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 (3Mâ„¢ 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