StainMatrix
Stain category
Paint
Paint treatment depends entirely on whether it is water-based or oil-based. Water-based acrylic paint must be treated while wet; once cured it becomes very difficult to remove. Oil-based paint needs white spirit.
Key rule
Catch water-based paint while wet. For oil paint, white spirit only — no water.
2 stains in this category
The chemistry behind paint
Water-based acrylic paints are polymer emulsions that coagulate irreversibly once the water evaporates, making immediate treatment before the resin fully cures the key to success. Fresh stains yield to water because it keeps the emulsion fluid; dried stains require isopropyl alcohol to partially re-dissolve the cured polymer for removal.
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