Paint overspray removal from original steel wheels

[Bob S.]

Two years ago I purchased a complete set of 5 lightly used original steel wheels and hubcaps for my '66. They came from a car whose original owner switched to K-O's early on. Over the years he occasionally lent the steel wheels to friends so their cars would be mobile during restoration.

There's some slight paint overspray on a couple of the wheels (over the original black paint). The paint finish on the four wheels that were on the car is dull compared to the spare.

I'm wondering if there's any hope of removing the overspray without damaging the black paint. My first thoughts are to try buffing, or maybe carefully use some thinner....

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Bob

[Gene M.]

Re: Paint overspray removal from original steel wheels

try a mild polishing compound.

[Gary S.]

Re: Paint overspray removal from original steel wheels

Try a clay bar...It works for me on painted panels of a car.

[Bill C.]

Re: Paint overspray removal from original steel wheels

I have used a clay bar with success. It must be the professional strength used in body shops for this very reason.
Good luck
Bill

[Chuck S.]

Re: Paint overspray removal from original steel wheels

Lacquer thinner is likely to dull the finish further where it is applied; paint thinner or mineral spirits probably won't remove the overspray. I would hold thinners until the last resort.

You already have a couple of good ideas. Use the clay bar first to remove the overspray, then polish manually to bring the shine back up. Polish with care...it may be possible to over polish, and then there's no going back. Use your spare wheel as reference.

[John H.]

Re: Paint overspray removal from original steel wheels

Bob -

The outer face of the wheels was painted with gloss wheel enamel; if the overspray is lacquer, you may be able to remove it with the methods noted above without damaging the underlying enamel.