Get Spray Paint off a Car

There’s nothing quite like waking up to find that your car’s paint job has been defaced by mischievous kids with a can of spray paint. When vandals strike, don’t panic. Follow these steps to get the spray paint off without damaging your car’s finish or putting a big dent in your wallet. Happy cleaning!

Steps

 * 1) Fill a bucket with very warm, soapy water. Use a mild detergent, such as dish soap or a car-washing solution.  Use a rag or dishcloth and scrub the offending paint.  Depending on the vandals’ choice of paint, your problem may be solved right here.  Keep in mind that the vandalism may just be a playful hoax with easily-washable paint.  Regardless of the type of paint, if it hasn’t fully dried yet, this may do the trick.  The sooner you try to clean the spray paint, the better.  What could be a soap-and-water job could turn into something much more difficult if the paint is allowed to dry and bake in the sun.
 * 2) Call the body shop and the insurance agent. If all else fails, or if you’re nervous about trying to remove the paint yourself, get an estimate from a professional.  He or she may be able to remove the spray paint (probably using one of the methods described here) or the car may need to be partially or entirely repainted, depending on the extent of the damage.  If you carry comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, vandalism should be covered, so check your deductible and file a claim if the bill will be more than the deductible.

Nail Polish Remover

 * 1) Get any brand non-acetone nail polish remover.  It's formulated to take the enamel layer off of finger nails, which is essentially what you're attempting to do with your car's finish.
 * 2) Pour some of the liquid onto a terrycloth towel.
 * 3) Rub gently to remove spray paint.  It should take it right off.
 * 4) Wash and rinse thoroughly when done.

Meguiar's Clay

 * 1) Purchase the Smooth Surface Clay Kit, which includes detailing spray (which you would use as a lubricant for the clay), some wax and a microfiber cloth.
 * 2) Use the clay to remove the spray paint. It works very well and isn't harsh to your paint.
 * 3) Wax your car afterwards.

Acetone

 * 1) Purchase some acetone, a chemical solvent that can be purchased in large bottles for big jobs but which is also found in most nail polish removers if you just need to treat a small area.
 * 2) Apply acetone to a small, inconspicuously located section of the damage. Either dip a rag in the acetone to apply it or dab it on with the brush included with nail polish remover. Wipe the surface clean immediately with a clean, dry rag, and wait a minute or two.
 * 3) Continue incremental acetone application on the test area. If your car’s paint becomes discolored or faded, do not apply any more acetone.  If your car’s paint seems unaffected, but the spray paint remains as well, try applying some more acetone and this time rubbing the affected area a little before wiping clean with a dry rag.  The spray paint may come right off on the first pass, but it may take a little scrubbing and repeated applications, especially if it is thick in spots.  The clearcoat finish on most vehicles is much more durable than spray paint, so you won’t easily damage it, but controlled, incremental testing in a small area minimizes the risk of damage and ensures that any damage that does occur will be small.

Rubbing Compound

 * 1) Purchase rubbing compound, which can be found at any auto parts store.
 * 2) Use a dry, soft cloth and vigorously rub the rubbing compound on the offending paint. You might also try a slightly abrasive microfiber cloth (these can also be purchased at auto parts stores).

Gasoline/Petrol

 * 1)  Try petrol. It might damage your clearcoat, but it will get rid of most spray paint.
 * 2) Wax your car after cleaning, this makes it easier to remove spray paint if it happens again.

Brake Parts Cleaner (Spray)

 * 1)  If paint spatter don't come off with soap & water,but can be scratched off with a finger nail, try spraying brake cleaner on a clean piece of cotton rag & another to wipe cleaner off car. Rub 'cleaner' rag over small sections @ a time till removed. Wipe off cleaner.

Tips

 * Paint thinner, rubbing alcohol, and WD-40 are often recommended to remove spray paint. You can try them in place of acetone, but if acetone doesn’t work, it is unlikely that these will, either.
 * There are also some products that are marketed as being specifically formulated to remove spray paint. These can be a bit more expensive than the other options here, but by all means try them out if nothing else works.  Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to first test it on a small, inconspicuous spot.
 * Not sure if you’re making progress? After you wipe the paint, check the rag to see if you can detect any paint residue.  While you’re at it, make sure the residue isn’t the color of your car’s paint.
 * For particularly thick spots of spray paint, try scraping the excess off with a sharp plastic edge (i.e. - Plastic ice scraper, plastic type spackle tool, plastic spatula, etc.). Do not try to scrape all the spray paint off—avoid making contact with your car’s finish.
 * If your car windows also got tagged with spray paint, acetone and a razor blade should clear it up easily.

Warnings

 * Chemical solvents such as those mentioned here are typically flammable and can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Thoroughly read the warnings on the product, and follow the instructions.
 * Make sure you’re not damaging your finish in any way before you proceed past the test spot. Examine the test spot in different lighting conditions to make sure you’re not missing any discoloration.  Even if the test patch worked all right, periodically check your work as you proceed.  If you do more damage than the vandals, you’re going to run into a bigger bill, and your insurance may not fully cover it.
 * Avoid getting solvents on rubber or plastic trim. Acetone and its cousins can quickly eat or melt away at such materials.
 * Before reporting a claim, find out if it will increase your insurance rates or affect your policy. Vandalism claims generally will not adversely affect the amount you pay for insurance, but exceptions do exist depending on your company, state regulations, and the status of your policy.
 * Using chemicals may remove the clear coat, but it can be replaced without damaging the paint.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Remove Rust from a Car
 * How to Remove Window Tint
 * How to Repair Car Paint Chips
 * How to Paint a Car