How do you remove spray paint?

To remove spray paint, apply a chemical remover, such as paint thinner, to the sanded surface, scrub with a hard-bristle brush, and rinse with a pressure washer. Spot treat stubborn paint with a chemical remover and a steel wool brush.

1. Sand the paint

   With medium coarse sandpaper, scrub the paint. Disturbing paint surface assists in chemical and water penetration.

2. Apply the chemical remover

   Apply paint thinner, or a similar chemical remover, directly to the spray paint. Allow the chemicals to soak for several minutes before scrubbing with a hard-bristle brush.

3. Rinse the treated areas

   With a power washer, thoroughly rinse the chemically treated area. Navigate the pressurized water stream slowly to loosen stuck-on paint. Continue until the entire surface is rinsed clean.

4. Inspect the treated areas

   Once rinsed, closely inspect the treated areas for leftover paint.

5. Scrape remaining paint

   With a razor blade, carefully scrape away the remaining spray paint. Be careful to not scrape the underlining surface.

6. Clean tough paint stains

   If paint is unable to be removed, soak a cloth in paint thinner. While wearing rubber gloves, firmly press the cloth into the paint, and scrub in a circular motion. Allow the chemicals to rest for 10 minutes before scrubbing with sandpaper or steel wool. Rinse the paint away with cold water.