Question For Stain Experts - Can You Get Gloss Paint Off Fabric?

[markt5004]

Hi Guys & Gals

My intention when I get my own place again is to have a vintage themed home. My gran has recently gone into a care home and I have been helping sort her house out. I have got a few pairs of vintage curtains amongst other items and one pair of fabulous 1970's curtains have some gloss paint on (oil based paint).

So of course my question is can it be removed? Im not sure if white spirit will ruin the curtains so I thought this would be the best place to ask.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Mark

 

[tomturbomatic]

Are they washable? Can they be taken to a cleaners?

 

[pushtorelease]

if they're washable, try soaking in TSP (tri-sodium phosphate). Mix a strong, hot solution and soak for at least a day. TSP will eventually lift paint off anything, but it takes time and patience - I use it in restoration of painted over doorknobs or heat vents, etc. Fabric's more difficult but I've had success. Once the paint has softened and lifted, you'll need to work at the residue that's still in the fabric with paint thinner or turpentine. Definitely best if you "test in an small, inconspicuous area first".

 

[vacbear58]

Removal

It will depend on both the fabric and the nature of the staining, but white spirit could well be fatal, and you wont get rid of teh smell in a hurry either. If the fabric can stand it and the staining is is blobbed (for want of a better word) the application of a hot iron with plenty of steam through an old tea cloth may allow the paint to become flexible enough to be peeled or picked off - at at least the worst of it.

If the paint is smeared not so easy, but the same principle could get most of it off followed up with a light rub some acetone or other solvent - no sniffing it mind! after that it may be worth trying dry cleaning but you will need to let them know in advance as the paint may be re-deposited on other clothing in teh same load.

If the staining is confined to the edges any chance of just taking a narrow hem along the side or bottom?

Al

 

[tomturbomatic]

I have had success with using vegetable oil for softening and removing paint, both on fabrics and on my skin. I followed the oil with various solvents on fabrics with success.

 

[markt5004]

Thanks very much for your help guys!....I will attempt a few of your ideas.

Thanks again

Mark