How to Remove Acrylic Paint from Artist Canvas

Written By: Sonja Daines
  • Comments: 2
How to Remove Acrylic Paint from Artist Canvas

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

6

Time Required

15 minutes

Introduction

Artist canvas is expensive. No artist wants to discard a canvas every time they make a mistake. This guide gives users a practical and affordable way to recover from the types of mistakes that happen to most people who paint with acrylics.

Artist canvases are reusable, so there is no need to throw one out over spilled paint or use of the wrong color. The secret to removing acrylic paint from a canvas lies in isopropyl alcohol (at least 60% solution). The isopropyl alcohol breaks apart and dissolves polymer chains that sit on top of acrylic paint when the paint is dry. It’s more affordable and less toxic to the environment than other types of paint solvents.

Following the steps chronologically will result in successfully completing this guide and saving your canvas.

Please take caution when using isopropyl alcohol.

  • Isopropyl alcohol is extremely flammable. Do not use near an open flame.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area and do not inhale fumes.
  • Wear disposable gloves to protect your hands.

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    • Place the canvas with dried paint on a hard surface (i.e. desk, table, counter top, or floor).

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    • Pour rubbing alcohol onto the towel until it feels damp.

    • A cloth rag or towel is the preferred tool to apply the isopropyl alcohol. Use paper towels if you don't have a cloth rag.

    • Use cotton swabs or a small paintbrush for a precise application.

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    • Place the towel on top of the dried paint.

    • Allow the damp rag to rest on the dried paint.

    • Isopropyl alcohol will remove all the acrylic paint it touches. Be careful to keep it away from paint that you want to save.

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    • Gently the rag back and forth for about 30 seconds.

    • Check your progress. You will see the paint starting to lift from the canvas.

    • Do not scrub or push down on the canvas while applying the alcohol; this may tear the canvas.

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    • Allow the canvas to air dry completely.

    • Allow at least 2-3 minutes.

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    • Use cotton swabs (or a small paintbrush) for fine detail work.

    • Use a cloth rag or paper towel to pick up and remove the paint completely.

    • Repeat steps 2-6 until the paint is removed.

Conclusion

Allow your cleaned canvas to dry completely before adding new paint.

Author

Sonja Daines

Member since: 14/01/22

181 Reputation

2 comments

DID NOT WORKKK!!! do not try does not work for a whole canvas or acrylic paint it will just make your house smell like alcohol

Olive Guttormsen -

I used acrylic on canvas to paint a portrait. When finished, I decided to change the color of the eyes, Using a small, old brush, I gently applied alcohol & blotted off the original color. I came off after repeating a few times. This technique saved an otherwise good painting.I don't think I'd have the patience to do a large area.

Carole -