Overspray on interior panels

[Cutlass372]

Hey everyone, when I bought my car there was a light blue overspray on a large majority of the interior panels. What would you guys suggest for cleaning this off? I was thinking paint thinner or turpintine but wasn't sure if it would be to strong as to damage the door panels, seats, and other trim panels. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Elliot.

[EScanlon]

First try the LEAST aggressive solution ... soap and water. It may not remove all (or any) but then again it may.

Next, follow up with either a cleaner/ conditioner for vinyl or plastic OR plain old mineral spirits (which is also known as paint thinner, just be sure it isn't LACQUER paint thinner). I've even used Denatured Alcohol.

If it still persists, then with extreme care and for very short lengths of time, I would start with a rag that's very lightly moistened with lacquer thinner (to dissolve the paint). You may lift some of the panel paint / dye, but that's why you're being extremely careful.

HTH

E

[ZeeNoEvil]

I have used grease and wax remover to remove overspray but the paint was never more than a week old. Brake fluid or Easyoff oven cleaner can remove paint from plastic model car bodies. I would try it on some scrap pieces first though. Follow up with soap and water afterwards. Let us know what you find that works.

[DougN]

You could try Goo Gone, it is a citris based cleaner that should take it off.

[MikeW]

You could try Goo Gone, it is a citris based cleaner that should take it off.

I think the citrus is in there to smell good, make people think it's safe, and mask the fact that it works using petroleum based solvents. I recall when I was trying to remove remnants of floorboard tar mats looking at Home Depot for all the different options. I don't remember if it was Goo Gone or another similar product but the main ingredient was xylene. I decided to buy a full quart of pure xylene for less than the small can of the goo product.

http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=13009002

[geezer]

My first choice for removing as you describe "light overspray" is WD40 and one of those kitchen scrubbing pads, like a scotch brite but not as abrasive. Even get one out of the kitchen your already using if you want even less abrasiveness. I get no name brand ones at the dollar store. Follow up with a soap & water solution. Like E says, try the soap & water first though.

[zbane]

Motsenbocker's Lift Off #4 worked well for me. On thick paint (I used it to strip my mirror housings) it takes a bit longer, but for what you are talking about it should work quite well, rather quickly. Safe and mild, though I would still suggest wearing some latex gloves (more to keep your hands clean than anything else).

I found it at Lowe's, but I imagine any home repair place would have it or could order it.

http://liftoffinc.com/

[five&dime]

Get yourself some fast evap pre-cleaner. It's used to clean surfaces before automotive painting. It's kind of like a mild paint thinner. This has always been my favorite product to remove overspray.

[Sailor Bob]

In a well ventilated place, with a rebreather and a radition suit on, "Contact cement remover" works well.

[grantf]

is not contact cement remover acitone?

[Enz]

is not contact cement remover acitone?

Usually it's MEK, which will disolve the dye on your panel.

[obxtrainman]

My first choice for removing as you describe "light overspray" is WD40 and one of those kitchen scrubbing pads, like a scotch brite but not as abrasive. Even get one out of the kitchen your already using if you want even less abrasiveness. I get no name brand ones at the dollar store. Follow up with a soap & water solution. Like E says, try the soap & water first though.

Yeah, what he said:smoke: WD40 is also great for removing tar from the road off of your paint job. As a matter of fact, these are about the only purposes I have found WD40 good for. As far as lubrication,,two words,,,Fluid Film,,,a bit pricey, but worth it.