How to Remove Tough Paint Stains From an Automobile

Remove paint stains from a car with rubbing compound.

Paint stains occur on your car's original paint from highways where fresh paint has been laid and is not yet dry. The paint sprays up as you drive over the fresh paint and sprinkles onto your car's surface. Removing the paint stain is a delicate job, because you do not want to harm the original paint on your car. Using a few simple tools and techniques you can remove unsightly paint stains from your car.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Water
• Dish detergent
• Sponge
• Mineral spirits
• Soft cloths
• Rubbing compound

Instructions

1. Wash the paint stained areas on the car with soapy water and a sponge. Rinse the soap off the car with a garden hose or fresh water from a bucket. You want to remove any dirt and dust from around the stained areas that may scratch the car's surface during paint removal.

2. Apply mineral spirits to a soft cloth and wipe onto the paint stained areas. The mineral spirits loosen the spots of paint sitting on the car's original paint surface. Allow the mineral spirits to remain on the stains for 10 minutes. Rub the paint stains gently with a clean cloth and wipe them away.

3. If the mineral spirits do not remove the paint stains, apply a small amount of rubbing compound to the corner of a soft cloth, and rub the compound onto the paint stains. Check the rag for paint residue and keep rubbing until the paint is lifted.

4. Wash the car with soapy water to remove the mineral spirits and rubbing compound. Rinse the car with a garden hose and dry with a soft cloth. Rub car wax or polish onto the car if the original paint has dulled from the paint removers.

Tips & Warnings

• Before using the mineral spirits and rubbing compound, apply them to a small, hidden area on your car's paint to make sure they do not discolor the original paint.

References

• Monster-Guide: Removing Spray Paint