How do I remove spray paint?

ttrip86 · 2002-06-08, 04:23

My Maverick has spray paint all over it. The previous owners thought it would be a good idea to paint "racing stripes" over the hood and trunk, but they gave up and just sprayed the car all over with random colors.

It looks terrible.

Its been on for about 2-4 years now, from what I've heard. Some of it came off when I washed it, but there is alot that is quite stubburn. The original paint isn't in great shape... but I'm not ready to get it a good paint job.

Any suggestions on how to get the stuff off?

I was thinking of trying a pre-wax cleaner...

Jean Doll · 2002-06-08, 09:03

Paint thinner will remove spray paint. You need a about a gal. of thinner and a whole lot of clean rags. Wipe the thinner on a small area and dry it off right away with a dry rag. You may want to try this first on a spot where it can,t be seen to make sure it does'nt harm the original paint. It takes awhile and is messy as hell, but it does work.

ttrip86 · 2002-06-08, 15:38

Thanks, I'll try some paint thinner today and let you know how it goes.

ttrip86 · 2002-06-09, 17:12

Well, you're right. The thinner does work, and it is also extremely slow. I couldn't really get the thick drips to come off, but in the lighter areas some progress was made.

I also tried acetone, which I "think" worked a little better allthough its pretty subjective.

I tried some Turtle Wax Rubbing compound also. There was definetly color on the rag, I'd say it worked almost aswell as the acetone. It also made the green factory paint look quite a bit shinier.

A clerk at the local Auto and Paint store suggested some "Acrylic Enamel Remover" which at a cost of eight dollars a bottle was not something I was willing to try.

I didn't notice any very obvious effects on the factory paint (aside from the seemingly positive effect of rubbing compound), but the day was very overcast with a bit of dampness, perhaps in better light I'd be able to tell more easily.

I will probably continue to try small areas and different clothes but I think the slowness of my progress, and the fact that I couldn't get the really thick layers off is enough for me to just leave it. Someday I'll get it repainted... *sigh*

jeremy · 2002-06-10, 23:17

lets see some pics!

ttrip86 · 2002-06-11, 01:11

Roger that. It's dark out right now but...

Tommorow is supposed (I think) to be sunny here in Pullman so I'll take some pictures. I've been wanting to do it anyway but got distracted with seat hunting today.

ttrip86 · 2002-06-13, 03:28

Well, here are a couple pics. I tried to keep them small.

ttrip86 · 2002-06-13, 03:30

Didn't realize I could only do 1 at a time. I sure love that I can upload these directly to the board, instead of finding someone to host them for me.

Jean Doll · 2002-06-13, 08:51

Man,what a mess someone made of that poor Maverick. As much as I hate to say it, you just might be better off getting the quarter repaired and getting the car repainted. You could end up spending weeks trying to get that spray paint off and still not be able to remove it all. Instead of spending gobs of money on solvents and compounds, maybe you should save it up towards a good paint job. It will look better in the long run and you will be alot happier with it,s appearence. Good luck!

**Earl Branham** · 2002-06-13, 10:12

ttrip86; My Mav was a $100 junkyard refugee, about 2hrs from a crusher. I got them to let me have it, drove it home, and took the time to get it fixed. Check the cowl vents, make sure they are not leaking, and get it fixed and painted. You will really save a piece of American history, a great little car, and a really neat conversation piece. Good luck,

Earl

2002-06-08, 04:23	#1
ttrip86 Member Join Date: 2002-06-07 Location: Pullman, WA Posts: 22 Vehicle(s): 1970 Maverick iTrader: 0 (0%)	How do I remove spray paint? My Maverick has spray paint all over it. The previous owners thought it would be a good idea to paint "racing stripes" over the hood and trunk, but they gave up and just sprayed the car all over with random colors. It looks terrible. Its been on for about 2-4 years now, from what I've heard. Some of it came off when I washed it, but there is alot that is quite stubburn. The original paint isn't in great shape... but I'm not ready to get it a good paint job. Any suggestions on how to get the stuff off? I was thinking of trying a pre-wax cleaner...

2002-06-10, 23:17	#5
jeremy I build t5's Join Date: 2002-03-19 Location: Corona, Ca Posts: 1,343 Vehicle(s): 1972 2 door 302 maverick, 1986 5.0 stang gt convertible,66 mustang coupe, HEMI ram iTrader: 4 (100%)	lets see some pics! __________________ Jeremy -1972 302 2 dr mav-going in:5.0 roller/gt40 heads/explorer (gt40)efi setup -1966 Mustang coupe 5.0 ford racing crate motor, gt40 aluminum heads, b cam, duraspark elec ignit, t5 with pro 5.0 shifter, 8.8 coming soon -1970 maverick grabber. bone stock. Was a parts car, till I fixed the damage. FOR SALE $1200

2002-06-13, 10:12	#10
Earl Branham Certified Old Fart Join Date: 2002-03-09 Location: Temple, GA. Posts: 4,229 Vehicle(s): '69.5 Maverick 302, T-5, Grabber Green iTrader: 17 (100%) Images: 4	ttrip86; My Mav was a $100 junkyard refugee, about 2hrs from a crusher. I got them to let me have it, drove it home, and took the time to get it fixed. Check the cowl vents, make sure they are not leaking, and get it fixed and painted. You will really save a piece of American history, a great little car, and a really neat conversation piece. Good luck, Earl __________________ Earl Branham Temple, GA

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2002-06-08, 09:03	#2
Jean Doll Maverick Restoration Tech Join Date: 2002-03-09 Location: Palmerton, PA Posts: 3,302 Vehicle(s): 1977 Maverick 2 door with a 302. iTrader: 4 (100%) Images: 4	Paint thinner will remove spray paint. You need a about a gal. of thinner and a whole lot of clean rags. Wipe the thinner on a small area and dry it off right away with a dry rag. You may want to try this first on a spot where it can,t be seen to make sure it does'nt harm the original paint. It takes awhile and is messy as hell, but it does work.

2002-06-08, 15:38	#3
ttrip86 Member Join Date: 2002-06-07 Location: Pullman, WA Posts: 22 Vehicle(s): 1970 Maverick iTrader: 0 (0%)	Thanks, I'll try some paint thinner today and let you know how it goes.

2002-06-09, 17:12	#4
ttrip86 Member Join Date: 2002-06-07 Location: Pullman, WA Posts: 22 Vehicle(s): 1970 Maverick iTrader: 0 (0%)	Well, you're right. The thinner does work, and it is also extremely slow. I couldn't really get the thick drips to come off, but in the lighter areas some progress was made. I also tried acetone, which I "think" worked a little better allthough its pretty subjective. I tried some Turtle Wax Rubbing compound also. There was definetly color on the rag, I'd say it worked almost aswell as the acetone. It also made the green factory paint look quite a bit shinier. A clerk at the local Auto and Paint store suggested some "Acrylic Enamel Remover" which at a cost of eight dollars a bottle was not something I was willing to try. I didn't notice any very obvious effects on the factory paint (aside from the seemingly positive effect of rubbing compound), but the day was very overcast with a bit of dampness, perhaps in better light I'd be able to tell more easily. I will probably continue to try small areas and different clothes but I think the slowness of my progress, and the fact that I couldn't get the really thick layers off is enough for me to just leave it. Someday I'll get it repainted... sigh

2002-06-11, 01:11	#6
ttrip86 Member Join Date: 2002-06-07 Location: Pullman, WA Posts: 22 Vehicle(s): 1970 Maverick iTrader: 0 (0%)	Roger that. It's dark out right now but... Tommorow is supposed (I think) to be sunny here in Pullman so I'll take some pictures. I've been wanting to do it anyway but got distracted with seat hunting today.

2002-06-13, 08:51	#9
Jean Doll Maverick Restoration Tech Join Date: 2002-03-09 Location: Palmerton, PA Posts: 3,302 Vehicle(s): 1977 Maverick 2 door with a 302. iTrader: 4 (100%) Images: 4	Man,what a mess someone made of that poor Maverick. As much as I hate to say it, you just might be better off getting the quarter repaired and getting the car repainted. You could end up spending weeks trying to get that spray paint off and still not be able to remove it all. Instead of spending gobs of money on solvents and compounds, maybe you should save it up towards a good paint job. It will look better in the long run and you will be alot happier with it,s appearence. Good luck!