How to Take Off Matte Clear Coat Paints

Matte clear coat spray paint is often the tool of choice for graffiti art.

Matte clear coat paints most often come in aerosol form. They are used to spray paint art, crafts and furniture. Other matte clear coat paints come in standard paint cans or tubes and are commonly used by hobbyists and model airplane and train builders. Unfortunately, graffiti artists also use them on walls and other surfaces. If you're in the unfortunate situation of needing to remove matte clear coat paint from a wood or concrete wall, or if you simply want to repaint a craft item or piece of furniture, you can easily remove this paint.

Things You'll Need

• 3-inch nylon brush
• Paint remover
• Metal or rubber paint scraper
• Scrub brush with metal bristles
• Pan with detergent and water
• Power scrubber
• Mineral spirits
• Sponge
• Electric sander with coarse sandpaper

Instructions

1. Dip your three-inch nylon brush in paint remover designed for the type of matte clear coat you wish to remove, be it oil or latex. Coat the item with a generous layer of paint thinner. Your goal is to saturate the item with the thinner. Allow the paint thinner to penetrate for at least 20 minutes.

2. Scrape off the paint with a metal or rubber paint scraper if it's a wood or plastic item. If you're dealing with concrete, scrub the surface with metal bristled scrub brush and a pan of detergent and water. If the paint is deeply embedded into the concrete, you might have to rent a power scrubber.

3. Rinse off the surface well if your paint remover manufacturer says you can rinse it water. Otherwise, wipe down the item with mineral spirits.

4. Examine the surface of your item. Apply another coat of paint remover if you feel you still have a lot matte clear coat left on the item. Alternatively, if the item just has small traces of paint left, sand them off with an electric sander and coarse sandpaper.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're removing the paint from plastic items, watch the items carefully as the chemical paint remover penetrates. Some chemical strippers can ruin plastic items. Test a small area before applying thick coats.

References

• Learn How to Remove: Paint
• "Black & Decker Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair"; Jennifer Gehlhar; 2008
• "How to Paint Your Car"; Dennis W. Parks; 2003