Whether you are spray painting inside your home or outside, there will be some plastic materials or products that will get the spray paint marks. Making it look odd, we all try different methods to get rid of those paint marks, but hardly have we got any success. No more failure now, as we bring you the article describing the most efficient techniques on how to remove spray paint from plastic.
If you are spray painting a project and the paint drops end up on your kids’ toys, you’ll definitely want to clean them before the kids chew on them. There are hundreds of other reasons we cannot leave the spray paint particles on plastic. Similarly, your hands and glass might also be affected.
Before the spray paint dries, you should clean it up, or else it will be hard to remove. After all, the key is to act as soon as possible. You will be able to perform some action only if you are aware of the appropriate procedure.
Yes, I know washing the plastic object with soapy water is the first thing you do, but it does not always work 100%. You might have seen that, right? So, you need to know about other methods too.
How to get off spray paint from plastic
There are a number of ways that are used for ages but do not try any technique without knowing about it because the solvent you use might damage the plastic material. Get it straight and read the article to the end.
Things to remember
As we are dealing with plastic, we will try our best not to use the chemical because using this may damage the material itself, causing more damage than before.
While you apply any of the below processes, extra care is required along with some endurance.
Additionally, wear personal protective equipment and follow all safety guidelines.
Gather the supplies
Removing spray paint from plastic is not the same as you do with other surfaces. Instead, it requires you to be extra vigilant. Before you perform any action, make certain that you have the appropriate materials required to complete the job.
- Warm water
Water will be required throughout the process, so you must have access to warm water. Not only will it help remove the spray paint, but it will also prevent the chemicals from reacting and damaging the material.
- Dish soap
In addition to removing the dirt and the grease, the soapy water will help in removing the paint as well. It will ease the scrubbing, and it won’t take you time to finish the project.
- Paint remover
We will not be using this unless it is required. So, keep it for the last option. The reason we don’t prefer to use it is that it contains chemicals that can cause damage to the plastic. Even if we use it as a last resort, we will dilute it with water to reduce concentration.
- Other materials
Besides getting the water, soap, and paint remover, you also need to have paper towels, a brush, a paint scraper, and rubbing alcohol. By using these supplies, we will be moving forward with the procedure. Fine steel wool or a rag might also be needed for removing stubborn paint spots.
Steps to apply to get rid of spray paint from plastic
We are emphasizing to be careful about the reason that even a minor mistake can deteriorate the plastic. By adhering to safety protocols and after you have got the supplies ready, follow the steps given below.
Step 1
Firstly, we are going to rinse the plastic with water and will see if washing does the work. If you are lucky, washing it off will do half of the job. Moreover, if it doesn’t remove the paint, no worries; at least it will remove the dirt and other debris.
Step 2
The second step requires you to rub the surface using soap water. Apply on the affected area and scrub it well using a brush. There will be some paint removed from the object, if not all. Be gentle while also putting in some elbow grease.
You might get success at this stage, and if not, then proceed to the next step.
Step 3
A paint scraper is what you all need at this stage. Use it to scrape away the paint from the surface but be careful not to get scratches on the object. Use the force, and you will ruin the plastic. Easy-going and slow, eventually you will see the paint going away.
Normally, you will be done at this point. If not, follow the next.
Step 4
Here comes the use of rubbing alcohol. It acts as a cleaning agent in day-to-day life and is also helpful in removing the spray paint off any surface. Pour some alcohol on the affected area, and then scrub it off using a rag or fine steel wool. Put on a mask and disposable gloves before you commence the task.
The alcohol will help remove paint particles, and scrubbing will remove it altogether.
If this fails too, then comes the use of paint remover or paint thinner. Mix it up with water and then apply to the affected object. Use only a small amount of paint thinner so that it does not damage the plastic in any way. Increase the quantity only if required.
Rest assured, the spray paint from plastic will be removed completely. When you are done getting it off, do not forget to wipe the surface using paper towels.
Conclusion
We have tons of plastic objects and materials surrounding us and when we do spray painting, getting the paint on is normal. Though removing the paint from plastic is difficult, if you are aware of the process and have a collection of required resources, it’s easy and straightforward.
Now it’s your part to apply what you have learned and let us know how it goes.