March 7, 2025
Paint transfer stains are relatively common and can be caused by anything from a minor collision with another car to accidentally getting household paint on your vehicle when carrying out DIY. But how do you remove paint without causing any damage to your car's paintwork?
Although it may seem daunting, the good news is that removing paint stains from your car is relatively straightforward with the right tools and know how.
Learn how to remove paint from car paint safely and effectively without causing unnecessary damage to your car’s paintwork. Plus, learn how our professional detailing experts at Star Car Wash can help keep your vehicle looking its best through regular car washing and detailing services.
The first step in removing paint from a vehicle is to assess the area of paint transfer and determine whether it is superficial or has penetrated the car's clear coat.
Superficial paint stains are small coloured spots that sit on the surface of your car’s paintwork. These typically require the least effort to remove and can often be washed off using a ph-neutral car-specific shampoo and a clean microfibre cloth.
However, paintwork transfer that has penetrated the clear coat of your car typically requires a little extra attention to remove it and prevent any further damage to your car’s paintwork underneath. You will usually notice that these stains penetrate deeper than superficial surface transfers.
When assessing paint transfer it is also important to look for signs of scratches or dents when assessing any paint transfer, especially if you have recently collided with another vehicle or object. Although some small scratches can be treated at home, for deeper dents, it is best to seek professional services.
To ensure the safe and effective removal of any paint stains from your car it’s important you have all the right tools and materials before you begin. We recommend using:
Clean microfibre cloths
An automotive clay bar
Lubricant spray
Polishing compound/ car wax
Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
Protective gloves
To remove paint transfer from your vehicle and restore it to pristine condition, follow our step-by-step guide:
The first step to removing paint transfer stains from your vehicle is to thoroughly wash it using a car-specific ph-neutral shampoo.
This not only cleans the car, making any paint stains more easily visible, but it also removes any small particles of dirt that could get accidentally rubbed into your paintwork during the paint removal process. Washing your car can also help loosen foreign paint, making it easier to remove.
Finally, make sure you rinse the entire car thoroughly to remove all soap residue before moving on to the next step.
Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned your vehicle, an automotive clay bar can be used as a non-abrasive way to remove paint transfer stains.
Before using the clay bar on the affected area, apply a clay lubricant or soapy water. Then, gently rub the clay over the stain in a back-and-forth motion, allowing the clay’s adhesive properties to lift the paint from the surface.
It’s important to keep pressure consistent during this process to avoid scratching the paint.
If using gentle pressure with a clay bar doesn’t remove the stain, the next step is to try applying a solvent, which can help break down the paint so it can be wiped away. Care should always be taken when using solvents to remove car paint stains, as you want to remove the foreign paint without damaging your vehicle’s paint.
It is also advisable to test any solvent in a small, inconspicuous area of your vehicle before applying it to the main body to ensure its compatibility with your car’s finish.
The best solvent options for removing paint from your car are:
Lubricant spray – shake the can of lubricant spray well before spraying it gently over the affected area. Make sure you cover the entire area with liquid for the best results, but avoid flooding the area with liquid, as it may affect surrounding paintwork. Leave to work for a few minutes and then wipe over with a clean microfibre cloth to remove the stain. Most stains should come off with little resistance as the lubricant spray breaks down the compounds in the paint, making it easy to remove.
If the stain is not fully removed on the first attempt, you can try reapplying lubricant spray. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure when wiping the area clean.
Isopropyl alcohol – more commonly known as rubbing alcohol, isopropyl alcohol can help remove paint stains from cars. It works in a similar way to lubricant spray by breaking down the compounds in the paint, so the stain just wipes away.
When applying isopropyl alcohol, you should always make sure it is correctly diluted. For removing paint stains, it is recommended you use around 70% alcohol to 30% distilled water, this ensures the mixture is strong enough to break down compounds in the foreign paint without causing excessive damage to your car’s paintwork.
Rubbing alcohol should be dabbed onto the affected area with a clean microfibre cloth and left to work for a few minutes, before wiping clean with a damp cloth.
Only apply a small amount to prevent it from leaking onto your car’s paintwork and avoid spreading the alcohol when removing it.
Like with lubricant spray, the process can be repeated if the first treatment doesn’t completely remove the paint.
To remove any residue from the solvents or clay bar treatment, it is important to rinse the affected area thoroughly once the paint stain is completely removed.
Once all residue has been removed, apply a small amount of polishing compound to a clean microfibre cloth and buff the area to restore your car’s shine.
To help protect your car’s paintwork, it’s important you finish the process by applying a car wax or sealant following your chosen manufacturer’s instructions.
Although our how to remove paint from car paint guide shows that it is possible to remove paint stains from your beloved car at home, if you are worried about damaging your vehicle’s paintwork, it is best to trust the professionals.
As well as having years of experience dealing with all kinds of paint stains, professional car detailers have access to some of the best quality products to help remove paint stains without causing any damage to your car’s paintwork. This ensures a professional quality finish that restores the lustre of your car.
One of the best ways to prevent paint transfer stains on your vehicle is to ensure you regularly wash it and apply a protective wax finish. That’s because a clean surface with adequate protection helps prevent contaminants like paint from bonding to your car’s paintwork.
You can also provide additional protection to your vehicle by applying protective films, which help safeguard against both abrasions and paint transfer stains
Although removing paint stains from your vehicle is relatively straightforward, you can damage your car’s paintwork by wrongly applying products or using too much force. If this is something you are worried about, it is best to seek the advice of professional car detailers. Not only can they suggest the best course of action for your vehicle, but they can also offer advice about the treatment outcome and provide reassurance that your car will receive the care and attention it deserves.
It's also important to seek professional advice if you notice any deep scratches or dents as if not treated, they can cause your car’s paintwork to degrade and eventually rust.
If you’re keen to keep your treasured vehicle looking like new, regular car washing and detailing are essential. Not only can this help preserve the look of your vehicle, but it can also help prevent paint transfer as it is harder for foreign paint to bond to a clean, protected vehicle.
Since 2003, our expert team has cleaned and detailed thousands of cars, using industry-leading techniques to help restore them to like-new condition. As Australia’s leading 100% hand car wash, you can relax knowing our expert technicians will expertly clean your vehicle, getting into all the hard-to-reach areas to remove built-up grime and debris that can cause premature corrosion and rust.
Plus, with locations in all major shopping centres across Australia, you can shop, catch up with friends, or even watch a movie while your vehicle is lovingly restored.Book online today or visit your nearest Star Car Wash branch.
