Removing Paint from a Windbreaker

• When you have a favorite piece of clothing and you accidentally get a paint stain on it, it can be unpleasant. Many detergents can remove paint stains if you have caught it in time, and sometimes you can get rid of it with some pretreatment even if it has dried on. However, if you have gotten paint on a nylon windbreaker, it can be a bit trickier to remove the stain. Before you throw it into the washing machine, try this method of removal. You will need warm water, rubbing alcohol, cotton balls and mild detergent. You may also need paint thinner or nail polish remover.
  
  Try to scrape away the dried paint and see how much of it you can get rid of before adding liquid and detergents. If you managed to remove some flakes, gently clear it away. Sponge the area with warm water to soften and lift the remaining paint. Carefully soak the cotton balls with rubbing alcohol and scrub the area. The alcohol should remove all traces of the paint, especially if the paint was either latex or acrylic. It may take some vigorous scrubbing before it lifts, so keep at it. After you have used the rubbing alcohol, dab the area with a mild detergent and carefully clean the area. Launder the windbreaker per the instructions on the label.
  
  When you have a paint stain that you cannot remove with scraping, rubbing alcohol, or detergent, do not throw it out just yet. Try nail polish remover. Carefully apply nail polish remover onto a cotton ball and gently swab the paint stain. Once the stain is gone, flush the area with warm water to remove any excess chemicals. Clean the windbreaker with mild detergent and follow the cleaning instructions on the label.
  
  The best way to remove any paint stain is to treat it immediately. However, if you have missed it and it has had a chance to dry, take a look at the type of paint that has caused the stain. If the paint you used is a water-based paint, it will be easier to remove it with rubbing alcohol and with soap and water. If the paint is oil-based, you will have to remove the stain with paint thinner. Always be careful with chemicals that you use and be sure to don protective gear when handling harsh chemicals. You can purchase nail polish remover at any pharmacy and paint thinner can be purchased at a hardware store.