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ditzi_k asked in Education & ReferencePreschool · 1 decade ago

how can i get the tempur paint off my fingers/fingernails? soap and water aren't working.?

Question Details: i volunteered at my daughter's pre-school today and their art activity involved black watered down tempur paint. (temper paint?) anyway... there was a spill (imagine that in a room full of 4 and 5 year olds!!) so not only were the rags covered in black paint, so were my hands. the majority of it came off with soap and water, but there's still some under my fingernails and around the edges. i've used a nail brush, but it still looks like my nails are just dirty. if it were a bright color, i wouldn't be so persnickity about it... i mean, bright green or blue, people are going to look and realize it's paint, but with it being black, it just looks like i don't wash. any ideas?

Update:

i most definitely will continue helping in class. i just re-read the details and it sounded a little harsh. i didn't mean for it to come across that way. it was just a very hectic day today. the teacher was very busy and both of her assistants were out sick. i had to leave in the middle of the day for a doctor's appointment, then come back to help for the rest of the day. the children were crazy today, and we even had a couple of them that when we asked them to do something would look straight at us and say 'no.' but i love being in there! i'm going back tomorrow. i was in there last friday celebrating R.I.F. day with them and even dressed up as the very hungry caterpillar! well, i was actually the butterfly, wings, antenna and all! we had a blast! it's just been a little crazy this week. thank you all for the suggestions!

8 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Black tempra paint is a nightmare for teachers, parents, and children alike. Here's a tip to pass on to your child's teacher: instead of adding water to the paint, stir in about 3/4 paint to 1/4 dishwashing liquid soap. This makes it wash off of almost anything. To remove the paint that is already a problem for you, use acetone based nail polish remover. It has to be the acetone kind, because that's the only thing that will eat thru the paint. It's really hard on your skin, so put some Eucerin or other strong moisturizing lotion on after you wash your hands really good following scrubbing them with a toothbrush dipped in nail polish remover. As for bleach, it will clean them, but it's even harsher on skin. Comet also does a good job on a toothbrush. Good luck to you!

    Source(s): Have taught in preschools, Sunday school classrooms, and day care centers...tempra paint is so much fun!
  • 1 decade ago

    Did you try a finger nail brush that helps some. Black tempera is probably the most difficult to get off. Sometimes we add dish soap to the container before the children paint and it helps a bit in the laundry of their clothes or the paint smocks. So sorry that happened to you. I certainly appreciate our parent volunteers so I hope you will continue to help out!

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Either a). Suggest to your child's teacher that they mix in some liquid dish soap with the paint before they put it out for use or

    b). Cover your hands with a thin layer of liquid dish soap before you participate and let it dry.

    That way, the paint won't attach to your skin and stain. Hand lotion works, too, but not nearly as well.

  • 1 decade ago

    It's Tempera and it is a water based paint. The only choice you have aside from using nail polish remover is soak, soak, soak. and use Tide or Lava when you scrub, It will eventually come off.

    That is ultra cool! I volunteered in my daughters class too so that's how I knew the answer to your question. Good job!~!~!~

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  • 1 decade ago

    When tempra paint won't come off my nails or nail area, I soak in the tub. When I come out, my fingers are clean. So you can soak in the tub or just sit at the tv tonight and dip your hands in a bowl of soapy water.

  • 1 decade ago

    Make a paste of baking soda and water, use a nail brush and scrub with the mixture.

  • 1 decade ago

    Nail polish remover, maybe bleach---and a toothbrush

  • 1 decade ago

    baby oil

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