Paint Removal.

chicorytip

Is there a D.I.Y. method of removing a patch of white spray paint from a black plastic car door frame without doing any damage? It's a remnant from a repair job the previous owner had carried out. The area affected measures about 2 x1 inches.

Cass

Black plastic door frame? Is it the pillar trim, on the outside?

chicorytip

Yes, pillar trim, on the outside.

Cass

If its "raw" plastic (the textured standard kind) then there are a few things you can try. Start with the least harsh and work up.

Before you do anything use masking tape and a black plastic bag, or similar resistant cover, and cover the doors under (and slightly to the side off the trim) so any runoff is on it, not on your doors. Start with hot water with a little soap and gently work it with a soft brush (think toothbrush soft) or "rough" cloth. Try avoid using anything abrasive and scrubing it off as this may leave scratches on the trim. You want the paint off, not the trim damaged .

If that fails try a little thinners mixed with water. If you don't have thinners you can try rubbing alcohol, methyltated spirits, or anything with a good ethanol content/percentage, but I'd avoid using some stuff like acetone based chemicals such as nail polsh remover (as the chances of something going wrong is high). Increase the strength of the mix if its working but not well. This is the reason for the black bag/protection of the doors. You don't want that running down your door paintwork.

The other tip is to give the chemical/mix time to work. Don't apply then immediately try to rub it off. Dampen a cloth if necessary and dab the area liberally, let it sit for a moment, then soak the cloth and aggitate. Use a freah section/bit of cloth each time so as not to wipe anything you get off back on.

If its really being stubborn you can use striaght petrol. Its not great to put this on bodywork but the door protection will do its job and the trim won't be affected by it if the application is only for a moment.

Now if your trim is the glossy kind as you see on some Audi/Ford, etc then I'd avoid anything in the slightest bit abrasivse such as a brush and stick with a cloth. Wipe any excess off immediately and leave the mixture on the trim for as little a time as possible to avoid damaging either the trim itself or the finish of it.

The main thing being if you notice any signs of fading, damage, or anything that shouldn't be happening STOP immediately and move to another mixture or technique.

chicorytip

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118225604#Comment_118225604

It is the flat textured kind of surface, not glossy. Thank you for providing such a comprehensive reply - lots of useful information there. I will start with soap and water and progress from there, if necessary. I presume something like Fairy Liquid would be suitable?

Cass

Depending on the paint type soapy water may work, but its the first step and least harsh so only 5 minutes of your time and you'll know if it works or not. Yes Fairy liquid will suffice. Its a degreaser and with a soft nail brush will do to start with. I actually doubt it will work, but might be pleasantly surprised.

You could jump to something seriously strong like acetone, but it'll strip paint or damage a finish on most surfaces so if you want it gone and want to use something that harsh I'd advise taking every precaution to avoid it touching any other surface or even any area of the trim not affected and wipe off immediately. As said this is the guaranteed to work solution but also the one with the most potential to cause damage.

chicorytip

Soap and water had no effect at all and I decided against trying harsher chemical removers. I ended up using ordinary black matt car spray from a can having first masked off the surrounding areas of the car. It turned out well. A smooth finish, no streaks although very slightly darker than the non affected part of the trim.

Cass

Bit late now, but if its the standard trim then harsher stuff wouldn't bother it all. Just be careful of the cars paintwork by masking it off and you'll be grand.

Keep and eye on the paint you sprayed on. It won't last long. Might need "topping up" or if it starts to fade a good chance to get at it with a proper cleaner and nail brush and remove the original mark/paint.

Final tip, look at wrap. You can buy small pieces for a couple of euro and they're easy to install. Takes no experience, just patience.