Getting Rid of Paint Stains on Your Tents and Camping Gear
Having paint stains on your tent and other camping gear is not only unsightly but can also affect their durability. If you've just come out of a paintball session with your friends and now find yourself in this situation, don’t worry - there’s no need to throw out any of your gear! Here are some simple steps to help you get rid of those pesky paint stains.
Updated 22 Jun 2023
By Mateuzs Kowalski
Removing Water-Based Paints
For water-based paints, the easiest way to get rid of them is to use detergent and hot water.
- Combine a teaspoon of liquid detergent with a cup of hot water.
- Mix the solution together until it becomes sudsy.
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and gently dab the paint stains.
- Be careful not to scrub too hard so as not to damage the fabric.
- Once the stains have been removed, rinse off the area by using a clean wet cloth or sponge and some cold tap water.
- Let the fabric air dry or use a hairdryer to speed up the process.
Removing Oil-Based Paints
If you have oil-based paint stains, you will need to use a chemical solvent. You can purchase one at any hardware store.
- Follow the directions on product label.
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution. Gently dab the paint stains.
- Rinse the affected area with cold tap water.
- Let the fabric air dry or use a hairdryer to speed up process.
Additional Tips
- Always wear protective gear when cleaning paint stains, such as gloves and safety glasses.
- Make sure that you are in a well-ventilated area. Some of the chemicals used to remove paint stains can be hazardous.
- Test the cleaning solution on a small inconspicuous area of the fabric before using it on the entire area.
- Never use bleach, as this may damage material.