How to Get Paint Splatters off of Car Exteriors
by Melanie Fleury
If you have ever had paint splattered on your car, you know how frustrating it can be to remove. Paint splatters can come from a house being painted near your car, paint from the road splattering up to your car or from a variety of other sources. Getting paint splatter off requires a little manual labor and patience. With just a few ingredients, you can restore your car's appearance.
Step 1
Mark the area around the paint splatter with packing tape. Create a border around the splatters with the packing tape so that the cleaning products do not pull the clear coat off your car. The areas with the paint will be OK because the products will only work on the paint splatter and not your car paint.
Step 2
Apply rubbing alcohol to the paint splatters. Use a clean towel to rub the alcohol into the splatters. You may have to apply pressure to get the paint to come off. Once the alcohol has been rubbed in, the paint splatter may take on a gummy consistency. You can then use your fingernail or a small, dull knife to scratch off some of the paint. Be careful not to scratch too deep or you will scratch your car.
Step 3
Apply an oil-based cleaner to the splatters. Such cleaners, which can be found at your local grocer, are effective at removing adhesives like sticker paste and other sticky substances. Oil-based cleaners remove paint without leaving residue or any type of stickiness. Allow the cleaner to dry for a few minutes and then wipe clean with a fresh, clean towel.
Step 4
Rub a clay bar over the paint splatter. A clay bar can be found at most dealerships or auto supply stores. The bar is sticky and can pull the paint right off of your car.
Step 5
Wash the area that the paint splatter was on with soap and water. This ensures that no chemicals are left on that area. Buff with a clean towel and apply wax to the area.
References
Things You'll Need
- Packing tape
- Rubbing alcohol
- Clean towels
- Oil-based cleaner
- Clay bar
- Soap
- Water
- Wax
Writer Bio
Melanie Fleury has been writing professionally since 1995. She has written for various educational websites such as Edhelper.com and is the educational consultant at the Knowledge Tree Center for Education. She enjoys creating curriculum for children with various learning styles. Fleury holds a master's degree in education specializing in early childhood from Ashwood University.
