How to Wash a Painted Denim Jacket?

If you have a painted denim jacket, it’s normal to think twice before throwing it in the washing machine with other clothes. It’s even more challenging to decide when you’ve painted the jacket yourself!

No worries, this article will show you how to wash a painted denim jacket step-by-step, without losing those lovely colors. But to give you a bit of an overview, you can wash your painted denim jacket by hand, in a washing machine, or simply spot clean if there are any stained spots.

In this guide, I will walk you through the procedures in detail. So, keep reading to learn the easy steps to wash a painted denim jacket.

Painted Denim Jacket: What You Need to Know before Washing

It doesn’t matter how much we care for our clothes, they will inevitably get dirty, and it’s completely okay. But when it comes to painted clothes, you spent hours making them perfect, it’s a different scenario. You simply can’t toss them in the washing machine, relax, and sip some warm coffee!

In the case of washing painted clothes, the first thing of concern is the color, I understand. That’s why I feel like sharing some useful information that you must check before washing your painted denim jacket. Have a close look:

Use High-quality Paints

Jackets painted with low-quality paints may end up fading colors, cracking, or flaking. So, make sure to use high-quality paints if you intend to wash the item in the future.

Don’t Wash the Jacket Right Away

You should not wash the jacket right away after the paint has dried. You should give it some time to let the paint sit in the fabric properly. If you choose a dirty, old jacket for painting, wash it before painting instead. Once it’s completely dry and suitable for paint, add your artsy touches.

Do Not Wash It Frequently

You should try to wash your painted denim jacket as little as possible. The more you wash the higher chances of rubbing off or fading paint. That’s why try to protect it from dirt and stubborn stains as much as possible.

Use Cold Water

Putting the painted jacket in boiling water may seem like a good idea for removing stubborn stains, but is it really effective? Perhaps, you should think twice!

You should opt for cold water so that high temperatures of boiling hot water don’t affect the paint. Plus, you should carefully check how much temperature the paint can withstand. For this, you should check the packaging or label of the paint bottle. Make sure the water temperature never exceeds that limit.

Select a Gentle Detergent

Make sure the detergent you select is not too harsh. Generally speaking, for normal painted clothes, you should use water-based laundry detergent. And the amount should not be more than just a few drops. Also, you should avoid bleach and alcohol-based detergents. Alcohol can damage the paint.

You may try the same ruling for your painted denim jacket. But always choose the detergent carefully. And don’t use any fabric softener.

Also Read: What You Need to Determine How Many Coats of Gloss on Skirting

How to Wash a Painted Denim Jacket?

It is possible to wash a denim jacket in multiple ways, depending on the stain and how dirty it is. So, let’s take a look at the step-by-step methods.

Hand Washing

I know it may sound tiresome, but according to me, this is one of the most effective ways to wash a painted denim jacket. This is because you can simply clean the dirty areas without disturbing the paint too much. Anyway, here is how to get started:

Step 1: Fill the Bucket Halfway with Water

Like I said earlier, use cold water to wash your garment. Take enough cold water in a bucket to submerge the jacket completely. You may use your clean kitchen sink or bathtub as well.

Step 2: Use Some Mild Detergent and Wait

You should add mild detergent to the water. Just a few drops are enough. Gently agitating will help achieve good foam. Submerge the jacket properly and wait for a while to let the detergent do its work.

Avoid using fabric softeners and alcohol-based detergent. Alcohol-based detergent can damage the paint on your precious jacket.

Step 3: Scrub the Remaining Stains

Take the jacket out of the bucket. Your jacket should be clean by now. If you still notice stains or traces of dirt after washing, gently apply some soap on that spot and rub off the marks.

If there are some stains on the painted area, be more careful because the more you touch the painted area, the higher the risk of damaging the paint.

Step 4: Rinse the Jacket

Now, it’s time to take the jacket to the sink and rinse it in cold water. Keep rinsing, and don’t stop until you notice the water running clear.

Step 5: Let the Jacket Dry

After rinsing, gently wring out the excess water. Try avoiding wringing the painted area. Gently wring out the areas close to the painted area.

Air-drying the jacket will be a safer option than putting it inside a drier. That’s why I recommend you place the jacket on a hanger and let it stay there until it’s completely dry.

However, leaving the jacket in the hot sun may fade the color, so leave it in a place where it won’t see the sun directly but is warm enough to dry properly.

Machine Washing

Machine washing can damage the paint, so before proceeding with this method, make sure the paint on your jacket is properly set in. After you think everything is okay, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Prepare the Jacket for Washing

To protect the paint from getting damaged inside the washer, first, turn it inside out. In order to reduce the impact as much as possible, you should keep the painted side inside.

In case the jacket starts bleeding colors, I recommend washing it alone to prevent it from affecting other garments. If your jacket has some delicate designs and stones along with paints, try hand-washing instead.

Step 2: Setting the Washing Machine

Set the washing machine to a delicate cycle and make sure you use cold water. However, sometimes you may need to use warm water to remove stubborn stains, but make sure the temperature doesn’t exceed the limit the paint can withstand.

Step 3: Add Detergent

Use a mild detergent. The amount should not be too much. Let the washing machine complete its cycle.

Step 4: Allow the Jacket to Dry

Air dry the jacket in a place where it won’t see the sun directly but is warm enough to dry properly. Let it stay there until it’s completely dry.

Learn How to Wash Painted Denim Jacket in Washing Machine:

Spot Cleaning

Compared to other options, this is the safest. This is a convenient option if you have some stains on your denim jacket. Because you don’t need to wash the whole jacket, just the stained areas.

You can simply remove the stains with detergent. Take a look at the steps:

• First, take some mild detergent on a damp cloth.
• Scrub the stained area with the cloth.
• Rinse the area with cold water.

Continue Reading: How to Paint Alloy Sports Bar (A Complete Guide)

Does Acrylic Paint Wash Off Denim?

If acrylic paint doesn’t set in properly, it can wash off denim. Plus, if you use some harsh chemical-based products for washing, it may damage the paint.

However, the paint will last long once it sets in properly. And after that, you can wash your denim outfit without worrying too much about the paint.

Does Paint Stay on Denim?

Yes, paints stays on denim. Custom painting on denim outfits is a great way to express your creativity and stand out in the crowd! If you select a good paint, the art will not be temporary that will disappear after a wash. However, denim painted with low-quality paints may end up cracking over time.

The amount of paint you use on the denim outfit is another factor that determines whether the paint will last on the garment or not. So, make sure you use the paint in the right amount. Plus, use fabric medium.

And it’s not enough to select a good paint and use the right amount; you must give the paint enough time to dry and do due diligence to make the paint adhere to denim. By due diligence, I mean, heat setting the artwork after finishing. This will result in longer-lasting artwork on denim.

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Final Thoughts

Denim jackets are an excellent choice for everyday wear. They are comfortable, stylish, and durable. And when you paint your regular denim jackets, it takes the style to a whole new level. But wearing them regularly makes them dirty over time.

So, when the confusing moment comes, and you can’t decide how to wash your precious denim jacket, remember the methods I talked about in this blog and wash with confidence.