How to remove spray paint after your car has been tagged
There are some really talented graffiti artists out there. Some of them are so good that companies hire them to paint advertisements, not to rub their work off the walls of a building.
And then there are taggers that simply paint everything around with their names. Bus stops, road signs, sidewalks… just about anything. For the most part, the main target is public property, but sometimes you will see someone's car with a shiny new amateur paint job.
It's just not right.
It's still annoying, but if your car ever falls victim to a paintbrush, there are several ways you can try to remove it before you settle for an expensive new paint job.
Soapy water
Wash your car with warm soapy water before trying anything else. Some types of paints are water soluble, and even those that do not dissolve can be partially or completely removed in this way if they are not completely dry.
Acetone
Redditor notsoevilhost left his car in front of his house and came back to find it looked like this:
Using acetone and an absorbent rag, he was able to completely remove the spray paint.
Acetone is a good and cheap solution, but it can damage the clear coat as well as any plastic parts or even strip off the original paint if you rub too hard. Be sure to test it on an inconspicuous area first and wash it off when you're done.
Acetone nail polish remover also works, and it's a little safer for your painting since it's diluted with other ingredients.
gasoline
Like acetone, petrol or gasoline will remove a lot of spray paint but may damage clear coat or paintwork. If you use it, just remember to wash it off right away.
clay ingot
If you don't mind spending a few bucks, a detailing clay block is by far the safest option. For about $20, you can buy a stick that will remove spray paint and make your car shine.
It also removes dirt, tree sap, and any other contaminants, so you can use the rest later if you have any.
Bug and tar remover
If you have a bottle of bug and tar remover, it can remove some types of spray paint. Plus, it's designed to be used on cars, so it won't damage your paint like some of the other solutions.
Commercial Products
As with any problem, there are several products that are specifically designed to remove graffiti from cars and other structures, such as Graffiti Safewipes.
Just be sure to do your research before buying a particular brand so you know they are safe to use on vehicles. You can find several similar products that you can buy online by searching for "graffiti removal products".
Has another method worked for you that is not on the list? Let us know in the comments below.
