Most paints will only temporarily color your skin, and many aren’t harmful. The difficulty of removing paint from your skin ranges from simple to challenging, depending on the paint type.

However, there are some paints you should avoid getting on your skin altogether.

If you happen to get paint on your skin, here are the best ways to remove some of the most common varieties.

Remove paint from hands

Oil-based paints:

Turpentine and paint thinner can work wonders removing oil-based or enamel paint from a brush. However, it’s a good idea to avoid regularly using these products on your skin because they contain chemicals that can cause cancer.

Apply a dab of glycerin to the area of skin that’s covered with paint, which will loosen any dried paint.

Add a small amount of turpentine or other solvent to the affected area of skin, and rub gently to remove paint.

Wash the area of skin with soap and water to remove the paint and solvent from your skin.

Water-based paints:

You can remove water-based paints more easily from your skin because they dissolve in water. Most of these paints are water-based:

Wet the area of skin covered in paint.

Generously lather the area with bar or dish soap.

Scrub the area of skin covered with paint for a few minutes.

Rinse the area with water and repeat as necessary until all the paint is removed.

You can also try applying rubbing alcohol to dried water-based paint. This helps dissolve the paint.

Methods on how to remove wall paint from hands:

Soybean or Olive Oil

You can use olive, soybean, or coconut oil as they are less expensive. Allow any oil you have on hand to sit on the paint for a few minutes. After that, rub your skin to check whether the paint comes off. If the paint is still visible, continue the process with warm water and dish soap. If you want to work on washing the paint off, you can also wash with salt or sugar.

Nail Polish Remover

Another method for removing spray paint from hands is to soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover. You could also be able to remove your makeup with a makeup remover. Then, using the saturated cotton ball, rub the area until the paint starts to come up. To keep the paint from spreading to other locations, you might have to rinse and repeat the process multiple times.

Use Soap and Water

At a sink or in a bucket of water, wet the area of skin that has wet or dry paint splatters with warm water. Generously apply liquid soap or rub the area with a bar of soap. Work the soap into a lather and use your hands or a washcloth to gently scrub away the paint. Rinse well with warm water and repeat the steps if small splatters remain. Water-based paint Hand being washed with soap and water.

Use Isopropyl Alcohol

If the paint has dried, dampen a cotton ball with some isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Apply the alcohol to the dried paint and let it work for one or two minutes to begin to dissolve the paint. Wash the area with soap and warm water. Use a washcloth to provide a gentle abrasion.

Use mayonnaise

Use mayonnaise to get at tricky oil-based paints. Mayo will naturally pull off paint, especially if it is oil based. Place a dollop on the skin and rub it into a thin layer over the paint. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes before scrubbing with soap, water, and a washcloth.

Use sugar scrub

Try a sugar scrub for an exfoliating, moisturizing wash. Simply wet your hands and the affected area, then place roughly a tablespoon of plain white sugar on it. Rub it into the skin, using it to scrub gently at the paint to leave your hands smooth and clean. This can be an effective way to clean your skin after using harsher methods, such as oil or Vick’s.