How to Remove Epoxy from Car Paint | 8 Methods Explained

Learn how to effectively remove both cured and uncured epoxy resin from car paint with these 8 methods. Protect your car’s finish and keep it looking like new.

How to Remove Epoxy from Car Paint

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Epoxy is a strong and durable coating that can be used to protect various surfaces from damage. However, epoxy does not always come off as easy as it goes on.

Removing epoxy from your car’s paint can be a time-consuming and frustrating experience if you don’t have the right tools or know how to do it properly.

In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to safely remove epoxy from your car’s finish without causing any damage. We’ll also recommend some of the best products to use for the job: to remove both uncured or wet epoxy and cured or dried epoxy.

So read on for all the information you need to get started!


How to Remove Uncured/Wet Epoxy from Car Paint

Many people are unaware that uncured or wet epoxy can be easily removed from car paint if acted upon immediately. Epoxy is a strong adhesive, so it’s essential to be quick and use the right products and procedures when removing it.

This section will explain the process for safely removing uncured or wet epoxy from your vehicle.

1. White Vinegar and Paper Towel

One of the simplest ways of removing epoxy from car paint is by using white vinegar and a paper towel or a soft piece of cloth. This method works best for uncured epoxy. 

If the epoxy is uncured, it should come off instantly. However, if the epoxy has been there for a while, it will have to soften first so you can peel it off.

Method

  • Cover the affected surface with a paper towel or a soft piece of cloth that is well soaked with vinegar. 
  • Rub it gently on the affected spot
  • After a few minutes, the epoxy will start to soften. 
  • This will make it easy to you to either peel it off or rub it off with a piece of cloth. 

The good thing about vinegar is that it doesn’t affect your car’s paintwork. Plus, it’s readily available at a low price, and it works well on both cured and uncured epoxy surfaces.

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2. Acetone or Nail Polish Remover

The other method of removing epoxy from car paint is to use acetone. If you don’t have acetone in your house, you can use an acetone-based nail polish remover. 

Method

  • Soak a paper towel with acetone the rub it carefully on the affected area. Let it settle for some time.
  • You can rub it gently to allow the acetone to thoroughly sink into the epoxy for effective results.
  • After the epoxy softens, wash the affected area with a car cleaning soap or shampoo.
  • Repeat the process if necessary.

Note: Unlike vinegar, acetone is highly flammable. So, it’s important that you proceed with caution. Also, make sure that you use it in a well-ventilated area. Acetone removes epoxy instantly and doesn’t damage the car’s paintwork.

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  • Multipurpose Remover: The 100% acetone nail polish remover is perfectly suitable to clean your nails…

We highly recommend Mia Secret Nail Polish Remover 100% Pure Acetone, as it removes even the toughest eproxy resin without leaving any oily residue behind.

Its safe and gentle to use both car paint and glass surfaces.

Go ahead and try out this professional-grade nail polish remover that’s made in the USA and contains 100% pure acetone.

3. Citrus-Based Cleaners

Mechanics and Auto Detailers mostly use this product to remove grease on the car surface. It also works pretty well when it comes to removing epoxy from car paint.

Method

  • All you need to do is pour it on a soft piece of cloth and then rub it gently on the affected part.
  • It will soften the epoxy, so it will be easy to remove.
  • Citrus-based waterless hand cleaners are readily available in local stores or online.
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Powered by orange juice, one of nature’s toughest degreasers, the ECOS® All Purpose Orange Cleaner, contains citrus acid extracted from oranges.

Its designed to quickly penetrate and lifts tough dirt, grime, oil and grease and even epoxy resin from all surfaces, including car paintwork and glass surfaces.

Its also environmentally friendly since it contains no harsh chemicals. Its clean formula is made without ammonia, parabens, phosphates, chlorine, glycol and glycol ether.

4. Methylated Spirit and Paint Thinner

This method is great if you are removing uncured epoxy from car window panes or paint surfaces. The Methylated Spirit will soften the epoxy and make it easy to remove. 

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Method

  • Pour methylated spirit on a soft piece of cloth, then rub it on the affected area.
  • Once all the epoxy has been removed, rinse the affected surface with clean water.
  • Repeat if necessary until the area is spotlessly clean.

This method works best if the epoxy hasn’t been cured yet. However, if the epoxy has cured, it can be hard to remove it, especially on such delicate parts.

In such a situation, you should use a paint thinner first to soften the epoxy and make it easy to remove.

Note: Great caution should be exercised when using Methylated Spirit as it’s highly flammable.

Ensure that you are working in a well-ventilated area and away from any flammable object.


How to Remove Cured/Dried Epoxy from Car Paint

Removing cured or dried epoxy is much more challenging and may require stronger chemical products, auto detailing expertise, and tools such as a heat gun.

Special care and precaution should be taken to ensure the epoxy is removed safely without damaging the vehicle’s paint job or surface underneath.

1. Isopropyl Alcohol

Epoxy can be difficult to remove on delicate car surfaces. In such a situation, you will need a more potent solvent such as Isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol, which instantly eliminates the epoxy. 

Isopropyl alcohol removes both cured and uncured epoxy. 

Method

  • You need to get a paper towel and soak it in Isopropyl alcohol. 
  • After the paper towel is thoroughly soaked, rub it on the surface affected until the epoxy loosens, and it will be easier for you to peel it off.
  • Thoroughly clean the affected area with car washing soap and water.

The Max Professional Isopropyl Alcohol Cleaner is an effective remover of cured epoxy resin stains.

It works on the resin paint without damaging the cars clear-coat. Safe to on most plastics, and paint surface, and leaves no residue

Caution: Do not eat, drink or smoke when using Isopropyl Alcohol Cleaner, you should wear protective gloves with eye protection and face protection to avoid contact with or inhealing the fumes.

2. Heat Gun Method

f the epoxy has already cured, a heat gun can be used to remove it from the car paint. The heat gun is used in this case to soften the cured epoxy so that it becomes easier to clean.

Method

  • The heat gun is directed at the affected area until the epoxy softens. 
  • After that, you can wipe it off with a cloth or use a plastic scraper and scrape it carefully so as not to affect the car paintwork. 
  • Allow the surface to cool off, then wash thoroughly with car soap and water.
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Note: This procedure should be done by a professional, and they should wear protective clothing from head to toe for added safety.

3. Adhesive Remover: Goo Gone or WD-40

The advanced adhesive remover formulation is designed to break down and remove dirt, grease, slime, glue, and epoxy from painted surfaces.

The good news is that both the most common adhesive removers, such as Goo Gone or WD-40 work effortlessly to remove moth cured and uncured epoxy stains.

Method

  • Soak the affected area with an adhesive remover such as Goo Gone or WD-40 and let it soak into the epoxy for 5 minutes.
  • Use a cleaning cloth or microfiber towel to rub in the adhesive remover and scrub off the softened epoxy.
  • Wash off the cleaned surface with clean water and car wash soap.
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Goof Off FG653 Professional Strength Remover, Pourable 16-Ounce,Liquid
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The Goof Off Professional Strength Remover is ideal for all kinds surfaces such as metals, glass, fiberglass, and most automotive surfaces.

It is designed to Cuts through the toughest epoxy resin spots and stains and dissolve it quickly.

It should be used in moderation and rinsed off quickly, to avoid striping off the cars ceramic or wax coating.

Its available in a 16-Ounce (500ml) bottle with nozzle, for easy and convenient usage.

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Every automobile owner needs WD-40. Its has multiple uses, from being a degreaser to cleaning the most stubborn stains.

Cured epoxy stain is no different, it is easily removed with a single use.

Get yourself a pack of WD-40 Multi-Use Spray with Smart Straw today and say goodbye to those epoxy resin stains that is ruining your cars paintwork.

It comes in an 8 oz. (250ml) bottle with smart stray, to ensure ease of application and use.

4. FILA EPOXYOFF Epoxy Remover

FILA EPOXYOFF Epoxy Remover is highly effective at removing epoxy on different surfaces. It softens the epoxy and makes it easy to scrub off.

Although the product is designed to remove epoxy from ceramic, tile, stone and glass surfaces, it should also work for car glass and untreated paint surfaces.

Method:-

  • For effective results FILA EPOXYOFF Epoxy Remover should only be used to remove cured epoxy resin. Shake well before use.
  • Apply FILA EPOXYOFF Epoxy Remover using a flat paintbrush on the affected glass surface, then rub it carefully on the affected spot until the epoxy is fully socked.
  • Let sit for about 30-45 minutes.
  • Scrub with an abrasive pad. Use a blunt spatula to remove any remaining residue.
  • Wash thoroughly with car soap and clean water and allow drying.

The FILA EPOXYOFF Epoxy Remover effectively removes epoxy from most surface types, and even works on old and stubborn cured epoxy resin.

It does not harm surfaces, since its Water-based and Biodegradable. Its also leaves behind a pleasant almond scent to ensure your paint work stays fresh and sparklingly clean.


Final Word

Epoxy is a great way to protect your car paintwork, but it can be a pain to remove. Its stain creates an eyesore on your vehicle, and it’s also hard to take off and often leaves paint damage in its wake. 

If you’ve ever had to remove epoxy from car paint, you know how challenging it can be. If done incorrectly, you can damage the paint or even strip the entire finish of the car.

Whichever method you choose to remove the epoxy should depend mainly on whether the epoxy has completely dried (cured) or a fresh coat that hasn’t dried up (uncured). Cured epoxy is much harder to remove.

We hope that reading this article has helped solve all of your concerns–for now at least. If any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Auto Detailing Team via the Contact Form.

Last update on 2025-01-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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