How to Remove Spray Paint

Remove Spray Paint From Wood, Concrete, or Other Porous Surfaces

To treat oil-based and water-based paint that has seeped onto wood, concrete, and other porous surfaces, follow these instructions.

1. Set Up Your Pressure Washer

   Set up your pressure washer and adjust the settings depending on your surface. Wood surfaces will require less pressure than concrete surfaces.

2. Spray the Paint Until It's Removed

   Slowly move the pressure washer nozzle back and forth along the surface until the paint has been removed.

Remove Spray Paint From Metal or Plastic

To remove water-based spray paint from metal and plastic follow these steps, and follow the extra steps beneath for removing oil-based paint.

1. Use Dish Soap and a Cloth to Buff the Surface

   Put a small dot of dish soap on a damp microfiber cloth and rub it together to create suds. Gently buff the metal surface to remove any overspray.

2. Rinse and Repeat

   Rinse the surface and the cloth thoroughly. Repeat as necessary. You may need additional steps for oil-based paint. Try the above two steps first. Ideally, you want to use the least abrasive method first so you don’t remove any other paint or coating on the metal. This method is especially true for metal surfaces on cars and patio furniture.

3. Add Carnauba Car Wax

   If the above technique doesn’t work, add some carnauba car wax into the mix and use that to buff off the spray paint. This method might require some extra elbow grease.

4. Buff Out the Wax

   Buff out the wax with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

   If the paint has set for a while or you wish to remove more than just overspray, look into some industrial paint remover solutions.

Remove Spray Paint From Your Skin

If spray paint has gotten on your skin, these steps will help you remove oil-based versions of it.

1. Use a Skin-Friendly Oil and Rub It Onto Your Skin

   Using your hands or a cotton ball, gently rub your skin with a skin-friendly oil like olive oil or coconut oil. Be extra careful not to get any oil in your eyes since oil can be irritating. Also, be careful not to get oil on clothing or fabric because oil stains can be difficult to remove.

2. Bring in a Washcloth If It Doesn't Work

   If a cotton ball or your hands won’t remove the paint, use an old washcloth to rub stubborn spots.

3. Repeat Steps as Needed

   Add more oil and repeat as necessary.

4. Wash Your Hands With Soap and Warm Water

   Next, wash your skin with hand soap or body wash to remove any traces of oil. Rinse your skin and the washcloth thoroughly.

5. Clean Up Rubbed Off Paint

   Clean up any remaining paint from the sink or tub using water and a rag or brush if needed.

Remove Spray Paint Stains From Your Skin

If water-based spray paint has stained your skin, the below instructions will help you get it off.

1. Dampen the Skin and Scrub

   Oil won’t necessarily help thin out the water-based spray paint. For water-based spray paint, dampen your skin and gently scrub the area with a nail brush and a mild dish soap. If you don’t have a nail brush, a soft-bristled toothbrush or pumice stone should work. Don’t press too hard, a gentle abrasion should be all you need.

2. Use a Soft Wash Cloth If Needed

   If you have sensitive skin or notice your skin starting to get red and irritated, try a soft washcloth instead.

3. Rinse and Wipe Down Your Sink

   Rinse the area thoroughly and be sure to clean off any flakes from the sink or tub.

Remove Spray Paint From Fabric or Carpet

When it comes to removing spray paint from fabric and carpet, the best way to remove stains is to treat it when it’s wet, which means as soon as possible. Once you notice paint has gotten onto a fabric, drop your painting project, and immediately flush the area with water. These instructions work for both oil- and water-based spray paints.

1. Rinse Off as Much Paint as Possible

   For wet paint, run the fabric under a hose. Try to flush out as much paint as you can until the water runs clear. If the paint is on a carpet, gently dab the surface with a damp cloth to draw the paint into the towel and away from the fabric.

2. Add Stain Remover

   For stubborn oil-based stains, add in an oil-based soap or stain remover. For water-based stains, try spraying the area with hair spray. You can also try dabbing the area with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol, but test a small spot first. Dab the area again with a clean cloth, and see if the paint is transferring from the fabric onto the cloth. If so, the method is working. Continue this process until the paint is gone.

3. Scrape Off Any Paint

   If the paint has already dried, scrape away as much paint as you can with your fingernail or a cleaning brush. Pre-treat the stain with a stain remover and launder the fabric if possible.