Removing paint from your hands will vary from paint type. Water-based and emulsion paints will need soap, water and an abrasive pad.
If you get oil-based paints on your hands then you will need to use an oil such as baby lotion or olive oil if you do not have any baby lotion.
Some paints such as enamel, gloss paints, latex or spray paints can be hard to remove with just soap and water. Using baby lotion or olive oil breaks down the paints and helps to remove them from your skin.
Some websites are claiming to use paint thinner on your hands to break down the paint. Yes, this will work but you can damage your hands and make them crack in places if you start rubbing white spirit into your hands!
Removing Paint From Your Hands
Here is the process I use after a painting job, it works every time and makes it super easy to remove gloss and other oil-based paints.
The method we use to remove paint is:
- Pour a small amount of baby lotion into the palm of your hand
- Rub the oil around your hands until fully covered
- Squeeze a small amount of soap or cleaning liquid
- Add a small amount of water
- Rub your hands together until it lathers
- Use an abrasive pad and gently rub away the paint
- Repeat until all paint has been removed
- Once dry add some moisturizing lotion to replenish your skin
TOP TIP: You can also use vegetable, sunflower and olive oil if you do not have any baby lotion.
Alternative Option For Removing Paint
If you have tried the oil and soap option and you still have paint on your hands then there are some other option that might work for you:
- Add salt for extra abrasiveness
- Use coconut oils
- Baking powder
Conclusion – Removing Paint From Hands
Before starting your DIY painting job especially glossing and other oil and latex-based paints then use barrier cream before you start.
Barrier cream will help protect your skin from paint and also make it much easier at the end of the day to wash your hands with the recommended method above.
Happy Painting 😉