Help: paint spill on exterior, how do I remove?

[sevengroove]

After a recent trip to Lowe's I noticed some sort of paint spill on my R1S - my rear wheel got the brunt of it but there was some splatter on the liftgate and rear window too. I tried to wipe it down and scrape it off using a plastic scraper but neither of those things worked. I'm worried that this is going to take a lot more effort than I anticipated. Any tips on what to try next? I have no idea what type of paint it is (or if it is even paint, who knows - it seems to have gone on slightly grayer on the tire) but here are a couple of pics of the wheel:

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[FooF]

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[sevengroove]

Goo Gone Automotive Cleaner - 24 Ounce - Bumper Stickers, Gum, Bird Droppings, Tree Sap, Spray Paint, Brake Dust and Asphalt https://a.co/d/bqyRE2K

I'll consider giving this a try. I am a little hesitant because isn't clear coat technically also paint? If it takes off the spilled paint will it also damage the clear coat on the rims?

 

[SoCal Rob]

After a recent trip to Lowe's I noticed some sort of paint spill on my R1S - my rear wheel got the brunt of it but there was some splatter on the liftgate and rear window too. I tried to wipe it down and scrape it off using a plastic scraper but neither of those things worked. I'm worried that this is going to take a lot more effort than I anticipated. Any tips on what to try next? I have no idea what type of paint it is (or if it is even paint, who knows - it seems to have gone on slightly grayer on the tire) but here are a couple of pics of the wheel:

I used Goo Gone to remove HOV sticker adhesive residue from painted surfaces on a previous car and it didn’t seem to harm the clear coat at all.

Beyond that, do you have access to a lower-power consumer pressure washer with a lower-force spray pattern? I’d try that and start in one area of the wheel. Maybe try slowly increasing the force, frequently checking to make sure the clear coat isn’t being damaged. I also wouldn’t get aggressive on the tires.

 

[sevengroove]

I used Goo Gone to remove HOV sticker adhesive residue from painted surfaces on a previous car and it didn’t seem to harm the clear coat at all.

Beyond that, do you have access to a lower-power consumer pressure washer with a lower-force spray pattern? I’d try that and start in one area of the wheel. Maybe try slowly increasing the force, frequently checking to make sure the clear coat isn’t being damaged. I also wouldn’t get aggressive on the tires.

Good to know, thanks. I don't have a pressure washer but the next best thing I have is the "jet" setting (hah) on my garden hose.

 

[dleepnw]

if its water based paint like Behr, you can use rubbing alcohol. goo gone, goo off should work as well. if its oil based paint, could be trickier as you need paint thinner. not sure if thats safe or not for the wheels/tires.

 

[SoCal Rob]

Good to know, thanks. I don't have a pressure washer but the next best thing I have is the "jet" setting (hah) on my garden hose.

I’m sorry you have to deal with it but I feel confident that between modern car care products and, maybe, the “jet” setting it’ll look a lot better, if not perfect. I wouldn’t get too aggressive with anything and maybe a trip to a local detailer would be worth the money since they probably have more experience with a wider variety of issues and products.

 

[JWreck]

Honestly, take it to a detailer with the right tools. If you want to DIY - I would try the following things in this order (least aggressive to most):

- Soap and water w/ pressure washer
- Tarminator-like product, short dwell, rub lightly, soap/water to remove chemical after
- Mineral spirits (lightly) with a microfiber to soak, then soap/water/rinse

It might take multiple applications to get it off, but the key is to not sit there and rub for a long time. Let the chemical do the work, then wash it off really well after and re-apply your choice of protection.

 

[sevengroove]

Thanks, all. Some great tips here. I will try goo gone to start with and if it doesn’t work maybe a detailer is the next stop.

Edit: looks like the goo gone is working, but its taking its time - need multiple passes and a heavy-handed approach. Might work on it over a few days but its encouraging to see that paint come off!

 

[Riviot]

I gotta ask...

Self-inflicted or stranger danger? If the latter, did Gary catch it?

 

[SANZC02]

What ever you try using do it as soon as possible. The longer it sits the more it will cure and the harder it will to remove.

 

[sevengroove]

I gotta ask...

Self-inflicted or stranger danger? If the latter, did Gary catch it?

Stranger danger (that’s why I don’t know what kind of paint it actually is). I looked through Gary’s videos but I couldn’t find anything - at least nothing obvious. I wonder if it happened in transit, like something spilling off of the back of someone’s pickup truck. It’s also really weird that the bulk of it is on the rear right wheel and there are very few drops on the lift gate. Was it one source? Did something burst open near the wheel facing upwards and back? Why is Gary staying quiet? These are the questions…

 

[indianriver]

For anyone wanting an appropriate power washer that is also easy to use. Battery life could be better, but can be replaced with a larger capacity one.

https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-C...d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&psc=1

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