HOW TO REMOVE SPRAY PAINT [6 Powerful Methods]

Spray paint is an easy and convenient tool to bring color to any boring object. Although by using this painting technique you can easily transform any dull project into an amazing, colorful, and interesting one. But it can be messy sometimes when it sticks on surfaces. Due to its strong adhesive nature, it’s very difficult to remove it. But there is no reason to get stressed over it. Yes, you heard right, just chill. We found the solution of removing the stains of spray paints. 

So, be relaxed and take a deep breath. With effort and the right technique, you can easily remove them. As it has a very adhesive nature so requires a lot of your energy in removing it. Gather your strength and follow the instructions according to the surface type and boom!

Things Required To Remove Spray Paint:

Spray paints are usually of two kinds: water-based spray paints and oil-based paints. Both require different methods and different solvents to remove them depending upon the surface. Following are the things needed to remove the spray paint from different surfaces

How To Remove Spray Paints From The Skin

While using spray paint there are chances that your hands or your skin would get affected. Now the first thing you have to find out before removing the spray paint from your hand is the type of paint whether it’s a coat of oil-based paint or water-based paint. 

Soap and Water: One of the simplest ways to remove spray paint from the skin is to wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. Gently lather the soap and scrub the paint stains away. Repeat if necessary until the paint is completely removed.

1. Removing Water Based Paint:

In case you get stains of water-based paint, you need a dishwashing liquid soap and warm water to remove the stains. For this purpose you need to follow these simple steps:

1. Soak your hand in warm water for a few seconds 

2. Afterwards, add a few drops of dish soap to the water. 

3. Keep soaking your hands for a few more minutes.

4. Now, use a sponge, steel wool, or a toothbrush to rub the paint. 

5. After gentle scrubbing, rinse the hands properly. 

2. Removing Oil Based Paint:

If you are using oil-based spray paints, then to remove them you need to use any oil. Olive oil, any essential oil, coconut oil, or baby oil can be used for this purpose. Rub the oil on your painted hands until the paint leaves its position. Rinse your hands. Repeat if necessary. 

3. Nail Polish Remover:

Nail Polish remover is another good option to remove the spray pains from your skin. As it contains acetone which is very strong and effective for paint removal. Soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover and rub it all over the painted area. Wash the stained area with soap and water after rubbing. 

Way of Removing Spray Paints from Metals

If you are working with spray paint, there is a chance that you get its stains over any metal surface like on some gadgets or a vehicle. If you accidentally spill spray paint on metals. Don’t panic as it’s fairly easy to remove spray paints from nonporous surfaces like metals.

1. Using Dishwasher:

1.  Pour a few drops of dishwasher directly on an affected area if the paint has affected the surface recently. 
2. Rub the dishwasher with a Microfiber cloth with some warm water. 
3. Now rinse the surface with water.

2. Using Clay Bar:

However, if it persists on the surface then you need to move on towards relatively tough methods. For this, you should use a clay cleaning bar. Cut a clay bar. Rub it over the surface firmly, which is already damped with the dishwasher and warm water mixture. Wipe the area with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any trace of paint.

3. Using Nail Polish Remover:

Pour a little amount of nail polish remover on the stain. Rub the surface gently with a microfiber towel in a circular motion. Be gentle because firm scrubbing can affect the original color of the metal. Change the cloth and clean the area. Wash thoroughly once you are done removing stains.

Treating Fabric Stains

While working with this notorious paint, you cannot save your clothes from its stains. Spray paint can ruin your dresses also. So, always wear some old dress while dealing with this paint. However, if still, you get stains of spray paint on your favorite dress then don’t be too stress. Removing it is easy peasy.

If the paint is still wet then don’t rub. Instead, start blotting the area with a light-colored cloth and warm water. Blotting pulls the stains upward into the cloth. On the other hand, Rubbing pushes it downward and makes it tougher to remove.

If paint is dry, use a spoon or a knife to scrape up as much as possible. Use nail polish remover or paint remover to remove the excess paint. You can also wash the fabric in the washing machine to remove the paint.

Removing Spray Paint From Concrete Wall:

Concrete usually absorbs paint because it is a porous material. If you want to remove the spray paint from your wall you just need a few things like any good paint stripper, bristled brush, paint scraper, and pressure washer. 

1. Apply the coat of paint remover on an affected area. 
2. Scrub the area with a paint scraper and toothbrush. It will loosen the paint. and will be removed easily. 
3. Use a pressure washer to remove all traces of the paint stripper. 
4. While using a pressure washer, move everything else out of the area because they are very powerful to damage anything. 
5. Spray the area with water from the pressure washer.
6.  Move the hose back and forth until a blast of water scrubs the painted area. 
7. Rinse completely to remove all the dirt and debris.  

Using Trisodium Phosphate Powder

 However, using a pressure washer isn’t ideal, so powdered trisodium phosphate(TSP) can fix your problem. Mix ¼ teaspoon of  TSP in a bucket for each gallon of water. Apply the solution to an affected area. Allow the solution to sit for half an hour. Next, scrub the area with a stiff bristles brush. Repeat the process if necessary. Finally, rinse and clean the concrete surface once you have removed the stains. 

Removing Stains From Plastic

Plastic is a little difficult to handle as some solvents can break it if you use them to remove paints. Safe paint remover should be used. 

1. Firstly, scrub gently the surface of plastic by using a paint scraper, knife, or razor blade. 
2. Avoid scratching the surface.
3.  If it doesn’t work then apply a little amount of nail polish remover on the stained area 
4. Lastly use a towel to rub it off. 

Use Denatured Alcohol

If the above method fails to achieve the desired results, try denatured alcohol. Be careful while using it. Use gloves, mask, and stay in a ventilated area while working with denatured alcohol. Use a towel to apply it. After rubbing it on the stained area, wait for about five minutes. Let it dissolve and once it begins to peel off, scrape the paint off by using a razor blade.  

After using any of these methods, pour dishwash soap into warm water. Dip the sponge in this solution and wipe the removed paint stains to clean the area. 

Removing Stains From Wood

If you intend to remove the stains of spray paints from the wood then you will need a pressure washer. Set up a pressure washer and adjust the pressure. Usually wood surfaces require less pressure as compared to concrete surfaces. Slowly move the nozzle of the pressure washer along the surface until it removes all the stains. 

Removing Paint Spray From Carpet

Working with spray paint is quite messy as it leaves stains on any surface. If you see any stain of paint spray on your carpet then first you have to see what kind of stain it is. If the stains are still wet then pour some glycerin over the stains. Afterwards dab or blot a paper towel over the affected area of the carpet. Don’t rub otherwise it will be spread around. 

If the stains get dry then use white vinegar or a nail polish remover and a paper towel or cloth rags.  Do the same procedure of pouring and blotting the solution on stains.

In case of tougher stains, a commercial cleaning agent is recommended

Conclusion: