A Professional Detailer's Guide to Removing Paint Transfer on Cars

Scraping your car against another vehicle or object can leave behind an eyesore known as paint transfer. This occurs when the impact transfers paint from the other car or object onto yours, leaving a blotchy smear of foreign paint on your vehicle's exterior. While paint transfer mishaps are common, amateur removal attempts can make the problem much worse by scratching or stripping your clearcoat.

As professional detailers, we recommend a careful, step-by-step approach focused on using the least abrasive method necessary. Patience and proper techniques are key to avoiding damage as you work to erase the paint transfer.

Start With a Clean, Prepped Surface

Before tackling paint transfer, it’s essential to thoroughly wash the vehicle. Use the two-bucket method and quality car wash soap like Gyeon Bathe to gently clean the affected area and surrounding paint. This prevents grinding in any grit or debris during the removal process, which can mar the finish.

During your initial wash, try lightly rubbing the paint transfer with your wash mitt. The microfibers may be able to lift some of the foreign paint if the transfer is relatively fresh and on the surface. But be extremely cautious applying pressure and inspect often.

Employ a Clay Towel as the First Line of Attack

If washing alone doesn’t take care of the paint transfer, reach for a clay towel next. These are made of ultra-fine fibers that work like clay to grab contaminants and pull them away from the clearcoat. Simply spray the area with a lubricating car soap diluted 1:1 with water. Then gently rub straight over the paint transfer using light pressure with the clay towel.

Move the towel frequently to expose a clean clay surface. Check your progress often. While less abrasive than clay bars, clay towels can still potentially instill minor marring requiring polishing afterward. This is why it is important to make sure the surface of the paint is as clean as possible, contamination left on the surface can lead to further marring.

Be patient and methodical. Try clay toweling for at least 5-10 minutes before determining if a more aggressive approach is needed. Finish by thoroughly rinsing away all debris and lubricant.

When Needed, Use a Clay Bar With Caution

If a clay towel proves unsuccessful, a traditional clay bar is the next step up. Comprised of a polymer clay compound, clay bars are more aggressive at bonding to and removing stuck-on contaminants. Again, start with a clean and prepped surface.

Prep the paint in the same fashion, generously lubricating the area. Then carefully glide the clay bar over the paint transfer using straight, even motions. Apply consistent pressure as you work, and avoid dropping the bar.

While effective, clay bars increase the risk of instilling light marring or swirling in the clearcoat around the paint transfer. Take precautions and follow up with polishing. Try to only go over necessary areas where there is still contamination to avoid marring a larger area.

Restore Gloss by Polishing the Area

After claying, it’s critical to polish the treated paint, even if marring isn’t visible. This removes any potential clouding while restoring clarity and shine to the clearcoat. Polishing helps to eliminate any remaining scratches or imperfections caused by the paint transfer removal process.^{(Reasons To Polish Your Car, 2015)}

For machine polishing, use a dual-action polisher on medium speed along with a polishing pad and compound. Work in small sections, overlapping passes for an even finish. Those polishing by hand should choose a polish formulated for application by hand. Use a foam applicator or microfiber cloth with straight motions.

Take time to carefully polish and inspect until achieving your desired level of gloss and smoothness. Remove all residue and re-wash the area when complete.

Chemical Solutions As a Last Resort

For the most stubborn paint transfer, liquid solutions like mineral spirits, paint thinner, or tar remover become an option. But extreme care must be taken as these chemicals can strip or etch your clearcoat if mishandled.

Always test a small, inconspicuous area first. If effective without damage, soak a microfiber with the chemical and very gently wipe the paint transfer, checking constantly. Limit application time and wash immediately when done. Re-polish if needed to remove any hazing. It is important to note that chemical solutions should only be used as a last resort due to their potential to damage the clearcoat.

Trust the Professionals for Best Results

While this covers the basic process, experience makes a difference in the safe, effective removal of paint transfer. If you are ever unsure or dealing with a delicate surface, trust the paint correction experts at Westchester Auto Detail. Bring your car to a professional detail shop to achieve flawless results without risking your investment.