Spray Paint Over Spray

[Bitsyncmaster]

I do a lot of spray painting (rattle can) for my relays. I've been doing that for many years and move about 50 feet from my daily driver. Well I washed my daily driver and noted every thing is covered with very fine particles of that spray paint.

I'm going buy a small paint booth which has fans and filter. I will use it in my garage and vent the filtered air out a window. Another thing I could do it put a car cover over the car. But I'm thinking the booth will help keep that paint out of my lungs.

Now removing that over spray is a real problem. Using IPA softens the over spray an leaves a thin film of paint. On the windows a razor blade works fine and then using a scotch brite pad with window cleaner. I think the only thing to do on the paint is to use rubbing compound.

I was under the assumption that the air born paint would dry before it landed on anything. Just a warning even using a rattle can, better use some sort of mask to prevent any paint in your lungs.

[Timeless]

A clay bar will work. Not only removing the overspray but other contaminants that have imbedded in the paint over the years.

[Bitsyncmaster]

A clay bar will work. Not only removing the overspray but other contaminants that have imbedded in the paint over the years.

I will have to try that. I will try anything because doing the whole car with rubbing compound will be a lot of work.

[Michael]

Most spray paint is single stage. No sense in making it difficult. It should wipe right off with a little lacquer reducer. Just don't let the rag sit on the paint for over 30 seconds, a quick wipe and then a coat of wax and you're done.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Most spray paint is single stage. No sense in making it difficult. It should wipe right off with a little lacquer reducer. Just don't let the rag sit on the paint for over 30 seconds, a quick wipe and then a coat of wax and you're done.

I did try a few solvents. It takes rubbing work to get it off and then leaves a smudge of paint. I tried a small spot with rubbing compound and that works good. You can quickly feel when it removed the over spray. I finished cleaning the glass with a razor blade. I tried a razor blade lightly on the paint but it did not work and takes longer than rubbing compound.

[dn010]

Easiest is to use a buffing machine, you can get cheap ones on Amazon as long as they have multi speeds. I use Meguiar's Mirror Glaze on my painted cars, probably in your case I'd try the ultra finishing polish (205) or swirl remover.

[Michael]

I did try a few solvents. It takes rubbing work to get it off and then leaves a smudge of paint. I tried a small spot with rubbing compound and that works good. You can quickly feel when it removed the over spray. I finished cleaning the glass with a razor blade. I tried a razor blade lightly on the paint but it did not work and takes longer than rubbing compound.

Solvent is a very generic word. Use lacquer reducer. That will be the easiest and unless you are familiar with compounds and buffing, that's a whole can of worms with the possibility of burnt paint and melted plastic trim.

10-20 minutes wiping down with a microfiber with lacquer thinner will most likely remove that paint.

Be sure to use a WHITE non colored microfiber cloth. Sometimes the colored dye can bleach into your clear.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Solvent is a very generic word. Use lacquer reducer. That will be the easiest and unless you are familiar with compounds and buffing, that's a whole can of worms with the possibility of burnt paint and melted plastic trim.

10-20 minutes wiping down with a microfiber with lacquer thinner will most likely remove that paint.

Be sure to use a WHITE non colored microfiber cloth. Sometimes the colored dye can bleach into your clear.

I will pick up some lacquer thinner and give it a try. I would just hand rub the polish compound. I have painted cars with lacquer as a kid and know you need to use care rubbing that paint smooth.

[Michael]

As long as you don't let a soaked rag sit on the paint or rub vigorously you should be fine. Base/clear is pretty resilient. It's ok to get on rubber trim too but some plastics will melt if you get any on them so be careful.

Really though, it should come off almost instantly. If it doesn't come off easy, then do not proceed with the reducer.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I tried the lacquer thinner and micro fiber cloth. Does about the same as the other solvents I tried. Would really need to rub harder and longer but am worried I may damage the clear coat.

On a side note, that micro fiber cloth does wonders when cleaning the glass.