Removing Overspray from Trim

[boxofbits]

Afternoon All

 

I had some paint spray work done to the inside of the boot area on my 4a, and unfortunately some new white overspray got into the car and on the black trim.

 

I have tried a couple of cleaners, but I'm reluctant to use thinners as this will probably damage the trim.

 

Is there a good product in the market to remove the overspray?

 

Regards

 

Kevin

[stillp]

Depends on the trim material and the type of paint. Mine had been sprayed with the windows open (yes, really!) but it came off the seats with Swarfega and a toothbrush.

 

Pete

[RogerH]

Hi Kevin,

what sort of paint (celly, 2k etc) and what sort of trim.

 

Thinners will remove celly very quickly.

Vinyl will allow thinners on it in short bursts.

 

So if it is Celly on vinyl then a rag damped in thinners should work (try on a small out of the way area first).

 

Leather is more difficult because you may well take the colour off the leather.

 

Roger

[boxofbits]

Hi Pete & Roger

 

The seats and trim are both PVC vinylide in black and not leather. The paint used was 2K so I'd assume a bit more stubborn than celly?

 

Kevin

[stillp]

2K could be a problem. How much overspray is there? If not too much, you could try WD40. You'll need to leave it on for a while but it might expand the vinyl enough so the paint can be gently scraped off.

 

Pete

[sadman]

You can also try the wife/daughters nail varnish remover, save buying any thinners 1st

Doug

[barkerwilliams]

Kevin,

 

I would not rush at thinners just yet. If the seats have ever been cleaned with polish then some paint may only be adhering to the polish. PVC expands when it warms and the 2k will not.

 

I would warm (not melt) the interior of the car, perhaps with a fan heater / hair dryer to soften the PVC and polish the spray area with a PVC cleaner. If some spray is removed then I would allow the seats to cool down and then re-heat, The PVC will then be expanding and contracting behind the drops of paint and some may work free. Try cleaning / polishing again.

 

A judicious test using wet 1200 grade wet & dry to determine if it scratches the PVC with delicate use might be in order.

 

Some spray will hopefully lift off but undoubtedly there will be some that need a solvent such as thinners.

 

Alan

 

 

Alan

[Alec Pringle]

I've utilised Rost Off Ice to remove 2K overspray off both leather and some sort of vinyl on the Humber - having first tried an inconspicuous area !

 

I'd guess the freezing effect cracks the paint to fabric bond . . . . . ?

 

It came off with careful scraping with the dull edge of an old Stanley knife blade, once the material had regained room temperature..

 

Then a quick rub with orange hand cleaner.

 

Link - https://eshop.wurth.co.uk/Rust-remover-Rost-Off-Ice-PENTOIL-ROST-OFF-ICE-400ML/0893240.sku/en/GB/GBP/

 

Cheers

 

Alec

[stillp]

On the other hand, if you paid a bodyshop to do the painting, tell them to replace the trim!

 

Pete

[boxofbits]

Thanks guys for the information, and it's interesting to note that some kind of temperature change might loosen the adherence of the paint to the vinyl. Very good theories. I suppose the texture of the material increases the grip of the paint.

 

Looks like a bit of elbow grease is required either way, and I'll give both methods a go.

 

Kevin

[TR NIALL]

If it's only Overspray Panel Wipe may remove it.

[stuart]

I think you may struggle to get 2K overspray off unless there has been any previous polishing of the trim.

Stuart.

[MikeF]

I usually find cooling and then gently pushing with a soft blunt edge like an old credit card usually works for spot removal of glue and paint etc.Perhaps with a bit of flexing on large blobs,

The freezing spray in the plumbing section of DIY sheds is good.

 

Mike

[boxofbits]

Ive also been told that hand gel sanitiser might remove it with the aid of, as suggested an old credit card for careful scraping?

 

I suppose the active ingredient would be alcohol, but because it's a gel it might have better properties to lay on the material without drying out too quickly, and thus a better softening action. It's an inexpensive option so I'll give it a try.

 

I spoke to a chap I know well at a bodyshop and he suggested using Upol Plastx repair spray but I've never seen the results of it, so will keep that by as an option.

 

Kevin

[MikeF]

That hand gel stuff is also great for cleaning your specs, screens etc.