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How do I remove paint from my car trim?

What's the best way to remove paint from my car trim? I brushed up against a wall when I was leaving a parking structure. It's not a big deal, but I transferred a little wall paint onto my car, and I'd like to get rid of it.

avatar
Lauren Smith · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
When it comes to
removing paint
from your trim, you can use clay bars, Magic Erasers, or even some chemical solutions.
Make sure you’re wearing gloves and working in a well-ventilated area before you start cleaning. Some products can be unhealthy in closed spaces and might even irritate your skin! Read the instructions on your chosen cleaner before getting started.
To clean paint transfer off your car, start with the least abrasive option and slowly work your way up.
Clay bars are a nearly risk-free solution. Just take part of the clay, knead it in your hands, and spray a lubricant on the paint and your clay. Then rub the clay over the paint transfer to get rid of it. Go over the spot a couple of times with the clay bar, re-kneading and adding lubricant as needed.
Isopropyl alcohol is good next step if the clay bar fails. Put a little isopropyl alcohol on a rag and use it to rub out the paint transfer. Remember to test it on an inconspicuous area before using it on the transferred paint.
Magic Erasers are more abrasive, but they’ll get the job done! Add water to the sponge and try rubbing off the paint. Be careful, Magic Erasers are like sandpaper and could easily damage your car.
Acetone should be your last resort. Only use a small amount on a rag, and don’t let it anywhere near the paint you want to keep.
If you’re already taking the time to clean your car, take another minute to save on car insurance with
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