What Materials Do I Need to Remove Paint from Suede?

You’ll need a clean cloth, water, nail polish remover or white vinegar, baking soda, and a soft-bristled brush.

How Can I Avoid Damaging the Suede Material?

When removing the paint, use a cloth rather than a brush, and be careful not to rub too hard. When applying the vinegar or nail polish remover, use as little liquid as possible. Finally, when scrubbing with the baking soda, do so gently to avoid damaging the material.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Paint > Suede

How to Remove Paint Stains from Suede Shoes Quickly and Easily

Nothing ruins a good pair of suede shoes faster than a paint stain. Not only do paint stains detract from the look of your shoes, but they can be tough to remove if you don’t know how. Fortunately, with right tools and techniques, it’s possible to restore your shoes to their former glory in no time.

Updated 22 Jun 2023

By Cyryl Wozniak

Gather Your Tools

Before beginning process, gather all the necessary materials:

Clean cloth
Water
Nail polish remover or white vinegar
Baking soda
Soft-bristled brush

Remove as Much Paint as Possible before Drying

Once you’ve assembled your tools, start by removing as much paint as possible from the surface of shoe. A soft cloth should help absorb majority of the paint. Don’t rub too hard, as this can damage the suede. If necessary, you can dampen the cloth slightly with water, but make sure not to saturate it.

Apply Nail Polish Remover or White Vinegar

After you’ve removed as much as you can with the cloth, apply a small amount of nail polish remover or white vinegar to a clean cloth and dab it onto stain. This should loosen up the rest of the paint and allow you to remove it more easily.

Be sure to use a cloth rather than a brush, as brushes can damage the delicate suede material. Also, use as little liquid as possible to avoid soaking the shoe too much.

Rinse with Water and Apply Baking Soda

Once you’ve removed the paint, rinse the area with clean water and blot it dry with a fresh cloth. Then, apply baking soda to the wet spot and scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush. The baking soda will help neutralize the acidity of the vinegar or nail polish remover and absorb any excess moisture.

Finally, let the baking soda sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.

Conclusion

Kicking off a project with paint stains on your suede shoes? With the right tools and techniques, removing paint from suede is relatively easy. Be sure to work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the material. With some patience, you’ll soon have your shoes looking like new again!

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