Removal of Paint from Clear Coat

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Paint Overspray​

Removing Latex Paint Overspray



1. D-limonene based (citrus) based detergents (P21S Total Auto Wash) may help; be sure to allow plenty of dwell time.

2. Solvents; dwell time is important, start mild with (3M™ Adhesive and Wax Remover or DuPont Prep Sol 3919

3. Detailers clay (Auto magic’s Magic Clay) both red and blue grades or a Surface Prep Towel

4. Plastic razor blade to mechanically 'chip' the overspray

5. A combination of the plastic blade or detailers clay and a solvent, be patient and work small areas when practical.

6. The painted surfaces are frequently easier than anticipated, however rubber and vinyl trim pieces may take more time / patience.



Removing Paint Overspray



Before the advent of detailer’s clay it was a common practice to remove paint-overspray with a one-sided razor blade and a surface lubricant or by polishing the surface with a compound / polish and a wool pad. Surface contaminates were removed with a polish or by wet-sanding, but these are methods are very invasive and will instill surface scratches an / or remove clear coat.



Dampen but do not soak a terry cloth towel with lacquer thinner (do not use mineral spirits or turpentine) and then apply lacquer thinner to the paint overspray.



Wipe the paint overspray from the vehicle using a terry cloth and then dry the surface using clean dry 100% cotton towels. Do not leave lacquer thinner on the car's finish for longer than necessary as this may damage the clear coat. Use with caution on repainted vehicles



For extensive paint overspray removal

• Wet-sand using 2000 grit finishing paper

• Meguiar’s M105 and a SurBuf R Series pad

• Meguiar’s M205 and a Lake Country (LC) Green foam pad

Paint overspray ‘spots’ – use detailer’s clay or Surface Prep Towel



Paint Transfer



Is usually caused by the abrasion of two paint surfaces and one of the surfaces transfers a thin film of paint



Correction – first try using a chemical paint cleaner (Klasse AIO) if this doesn’t remove it try detailers clay, failing this try an abrasive polish