How To Remove Spray Paint From Plastic (Without Damaging It)

Removing spray painting from a plastic surface doesn’t need to be difficult, but carelessness and using too much force or the wrong product will cause damage. The main goal here is to be careful, approach with caution, and take it easy.  

Harsh chemicals in paint thinners will eat away at the plastic product. It will weaken, warp, and deform it, leaving you with an unusable chair or table. Avoid paint thinners like lacquer thinner with the following ingredients:  

Using these flammable chemicals will simply melt plastic, leaving them useless. This would especially be problematic in cases of an accidental spill on a plastic surface.  

When it comes to the paint removal process, what type of scrubbing method should you use?  

Plastic scratches very easily; any abrasive techniques are going to cause scratches. You’re going to want to avoid any wire brushes (using brillo pads or sanding the spray paint are an absolute no), and use as little pressure as you can.  

This might be starting to sound tough, but it’s easy! You just need to use the right tools for the job. Because of the delicate nature of the plastic surface, it’s important that we use a softer and more gentle thinner. And you can find these products in a pretty handy place - your own home.  

As we mentioned, many of the paint removers and paint removal products that are safe for removing paint or spray painting on plastic are available to us in our homes.  

You’ll find some of the best paint remover like mineral spirits, nail polish in your bathroom cupboard or makeup bag. Below is a list of what can be used to thin the spray paints: 

The most effective thinner here is really dependent on how dried paint and/or thick the wet paint is.

Latex paints are notoriously easier to break down because of their water bases—acrylic you might find more complicated than latex paint as it is an oil based paint. Vegetable oils may not work in your favor here.  

Before you start using any substitute thinners on the paint surface, you will need to scrape any excess or peeling paint from the surface. Plastic will be damaged by a standard paint scraper, and you’ll want to use a paint scraper that is less abrasive. 

Use a plastic putty knife or a razor blade as a scraper. A food knife from your kitchen drawer may also be effective instead of putty knife.  

The methods for removing spray paint or paint stain from plastic objects will be the same across the board. So whether you want to know how to remove paint stain from plastic models or how to remove spray paint from plastic car parts, this guide is for you.  

We’ve got the tools ready for the job, but how exactly are we going to use them? Each thinner has its own technique to make sure the plastic remains undamaged. Below is a guide for each method and the best way to keep your plastic items damage-free. How to remove paint from hard plastic? Read on.  

Make sure it contains acetone, the main ingredient that liquefies paint. Wear protective gloves like wear rubber gloves before removing paint. This method is better for mishaps, for example, if some spray paint goes astray.  

This method won’t work well with acrylic paints, and you’ll find it better with latex. It would also work better for a smaller surface, like if your TV stand or faucet were made of plastic.  

Be sure to wear non-porous gloves while using this technique so your hands don't get covered in oil.  

Vegetable oils should work better for bigger surfaces but will require extra muscle power to thoroughly remove the paint.  

This may seem redundant, but you’d be surprised how easily dish soap cleans off spray paint! The soap is designed, by its very nature, to work through tough grease stains and paint will break down the same.  

You'll find this method more effective on bigger surfaces, and it will require you to scrub. Make sure you wipe away any old soap before reapplying.  

This one works best for a smaller area that’s been affected by loose spray paint. Make sure you use at least 91-99% rubbing alcohol. It also should be isopropyl, which won’t affect the surface.  

The steps for this method are similar to the nail polish remover but with a few adjustments. Don't use cotton buds or swabs for this, as the alcohol will seep onto your hands and is hard to remove.  

Whether you're clearing away a mishap or you're looking to spruce up some plastic furniture, you can go into your DIY, knowing it'll be easier than ever to clear old paint away!

Plastic is a delicate surface, and you need to treat it with care. Using the methods above, you'll find your plastic surfaces rejuvenated and ready to go. Good luck!