As much fun as it is, paintball does come with one lingering question: “Does paintball paint wash out?” Whether you’re a seasoned paintball pro or a curious beginner, this post is here to address all your concerns and provide you with valuable insights into the washability of paintball paint.
I’ll explore the factors that affect the ability of paintball paint to wash out, tips and tricks for easy cleanup, and the best practices to maintain your gear in top-notch condition.
So, let’s dive in and find out if that paint splatter is just a temporary badge of honor or something that requires more effort to remove. Discover everything you need to know about paintball paint washout, and get ready to tackle your next paintball adventure with confidence!
Table of Contents
So Does Paintball Paint Wash Out?
Paintball paint is washable but the process does take a significant amount of time. It can be up to two weeks before the clothes are completely free from any trace of paint.
If you want the clothes back sooner than that, then just tumble dry them with regular detergent and fabric softener for five minutes on medium heat – this will remove most of the stains.
Will Paintball Paint Stain my Clothes?
The short answer is yes, but the stains are not permanent. These are stains that can be washed out.
You have some options if you’re looking to prevent paintball paint stains. The type of paint being used does matter because water-based paints are less likely to stick around and are easy to clean while oil-based ones are more likely to stick around and possibly cause permanent stains.
Does Paintball Make My Clothes Smell?
Another question people have asked before is does paintball make my clothes smell? The answer is yes! Paint does smell when it gets wet so if you get hit with a paintball, it does leave some residual smell on your clothes. This can be fixed by washing the clothing in warm water and regular detergent before drying them.
How do you get paintball paint out of clothes?
Paintball does wash out. Oil-based paints are deeper set and take longer to remove, while water-based ones can be removed in a few minutes with some laundry magic.
To get paintball paint out of clothes just dry them on medium heat for five minutes with detergent and fabric softener!
If you want something done quickly, tumble-drying your clothing with regular laundry soap works wonders in a pinch!
What about getting rid of those stubborn stains once they’ve already happened? Just put them through one more wash with regular detergent, fabric softener and a bit of bleach.

Paintballs have two different types: water-based and oil-based. And the type does matter when it comes to washing the stains off because oils soak in deeper while water doesn’t stay as long. Just dry them on medium heat for five minutes with laundry soap! If you want something done quickly, tumble-drying your clothing can get rid of that stain in just one cycle!
To get rid of those stubborn stains once they’ve already happened, put them through another wash using laundry magic – combine some bleach, detergent and fabric softener for best results. Remember – do not skip the bleach because this is what
Tips
If you’re concerned about getting paint on your clothes, then:
- wear old clothing that does not matter if it gets stained or dirty.
- wear clothes made of natural fibers like cotton because they do not hold the pigment as well as synthetic ones such as polyester and nylon which means oil-based paints will stain more easily than water-based ones.
- you can also use a mask to protect yourself from direct contact with the paintball itself; this is especially important for those who are playing in warmer climates where sweat causes stains even more often.
When it comes to shoes and gear, the best way to remove paint is to use a scrub brush with dish detergent and warm water.
For cars, the exterior of the car should be washed as usual with mild car-washing soap, warm water, and a sponge or cloth. After washing, dry the area with a towel and dab a few drops of a bug and tar-removing product onto a cloth or paper towel and rub it over the paintball stain. Repeat as necessary until the paintball paint has been removed, then rinse the area to remove any additional paintball paint or cleaning-product residue.
I hope my post has satisfactorily answered the question “Does Paintball Paint Wash Out?”