Trying to get rid of big drops of oil paint?  No need to worry. Even though oil paint can be difficult to clean, there is a quick and easy way to make those spots disappear.  If the oil paint is spilled on the ground, table (glass), wall, or other hard surfaces it can be easily removed by using thinner, mineral spirits or turpentine.

If you’ve spilled paint on the rug or on your clothes, the task may be a little more challenging but with a little effort these paint spots can be removed. Do not use regular detergent and hot water; this will cause the stain to set and it will be almost impossible to remove.  You will need a sponge, clean white cloth and an old tooth brush.

Carefully dab the sponge in a little oil paint solvent or turpentine. Next, press the sponge to the stain on your clothes or rug and a small area around the paint as well. Let the fabric or rug soak up the solvent or turpentine for about one to two minutes.

At this point you may want to use the toothbrush to scrub away any unwanted paint. After allowing the paint stain to soak, use the white piece of cloth to dab the stain and to absorb as much oil paint and solvent as possible. Make sure you do not spread the paint further, so it’s best you start from around the edges so that you get a better grasp.

When you have removed as much of the oil paint as possible, wash or dry clean the garment. As for the rug, it would be best to use a carpet cleaner. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water after working with oil paints and solvents.

To prevent cleaning up messy oil paint spills, we recommend that you cover all exposed areas with drop cloths or with old newspapers; another recommendation is that when painting, do so in old clothing!