How to Remove Auto Paint With a Scraper

Instead of paying an expensive auto body mechanic to strip paint from your car, purchase a few simple tools and complete the project yourself with little to no money and effort.

It is easy to remove auto paint before repainting a vehicle with a chemical paint stripper and paint scraper. Scraping is a tedious, yet cheap and effective method for removing auto paint.

Things You'll Need

• Chemical Paint Stripper
• Paint Scraper
• Paint Brush
• Garden Hose
• 80-grit sandpaper
• Dual-action sander

Instructions

1. Purchase a chemical paint stripper at a local hardware or paint store.

2. Apply the chemical stripper on the desired area of the vehicle liberally with a paint brush.

3. Cover the area with clear plastic to seal the fumes and activate the stripper to work efficiently.

4. Wait 15 minutes to let the stripper soak (this time vary according to the chemical paint stripper).

5. Remove the clear plastic and use a paint scraper, such as a plastic scraper or putty knife, to scrape the paint from the surface area.

6. Rinse the area with cool water to clear away paint chips and neutralize the stripper, when finished with the process.

7. Sand the area with 80-grit sandpaper and a dual-action sander on "Strip" mode to get the vehicle ready for primer and paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety gloves, goggles and a respirator when removing auto paint from a vehicle.

References

• Second Chance Garage: Comparison of Automotive Paint Strippers
• Silent Paint Remover: Paint Scrapers
• Chevy Hip Performance: Paint Stripping
• Silent Paint Remover: Project Photos, Tips and Techniques

Resources

• Ace Hardware: Putty Knives and Scrapers