Auto Technical Reference Library
Auto Refinishing: General Refinish Procedures
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Overspray is excess paint resulting from refinish operations. It may stick to any exposed part of the vehicle and take considerable effort to clean off. Masking paper, masking tape, plastic, liquid mask and wheel covers are used to cover and protect body parts from paint overspray.
Other examples of overspray are:
Using a clay system may be the first step in removing overspray. This clay system is a topcoat safe treatment to remove overspray, light acid rain, industrial fallout, water spotting, and brake and rail dust. This system uses a water-based lubricant contained in a spray bottle and a bar of clay. It is stored in an air tight container. The lubricant is sprayed on the damaged area. Using light pressure, the clay is hand rubbed over the area until all contaminants have been removed. The surface is then wiped with a clean, dry cloth. This system leaves no scratches or swirl marks.
Another option for removing overspray is buffing the panel with compound by hand or machine. Using a high speed buffer is more aggressive and may require a hand polish after buffing, to remove swirl marks.
