Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Using acetone or nail polish remover
• Method 2 of 3: Using cleansing clay
• Method 3 of 3: Using carnauba wax
• Tips
• Warnings

There's nothing more annoying than waking up in the morning and finding out that a bunch of kids have deliberately smeared your car with a can of spray paint. Don't worry if your car is smudged. There are many ways to remove spray paint, but nail polish remover with acetone, cleansing clay, and carnauba wax works best.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Using acetone or nail polish remover

1. Get a bottle of acetone or nail polish remover that contains acetone. You may not have acetone at home, but you do have a bottle of nail polish remover. Nail polish remover is formulated to remove the colored and painted film from your fingernails, and in fact you try to do this on your car. It doesn't matter which brand you use. The more acetone the medicine contains, the better.
2. Pour acetone or nail polish remover onto a cloth. Use a terry cloth or a microfiber cloth so that you don't scratch the clear coat or colored paint on your car. Keep the cloth wet. When the cloth starts to dry out, add more acetone or nail polish remover.
   • Wear gloves so you don't get acetone, nail polish remover, and spray paint residue on your hands.
3. Rub the cloth gently over the spray paint. Make small, circular motions to get the spray paint off your car. Rub very carefully or you may be removing the clear or color paint from your car instead of just the spray paint. The spray paint will get onto the cloth, so get a clean cloth regularly.
4. Wash your car after removing the spray paint. It is a good idea to thoroughly wash and rinse your car after removing the spray paint. Focus especially on the areas where spray paint has been to remove any residue of paint and acetone or nail polish remover.

Method 2 of 3: Using cleansing clay

1. Wash and dry your car. This is an important step, as it removes all dirt on the surface before using the clay. You can hand wash your car or take it to a car wash. If the spray paint has only just set, you may be able to remove some of the paint with hot water and soap.
2. Buy cleansing clay. This is a polymer-based abrasive that removes everything on top of the paint on your car without scratching or damaging the surface. There are different types of cleaning clay for sale. For example, you can use the Meguiar’s Smooth Surface Clay Kit, a set containing cleaning spray (which you use as a lubricant for the clay), wax and a microfiber cloth.
   • You can buy cleaning clay at specialist car stores and on the internet.
3. Knead the clay. You only need a small, flat piece the size of your palm. If you bought a new piece, you will have to cut it in half. Then put the clay in a resealable plastic bag and place the bag in a bucket or bowl of warm water. This will heat up the clay so that you can work with it more easily. Take half the piece of clay and knead the clay in your hands. Make a pancake or pastry from the clay.
4. Apply a lubricant for the clay. You need a lubricant to help the clay slide over the car so that the clay doesn't stick to the paint. Shake the can of lubricant and then spray it on the clay and the paint of your car. Use a generous amount so that no remnants of clay are left on the car.
   • You can buy a lubricant for cleaning clay at specialist car stores and on the internet.
5. Rub the clay over the spray paint. Hold the clay in your hand so that your fingertips are not covered with clay. Hold the clay slightly lower in your palm. Rub the clay back and forth over the spray paint, applying firm pressure, as if you were rubbing a bar of soap on your skin. Keep rubbing the spray paint with the clay until all of the paint is removed.
   • When the piece of clay is covered with paint and dirt, fold it over and knead it to get a clean and flat piece of clay.
6. Wipe away the residue. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the clay debris off the car. Apply light pressure and wipe the cloth over the area you treated with clay.
7. Apply wax. By treating the car with clay, the previous wax layer is removed. That's why it's important that you reapply wax to your car to prevent further damage and bring the clear coat back to a shine. Apply the wax in circular motions, using the tool or sponge provided with the wax. You can also use a polisher with a soft buffing wheel.

Method 3 of 3: Using carnauba wax

1. Buy liquid carnauba wax. Products like Butter Wet Carnauba Wax contain carnauba oil, which breaks down the spray paint. The wax will not damage and scratch your color or clear coat, it will simply remove the spray paint from the surface of your car. You can probably get liquid carnauba wax from a specialist car store. Otherwise you can also buy the drug on the internet.
2. Put the wash on a sponge. Apply a generous amount of liquid wax to a soft sponge or cloth. Squeeze the wax onto the sponge or apply several blobs of it. Apply more while brushing, and don't be afraid to use a lot of wax as you will need the compound to break down the paint.
3. Rub the sponge over the spray paint. Apply firm pressure and make circular motions while rubbing the waxed sponge on your car. Make sure to treat all areas with oven spray, drips and stains as well. Flip the sponge over or get a new one if one side is completely covered with spray paint.
4. Brush your car's laundry. After you remove the spray paint, you will need to polish your car's wax. To do this, use a clean microfiber cloth and rub the waxed area in small circular movements.

Tips

• If you also have spray paint on your car windows, you should be able to remove the paint easily with acetone and a razor.
• Get the spray paint off your car as soon as possible. The longer the paint is exposed to the sun, the more difficult it will be to remove the paint.

Warnings

• Whichever product you choose to use, be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous spot first.
• Do not use abrasive products such as polishing paste, as this will damage the paint on your car even more.