How To Remove Paint from Skin Without Harsh Chemicals

 

Photo by Rahul Pandit from Pexels

Recently, I was working on a project using spray paint. Of course, I didn't wear gloves while I was painting and ended up with paint on my hands. Mineral spirits would remove the paint from skin, but two things. 1. It's stored in the bowels of the garage where the spiders live and 2. it's harsh on the skin. What other household items could be used? Searching online brought me to fractionated coconut oil and lemon essential oils both of which I had.

Essential oils can not be rubbed directly on the skin as some of the essential oils can burn the skin. They need to be used with some sort of carrier oil. Any oil such as olive oil, almond oil, etc. would work, and any citrus essential oil (orange, lime, grapefruit) would work, too, as the solvent to break down the paint.

First, rub the oil all over your hands. Add 3 drops of lemon or other citrus oil onto your hands and scrub. Use a nailbrush or toothbrush to scrub around the fingernails.  No need to open windows or use in a well ventilated area as there is no stinky, chemical smell, but a pleasant smell of lemons. Voila the paint is gone. Wash your hands with soap and warm water, dry thoroughly, and apply a hand lotion if desired.