Tip

Check the paint can label to determine whether the paint is oil-based or water-based.

Most spray paints are oil-based, but a few are water-based.

Knowing the composition helps determine how to remove spray paint from that surface without ruining it.

Gray spray paint on hand being removed with cotton ball next to container of olive oil

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Safety Considerations

Paint thinner, acetone, mineral spirits, and nail polish contain toxic substances.

Wear protective gear and work only in ventilated areas.

Prepare the Pressure Washer

Set up yourpressure washerand adjust the options depending on your surface.

Materials and tools to remove spray paint

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Wood surfaces will require less pressure thanconcrete surfaces.

These instructions work for both oil- and water-based spray paints.

Pigments from the paint will stain the sink if not removed soon.

Yellow pressure washer machine turned on outside

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

But oil won’t help thin it out.

Try graffiti removal sprays found at your local hardware store or home improvement center.

Avoid glass cleaner, as this will smudge the spray paint rather than remove it.

Pressure washer spraying water on concrete floor to remove spray paint

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Painted Walls

Removing spray paint from interior walls can be tricky.

Whatever you use to remove spray paint may damage the wall paint underneath.

Always test an inconspicuous area of your wall first before moving forward with removal.

Damp microfiber cloth wiping spray paint from back of white metal car surface

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Spray paint on non-fabric shoes may chip or crack off eventually.

As both a lubricant and a solvent, WD40 can help to remove spray paint.

The strongest spray paint removers are acetone, lacquer thinner, naptha, and isopropyl alcohol.

Microfiber cloth reapplied with soapy water to wipe gray spray paint on back of white car

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Carnauba car wax wiped with yellow cloth on back of white car surface

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Clean microfiber cloth buffing and drying car surface after removing spray paint

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Spray painted fabric rinsed under running water from sink faucet

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Stain remover sprayed on to spray painted fabric before cleaning

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Scrub brush removing spray paint stain from pink fabric

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Gray spray paint wiped from hand with cotton ball and olive oil

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Old washcloth wiping gray spray paint from hand

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Hands washed with soap and water after removing spray paint

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

White bowl cleaned with paper towel to remove remaining spray paint

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Spray painted arm scrubbed with small scrub brush and soapy water

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic