How To Remove Spray Paint From Every Surface

• Dish soap
• Carnauba car wax
• Nail polish remover
• Rubbing alcohol
• White vinegar
• Turpentine or mineral spirits
• Oil-based soap or stain remover
• Hairspray
• TSP or TSP substitute
• Baking soda
• Olive oil or coconut oil

 

Wood, Concrete, or Other Porous Surfaces

To treat oil-based and water-based paint that has seeped onto wood, concrete, and other porous surfaces, follow these instructions.

1. Prepare the Pressure Washer

   Set up your pressure washer and adjust the settings depending on your surface.

 

Spray the Paint Until It's Removed

Slowly move the pressure washer nozzle back and forth along the surface until the paint has been removed.

 

Metal or Plastic

To remove water-based spray paint from metal and plastic follow these steps, and follow the extra steps beneath for removing oil-based paint.

1. Buff With Dish Soap and a Cloth

   • Put a small dot of dish soap on a damp microfiber cloth and rub it together to create suds.
   • Gently buff the metal surface to remove any overspray.

 

Rinse and Buff Again

• Rinse the surface and the cloth thoroughly. 
• Repeat as necessary.
• You may need additional steps for oil-based paint. Try the above two steps first. Ideally, you want to use the least abrasive method first so you don’t remove any other paint or coating on the metal. This method is especially true for metal surfaces on cars and patio furniture.

 

Add Carnauba Car Wax

If the above technique doesn’t work, add some carnauba car wax into the mix, then buff again.

 

Buff Out the Wax

• Buff out the wax with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
• If the paint has set for a while or you wish to remove more than just overspray, look into some industrial paint remover solutions.

 

Fabric or Carpet

When it comes to removing spray paint from fabric and carpet, the best way to remove stains is to treat it when it’s wet, which means as soon as possible. Once you notice paint has gotten onto a fabric, drop your painting project, and immediately flush the area with water. These instructions work for both oil- and water-based spray paints.

1. Rinse Off the Paint

   • For wet paint, run the fabric under a faucet with lukewarm water.
   • Flush out as much paint as you can until the water runs clear.
   • If the paint is on a carpet, gently dab the surface with a damp cloth or towel to draw the paint into the towel and away from the fabric.

 

Add Stain Remover

• For stubborn oil-based stains, add in an oil-based soap or stain remover.
• For water-based stains, try spraying the area with hair spray.
• You can also try dabbing the area with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol, but test a small spot first.
• Dab the area again with a clean cloth, and see if the paint is transferring from the fabric onto the cloth. If so, the method is working.
• Continue this process until the paint is gone

 

Scrape Off the Paint

• If the paint has already dried, scrape away as much paint as you can with your fingernail or a cleaning brush.
• Pre-treat the stain with a stain remover.
• Launder the fabric if possible with regular laundry detergent.

 

Skin

If you have oil-based spray paint on your skin, these steps will help you remove it. It's much easier to remove a water-based spray paint stain. Follow these steps.

1. Use a Skin-Friendly Oil

   • Using your hands or a cotton ball, gently rub your skin with a skin-friendly oil like olive oil or coconut oil.
   • Be extra careful not to get any oil in your eyes since oil can be irritating.
   • Also, be careful not to get oil on clothing or fabric because oil stains can be difficult to remove.

 

Rub With a Washcloth

If a cotton ball or your hands won’t remove the paint, use an old washcloth to rub stubborn spots and repeat as needed

 

Wash With Soap and Warm Water

• Next, wash your skin with hand soap or body wash to remove any traces of oil.
• Rinse your skin and the washcloth thoroughly.

 

Clean the Sink

Clean up any remaining paint from the sink or tub using water and a rag or brush if needed. Pigments from the paint will stain the sink if not removed soon.

 

Remove Water-Based Spray Paint

It's very easy to get a water-based spray paint stain off of your skin. But oil won't help thin it out. Instead, follow these quick steps:

• Dampen your skin and gently scrub the area with a nail brush and a mild dish soap. If you don’t have a nail brush, a soft-bristled toothbrush or pumice stone should work. Don’t press too hard, a gentle abrasion should be all you need. Use a soft washcloth if needed for sensitive skin.
• Rinse the area thoroughly and be sure to clean off any flakes from the sink or tub.

 

Glass and Mirrors

Binding agents in spray paint can make it difficult to remove from glass or mirrors. Try graffiti removal sprays found at your local hardware store or home improvement center. Avoid glass cleaner, as this will smudge the spray paint rather than remove it.

• Use a razor blade: Use a new, sharp razor blade and a razor blade holder. Scrape the paint at an angle. Wipe the paint away with your hand, a brush, or a cloth.
• Use a solvent: Dab the spot with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. For stubborn stains, try turpentine or mineral spirits. For mild stains, dip a rag in hot water and/or white vinegar plus a drop of dish detergent and wipe away the paint.

 

Painted Walls

Removing spray paint from interior walls can be tricky. Whatever you use to remove spray paint may damage the wall paint underneath. Always test an inconspicuous area of your wall first before moving forward with removal.

• Rub with solvent: If the wall paint is water-based latex, remove the spray paint with a tiny bit of paint thinner rubbed on the area using a clean cloth. If you have TSP on hand or a TSP substitute (marked on the label as such), dilute with water and rub the area with a sponge.
• Buff with baking soda: If the wall paint underneath the spray paint is oil-based, try removing the drips or overspray with a paste of baking soda and water. Keep the paste on the problem area for 15 minutes, then wipe off. Repeat, if necessary.

 

Shoe Tops and Soles

Removing spray paint on shoes depends on the shoe material or if you accidentally stepped in paint and it's on the shoe's soles. Spray paint on non-fabric shoes may chip or crack off eventually. But if you'd like to remove fresh or dried paint on any part of your shoes, take the following steps.

• Remove paint from shoe tops: For fabric, canvas, leather, or faux leather shoes, use a clean cloth to blot up as much of the paint as possible if it is fresh and wet. Use another rag to clean with undiluted nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. Test a hidden area first to see how the solution affects the shoe material.
• Remove paint from shoe soles: If the paint is still fresh and wet, use a clean cloth to blot up as much of it as possible. Then, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water plus a drop of dish soap in a bowl. Gently rub the rag over the paint on the soles to remove it.

 

How to Prevent Spray Paint Stains and Overspray

Spray paint cans are notorious for causing overspray, drips, and stains due to clogs and other issues. Here are a few tips and tricks you can use to avoid the problem when painting furniture, cabinets, metal items, and accessories such as mirror frames:

• Opt for cans with a built-in comfort grip or invest in one to slip onto a can to help you paint with a steadier hand.
• Before starting your project, shake the can well and test the nozzle for air that may be clogging the paint from coming out smoothly.
• Paint in straight and steady lines and slightly overlap each pass over the previous one but don't let the paint can hover over one spot.
• Hold the can about a foot from the surface.
• Shake the can occasionally as you paint to keep the paint mixed.
• If spraying smaller items, create a "spray booth" from a large cardboard box, placed on its side. Put the item inside the box and spray, rotating the item as needed.
• If you plan to spray paint a lot of items, you may want to invest in an airless paint sprayer.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Cleaner

You may want to hire a professional cleaner if you are unsure of the type of spray paint used on your material or surface. Call a pro if the stains still do not come out after your attempts to remove them from the material and surface. In addition, you can bring textiles to a dry cleaner who may be able to use a solvent to remove the stain.

 

• Can WD40 help remove spray paint?

  As both a lubricant and a solvent, WD40 can help to remove spray paint. Paint removal is not the main function of WD40, so it's often best to look for materials that may help better: paint thinner, mineral spirits, dish soap, and even baking powder.

• Which spray paint remover is the strongest?

  The strongest spray paint removers are acetone, lacquer thinner, naptha, and isopropyl alcohol.