paint over spray

[aprevo15]

few months ago, the parking structure my car is parked at was getting painted. to make long story short, i got some over spray on my car. what is the best way to get those out? they are like little dots everywhere on my front right fender.

thanks in advanced.

chad.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: paint over spray

Claying with some detailing clay.

The sooner the better...

Might want to find someone to hold accountable for this incase you run into problems. Plus you can only clay smooth surfaces, if you have overspray over anything like textured plastic trim it's going to become more complicated to get little dots of paint off of it.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: paint over spray

How to use detailing clay video

Smooth Surface Clay Kit

[aprevo15]

Re: paint over spray

thanks mike. looks like i was on the right track when i purchased that yesterday.

can't wait to give it a go. i think i found a new hobby in detailing.

[aprevo15]

Re: paint over spray

alright i used the clay kit and the paint over spray didn't come off. should i try wet sanding it?

no overspray on the plastic so i am good there.

[Zach W.]

Re: paint over spray

NO, don't try wet sanding it.. It could become more of a mess if it isn't done correctly.
Try claying it a little more, maybe? Or??

I like this thread because my truck has some paint from the street paint that I can't clay off either. It is nasty.. Help??

[aprevo15]

Re: paint over spray

well i was thinking after wet sanding, i can use the #80 to take out the scratches left from sanding.

but i won't do it just yet.

i am however thinking of ordering the more professional quality clay or that sponge bar from ADS.

[Zach W.]

Re: paint over spray

I don't know if the sponge actually works, but I'm sure someone will have some suggestions soon.

[yalerd]

Re: paint over spray

Leave sanding out for the moment. Remember if you plan on sanding then you'll have to remove the sanding marks with a rotary polisher.

I would suggest getting the Meguiar's Professional Line Clay Bar, the mild, C-2000 and see from there. Lots of lube and slow/medium movements

[Mike Phillips]

Re: paint over spray

alright i used the clay kit and the paint over spray didn't come off. should i try wet sanding it?

no overspray on the plastic so i am good there.

Have you ever wet-sanded a car?
Do you own and know how to use a rotary buffer?




Factory paint is thin and generally speaking hard and this means while it will be easy to sand the paint, (that's putting scratches or sanding marks into the paint, it's the removal of these marks that's going to be difficult and potentially risky.

It's a lot harder than most people think and it's not a one-step or even two-step process and if you were to sand down the paint it would likely be a day-long project depending upon how much surface area is affected.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: paint over spray

Maybe a better option would be to locate a seasoned professional detailer of which there are plenty in the Los Angles area and a number of them hang out on this forum and have them take a look at the overspray and get a second opinion, especially if you're new to detailing and new to claying.

Claying is easy in some cases but for stubborn overspray it can still be clayed off but require more advanced skill and technique.

[aprevo15]

Re: paint over spray

well if it was the whole car i would look for a pro but its only a small section of the front right fender. its hardly noticeable unless you took a close look. its around 16 x 16 inch area.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: paint over spray

How about try claying again?

Use the clay you already have and use more pressure and fast motions, claying should not be a slow hand motion anytime, it's a brisk rubbing action.

At our Saturday classes I've seen so many people when using clay for the first time rubbing it ever so daintily and moving the clay almost in slow motion...

Claying should be done using a quick hand rubbing motion and you adjust your downward pressure to match the difficulty or stubbornness of the contaminants you're trying to remove.

Can you try this?

And if you do, try only doing a section and then compare the section you clay to a section that's' contaminated that you didn't clay and see if you can see some progress.

If you can see/feel 'some' progress that means more claying will result in more progress.

Sanding is the most extreme way to remove overspray and presents it's own set of problem not to mention it's going to remove valuable film-build form your car's panels.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: paint over spray

Another option will be to get a more aggressive clay like our Aggressive Clay

Detailing Clay quickly and safely removes bonded surface contaminants such as overspray, industrial fallout, fresh water sport, tar, rail dust and tree sap mist. Equally effective on paint, glass, metal and plastic. Simply lubricate surface with M34 Final Inspection®, or diluted Last Touch D155 and gently run surface until mirror smooth.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: paint over spray

Another option would be to try to chemically soften and loosen the overspray, here are some chemicals you can try that are usually safe for clear coat paints,

Mineral Spirits
Lacquer thinner
Goo-Gone or Goof-Off

Both Mineral Spirits and Lacquer Thinner can be purchased by the pint at you local Lowe's or Home Depot.

Of course you should test these in an inconspicuous area first before wiping down the middle of your car's hood.


If wiping a chemical removes the overspray but dulls the paint it's easier to restore the clarity from the dulling than it is to remove sanding marks from factory baked-on paint.

Just trying to help you remove the overspray and avoid sanding.