Rescue Your Jewelry: How to Clean Paint Stains from Jewelry
Accidents happen and jewelry ends up with paint stains. Whether you’re a professional painter or just tried your hand at a DIY project, removing paint quickly from jewelry is paramount. Knowing how to clean jewelry stained with paint will help keep your pieces looking their best.
Updated 22 Jun 2023
By Cyryl Wozniak
The way to go about cleaning paint off jewelry depends on type of paint and material the piece is made from. Different metals and stones require different treatments for the best results. Here are some tips for removing paint stains from jewelry.
Cleaning Paint from Gold Jewelry
Gold jewelry is resistant to tarnishing, but should be treated with care when it comes to cleaning off paint. Here are three methods that will help you remove paint from gold jewelry:
Method 1
- Mix one part ammonium hydroxide with two parts water.
- Soak the item in the solution for 10 minutes.
- Gently scrub the paint off with a soft bristle brush.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Method 2
- Prepare a paste by mixing 1 part baking soda with 1 part hydrogen peroxide.
- Apply the paste to the stained area.
- Gently rub the paste into the paint stain.
- Rinse the jewelry and pat it dry.
Method 3
- Mix warm water with a few drops of mild liquid dish soap.
- Soak jewelry in the solution for 10 minutes.
- Scrub the stained area with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Rinse the jewelry and dry it using a soft cloth.
Cleaning Paint from Silver Jewelry
Silver jewelry is more fragile than gold, so cleaning paint off it requires gentle care. Here are two methods to remove paint from silver jewelry:
Method 1
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and baking soda into a paste.
- Apply the paste to stained area.
- Let the paste sit for 10 minutes.
- Gently scrub the area with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Rinse the jewelry and pat it dry.
Method 2
- Mix warm water with a few drops of rubbing alcohol.
- Soak jewelry in the solution for 10 minutes.
- Gently scrub the stained area with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Rinse the jewelry and dry it using a soft cloth.
Cleaning Paint from Gemstone Jewelry
To remove paint from gemstone jewelry such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires, there are a few methods to try depending on the type of paint and stone itself.
Method 1
- Mix one part ammonia with two parts water.
- Soak the item in the solution for 10 minutes.
- Gently scrub the paint off with a soft bristle brush.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Method 2
- Apply a small amount of toothpaste with water on the stained area.
- Gently rub the paste onto the paint stain with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Rinse the jewelry and pat it dry.
Conclusion
When it comes to cleaning paint from jewelry, there are many methods depending on what type of jewelry and paint you are dealing with. To ensure the best results, we recommend testing each method on an inconspicuous area of the jewelry first. With these tips, you’ll be able to remove paint stains from your jewelry with ease.