Q&A for How to Get Spray Paint off a Car

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  • Question
    How do you get spray paint off a car without damaging it?
    Chad Zani
    Auto Detailing Expert
    Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services.
    Auto Detailing Expert
    Expert Answer
    Use a product like Butter Wet Carnauba Wax. This wax contains carnauba oils that will break down the spray paint without damaging your car.
  • Question
    Is it hard to get spray paint off a car?
    Chad Zani
    Auto Detailing Expert
    Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services.
    Auto Detailing Expert
    Expert Answer
    It's not hard, but it may take some time. Because carnauba oil breaks down paint instead of scrubbing it off mechanically, the process may need to be repeated a few times.
  • Question
    How do you get spray paint off plastic?
    Community Answer
    Detailer's clay can be used on any hard, smooth surface. Try using this clay to remove the paint from the plastic.
  • Question
    My car is matte black, but it's peeling off. It was done with a rattle. How would I take this off?
    Community Answer
    If it happens to be Plasti Dip, then you will be able to peel it off by hand. If it is enamel paint, you will most likely have to sand it off, but you could try paint thinner. To avoid this in the future, use a satin or flat clear coat on top of the paint.
  • Question
    How do I remove very dry spray paint?
    Community Answer
    Try using simple baking soda on a damp cloth and just rubbing it in, then rinsing well and drying.
  • Question
    I bought an aluminum stock show trailer and the top, nose, and parts of the side were painted with a flat black paint. What's the best method to use to get it back to the original color?
    Community Answer
    You could try the liquid carnauba wax first, as it is the least abrasive method. Then, try the acetone or nail polish remover. If the sections that are painted black are pretty large, these methods may take some time and effort. If you can't get the paint off, consider taking the trailer to a body shop so the paint can be wet-sanded off.
  • Question
    How can I get highway yellow paint off my car?
    Community Answer
    You could try using acetone. Apply it to small areas, then immediately follow with soapy water to clean off the acetone.
  • Question
    How do I get glossy, household paint off a car?
    Community Answer
    The first method of removal is using a medium enamel reducer, available at most auto parts stores. It must be used on a cool surface, out of the sun. Moisten a soft towel and rub softly to see if it dissolves the paint. If this does not work, slowly warm a spot of paint with a hair dryer and use a plastic razor blade or plastic paint scraper -- then proceed with the enamel reducer after the surface cools.
  • Question
    There is a paint rub on my car that came from another car. How do I remove it?
    Community Answer
    Polishing or rubbing compound (available at an auto parts store) on a damp cloth. Rub lightly in circular motion, then wax.
  • Question
    How can I remove spray paint from my headlight car lens?
    Community Answer
    Sand it with very fine grit (1200+) sandpaper using soapy water as a lubricant. Follow with rubbing compound to polish the lens and, if wanted, a light layer of crystal clear acrylic coat can keep the lens from hazing up.
  • Question
    How can I remove paint from my windshield?
    Community Answer
    Use a razor blade to scrape off paint as long as it's on glass and not on the inside where tint would be.
  • Question
    How do I get spray Rust-oleum paint off the plastic part of my car's bumper?
    Community Answer
    Detailer's clay can be used on any hard, smooth surface. Try using this clay to remove the spray paint.
  • Question
    I have a Ford Escape that has been completely spray painted. What is the cheapest option to get the spray paint off, but leave the real paint underneath on?
    Community Answer
    Autocare Detailers First Choice "Foam Magic" applied with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Another helpful product is Brazilian carnuba wax. Once used, it protects the car from further damage.
  • Question
    How to remove paint from a wrapped car?
    Community Answer
    If the paint is fresh, use gasoline or thinner and wipe it off. If the paint is already dry, you may have to go to the repair shop and have the car re-sprayed.
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