There is nothing worse than getting up one morning and finding the car body wrecked by little thugs armed with paint cans. When vandals strike, don't panic - there are many ways to get rid of spray paint, but acetone, clay bar, and carnauba wax are the most effective products.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: With acetone or nail polish remover
Step 1. Take a bottle of acetone or nail polish remover that contains it
You may not have this substance on hand, but you most likely have some nail polish remover in the bathroom cabinet. This product is formulated to take the polish off your nails, which is what you try to do when you want to clean the bodywork from spray paint. Any brand is fine, but the higher the concentration of acetone, the better the results.
Step 2. Pour the solvent onto a cloth
Choose a microfiber or lint-free rag to avoid scratching the clear finish layer of the bodywork. The rag must be constantly damp; if it starts to dry out, pour more acetone.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from dissolving substance and paint
Step 3. Gently rub the cloth over the paint
Make small circular movements to detach the color from the surface; proceed with great care, otherwise you risk removing the protective layer of the bodywork instead of just the spray paint. The latter transfers to the cloth, so you have to change the fabric often.
Step 4. Wash your car when finished
You must clean and dry it thoroughly after removing the paint; pay particular attention to areas that have been subjected to vandalism to remove any residue of color and solvent.
Method 2 of 3: With the Clay Bar
Step 1. Wash and dry the car
This step is important to remove the surface layer of dirt before using the bar. You can proceed by hand or take the car to an automatic car wash. If the spray paint is still fresh, the hot water and soap should be able to remove some of it.
Step 2. Get a clay bar
It is an abrasive polymer specific for detailing that removes any residue present on the transparent layer of the bodywork - spray paint included - without damaging or scratching it. There are several varieties available; you can ask the auto parts shop assistant for more details. There are also kits that in addition to the bar also include a spray lubricant (to be used together with the polymer), wax and a microfiber cloth.
You should find the bar at auto parts stores
Step 3. Knead the clay
All you need is a small, flattened amount, the size of the palm of your hand; therefore, if you bought a new bar, cut it in half, place it in an airtight bag and place it in a bucket or bowl of hot water, so that it becomes more malleable. Then remove it from the containers and knead it by hand; you have to shape it like a meatball or a small pancake.
Step 4. Apply a lubricant
This is a liquid that is needed to make the clay slide easily over the paint, otherwise it would adhere. Shake the bottle of lubricant, spray it on the bar and on the bodywork; use a generous amount to prevent the clay from smudging the surface.
You should find lube at auto parts stores
Step 5. Rub the clay over the spray paint
Hold it in your hand in such a way as to prevent your fingertips from being covered with it; it should rest on the palm. Rub it with horizontal movements and applying firm pressure, just like you would a bar of soap on the skin. Continue this way until the paint is gone.
When the dough is covered with contaminants, fold or knead it again to form a clean "meatball"
Step 6. Eliminate the debris
Use a microfiber cloth to scrub away the clay remnants. Apply light pressure and scrub the area you treated.
Step 7. Put the wax
The clay removes the previous protective layer, so it is important to apply a new one to avoid further damage and restore the shine of the bodywork. Spread the wax in circular motions, using the sponge that is included in the package or an orbital grinder equipped with a polishing pad.
Method 3 of 3: With Carnauba Wax
Step 1. Purchase some liquid carnauba wax
Choose a product that contains a high concentration of this ingredient, which is capable of dissolving spray paint. The wax does not scratch and does not damage the transparent topcoat or the underlying color, but simply removes the stains that are on the surface; it should be available in auto parts stores, but if you can't find it, you can order it online.
Step 2. Apply it to a sponge
Pour a generous amount onto a sponge or soft cloth and add more as you work. do not be afraid to use the necessary amount to dissolve the spray paint.
Step 3. Scrub the stains with the sponge
Apply firm pressure and make circular motions to scrub the area with the wax-soaked cloth. Be careful not to overlook any drops, spots and specks of paint; occasionally turn the sponge or take a new one when it gets covered with paint.
Step 4. Polish the area
After removing the spray paint, you need to polish the bodywork; use a microfiber cloth and scrub the area in small circular motions.
Advice
- If the paint has also smudged the windows, you can easily clean them with acetone and a razor blade.
- Remove the paint as soon as possible because the more time you give it to "bake" in the sun, the more difficult cleaning becomes.
Warnings
- Regardless of which method you decide to use, do a test on a hidden corner of the bodywork first.
- Do not use abrasive products, such as abrasive paste, as they make the situation worse.
