What is Paint Overspray?
If you see small colored specs on your paint or feel a rough texture when running your hand over the surface, it is likely due to paint overspray. These are tiny airborne paint particles that have landed on your vehicle’s surface.
This often happens when a vehicle is parked near a construction site, road work, or exterior painting project, where the wind carries a fine mist of paint onto nearby surfaces. Overspray can settle on every part of your vehicle like your glass, paint, trim, and wheels, making it a frustrating problem to deal with.
That being said, sometimes the rough texture isn’t paint overspray but simply due to what we call “above-surface contaminants” such as tree sap, industrial fallout, or road tar that has stuck onto the paint.
Why You Should Avoid DIY Removal
Many vehicle owners try to remove paint overspray by themselves using overly-aggressive scrubbing methods with plastic razors, scrub pads, or brushes. Unfortunately, this can do more harm than good, leading to extensive paint damage, including deep swirl marks and scratches.
We see this mistake all too often, and it adds an extra layer of correction work that could have been avoided. Now, instead of just removing the overspray, we also have to repair the scratches and swirls caused by improper techniques.
The level of difficulty in removing overspray depends on the type of paint and the surface it has adhered to. Some materials, such as glass or metal, are easier to clean, while others, like trim or textured plastic, require a more specialized approach. Even when using the safest methods, minor marring can occur, which is why a light polish is often necessary after removal.
Our Professional Paint Overspray Removal Process
Our step-by-step approach ensures safe and effective removal of paint overspray without causing damage to your vehicle’s finish:
Thorough Wash: We start by washing the vehicle, including the wheels, tires, and fenders, to remove any loose dirt and grime.
Overspray Removal: Using specialized tools and products such as a clay bar and adhesive remover, we carefully remove the overspray from affected areas.
Surface Wipe-Down: After the removal process, we clean all treated areas to remove any chemical residue.
Light Polishing: Since minor marring can occur during removal, we perform a light polish to restore gloss and smoothness. This isn’t required but it is highly recommended to clean up the paint a bit.
Dress Tires: The service is completed with a water-based, no-sling tire dressing for a clean, finished look on the tires.
After this, your vehicle’s paint will feel smooth to-the-touch.
What Our Customers Are Saying
Our goal is to deliver both exceptional results and a 5 out of 5 customer satisfaction. You can read the dozens of 5-star reviews we get from our happy customers on Google.
“ Fantastic service! Greg and team were on time and effective at the detailing job. The car had not been cleaned in a long time, and it was restored to almost new. I recommend Fineshine to anyone who wants a fair fee for an incredible service. Thanks, Greg!” - Lex Remillard
“Greg is amazing at what he does! My truck looks like a brand-new vehicle right off the lot. He even did extra with a clay mitten and got all the fine grit out of the paint. I highly recommend Fine Shine Auto Spa! You will not be disappointed. Thanks, Greg, for your professional work!” - Tony Viel
Top-Rated Interior and Exterior Detailing Services in Somersworth, NH
We offer a wide range of services to keep your vehicle in top shape! Aside from the overspray removal, we also offer:
Paint Correction: Your vehicle’s paint can lose its clarity due to swirls, scratches, and water spots. Our paint correction service carefully removes these imperfections through machine polishing, restoring a crisp, high-gloss finish that enhances your car’s overall appearance.
Ceramic Coating: For long-term protection, our ceramic coating forms a tough, high-gloss layer over your vehicle’s paint, shielding it from dirt, road grime, and moisture. This hydrophobic barrier makes washing easier and keeps your car looking pristine for years. Pair it with paint correction for the ultimate sleek and durable finish.
Headlight Restoration: Cloudy headlights make your vehicle look older and reduce nighttime visibility. Our headlight restoration removes oxidation and fogginess, restoring clarity for a safer and more polished appearance.
Interior Detailing: If your interior has stains, dust, and grime, our deep cleaning service will refresh the carpets, seats, plastic, and leather surfaces. Whether you need a full interior restoration or routine upkeep, we leave your cabin spotless and fresh.
Odor Removal: Persistent odors from smoke, pets, or spills? We use advanced cleaning techniques and an ozone treatment to eliminate unwanted smells at the source, ensuring a fresh and clean cabin inside your vehicle.
Engine Cleaning: Our engine cleaning service removes built-up grease and grime, making it easier to detect potential leaks and service essential components easier (with less mess).
Exterior Detailing: Our exterior detailing service includes a full wash, wheel cleaning, and the application of a high-quality sealant for enhanced shine and protection. It is ideal for seasonal maintenance or post-winter care.
Boat Detailing: Just like cars, boats need regular maintenance to look their best. We offer boat detailing services like paint correction, ceramic coatings, window tint, and so much more.
Undercoating and Rustproofing: Somersworth winters can cause significant wear on vehicles. Our undercoating and rustproofing treatment provides an added layer of protection against moisture, road salt, and corrosion, preserving your vehicle’s undercarriage.
RV and Motorcycle Detailing: Whether you are preparing your RV for a road trip or want to restore the shine on your motorcycle, we offer tailored detailing services to keep all your recreational vehicles looking their best.
Fleet Washing: For businesses with multiple vehicles, we offer fleet washing services to maintain a professional appearance. Regular cleaning keeps trucks, vans, and company cars looking well-maintained and presentable. If you have an event where you need group washes, we can also help you with that.
We serve customers throughout Somersworth, including Wells Maine, Berwick Maine, Kennebunkport Maine, Kittery Maine, North Berwick Maine, Newmarket, Durham, Farmington, Sanford ME, Lebanon ME, Biddeford ME, Eliot ME, Barrington, Dover, Lee, Madbury, Milton, Rochester, Strafford County, Rockingham County, Alton, York Maine, South Berwick Maine, Berwick Maine, Hampton, Rye, Manchester, Auburn, Raymond, Hooksett, Newmarket, Wolfboro, Meredith
Frequently Asked Questions
I tried a clay bar but the overspray is still there. What can I do now?
While a clay bar is effective for removing general surface contamination, overspray removal requires a different technique. Clay bars can lift some paint particles, but for thicker or more stubborn layers of overspray, additional products and methods are needed.
Can you remove overspray from glass, wheels and trim?
In most cases, yes! We can remove overspray from multiple surfaces, including glass, wheels, and plastic trim. However, the success rate depends on the type of paint that has bonded to these areas or the condition of the surface itself. We always strive for complete removal but some areas may require more time and effort to clean thoroughly (and still not get complete removal). The highest success is on glass, paint and wheels. Trim can sometimes be a little tricky because you don’t want to remove the overspray at the cost of fading the trim.
Will a compound or polish remove the overspray?
A compound may remove a small portion of the overspray, but it is not an effective method for complete removal. While you might see slight improvements, most overspray will remain, and using a compound incorrectly can lead to heavy swirls or scratches.
Restore Your Vehicle’s Smooth Finish with Our Paint Overspray Removal Service
Paint overspray can be a frustrating issue, but with the right techniques, it can be removed safely. At Fine Shine Auto Spa, we specialize in professional detailing services that restore your car’s appearance without causing unnecessary damage.
If you notice rough textures or small paint specs on your vehicle, don’t wait— give us a call or submit an online for today for a quote on paint overspray removal.
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