How to Remove Spray Paint Overspray

Do not use a metal putty knife in place of a plastic one.

Removing paint drips and splatters can be a tedious, difficult endeavor. Because spray paint over-spray tends to go on light and wispy, the adhesives usually do not soak into the surface and bond. If you need to remove spray paint over-spray, appropriate removal techniques are necessary to avoid causing damage to the underlying surface.

Things You'll Need

• Wood board
• Clean rags
• Olive oil
• Turpentine
• Detergent
• Terry cloths
• Plastic putty knife
• Pressure washer
• Wire brush
• Lacquer thinner

Instructions

Fabric

1. Lay the fabric flat on top of a wood board.

2. Apply a few drops of olive oil to the over-spray.

3. Allow the olive oil to soak into the over-spray for four minutes. Scrape away the over-spray with a plastic putty knife.

4. Wipe the olive oil from the fabric with a rag dampened with turpentine.

5. Wash the fabric with dish-washing detergent.

Brick and cement

1. Remove as much of the over-spray as possible with a pressure washer.

2. Apply lacquer thinner to the over-spray.

3. Scrape away the over-spray with a wire brush.

4. Rinse the surface with the pressure washer.

Wood, plastic, fiberglass, or vinyl

1. Apply a few drops of olive oil to a rag.

2. Apply olive oil to the over-spray with the rag.

3. Wrap the wide scraping-end of the plastic putty knife with a rag.

4. Scrape the over-spray free using the plastic putty knife buffered with the rag.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use a metal putty knife in place of a plastic one as this may scratch and scar the underlying surface.

• Do not mistake turpentine for lacquer thinner, a much harsher solvent.

• Do not use an unbuffered plastic putty knife to scrape over-spray away from wood, plastic, fiberglass, or vinyl or you may scratch and scar the underlying surface.

Resources

• Popular Mechanics: 5 Pro Painting Tips Every Amateur Should Know