paint before washing it off with soap and water.

How to remove oil-based paints from your hands

Removing oil-based paint from your skin is more challenging because they’re not water-soluble. Try these steps to help you remove the paint from your hands.

Step 1. Remove the paint from your skin with oil

If you have experience with using oil-based paint, you’re probably all too familiar with how difficult it can be to remove with just water. This is because water doesn’t mix with oil, so the paint stays firmly on your hands. 

If you end up with oil-based paint on your hands or skin, start by wiping away the excess paint with a rag or paper towel before it dries fully. Since oil-based paint is resistant to water, you’ll need an oil-based substance to break it down and make it easier to remove.

Mineral oils, like baby oil, vegetable oil, olive oil and coconut oil, can be used to loosen up the paint. Rub the oil onto your hands and let it sit for a minute to break down the paint. After a minute, try to gently rub the skin in circular motions to remove the paint. Similarly, petroleum jelly or vaseline, can be massaged into your skin to help break down the paint. 

Once you’ve massaged your skin with oil or vaseline, wash your hands with soap and warm water to remove the remaining paint. 

Step 2. Try rubbing hand scrub if you’re still struggling

If the paint is especially stubborn or you’re a tradie working with paint all day, you might need to use a hand scrub to help physically break up all the paint on your skin. Hand scrubs are abrasive with a grainy texture, which can be used to scrub away dead skin. The same theory applies when a scrub is applied to paint. 

Wet the affected area with warm water and gently rub the scrub into the painted part of your skin. The scrub will loosen up the bonds the paint had on your skin, helping to strip it away. Once the remaining paint starts to break up, wash away with warm water and soap immediately.

If you’re looking for a product that’s tough on paint and gentle on your skin, you can’t go past DU’IT’s award-winning Tough Scrub. This three-in-one formula is perfect for removing stubborn paint, as well as oils, stains, grease, odours and grime. This formula combines the exfoliating power of natural walnut shells with the moisturing effects of Vitamin E and glycerin to leave your hands fresh and clean without stripping away your skin’s natural skin oils. Plus, Tough Scrub is free from parabens, petrolatum, mineral oils and harsh chemicals, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin. It’s even recommended by Diabetes Australia and the Australian Eczema Association.

Step 4. Wash thoroughly and moisturise

Once you’ve finished treating your hands with oil, solvent or a hand scrub, use warm water and dish soap to remove any remaining residue. Follow up with a nourishing moisturiser, like DU’IT Tough Hands, especially if you’ve used solvents, as they can quickly dry out your skin and cause irritation. 

Pro tips when removing paints from hands

When it comes to removing paint from your hands, some methods are better than others. Follow our simple do’s and don’ts to help you remove paint from your skin without causing irritation.

Do’s

✔ Act quickly: The sooner you wash your hands, the faster it is that you’ll have your clean hands back. Once the paint has started to dry, it will harden and solidify in place, making it much harder to remove. Even water-based paint requires a hand scrub to help remove it once it dries.
✔ Try gentler methods first: For water-based paint, wash with warm water and soap before trying stronger methods. If you’re removing oil-based paint, start by applying oils before trying a hand scrub. Solvents should be used as a last resort.

✔ Aftercare is important: Once the paint has been completely removed, proper aftercare is important to protect your skin. DU’IT Tough Hands is an intensive skin repair cream that’s formulated specifically for dry, cracked and irritated hands. Formulated with 10% urea, dimethicone and Vitamin E, this concentrated cream is clinically proven to repair, moisturise and protect dry, rough and irritated hands. Providing non-greasy barrier protection, Tough Hands is free from parabens, petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin and propylene glycol, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Don’ts

✘ Don’t reach for solvents first: Avoid overusing turpentine, mineral spirits or acetone, as they can cause skin irritation.

✘ Don’t scrub your hands too hard: Aggressive scrubbing can damage your skin. Use a gentle approach first.

✘ Don’t use paint thinner on bare skin: It’s too harsh and can cause chemical burns or irritation.

✘ Don’t use hot water on oil-based paint: Hot water can set the paint deeper into the skin’s pores. Stick to oils or scrubs first.

✘ Don’t ignore skin irritation: If a cleaning method causes redness, burning or itching, stop immediately and rinse with water. Seek medical attention if you experience a severe reaction.