Painted hoodie needs knows-it-all help

September 12, 2011 4:06 PM

I have a lovely sweater-jacket thing from Lululemon that I got white house primer on (Zinzer white primer).

Is there a way to remove the primer without destroying the sweater-jacket thing? Its only localized on the back of one sleeve, so if it gets slightly damaged there it would still be preferable to a noticeable white stain. It's a gift from my parents and pretty handy to boot so I'd love to restore it.

Thanks in advance everyone!

posted by Slackermagee to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (6 answers total)

Take it to a drycleaner -- this is their job! One once got red metal primer off a grey wool Jcrew coat perfectly for like $8.
posted by amileighs at 4:13 PM on September 12, 2011

I have successfully used Goo Gone to get paint off of textiles before.
posted by illenion at 4:18 PM on September 12, 2011

Try a Mr Clean Magic Eraser, those things are little miracles. (When i use them on my paint-spattered walls, they unfortunately tend to remove a layer of paint, which may be perfect for you. Also, i've used them on my fabric sofa with no ill effects.)

Also, i also own a lovely lululemon sweater-jacket thing that i also got as a gift from my parents, and it is so totally handy! And kind of expensive. So i hope it gets resolved!
posted by Kololo at 4:50 PM on September 12, 2011

Plain rubbing alcohol removes paint from fabrics without damaging the fabric. I would try that first. You just dab it on, and kinda agitate it a bit. Sometimes it takes a little bit of time and elbow grease, but I found it works very well.
posted by purpletangerine at 6:36 PM on September 12, 2011

Try The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver. It's made for cleaning crusty paintbrushes, but works for paint-stained clothes (and skin) as well. You'll want to work it in with water, let it sit for a while, add a bit more water, then attack with some scrubbing action. (Fingernail, pumice stone, Magic Eraser, whatever.) Good luck!
posted by D.Billy at 7:42 PM on September 12, 2011

The best answer will depend on what primer it was; Zinsser makes a whole line of primers, both oil and latex/water based. Latex is by far the most common these days, and there are a variety of paint removers specifically for it; Goof-Off is one brand that I have used. As always read the labels, test in an inconspicuous area, and so forth.
posted by TedW at 7:01 AM on September 13, 2011