Recommendations for getting overspray off dash?

175K911 · 02-17-2019, 12:49 PM

When I sprayed my cage I didn’t notice I’d dislodged my paper masking off my dash and got some overspray on the left side of my dash, top and by the vent. Any thoughts on the best way to clean it up? I’m afraid acetone will attack the dash material.

Bill Douglas · 02-17-2019, 12:55 PM

Try spraygun cleaner. It's a lot more mild than even paint thinnners. Good luck.

HarryD · 02-17-2019, 01:09 PM

What kind of paint did you use on the cage? If it is a 2 pack, it will be hard to remove.

Test whatever solvent you want to try on a spot on you dash to be sure it does not remove the dash paint.

Acetone is pretty mild. If not, try VM&P Naptha (mild), paint thinner (middle) or lacquer thinner (more aggressive).

ian c2 · 02:36 PM

Denatured/Rubbing alcohol will remove certain paints from certain smooth surfaces .
Cold-galve and primer off plastic etc.
Worth a try before you go to a more extreme liquid .

It’s less than 10 bucks at Home Depot , and has plenty of other car cleaning uses if it does work ...

Solamar · 02-17-2019, 03:35 PM

I have the same problem, (10 year old) overspray on the dash. I'm going to try detailers clay first, then alcohol etc. Hope the clay gets it.

ian c2 · 02-17-2019, 04:17 PM

Clay needs a lube .
Alcohol is a good lube ....

SonnyAK · SonnyAK's Garage

"Goof Off" has worked well for me. I've also used it in conjunction with a clay bar with great results on a smooth surface.

175K911 · 02-18-2019, 03:18 AM

Thanks everyone, great suggestions.

Harry- single stage paint. My paint shop made me a few rattle cans of single stage Glacier White while he was making up the gallon of 2 stage for the body.

I tried acetone on one small part of the dash next to the key and it was actually wiping out the grain in the material.

Hadn’t considered GoofOff, I’ll try that next since I have some in my paint cabinet.

DLK · DLK's Garage

Maybe try to stick some painters tape on it and rip it off. If the paint did not adhere to the dashboard you might get lucky.

RSTarga · 02-18-2019, 06:10 AM

Acetone will melt plastic.

AG81 · AG81's Garage

Base on my experience of getting over spray off of leather/vinyl. I have never tried going the clay bar route. Sounds like a good idea. I can tell you that Acetone is going to do damage. Goof Off, might possibly work but wreak havoc with the sheen. I wouldn't try Naptha , paint thinner or lacquer thinner.