Paint Overspray Removal | Elegant Visuals

See Small Specs on Your Paint? Rough Texture?

It’s Likely Paint Overspray.If you notice small colored specs on your paint or feel a rough texture when you run your hand over the surface, chances are it's paint overspray. This happens when tiny paint particles settle on your vehicle, often due to nearby construction or outdoor painting activities. The wind can carry these particles over, leaving a thin layer of paint on your car.

Typically, this overspray will cover most surfaces of your vehicle, including the paint, glass, trim, and wheels. It's not only unsightly but can also be a challenge to remove from all those surfaces.

Removing it is essential, especially if you're planning to install paint protection film (PPF) or a color-changing wrap, as overspray can interfere with the adhesion and finish.

That said, it's important to note that small specs and a rough texture on your paint might not always be overspray. It could also be caused by other types of above-surface contaminants, like rail dust, brake dust, or industrial fallout, which can create a similar effect.

To get your vehicle back to a smooth, clean surface, proper claying and detailing are required.

Don’t Do More Harm Than Good to Your Paint

Scratching, rubbing, or scrubbing your vehicle's paint vigorously with a towel, plastic razor, or brush will only create swirls and scratches. While it might seem like you're doing a quick fix, all you're really doing is adding more work and potential damage to your paint.

We see this repeatedly, and it makes the process more complicated for two reasons:

1. Removing the OversprayDepending on the type of paint and where it’s landed (e.g., trim, wheels, glass, or the paint itself), removing the overspray can be either easy or difficult.Even with the safest removal methods, there’s a risk of causing minor marring on the surface. If this happens, a light polish will be needed to remove the marring and restore the smooth finish.

2. Aggressive ScratchingIf you scratch or rub the paint aggressively, it will require much more intensive paint correction to address the heavy swirls and scratches you've created. This not only costs more but can also result in more extensive correction work that could have been avoided with gentler techniques.

To protect your paint, always use proper techniques and tools when cleaning and removing contaminants. If you’re unsure about how to handle the overspray, it’s always best to consult a professional to avoid causing further damage.

Our Overspray Removal Process

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how we handle overspray removal:

Wash the Vehicle
We start by thoroughly washing the vehicle, including the wheels, tires, and fenders to remove any surface dirt and contaminants.
Begin the Removal Process
Using specialized tools and products, such as a clay bar and adhesive remover, we begin carefully removing the overspray from all affected areas.
Wipe Down the Surface
After the overspray is removed, we wipe down the vehicle to eliminate any chemical residue, ensuring a clean surface for the next steps.
Light Polish
To restore the paint's smoothness and remove any light marring, swirls, or scratches caused during the removal process, we perform a light polish on the paint.
Add Spray Wax
We apply a spray wax to enhance the shine and add a layer of protection to your vehicle’s paint, leaving it looking glossy and protected.
Dress Tires
Finally, we apply a water-based, no-sling tire dressing to give your tires a sleek, clean look without worrying about any messy sling.

This thorough process ensures that your vehicle is free from overspray and leaves it looking its best, with smooth, shiny paint and properly protected surfaces.

This overspray removal service is often enough to restore your paint to its original condition—or sometimes even better!

However, if you want to take the overall appearance of your vehicle to the next level, we recommend adding a Wash Wax or Paint Correction service.

Wash Wax will enhance the shine and add extra protection to your vehicle's paint.
Paint Correction goes a step further, addressing deeper imperfections like swirls, scratches, and oxidation, giving your vehicle a flawless finish.

Both options will elevate the look of your car and ensure that your paint stays looking its best for longer.

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Overspray Removal Pricing

The cost for overspray removal varies based on the size and condition of the vehicle.

Price Range: $200 - $400

For a more accurate quote, feel free to contact us with details about your vehicle, and we'll provide a tailored estimate based on its specific needs.

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OVERSPRAY REMOVAL FAQ

Do You Come to Me?
For overspray removal, we generally require the vehicle to be brought to our shop in Des Moines, Iowa or to have access to a maintained garage. This service can be quite meticulous, especially depending on the type of overspray involved. The intense Iowa heat can make the job even more challenging, as hot panels cause chemicals to dry too quickly. If the weather isn’t ideal, our shop may be required to ensure optimal results.

I Tried Claying the Paint and It’s Still There. Now What?
A clay bar treatment is excellent for removing above-surface contaminants and is part of every Wash and Wax service we offer. However, overspray requires a different approach. Claying alone won’t fully remove it, as overspray often needs to be "pulled" off using specialized tools and products. While claying may help a little, it’s a very tedious and time-consuming process for overspray, and results won’t be as effective without professional help.

Can You Remove the Overspray from Plastic, Wheels, and Glass?
In most cases, yes, we can remove overspray from plastic, wheels, glass, and trim. However, we can’t always guarantee 100% removal, especially if the overspray is particularly stubborn or if the type of paint involved is difficult to handle. Some surfaces are more problematic than others, and results will vary depending on the paint type and how much has settled on the vehicle.

Can a Rubbing Compound Remove the Overspray?
A rubbing compound might help remove a small amount of overspray, but it won’t be very effective for the majority of it. While you can try working the product into the area with a towel, it’s unlikely to make a significant difference. The best way to remove overspray is through specialized tools and techniques designed for the job.

Our Overspray Removal Process

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how we handle overspray removal: ​

Wash the Vehicle We start by thoroughly washing the vehicle, including the wheels, tires, and fenders to remove any surface dirt and contaminants.

Begin the Removal Process Using specialized tools and products, such as a clay bar and adhesive remover, we begin carefully removing the overspray from all affected areas.

Wipe Down the Surface After the overspray is removed, we wipe down the vehicle to eliminate any chemical residue, ensuring a clean surface for the next steps.

Light Polish To restore the paint's smoothness and remove any light marring, swirls, or scratches caused during the removal process, we perform a light polish on the paint.

Add Spray Wax We apply a spray wax to enhance the shine and add a layer of protection to your vehicle’s paint, leaving it looking glossy and protected.

Dress Tires Finally, we apply a water-based, no-sling tire dressing to give your tires a sleek, clean look without worrying about any messy sling.

Wash Wax will enhance the shine and add extra protection to your vehicle's paint.

Paint Correction goes a step further, addressing deeper imperfections like swirls, scratches, and oxidation, giving your vehicle a flawless finish.

​ Both options will elevate the look of your car and ensure that your paint stays looking its best for longer.

OVERSPRAY REMOVAL FAQ

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how we handle overspray removal:

Wash the Vehicle
We start by thoroughly washing the vehicle, including the wheels, tires, and fenders to remove any surface dirt and contaminants.

Begin the Removal Process
Using specialized tools and products, such as a clay bar and adhesive remover, we begin carefully removing the overspray from all affected areas.

Wipe Down the Surface
After the overspray is removed, we wipe down the vehicle to eliminate any chemical residue, ensuring a clean surface for the next steps.

Light Polish
To restore the paint's smoothness and remove any light marring, swirls, or scratches caused during the removal process, we perform a light polish on the paint.

Add Spray Wax
We apply a spray wax to enhance the shine and add a layer of protection to your vehicle’s paint, leaving it looking glossy and protected.

Dress Tires
Finally, we apply a water-based, no-sling tire dressing to give your tires a sleek, clean look without worrying about any messy sling.

Both options will elevate the look of your car and ensure that your paint stays looking its best for longer.