How to Remove Paint from Car Body

Materials You’ll Need

Denatured alcohol or acetone
Cotton balls or rags
Plastic scraper
Fine-grit sandpaper
Automotive polish

Steps

Test the solvent in an inconspicuous area. Denatured alcohol and acetone are both strong solvents that can damage car paint if they’re not used carefully. Before you apply the solvent to the entire painted surface, test it in a small area to make sure it doesn’t damage the paint.
Apply the solvent to the paint. Soak a cotton ball or rag in denatured alcohol or acetone and apply it to the painted surface. Let the solvent sit for a few minutes to soften the paint.
Scrape off the softened paint. Use a plastic scraper to gently scrape off the softened paint. Be careful not to scratch the car’s surface.
Sand the area. If there’s any paint residue left on the car’s surface, sand it off with fine-grit sandpaper. Sand in the direction of the grain of the metal to avoid scratching the surface.
Polish the area. Once the paint has been removed, polish the area with automotive polish to restore the shine of the car’s finish.

Tips

Wear gloves and eye protection when using solvents.
Work in a well-ventilated area.
Don’t use too much force when scraping off the paint, or you could damage the car’s surface.
If you’re not comfortable removing the paint yourself, you can take your car to a professional detailer.

Conclusion

Removing paint from a car body can be a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can safely and effectively remove paint from your car’s surface.