Removing Stenciling From Shirts

Spray Paint Removal

• The spray paint used in creating a good T-shirt design is usually latex-based. To remove the paint, you must treat the latex. Fortunately, the chemical breaks down when exposed to rubbing alcohol. Apply the alcohol using a cotton swab to loosen the paint. You can also use latex paint remover. Wipe the paint away as it comes loose from the shirt. Once the stencil is down to a dye left on the shirt, wet it in alcohol and let the shirt sit until the alcohol dries. Then, place the shirt in the wash, using regular detergent to lift the remainder of the stencil.

Ink Removal

• Ink is broken down by a few solvents, including rubbing alcohol, acetone and paint thinner. Use a cotton swab to rub on the solvent. Loosen the ink and wipe away with a cloth. Continue this until the stenciling is reduced to a stain. Then, wet the area and let the shirt sit to dissolve the paint further. Place the shirt in the washer with laundry detergent. The detergent will loosen the rest of the stain in the wash.

Acrylic Paint Removal

• Acrylic paint mistakes are easily fixed using soap and water when the stenciling is still wet. Once it dries, the paint can peel off. Carefully pluck up an edge of the stenciling. According to Michael's, a craft supply store, the paint should peel away, but may do so in pieces. Take off as much of the stenciling as you possibly can. The cleaning resource Life Tips advises spraying stubborn acrylic stenciling with oven cleaner before placing it into the washer with detergent. Wash as you normally would.

Oil-based Paint Removal

• Any oil-based paint may be used for T-shirt stenciling as well. Oil-based paints are best removed with mineral oil. Dip a white cloth into the oil and rub the cloth over the stencil. Rub it until the paint is removed and a stain is left behind. Wash the T-shirt to remove the remaining stain.

Colorfast Check

• Not all fabrics can handle these solvents. Before beginning the removal, check the colorfastness of the material by rubbing a small amount of solvent onto the inner hem of the shirt. A colorfast shirt will not change color where the solvent is applied. That shirt can withstand the stenciling removal. Shirts that do change color cannot hold up under the stenciling removal without a change in color of the affected area.