How to Remove Paint from Car

A wrong paint job can make your car look just unattractive. While painting your car or applying touch up paint on it, some other areas might get painted as well, leading to a blotchy and uneven look. Sometimes, paint might be spilled accidentally over your car. Before painting your car, the previous color needs to be removed. Also a wrongly done paint job needs to be repaired by stripping off the paint from the car surface. Whatever might be the reason, removing paint from car in the right way will help you give your car the desired finish again. For any of the above reasons, if you are wondering how to remove paint from car, then you have landed on the right page. Here are some ways to help you remove paint from car finish, so keep reading.

Ways to Remove Paint from Car

Remove Paint from Car Using Soapy Water
Take a bucketful of lukewarm soapy water. Make sure you use a mild detergent or a car wash shampoo. Take a clean soft rag or a rough dish washing scrub. Dip it in soapy water and scrub over the paint thoroughly. This is an effective method to remove spray paint from car if it is still not completely dry. Sooner you try doing this, more are the chances of getting the results.

Remove Paint from Car Using Paint Thinner
Using a paint thinner is a great idea to remove paint from car. You can opt for kerosene, turpentine, gasoline or even nail polish remover to get rid of the paint. Wet a washcloth with one of these and lightly rub over the paint which you need to remove with this cloth. In case of enamel paint, you can successfully remove it. You will notice that the color transfers to the cloth, just continue rubbing it to remove the paint. If the color doesn't transfer over the cloth, it is an acrylic or lacquer paint, for which you need to use the next method.

Remove Paint from Car Using Rubbing Compound
In case of acrylic or lacquer car paint, you need to use a best quality car rubbing compound and a buffer. Make sure the buffer is not over 2500 to 3000 rpm, as this might burn the paint and leave marks, especially in case of dark-colored cars. Now start by applying rubbing compound and then use a buffer. This will definitely help remove paint scratches from car.

Remove Paint from Car Using Sandpaper
Start to remove paint from car using a 800 grit sandpaper. Sand it continuously over the paint to be removed for a few minutes. Now take a thousand grit sandpaper, again sand continuously for a few minutes. Next, you will need a 1500 grit sandpaper to do the job. Once you are done sanding with this one and stripped off the next layer, switch on to a 2000 grit sandpaper. After sanding with this, you might have scrapped off the color. Using a wet sandpaper is also an effective technique.

Once you get the desired results with one of the above mentioned ways to remove paint from car, you can finish by applying wax and polish. Remember to park your car in shade to avoid baking of any spilled color due to direct sunlight, making it difficult to be removed. If you are not getting the desired results, it would be best to take the car to an authorized service station and have its classic finish back.