Spray Painted Caddy...

[blackcherry06]

I'm looking for additional suggestions to remove black spray paint from a white 2008 CTS. I've been advised about Mineral Spirits (my current plan) and Lacquer Thinner (isn't that kinda strong?). Anybody know of a miracle chemical? A co-worker's brand new car was vandalized last night and I'm looking for ideas to un-do the damage.

Thanks

 

[bretfraz]

Whatever you do, do it quickly. The sooner you can remove the paint the easier the job will be. As long as its not too harsh, I'd try something ASAP.

 

[blackcherry06]

Just tried some clay...it didn't budge. I'd like to exaust all non-chemical methods before I start using things that could compromise the clearcoat. Next will be my orbital buffer with a cutting pad and polish. If that doesn't work, I'll start with mineral spirits. Unfortunately, I won't be able to really tackle this till tomorrow afternoon.

 

[bretfraz]

Do you have any cleaner wax, like Nufinish or Turtle Wax 2001 (F21)? Those products might work too as they have chemical cleaners in them as well as abrasives to polish the paint.

 

[blackcherry06]

I've got some NuFinish...but I also have Pinnacle swirl remover which should have more polishing agents in it. I'm hoping that and an orange polishing pad might make a dent in it. If not, I break out the chemicals.

 

[bamorris2]

See if any detail supply stores around you seel Prowax products. They make a clearcoat cleaner called Duz-All. I have a bottle of it, and I've used it on several occasions to clean up heavy blemishes. While I've never tried it to remove spary paint, I think it would do just fine. It's pretty aggressive stuff, and you'll want to have a nice finishing polish handy, like Meg's #80.

 

[bretfraz]

Originally Posted By: blackcherry06
I've got some NuFinish...but I also have Pinnacle swirl remover which should have more polishing agents in it. I'm hoping that and an orange polishing pad might make a dent in it. If not, I break out the chemicals.


I'd break out the chemicals first, but that's me. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[blackcherry06]

Thanks for the info. Gave them a call and there are no distributors in my area. Ugh. He did give me some advice though...one bit being a 'prep solvent'. So between that and mineral spirits, I should be able to get some results. Fingers crossed.

 

[blackcherry06]

Guys, you're never gonna believe what I ended up using to get the spray paint off. No clearcoat damage and it came off like hot butter:

 

[bretfraz]

Good for you!

Those old skool sealants have a petro solvent base and that's probably what removed the paint, along with a little abrasive action in it. The cleaning action of TR3 is a lot like Nufinish and other cleaner wax products.

 

[qwertydude]

TR3 is very powerful. It can remove a whole lot of paint but what is good is that it only seems to remove what is oxidized paint and lightly polishes good paint. But I wouldn't use it too much. I've worn through some thinner paint coats with it, doesn't work well with enamel touch up paints, spray paint and beat up non-clear finishes. Seems to practically strip those inferior finishes right off as you saw.

 

[blackcherry06]

I can't describe how excited I was that I didn't have to crack open the mineral spirits. I was dreading the dance between spray paint removal and clearcoat preservation.