How can I get spray paint off my hands?

Hillela G.
by Hillela G.
I LOVE spray paint projects. My problem: the cleanup!
How can I get spray paint off my hands after crafting?
Thanks!!
  89 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Dec 20, 2016

    WD 40,mineral spirits or nail polish remover

  • Carolann Carolann on Dec 20, 2016

    Coconut oil and baking soda. Just a little bit of coconut oil and baking soda mixed together and rub it on your hands and rinse off. Your hands will smell really nice also. Hope it helps!

  • Teddie Spencer Teddie Spencer on Dec 20, 2016

    Mess Master you find it in the spray paint section, I pick it up at Michael.

    I owned a flower shop for many years this is the best thing you can get, multiple uses for this produc.


  • Cathy Murphy Cathy Murphy on Dec 20, 2016

    If you can remember to put some oil or even lotion on your hands first the paint will come right off with a little dish soap and salt (or sugar if you have any open cuts or scratches). I know this, but almost never remember to do it. I have a jar of homemade sugar scrub by the sink for when I forget.

    • Florida Beachpotato Florida Beachpotato on Dec 20, 2016

      Also use shaving cream rubbed into the hands first. Works like a charm. Or Clean with baby oil later, smells great.

  • Linda Young Linda Young on Dec 20, 2016

    Prevent by using rubber gloves or coat hands generously with hand lotion. I use the lotion all over my arms when doing regular painting. I tend to "get into" my projects.

  • Peter Kovak Peter Kovak on Dec 20, 2016

    Thinner will also help.

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Dec 20, 2016

    Thank you so much everyone! WD40 took it off like a magic eraser!

  • Andrea Andrea on Dec 20, 2016

    Nail polish WITH acetone works great!

  • Punxxi Punxxi on Dec 20, 2016

    wear gloves

    • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Dec 21, 2016

      That's probably the best way to do it, but I always feel clumsier in gloves

  • Beckie Beckie on Dec 20, 2016

    WD40 followed by Dawn dish soap.

  • Melody Melody on Dec 21, 2016

    just wear throwaway latex gloves then you don't need the chemicals

    • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Dec 21, 2016

      That's probably the best way to do it, but I always feel clumsier in gloves

  • Cindy Hagemann Cindy Hagemann on Dec 21, 2016

    I am always covered in paint and I hate to wear rubber gloves when I do projects. At the end of the day, I soak my hands in warm soapy water and use a small brush (toothbrush, vegetable brush, etc.) and scrub off the paint under the water and soap. It works and will get off your "war paint", as I like to call it! Here's a recent photo of my legs after painting all day!

  • Paulette P Paulette P on Dec 21, 2016

    I love it, you go gurly. Life is grand isn't it?


  • Angela J Angela J on Dec 21, 2016

    I use coconut oil to clean up the paint that gets on me.

  • Roger Roger on Dec 21, 2016

    Go to Harbor Freight, buy a box of nitrile disposable gloves, 100 count for under $7. No muss, no fuss, excellent for any kind of crafting, around the house, etc. Good luck.

  • Ruby  Yoder Ruby Yoder on Dec 21, 2016

    I use Hair Conditioner , not only on my hands but to clean the paint brushes. If I'm going to use the brush later I rinse the brush in conditioner , leave a little on ,put the brush in a zip-lock bag, keeps the brush soft.









  • Big Mike69 Big Mike69 on Dec 21, 2016

    As a experienced painter I used to put Vaseline on hands and face before painting and just wipe the paint off when done.

  • Holly Hecker-Pupo Holly Hecker-Pupo on Dec 21, 2016

    I use acetone and the orange scrub soap. Just make sure you use moisturizer after. You might also be able to find the right fitting gloves. I know they make doing some things more clumsy but if they fit right they shouldn't.

  • Canadianlady Canadianlady on Dec 21, 2016

    I do a lot of crafting myself, and I use ink sprays, which are very difficult to remove. I keep a large box of latex gloves, that I picked up at a dollar store, and I use them for my messier projects. I also keep baby wipes handy, and use them often on my stained hands. Sometimes, you need bare hands for fine work, though, and you just have to live with the mess. A good soak in a tub will help.

  • Susan Susan on Dec 21, 2016

    I'm with Big Mike. Helps to slather on lotion before you start. Get a bunch UNDER your nails so that your nails come clean afterwards.

  • Neva Gray Neva Gray on Dec 21, 2016

    Try baby oil before washing with soap and water. Also rub baby oil into your hands before starting projects especially around nails. If you are staining a project rub shaving cream on hands and forearms before beginning. washes off easily.

  • Nan Nan on Dec 21, 2016

    dah... use disposable gloves!

  • Pinksuit2 Pinksuit2 on Dec 21, 2016

    Goop- works great. Put it on and rub well. Rinse with warm water.

  • Dol12120254 Dol12120254 on Dec 21, 2016

    Avon Skin So

    Soft body oil works wonderfully

  • Kathy Hord Kathy Hord on Dec 21, 2016

    I like to use the "scrubbies" I buy at craft shows( I can't crochet). They make them out of Tulle. They are great for crafters. I have ones for my hands and also ones for my kitchen

  • MadameRã MadameRã on Dec 22, 2016

    •Have you tried non acetone nail varnish remover, then baking soda with rock salt (half measures of each)... this takes of the final bits & also the odour.

    M.Ra👁

  • Lestoil ! The best it can't go wrong at all **

  • Carmel Cornelia Lalo Carmel Cornelia Lalo on Dec 22, 2016

    Wear gloves!

  • Joan Joan on Dec 22, 2016

    If you don't have disposable gloves, put a plastic grocery bag over your hand and tie it at the wrist keeping it loose enough to hold the sprayer and the can. Works in a pinch!

  • Ro11731 Ro11731 on Dec 22, 2016

    Try nail poish remover.

  • Pamela Pamela on Dec 22, 2016

    Regular blue Dawn dishsoap. GOOF OFF. Nail polish remover, with acetone works best on paint. If you have a "garage inclined male" around, he probably has Orange GOOP in the garage to try.

    All with a nail brush.

    If you don't have gloves use gallon bags or shopping bags.

  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Dec 22, 2016

    Every crafter and cook needs to have a box of the right size gloves on hand. I use them when I am preparing meat. If you deal in spray paint a lot, get a handle for your spray can to help you keep from getting paint all over your hands...and wear gloves.

    In the meantime, WD40 will remove spray paint.

    So will mineral spirits and gasoline, but make sure you use these 2 outside. Wash hands good after cleaning with chemicals.

  • Nancy Nancy on Dec 22, 2016

    Gloves work for all painting projects and makes answering the phone easier!

  • Beverly Campbell Beverly Campbell on Dec 22, 2016

    Next time you are at the doctors office ask them for a couple pair of their gloves. I buy them on line and use them for all painting projects. If I forget to put them on, I use unscented paint remover that you can get just about anywhere. If you are allergic, they do come in different materials. Hope this helps.

  • Kel12915509 Kel12915509 on Dec 22, 2016

    Sometimes a Brillo or SOS pad works great. The soap in the pad and the abrasive action of the pad itself has worked for me with almost every kind of paint I've ever used.

  • Chubby58 Chubby58 on Dec 22, 2016

    I learned the hard way by scrubbing my hands every time I spray painted, so now I always remember to wear a pair of rubber gloves. I've used SOS pads, salt and baking soda, anything that's abrasive. You can get it off with pure acetone, but that is really hard on the hands.

  • Louise Adams Louise Adams on Dec 22, 2016

    I learned this trick from a professional painter. Rub plain old vegetable oil on your hands and the paint will come right off, then just wash your hands with warm soap and water and you're done. Works every time.

    • Fran Fran on Dec 23, 2016

      I use baby oil. Works great and your hands feel so soft.


  • Rosanne Rosanne on Dec 22, 2016

    run your finger nails over a bar of soap and vaseline or oil on your hands

  • Sharon Gehrke Wolf Sharon Gehrke Wolf on Dec 23, 2016

    I use baby wipes, they work great.but the best is to wear gloves. I never remember to do that until after I get paint on myself lol.

  • Craftyshak Craftyshak on Dec 23, 2016

    PAINNER THINNER OR PAINT REMOVER... SAME THING YA USE IF YOU WERE USING A PAINT ON YOUR WALLS..I ALWAYS HAVE A CAN OF IT AROUND.. THEN WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP AN WATER......

  • Momlandrs Momlandrs on Dec 23, 2016

    If you don't have or use gloves, put lotion on your hands before spray painting. The oils will keep the paint on top of your skin and the paint should wash off easier.

  • Sha11738272 Sha11738272 on Dec 23, 2016

    I got spray paint on my brand new eyeglasses - was told to use non-acetone nail polish remover for that. But just a little. I use acetone anil polish remover to get the pain of my hands then wash your hands after. You don't have to go out side to use. I put some on a cotton ball or Q tip to use on hands.

  • Pjc6890167 Pjc6890167 on Dec 23, 2016

    I use WD40. Works wonders!

  • Brenna Brenna on Dec 23, 2016

    Baby oil or vegetable oil. It works great on sticky messes too

  • STBH STBH on Dec 23, 2016

    I just take an oil bath and use a luffa . Comes right off!

  • Rick Rick on Dec 23, 2016

    Cheap vinyl examination gloves from many inexpensive sources work fine too, and may give you more hand dexterity for better control as you paint. Available in most quality paint stores, big box home depot/lowes type stores too.

  • Iberkeley Iberkeley on Dec 23, 2016

    Yes, wear gloves in the first place - for little smears use paint thinner.

    I also noticed that paint thinner dries out your skin, so use lotion or cream after you are done. Has anyone else noticed this?

  • Jerri Jerri on Dec 23, 2016

    I put oil on my hands before I paint. If I forget I use a salt and oil scrub. It leaves your hands soft while removing the paint.

  • Vicki Vicki on Dec 24, 2016

    Her Use a pumice stone (the kind you buy for your feet). Use it carefully as some are rougher than others.


  • Carol Kuntz Carol Kuntz on Dec 24, 2016

    Baby oil and sugar, scrub well.. you're hands will feel softer afterwards added bonus! Might have to do twice if you're really covered.


  • Leslie Zagrobelny Leslie Zagrobelny on Dec 24, 2016

    go to Home Depot or Lowes and look for disposable gloves in the paint department.

  • Charly Charly on Dec 24, 2016

    Definitely wear tight fitting gloves.

  • Laura Laura on Dec 24, 2016

    I use nail polish remover.

  • Sherron Vreugdenhil Sherron Vreugdenhil on Dec 24, 2016

    Goop hand cleaner works great


  • Sue Sanders Sue Sanders on Dec 24, 2016

    For a start...remove all rings. I buy disposable gloves by the box so always have on hand for those spray paint projects. After painting peel glove off and you are done. Yes the chemicals used to remove paint does dry out the skin.

  • Mary Kay White Mary Kay White on Dec 24, 2016

    Girl!! I hear ya! A dear friend of mine told me I should never be without a bag or box of latex gloves, and he handed me a full box that he'd just bought. Not too expensive at all, and available at major hardware stores, the local drug store, and (I would imagine) places like Walmart or Target. Even if I'm just gonna "hit that tiny spot with just one more squirt of paint", it pretty much never fails to leave a spot/spots on my fingers... an ounce of prevention, right?

  • James James on Dec 24, 2016

    Harbor Freight disposable gloves work great. I forgot them one time and the spray paint was all over my hands. I thought Oh Great! I had a can of WD-40 on the shelf. For the heck of it I sprayed some on my hands and bingo! It took all the spray paint off.

  • V Smith V Smith on Dec 24, 2016

    WD-40, it will clean your hands and not tear up your skin.

  • Jeff DiMora Jeff DiMora on Dec 25, 2016

    Use goo gone, but some hands it can mess with thats the best way. Or you can use olive oil or other cooking oils and salt make a very thick past and rub away. Then soap and water to clean up the oil.


  • Carolyn rogers Carolyn rogers on Dec 25, 2016

    I vote with Vicki Smith

  • Lynne Tully Lynne Tully on Dec 25, 2016

    Try rubbing witjh olive oil. Will take off paint and leave hands smooth

  • Colleen Baugus Colleen Baugus on Dec 25, 2016

    I GET CHEEP SANDING BLOCKS FROM THE DOLLAR STORE AND KEEP IT AT MY SINK i RUB MY HANDS WITH I THEN LOTION


  • Esther Macy Esther Macy on Dec 25, 2016

    Avon Skin So Soft will remove paint and will not dry your skin. I know painter that use it all the time.


  • Jeanne Martin Jeanne Martin on Dec 25, 2016

    I use GooGone, works great. I try to remember rubber gloves but sometimes I forget! I get too excited (and sometimes too lazy) to go get them.

  • Lor5668061 Lor5668061 on Dec 25, 2016

    I use dawn dish soap and a magic eraser.

  • Beth Beth on Dec 25, 2016

    Baby whips take even stain off your hands.

  • Bobbie Bobbie on Dec 25, 2016

    I always wear disposable plastic gloves when I spray paint. Clean hands for just a few cents!!

  • Thalia Kottke Thalia Kottke on Dec 25, 2016

    Hand sanitizer--alcohol is a wonderful solvent and the other ingredients make it easy on your skin. First rub on the sanitizer and then wash with dish soap.

  • Lin7878802 Lin7878802 on Dec 25, 2016

    The easiest way to get hands clean after painting is to use vasel or a creamy hand lotion before you paint. Most of the paint will wash off in hot wa.

  • Shirley4 Shirley4 on Dec 26, 2016

    I second the suggestion to use disposable gloves. I now buy them by the box of 100 gloves. I used to do everything barehanded... now I grab my gloves for messy tasks... like painting and mixing up my hamburger meat for meatloaf. The ones I get are food safe and don't cost all that much.

    • Judi Judi on Dec 26, 2016

      excellent for rolling cookies too... and in the garden, potting up and picking bugs!


  • Mary Mary on Dec 26, 2016

    any acetone will "fingernail polish remover" lots of soapy water and a scrubby if you don't want thinner


  • Shirley4 Shirley4 on Dec 26, 2016

    Absolutely!!! Altho for the garden I opt for leather gloves. And for bugs? Definitely Hubby for bugs!!!

  • Swinnen Lisette Swinnen Lisette on Dec 27, 2016

    I am happy to read I am not the only one who has that problem. I hate gloves, so I put some cream on it, then just after painting I wash my hands in dishsoap with warm water. A nailbrush helps with the grooves in your hands and nails of course. Now I only have to learn to change clothes before, hihihi

  • Marge Katchmark Sallows Marge Katchmark Sallows on Dec 27, 2016

    I use a big glob of hand cream and not the expensive kind. Rub, rub, rub, the cream gets between the paint and skin. Can peel off or rub gently with a cloth. Works on fingernails too. Will probably have to use a toothpick to get off from under nails or in cuticles. Also put cream on hands Before painting!! Let sink in good!!!

  • Das7935133 Das7935133 on Dec 27, 2016

    Try rubbing your hands with oil, olive, vegetable or mineral. Apply to painted areas and rub, should come off.

  • Bobby Harpoon Bobby Harpoon on Dec 27, 2016

    There is a product called invisible glove. It is a lotion you put on your hand before painting working with inks and such. Then in most cases if applied properly before you work. It washes most products off with soap. It is not good to come into contact to often with solvents. Acetone which is the solvent will remove almost all spray paint materials. I just don't recommend using it often. Or if you already have issues with internal organs. The best option was already recommended. That would be using disposable gloves. Haborfrieght.com has different thickness of gloves. They come in different sizes. Order the size you expect will fit you the best. They also have retail outlets where you can go purchase them in their store and not pay the shipping charge. But if you are into crafting. You might find other products that you could use in their catalog. There tool are not what I would call professional quality. The are economical and good enough quality for the home crafter. At their prices. If it breaks or wears out. Throw it away and get another one.

  • Melanie Juhler Nuffer Melanie Juhler Nuffer on Dec 29, 2016

    I always use nail polish remover. It's always on hand and works like a charm.

  • B. Enne B. Enne on Dec 29, 2016

    rubbing alcohol

  • C Gauntlett C Gauntlett on Dec 29, 2016

    Baby oil or mineral oil will take the paint right off and leave your hands soft.


  • Donna Donna on Dec 30, 2016

    Vaseline before and after. use dish soap and it normally will just wash off. Leave hands and cuticles soft too.

  • Punxxi Punxxi on Dec 31, 2016

    I was thinking surgic al gloves because they fit like a second skin!

  • Jeff DiMora Jeff DiMora on Dec 31, 2016

    I do not care what others are saying, I said what I do. I will never tell anyone a thing for all the emails from everyone posting stuff

  • Abbigail Hunter Abbigail Hunter on Jan 02, 2017

    Vasaline before and after you only have to wash them with dish soap.

  • Dan Dan on Jan 05, 2017

    You can't .............. ever.

    No, really, Lava soap.

  • Judy Smith Judy Smith on Feb 05, 2020

    For acrylic - use a fingernail brush, dish detergent, and elbow grease follow up with mineral oil. That should help to dislodge stubborn bits.

    For oil or enamel- use the home product Goo Gone on a cotton ball or papertowel (be sure to wash with regular soap and water after putting a solvent like Goo Gone on your skin)

    Some times I try to see if fingernail polish remover will work. I am a painter so I get paint on my hands, and I remove it with mineral spirits or turpentine

    Prevention Is the best remedy. If you must be all clean for work on Monday morning USE GLOVES!


  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 28, 2023

    Try WD-40. and next time wear gloves!

  • Janice Janice on Jan 25, 2024

    Rub your hands well with olive or any kitchen oil you have in the house and then sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda onto your hands and rub your hands together. Keep adding some of each product to loosen the paint. Rinse hand using fairly hot water. Repeat as necessary untill paint is gone. A scrub brush may help.

  • Betsy Betsy on Jan 25, 2024

    Hello Heillela: Baby oil or vasaeline work pretty good at getting paint off of your hands. You can put it on before you do your project for a bit more protection, or wear plastic disposable gloves :) Sometimes good old warm soap and water works.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Mar 23, 2024

    WD 40 will take it off.