4 Ways To Remove Overspray - WikiHow

Home » How To Remove Overspray From Car » 4 Ways To Remove Overspray - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Remove Overspray PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Using a Clay Bar on Painted Surfaces 2 Scraping Paint off Glass with a Razor Blade 3 Removing Latex Paint with Rubbing Alcohol 4 Getting Rid of Spray Paint Overspray + Show 1 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Patrick Coye

Last Updated: May 28, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Patrick Coye. Patrick Coye is the owner and operator of Patrick’s Painting & Home Improvement in Alexandria, Virginia. With over 15 years of experience in residential construction, Patrick specializes in painting, wallpaper removal/installation, drywall, staining decks and fences, and kitchen cabinetry painting. To date, Patrick and his team have painted over 2,000 houses and stained over 800 decks. Patrick's Company won a "Top Job" award from the American Painting contractor magazine in 2020. This article has been viewed 157,202 times.

Even if you take the proper precautions, overspray can get onto surfaces that should be paint-free. Luckily, there are several tactics that can help remove overspray spots easily and cost-efficiently. A clay bar is useful for removing overspray from painted surfaces such as cars, while a razor blade can be used for cleaning off glass. It's important to note, however, that overspray removal specialists are ready and willing to help you out if you're worried about damaging your surface.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Using a Clay Bar on Painted Surfaces

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Purchase a clay bar from a big-box store or online site. 1 Purchase a clay bar from a big-box store or online site. Clay bars are great for removing overspray from several surfaces. They’re most often used on overspray on cars, but they also work well on glass. Clay bars can be found at big-box stores as well as online and typically cost $5-$20 USD, depending on how many are in a pack.
    • You’ll want a lubricant to go along with your clay bar. Some clay bar packs come with a spray, or you can use a simple auto body or glass cleaner, or even just soap and water.
  2. Step 2 Create a clean surface with your clay bar. 2 Create a clean surface with your clay bar. If your clay bar is brand new, simply bend and twist it around to make it a little softer. If your clay bar isn’t new, twist it around in your hands until you’ve created a clean surface. You can reuse the clay bar until you no longer have a clean surface — if you’re twisting it around in your hands and still see dirt, it’s time to replace the bar.[1]
    • Always keep your clay bar in a container when it isn't in use. If dirt or debris gets into the clay bar, it will scratch your surface when you go to use it.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Lubricate the surface containing overspray. 3 Lubricate the surface containing overspray. Before using the clay bar, you’ll need to wet the surface with overspray on it. Depending on the type of surface you’re cleaning, you should use an auto body cleaner, glass cleaner, or even just soap and water. Spray a cleaner onto the surface or use a damp cloth to ensure the overspray spot is well-lubricated.
  4. Step 4 Rub the clay bar over the overspray. 4 Rub the clay bar over the overspray. Begin rubbing the clay bar onto the overspray. You’ll feel the friction between the overspray and the clay, which means the clay bar is working to remove the spot. Once the surface starts to feel smooth and you don’t feel the friction anymore, you’ve gotten the overspray off.
  5. Step 5 Use a spray cleaner to wipe off any extra residue. 5 Use a spray cleaner to wipe off any extra residue. Spray regular glass cleaner or auto body cleaner onto the surface where you’ve just removed the overspray. Use a clean rag to wipe the spot, removing any extra paint or residue from the removal process.[2]
    6. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Scraping Paint off Glass with a Razor Blade

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Boil 1 cup (240 ml) of white vinegar in a pot. 1 Boil 1 cup (240 ml) of white vinegar in a pot. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of white vinegar into a pot or pan and wait for it to come to a boil. Boiling the white vinegar should only take a few minutes.[3]
  2. Step 2 Dip a clean rag into the vinegar and wet the overspray spots. 2 Dip a clean rag into the vinegar and wet the overspray spots. Dip a clean rag into the white vinegar carefully, making sure that it’s wet but not completely saturated. Rub the overspray spots with the rag. The hot white vinegar helps to loosen the overspray from the glass surface.[4]
    • Wear rubber gloves to prevent the hot vinegar from hurting your hands.
    • Some of the overspray may come right off after you rub, while other spots may still stick, which is OK.
  3. Step 3 Fill a bowl with warm water and soap. 3 Fill a bowl with warm water and soap. Find a small bucket or bowl with warm water. Pour a few squirts of soap into the water, or enough to make it sudsy. Dish soap is ideal, but you can also use hand soap as an alternative.[5]
  4. Step 4 Wet the overspray spots with a sudsy rag. 4 Wet the overspray spots with a sudsy rag. Dip a clean rag into the sudsy water and wet the overspray spot. The soapy water should coat the surface and will help prevent it from being scratched by the razor blade.[6]
  5. Step 5 Scrape the overspray off with a new razor blade. 5 Scrape the overspray off with a new razor blade. Find a razor blade — a new one is best, but as long as it isn’t dull or caked with dirt, it should work — and position it on the overspray surface at a 45 degree angle. Scrape the overspray off carefully in a slow motion, making sure to keep the razor blade at an angle to prevent the surface from being damaged.[7]
    • Wet the overspray spot with the sudsy cloth if it dries out before you’re able to use the razor blade.
  6. Step 6 Spray the glass with a glass cleaner to clean off any residue. 6 Spray the glass with a glass cleaner to clean off any residue. Spray a few squirts of glass cleaner onto the surface that you just scraped. Use a clean rag or paper towel to wipe off any extra paint or dirt, ensuring your glass is clean and dry.[8]
    7. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Removing Latex Paint with Rubbing Alcohol

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Pour a little rubbing alcohol onto the latex paint overspray. 1 Pour a little rubbing alcohol onto the latex paint overspray. Latex paint can be removed using rubbing alcohol. Pour a little rubbing alcohol onto the overspray spot — how much rubbing alcohol you use will depend on how big the overspray area is, but you should create a small puddle of rubbing alcohol that covers the overspray in a thin layer.[9]
  2. Step 2 Wait for the rubbing alcohol to dissolve the paint. 2 Wait for the rubbing alcohol to dissolve the paint. Let the rubbing alcohol sit so that it has time to break up the paint. This should only take a few minutes, and sometimes waiting just 30 seconds will do the job.[10]
  3. Step 3 Wipe the rubbing alcohol off of the surface with a clean paper towel. 3 Wipe the rubbing alcohol off of the surface with a clean paper towel. Once the rubbing alcohol has absorbed into the overspray, use a clean paper towel or rag to wipe it up off the surface.[11]
    • The overspray should wipe off completely after being treated with rubbing alcohol. However, you can use a scraper to gently scrape off any overspray spots, if necessary.
  4. Step 4 Use soap and water to remove any excess rubbing alcohol or residue. 4 Use soap and water to remove any excess rubbing alcohol or residue. For a final clean up, dip a clean rag or paper towel in soapy water. Use the rag to wipe down the surface that had overspray on it, making sure that you remove any excess residue and rubbing alcohol. Dry the surface thoroughly.
    5. Advertisement
Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Getting Rid of Spray Paint Overspray

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Use olive oil to remove spray paint from fabric. 1 Use olive oil to remove spray paint from fabric. If overspray got onto a piece of fabric, lay the fabric flat on a surface. Apply a few drops of olive oil to the part of the fabric containing the overspray — a dropper would work best, but you can also just use a small spoon. Wait 4 minutes while the olive oil soaks into the fabric, and then scrape the overspray off with a plastic putty knife.
    • To make sure you get the olive oil out of the fabric, use a rag dipped in turpentine and wipe the area. Wash the fabric with dish soap once you're done.
  2. Step 2 Remove overspray from brick and cement using a pressure washer. 2 Remove overspray from brick and cement using a pressure washer. Since brick and cement are strong enough to withstand the blast, use a pressure washer to get as much of the spray paint off as you can. Put lacquer thinner on the overspray spots before using a wire brush to scrape the spray paint off. Pressure-wash any remaining residue off.
  3. Step 3 Wrap a rag around a putty knife to clean off wood, plastic, fiberglass, or vinyl. 3 Wrap a rag around a putty knife to clean off wood, plastic, fiberglass, or vinyl. Find a clean rag and drop a few drops of olive oil onto it. Using the rag, wipe the overspray spot with olive oil. Now you can wrap the rag around the working-end of a plastic putty knife, scraping the overspray off. Putting the olive oil-dipped rag around the scraper will ensure you don't scratch your surface while also getting the job done.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do you remove spray paint overspray? Patrick Coye Patrick Coye Painting Specialist Patrick Coye is the owner and operator of Patrick’s Painting & Home Improvement in Alexandria, Virginia. With over 15 years of experience in residential construction, Patrick specializes in painting, wallpaper removal/installation, drywall, staining decks and fences, and kitchen cabinetry painting. To date, Patrick and his team have painted over 2,000 houses and stained over 800 decks. Patrick's Company won a "Top Job" award from the American Painting contractor magazine in 2020. Patrick Coye Patrick Coye Painting Specialist Expert Answer That depends on what the paint is on. If it's directly on your car, you can buff it out with a mechanical hand buffer. If it's on the siding of our house, there are some chemical liquid strippers that you can put directly on there. Just let it sit, come back, and spray it off. You might have to do it two or three times, though. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
  • Question Does WD-40 remove spray paint overspray? Drew Hawkins1 Drew Hawkins1 Community Answer Avoid using WD-40 to remove overspray. If the overspray is on clothing, apply a few drops of olive oil to the part of the fabric containing the overspray and wait 4 minutes to allow it to soak into the fabric. Then, scrape it off with a plastic putty knife. For brick and concrete, blast it off with a pressure washer. For other surfaces like wood, plastic, fiberglass, or vinyl, wrap a clean rag with a few drops of olive oil on it around a plastic putty knife. Gently scrape the overspray off of the surface. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question How do you remove overspray from wood? Drew Hawkins1 Drew Hawkins1 Community Answer You can easily and safely remove overspray from wood without damaging the surface. Take a clean rag and add a few drops of olive oil to it. Wrap the cloth around the end of a plastic putty knife. Gently scrape the overspray off of the wood with the putty knife. If you need to, add more olive oil to the rag and continue gently scraping until all of the overspray is gone. You can then wipe the surface with another clean, damp rag to pick up any bits left behind as well as remove the olive oil from the surface. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Prevent overspray occurrences by covering all of the areas you wish to keep paint-free with plastic, a tarp, or a drop cloth. Keep in mind that the paint will travel farther on a windy day.[12] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Use a mechanical hand buffer to remove overspray from a painted vehicle.[13] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • You can use liquid paint stripper to remove overspray from the siding on your house. It might take several applications, however.[14] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • When removing overspray, always use protective gloves, face masks, or goggles when necessary. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Remove Spray Paint9 Effective Spray Paint Removal Methods Remove Latex Paint from ClothesHow toRemove Latex Paint from Clothes Get Spray Paint off a CarHow toGet Spray Paint off a Car Remove Paint from WindowsThe 9 Best Ways to Get Paint off of Window Glass How toRemove Acrylic Paint Remove Acrylic Paint from WoodHow toRemove Acrylic Paint from Wood Remove Paint from WoodHow toRemove Paint from Wood How to Get Wet & Dried Spray Paint Out of Clothes Get Tape off of GlassHow toGet Tape off of Glass Remove Paint from SkinHow toRemove Paint from Skin Remove Paint from PlasticEasy DIY Ways to Strip Paint from Plastic Materials Remove Paint from FabricsHow toRemove Paint from Fabrics Get Spray Paint Off SkinHow toGet Spray Paint Off Skin Clean Glue from WindowsHow toClean Glue from Windows Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.collisionblast.com/why-wax-your-car/how-to-remove-overspray-using-a-clay-bar/
  2. ↑ http://www.collisionblast.com/why-wax-your-car/how-to-remove-overspray-using-a-clay-bar/
  3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-paint-from-glass/#.WkMy1lQ-dbU
  4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-paint-from-glass/#.WkMy1lQ-dbU
  5. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-paint-from-glass/#.WkMy1lQ-dbU
  6. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-paint-from-glass/#.WkMy1lQ-dbU
  7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-paint-from-glass/#.WkMy1lQ-dbU
  8. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-paint-from-glass/#.WkP80FQ-dbW
  9. ↑ https://www.creeklinehouse.com/how-to-get-rid-of-paint-spills/
More References (5)
  1. ↑ https://www.creeklinehouse.com/how-to-get-rid-of-paint-spills/
  2. ↑ https://www.creeklinehouse.com/how-to-get-rid-of-paint-spills/
  3. ↑ Patrick Coye. Painting Specialist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Patrick Coye. Painting Specialist. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ Patrick Coye. Painting Specialist. Expert Interview

About This Article

Patrick Coye Co-authored by: Patrick Coye Painting Specialist This article was co-authored by Patrick Coye. Patrick Coye is the owner and operator of Patrick’s Painting & Home Improvement in Alexandria, Virginia. With over 15 years of experience in residential construction, Patrick specializes in painting, wallpaper removal/installation, drywall, staining decks and fences, and kitchen cabinetry painting. To date, Patrick and his team have painted over 2,000 houses and stained over 800 decks. Patrick's Company won a "Top Job" award from the American Painting contractor magazine in 2020. This article has been viewed 157,202 times. 11 votes - 45% Co-authors: 7 Updated: May 28, 2025 Views: 157,202 Categories: Painting Article SummaryX

To remove overspray from wood, plastic, fiberglass, or vinyl surfaces, try using olive oil. First, add a few drops of olive oil to a clean rag, and wrap the rag around the end of a plastic putty knife. Then, scrape the surface with the knife until the overspray is gone. For overspray on a fabric, apply a few drops of olive oil directly to the stain, wait 4 minutes for it to soak, then scrape it off with a putty knife. To remove overspray from glass, you can use white vinegar. First, warm up the vinegar and rub it on the stain with a clean rag. Then, scrub the glass with warm water and soap. If there’s any residue leftover, slowly scrape it off with a razor blade at a 45-degree angle. For more tips, including how to remove overspray from brick and cement, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Russian German Dutch
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 157,202 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Patrick Coye Co-authored by: Patrick Coye Painting Specialist 11 votes - 45% Click a star to vote 45% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 7 Updated: May 28, 2025 Views: 157,202

Quizzes & Games

What Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizOCD TestOCD TestTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Dirty Soda Am I QuizWhat Dirty Soda Am I QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Remove Spray Paint9 Effective Spray Paint Removal MethodsRemove Latex Paint from ClothesHow toRemove Latex Paint from ClothesGet Spray Paint off a CarHow toGet Spray Paint off a CarRemove Paint from WindowsThe 9 Best Ways to Get Paint off of Window Glass

Featured Articles

150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel SpecialWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic MeaningsWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic Meanings19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the World19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the WorldWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is My Aesthetic QuizWhat Is My Aesthetic Quiz Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHow to Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the Holidays

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)Random Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune Generator

Featured Articles

Hilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)Why Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeA Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type Tell if You’re in LoveHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I QuizHow Beautiful Am I Quiz13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness Test

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Is a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?What’s My Demigod Fatal Flaw QuizWhat’s My Demigod Fatal Flaw Quiz

Quizzes & Games

Guess the Lyrics From First Letters QuizGuess the Lyrics From First Letters QuizTake QuizWhat Skincare Products Should I Use QuizWhat Skincare Products Should I Use QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizBumper Sticker GeneratorBumper Sticker GeneratorGenerateWhat's Your Red Flag QuizWhat's Your Red Flag QuizTake QuizHow Old Do People Think I Look QuizHow Old Do People Think I Look QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Arts and Entertainment
  • Artwork
  • Painting
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --786

Tag » How To Remove Overspray From Car