How to Remove Spilt Paint from a Car

Cans, tubes and bottles of paint often make their way into a car after a trip to a home improvement or craft store. If the lid isn't properly sealed on the container, paint may spill onto the upholstery of the car. Spilled paint can be removed from a car's upholstery with a few items found at most hardware and home improvement stores.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Paper towels
• Soft cloth
• Spoon (dull butter knife)
• Turpentine

Instructions

1. Wear rubber gloves when handling solvents such as turpentine.

2. Wipe up as much of the spilled paint with a damp cloth or paper towels if the paint is still wet. If the car upholstery is made of vinyl or leather, most of the paint will wipe up. Upholstery made of cloth or fabric will require additional care and removal.

3. Scrape away dried paint with a spoon or dull butter knife.

4. Apply turpentine to a soft cloth. Blot the spilled paint area with the dampened cloth. The turpentine will thin the paint and allow it to be wiped up.

5. Reapply turpentine to a soft cloth, blot the spilled paint area and wipe away until all paint is removed.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to use a blotting--not rubbing--technique when removing paint stains. Rubbing the stain will cause it to spread and work its way deeper into the fabric.

• Use turpentine in a well-ventilated area; if fumes prove offensive, try wearing a disposable face mask.

References

• Tips on Car Care and Upholstery