How to Remove Spray Paint from a Car?
3 Answers
Methods to remove spray paint from a car include: 1. Using olive oil—if you have olive oil at home, apply some to the painted area and gently rub it a few times; 2. Using floral water—apply floral water to the painted area, rub a few times, and let it sit for 5 minutes before removing; 3. Using peanut oil or salad oil—apply peanut oil or salad oil to the painted area, add some dish soap, and gently rub. Spray paint does not have a strict classification standard. It can be categorized by the main film-forming substances in aerosol paint, such as nitro-based aerosol paint, alkyd-based aerosol paint, thermoplastic acrylic aerosol paint, etc. It can also be classified by the film-forming effect, such as ordinary spray paint, metallic glitter spray paint, fluorescent spray paint, super metallic color spray paint, chrome spray paint, gold spray paint, hammered spray paint, high-temperature resistant spray paint, etc.
Last time when I refurbished my wheels myself, the paint job went wrong. I figured out a few solutions. The gentlest method is applying adhesive remover or specialized paint stripper for over ten minutes, then scraping with a plastic spatula - suitable for small areas. For larger areas, use fine sandpaper (around 2000 grit) with water to grind slowly, being careful not to damage the primer. Remember to polish and wax afterwards to restore shine. Extra caution is needed for plastic parts - tar remover is safer. If you have a heat gun, you can use it with a scraper to soften the paint film by heating, but keep metal surface temperature below 80°C. Always wear goggles and a respirator throughout the process as paint mist is toxic! If unsure, it's better to seek professional detailing services.
A neighbor's auto repair shop worker taught me a folk remedy. Buy a can of carburetor cleaner, spray it on a towel, and gently wipe the paint surface to soften and remove the paint. This works well for fresh paint that hasn't fully cured, but older paint may require multiple attempts. You can also try xylene or acetone, testing on an inconspicuous small area first to prevent corrosion. Remember to ventilate! Wear rubber gloves during operation as solvents can degrease and crack skin. For larger areas, using a waxing machine with polishing compound saves effort. After treatment, thoroughly rinse with clean water to prevent residual solvents from continuing to corrode the car paint.
