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For some unknown reason, automotive manufacturers have yet to source vibranium for an impenetrable vehicle-protecting shield. These companies say they’re all about prioritizing safety, yet the obvious answer has only been applied to Shield’s helicarriers. Weak! Until Wakanda gives up the secrets behind its tech, we’re stuck with regular cars that are vulnerable to dents, dings, scratches, and paint transfer. Paint transfer is when the paint from another vehicle, a wall, or other roadside obstacle jumps off its original surface and clings to your car during harsh contact. Pro tip: Yellow paint doesn’t look too great on your pearly white bumper. In some cases, a collision will require a new part or professional bodywork, but many times, the everyday DIYer can erase paint transfer fairly easily. The Drive’s crack info team has covered up all sorts of encounters with door dings, errant parking lot racers, and giant yellow safety poles, and we’d like to share our learnings with you! Let’s examine what you need and how to handle the job. The Basics of Removing Paint Transfer From Your CarEstimated Time Needed: 20 minutes-1 hour Skill Level: Beginner Vehicle System: Body SafetyWorking on your car can be dangerous and messy, so here’s exactly what you’ll need to ensure you leave the garage in the same condition in which you entered.
Everything You’ll Need To Get Paint Off Your CarWe’re not psychic, nor are we snooping through your toolbox or garage, so here’s exactly what you’ll need to get the job done. Tool List
Parts List
Organizing your tools and gear so everything is easily reachable will save precious minutes waiting for your handy-dandy child or four-legged helper to bring you the sandpaper or blowtorch. (You won't need a blowtorch for this job. Please don’t have your kid hand you a blowtorch—Ed.) You’ll also need a flat workspace, such as a garage floor, driveway, or street parking that’s also well-ventilated. Check your local laws to make sure you’re not violating any codes when using the street because we aren’t getting your ride out of the clink. Paint transfer can easily be fixed. Dents cannot be., DepositphotosHere’s How To Get Paint Off CarLet’s do this! Removing the Paint
Assessing the DamageOnce the paint is off, use your senses of touch and sight to inspect just how bad the scrape is (again, if we had superhero powers, we would just heal the car with the touch of a finger). If it cuts through the clear coat and into your own car’s paint, you might need to use touch-up paint on the area. If you see the scratch goes down to the metal, you will need to treat the area to prevent rust. Additional polishing compound application and buffing can also help smooth out any roughness left after the paint. Get Help With Paint Transfer Removal From a Mechanic On JustAnswerAlthough The Drive’s detailed how-to guides are easy to follow, a rusty bolt, an engine component not in the correct position, or a messy oil leak can derail a project. That’s why we’ve partnered with JustAnswer, which connects you to certified mechanics around the globe, to get you through even the toughest jobs. So if you have a question or are stuck, click here and talk to a mechanic near you. Pro Tips to Removing Paint TransferWe’ve been involved in dozens of mishaps that were absolutely never our fault and consequently had to deal with some ugly scratches. Learn from us.
FAQs About Getting Paint Off of a CarYou’ve got questions, The Drive has answers! Q. Can Paint Transfer Be Buffed Out?A: It’s simpler than that. Use the remover, wipe it off, and you should be good! Q: Ok, So Does WD-40 Remove Paint Transfer?A: We recommend using specially formulated scratch remover, polishing compound, or adhesive remover. Q: Will Goo Gone Remove Paint?A: Yes. Goo Gone makes a product specifically designed for automobiles called Goo Gone Automotive Spray Gel that is designed to remove gunk from your car’s surface. Q: But Can I Use Toothpaste To Remove Paint?A: Just use the stuff we recommended, it costs like $7. Let’s Talk, Comment Below To Talk With The Drive’s Editors!We’re here to be expert guides in everything How-To related. Use us, compliment us, yell at us. Comment below and let’s talk! You can also shout at us on Twitter or Instagram, here are our profiles. Featured ProductsHow do I get house paint off my car body?Use a clean towel to rub the rubbing alcohol onto the paint. Then, apply an oil-based cleaner to the splatters. Finally, use a clay bar to remove any extra splatter and wash the area with soap and water to remove the chemicals.
How do you get dried paint off a car?If the pressure car wash does not remove the road stripe paint, allow the water to dry and then spray the residue with WD-40 and allow the WD-40 to stay on the area for 1-2 hours and then rewash the vehicle. The WD-40 usually softens the road striping paint without hurting the vehicle finish.
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