How to Get Dried Paint Off Canvas Shoes in No Time

When painting a masterpiece on canvas or paper or just painting a room in your home, gravity will make sure some paint lands on your shoes. Whether they are canvas, leather, or suede shoes, you can remove the paint if you act promptly.

We’ve gathered the best cleaning methods to get dried paint off shoes.

How to Remove Dried Paint From Canvas Shoes

Ideally, the paint should be treated while it is still wet.

1. Use a dull kitchen knife to remove as much paint drip or blob as possible. Do not rub with a cloth or paper towel—it will push the paint deeper into the fibers.
2. Blot the shoe with a damp towel to keep the area wet until you can treat the stain at home.
3. If the stain is dried, wet it again and put a few drops of an enzyme-based stain remover or heavy-duty laundry detergent on the stained area.
4. Use a soft-bristled brush (or old toothbrush) to work the stain remover into the fabric.
5. Let it work for at least 15 minutes before washing the shoes following your normal routine.

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How to Tackle Tough Paint Stains on Canvas Shoes

1. Saturate the dried paint stain with rubbing alcohol.
2. Work from the outside edge of the stain toward the center to prevent the paint from spreading. Scrub and blot with an old towel.
3. Keep moving the towel to a clean area as the paint stain is transferred.
4. When most of the paint is gone, treat any remaining colored areas with a stain remover or laundry detergent and wash the canvas shoes as you usually would.

How to Remove Dried Paint From Leather Shoes

If the paint is acrylic or latex, a microfiber cloth dipped in warm water and squeezed until it is not dripping may remove the paint.

1. Start at the outside of the stain; work toward the center and rub lightly. Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the paint is lifted.
2. If the stain remains, mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid with warm water in a small bowl and use it on the cloth to treat the stain.
3. Dab some petroleum jelly on the dried paint stain. Let it sit for three or four minutes or until the paint can be peeled off carefully with a fingernail or the edge of a credit card. Wipe away any remaining paint and petroleum jelly with a soapy cloth.
4. Finally, if the stain remains, try isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or fingernail polish remover (acetone) on a cotton swab to remove the paint. Work from the outside to the center and grab a new swab as the paint is transferred.
5. After treating the stains, allow the leather shoes to air dry away from direct heat and sunlight.
6. To restore the shine to the leather, especially after using rubbing alcohol or acetone, use a commercial polish and follow the directions on the package. Allow the shoes to dry and buff them with a clean cloth.

How to Remove Dried Paint From Suede Shoes

Suede is much thinner and more difficult to clean than leather or canvas. You should not use harsh solvents like alcohol, acetone, or turpentine. It will be a slow process and, be forewarned, the treated area may never look like the rest of the suede shoes.

Use this method to remove all types of paint from suede shoes.

1. If possible, use a clean, white cloth to blot as much wet paint from the suede as possible. Whether the paint stain is fresh or dried, continue with the next steps.
2. Pour warm water into a medium bowl and add about one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Use a whisk to create a lather of bubbles.
3. Use a cloth to collect the bubbles and spread them on the stained area.
4. After applying the bubbles, gently wipe the paint away. Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth and add more bubbles as you work.
5. Blot the freshly cleaned area with a damp cloth to remove any soapy residue.
6. Blot the area again with a dry microfiber cloth and set the shoes aside to dry completely away from direct heat and sunlight.
7. Once dry, use a suede brush to brush the shoes and lift the nap.
8. If any paint remains, use an emery board to gently rub the affected area to remove the leftover paint.
9. Finally, use the suede brush to gently brush the nap of the suede back into place.