How to remove paint from a spray can as efficiently and safely as possible?

Spray paint is widely used by both DIYers and professional remodelers. When working with it, it is not always possible to keep things and other surfaces clean.

You can remove stains using available means. The main thing is to use them correctly so as not to spoil the product and not harm your own health.

From this article you will learn how and with what to remove paint from a can of paint (aerosol) from various surfaces.

Aerosol removers

Aerosol paint is used to treat small surfaces. It is applied to walls, ceilings, interior items and more. A special feature of the composition is that it dries quickly.

Acetone

Even dried paint can be removed with acetone - this is its main advantage. However, not all surfaces can be treated with it..

Plastic, delicate fabrics, and poorly colored items may not withstand contact with it. Therefore, when using the product for the first time, you need to test it on an inconspicuous area.

Mode of application:

1. Apply acetone to a suitable cloth. To treat large areas it is convenient to use paint brushes or rollers.
2. Moisten the contaminated area.
3. Leave for 10 minutes to take effect.
4. Wipe the stain until it is completely removed.
5. Rinse the treated surface with water.

Acetone has a pungent odor. Therefore, you need to work with it in a well-ventilated area. Acetone vapor can cause poisoning and severe headaches.

How to erase with cleaning clay?

Cleaning clay is used to remove paint before polishing the coating. Therefore, it is actively used to remove aerosol composition from a car body.

Mode of application:

• thoroughly wash and dry the area to be treated;
• apply clay to it, pressing it with your palm to the surface;
• knead the formed piece with your fingers, wrapping the dirt inside the clay “bun”.

Clay should be stored in a dry place, preventing soil, sand and other contaminants from getting into the box.

Solvent

Aerosol paint can be easily removed with a solvent.

You can use the following compositions:

• White Spirit;
• gasoline or kerosene;
• turpentine;
• solvent 647 or 650.

You can use the products individually, or you can combine them to enhance the effect.

Mode of application:

1. Clean the surface from dust and dirt.
2. Moisten the stain with solvent.
3. Leave for 20-30 minutes to act.
4. Dampen a rag in the same solution and walk it over the stains.
5. Rinse the product with water.

Powder or detergent

If the paint from the can is fresh and gets on the fabric, you can remove it with regular powder or dishwashing detergent.

Mode of application:

1. Moisten the area that needs cleaning.
2. Apply a small amount of the chosen product.
3. Beat until foam forms. You can lightly rub the fabric with a brush.
4. Leave for 30-60 minutes.
5. Moisten and rub the stain again.
6. Wash the item as usual.

If you didn’t succeed in getting rid of the paint the first time, then the soaking procedure can be repeated.

How to clean with alcohol?

If the stain is fresh, then you can use any alcohol-containing liquids, for example, vodka or cologne:

• soak a clean white cloth in alcohol;
• wipe the contaminated area with it;
• rinse the surface with water.

How to remove from a car?

Spray paint on a car can be removed using car shampoo. It is suitable for cleaning stains that have recently been applied.

How to use it:

1. Pour warm water into a bucket, add car shampoo, whisk until foam forms.
2. Dampen a rag or sponge in the solution.
3. Apply to the surface of the car.
4. Leave for 5-10 minutes, rub gently.
5. Rinse the body with clean water.

Car shampoos are sold in auto parts stores.

The most popular means:

• Fill INN FL045. 400 ml costs 200 rubles;
• AUTOPROFI. 1000 ml costs about 300 rubles;
• Expert "Active foam". 1 liter costs 170 rubles.

If you are unable to remove the stain with car shampoo, you can use professional anti-graffiti products. These may be compositions such as:

1. Anti-Graffiti Neat. The cost of the spray is 400 rubles. It is applied to the body for 5-7 minutes with a roller. Then remove with a clean cloth and rinse with water.
2. Grass. Universal spray for removing various types of stains. Cost 220 rubles for 0.6 liters.
3. Graffiti Guard. The cost of the product is 110 rubles.

Another option is to go to a car wash and entrust your car to professionals. The cost depends on the scope of work. Washers have specialized removers at their disposal that will safely rid vehicles of the most difficult stains.

Other ways to help remove marks from your car:

1. Carnauba wax, such as Butter Wet Carnauba Wax. They can be used to carefully clean your car from aerosol paint. There will be no scratches or dents on the surface.

   Apply the product to a sponge and rub the stain. The movements should be circular. After removing the paint, the surface of the car is polished with a clean soft cloth. The liquid costs about 200 rubles for 330 ml.

2. Nail polish remover. It can be used to remove small stains.
3. Acetone.
4. Gasoline or kerosene.
5. Cleaning clay, such as Willison or Sonax. The method of its use was described above. The average cost of such a product is 1000 rubles per 100 g.

Before applying the composition to a large surface of the car, it should be tested on an inconspicuous area. If the selected cleaner does not harm the vehicle’s own coating, then the treatment can continue.

The video will show you how to remove spray paint from the surface of a car:

Important Tips

To safely and effectively dispose of spray paint, you need to adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Strictly follow the instructions for use. Do not leave compounds on surfaces longer than recommended. It is better to repeat the treatment if it was not possible to remove the stain the first time.
2. Avoid contact of the skin of your hands and mucous membranes with caustic substances. Many of them require thorough ventilation of the room.
3. Gasoline, acetone, white spirit and similar compounds are flammable. You need to work with them away from sources of fire.
4. After using the solvent, the treated surface is rinsed with water.
5. If several layers of aerosol paint are applied to the product, then before applying the cleaning composition, the surface is rubbed with sandpaper. This advice is valid only for walls, garage doors, ceilings and other structures that are not afraid of mechanical impact.
6. You need to clean the stain along its edges, moving towards the center.
7. Do not rub the paint with a dry cloth. Due to this treatment, the pigment will penetrate deeper and will be more difficult to remove.

Conclusion

It is not difficult to remove paint from a can if you start processing immediately after it hits the surface. To combat old compounds, it is necessary to make efforts and resort to the help of chemicals. The choice of specific substance depends on the surface that needs to be cleaned.