How to Remove Vinyl Car Paint

Sometimes even the coolest designs on a car can seem a little lame after a few years. Those custom graphics of flaming skulls or the twin white racing stripes running down the sides of your car can becoming embarrassing when you are no longer known for attacking the pavement with killer speed. Maybe you just want a fresh look on your car or want to put on different details. Removing vinyl paint from a car is a tedious but relatively simple and inexpensive procedure. Most vinyl car paint is in the form of racing stripes or very small images. These can be removed by hand in your own driveway.

Things You'll Need

• Goo Gone
• Blow dryer
• Bucket
• Soap
• Water
• Brush
• Extension cord

Instructions

1. 

   Blow dry the area of the car that has the vinyl paint on it. Hold the blow dryer just a few inches from the paint and move the blow dryer from side to side. Spend at least 5 minutes per every 5 square inches of paint you want removed. This will cause the paint to begin to curl away from the base coat and start to flake off.

2. 

   Spray the areas of final paint with a strong solvent like "Goo Gone" to further release the hold of the paint. Spray a liberal amount of solvent on the paint, but try and wipe the excess off the other areas of the car.

3. 

   Let the solvent sit on the car for at least an hour. Fill up a bucket with warm soapy water and scrub the solvent and leftover paint off the car with circular and vigorous brushing.

4. Let the water dry, and be sure there is no water on the ground. Repeat the steps on the leftover paint. It will get easier to remove each time. You might want to set up a rolling office chair so that you can sit comfortably while you blow dry the paint and move to each section without getting up.

Tips & Warnings

• Take into consideration how much vinyl paint is on your car. If the area is larger than small details or racing stripes, take the car to a professional to have the large areas of paint removed.

• Be very careful that you and the blow dryer are away from any puddles or water when using it outside.

Resources

• A wide variety of strong paint strippers and removers availalbe online.