How to Remove Painted-On Bottle Labels - How To Clean Stuff.net Fill a shallow pan or dish with the acetone and lay the bottle down so the label is soaking in the acetone. Allow it to soak until the paint begins to loosen. Scrub it with a scrubbing pad or scrape it off carefully with a razor. Rinse with clean water. If the label is screen-printed on, it will likely require a stronger, acidic remover.