How to Remove Spray Paint from Car Paint?
3 Answers
Spray paint on car paint can be removed by the following methods: 1. Wash the painted area and surrounding parts with water, then clean with a solvent; 2. Work the surrounding paint film into a smooth transition state from thin to thick, centered on the paint; 3. Use a rubber sanding block or other large sanding block with sandpaper for grinding; 4. Switch to fine sandpaper to continue grinding, to remove the marks left by coarse sandpaper. Car paint is a protective film sprayed on the car, which makes the body less prone to corrosion. Its performance characteristics include: 1. Good fullness, high gloss, high hardness, and good adhesion; 2. Excellent mechanical properties; 3. Gloss retention and wear resistance; 4. Good resistance to acid, alkali, alcohol, and gasoline.
I'm a car mechanic and I've seen too many cases of spray paint getting on cars. Removing spray paint depends on how fresh it is: if it's been sprayed within the last two or three days, using clay bar with car shampoo and rubbing slowly is the safest method; if it's been over a week, paint remover is recommended. Remember to test it on an inconspicuous area first to avoid damaging the original paint. For small areas, toothpaste with a soft cloth in circular motions can be used, but it requires patience. Never use a steel wool pad to scrub hard, as scratching the clear coat on the car's surface makes it even harder to fix. If the car's paint surface is no longer smooth, the only option is to go to a professional auto repair shop for polishing. When spray painting, always protect the surrounding car paint—just use masking tape and newspaper to cover the area.
A few days ago, I helped my neighbor remove spray paint from their car body and learned that choosing the right cleaner is crucial. Paint thinner can dissolve the spray paint without damaging the primer—just dab it on a cotton swab and gently wipe. Tar remover also works quickly, but you need to rinse off any residue with water immediately. I always keep adhesive remover in my garage; this type of solvent-based product is effective against all kinds of spray paint. Remember to wear rubber gloves when handling these chemicals to avoid skin contact. If spray paint gets on plastic headlight covers, it's trickier—use a dedicated plastic cleaner, as regular solvents can cause the covers to turn white. Prevention is key, though: covering the car body with large masking film during painting is the easiest solution.
