How to get paint off car? Update: question about chipped paint

[Leros]

I was parallel parked on a side street. There was a yellow painted pole about three feet high near the engine compartment of my car. The car in front of me and the car behind me were parked really. While backing out, I accidentally scraped the front of my car against the pole.

I now have a 1 foot yellow gouge on the front of my car. I'm not so much concerned about the gouge (the car is 11 years old and scratched up enough), but I want to get the yellow paint off.

Any suggestions?

Update

I went out to take a closer look. I was able to rub the majority of the paint off with a wet wash cloth, but I'll be able to do a better job once I have some supplies. There are a few fresh gouges, but I don't really mind those. The car had a handful of gouges when I first got it.

There are a few places where the paint cracked and lifted up from the surface (about 1/8-1/4") due to a bigger dent (see photo). I imagine this will eventually crack off and leave an empty spot. That's fine, I'll deal with it.

What can I do minimize the amount of paint that will chip off?

(Keep in mind that this car is 11 years old, worth only $2-3k, I plan to buy a new car in 1-1.5 years, and I'm currently semi-poor grad student).

 

[TheVrolok]

... that'll buff right out?

 

[olds]

Polishing compound.

I like this:
http://www.tcpglobal.com/AutoBodyDepot/ItemDetail.aspx?ItemNo=MMM+5928

 

[SandEagle]

are you an asian female by chance?

 

[lxskllr]

Polishing compound.

I like this:
http://www.tcpglobal.com/AutoBodyDepot/ItemDetail.aspx?ItemNo=MMM+5928

Try baking soda, or toothpaste before spending good money.

 

[Leros]

are you an asian female by chance?

No, but I did work a frustrating 12 hour day and might not have been at my best while backing out.

 

[coldmeat]

paint thinner

 

[thescreensavers]

Go to Advanced, and buy Meguairs Ultimate Compound and an applicator pad. The paint transfer will come right off, 10 bucks

 

[Bartman39]

are you an asian female by chance?

LOL...!:biggrin:

Depending on how "imprinted" the paint is you might have to use like 600grit wet/dry sandpaper then finish with some polishing compound to take the haze out...? But you might just try reg med grit rubbing compound first...?

 

[SparkyJJO]

Sandblaster will take off any paint.

 

[Black2na]

try polishing compound first its least agressive. if that doesnt work go to lacquer thinner you can get it at home depot and should take it right off. ive done it many times at my shop it works nicely

 

[sleep]

aircraft paint remover

 

[Black2na]

just got to local autoparts store and pick up a touch up paint bottle the general color of your car this should keep it from rusting quickly and to some extent keep the paint on there from chipping back to bad

 

[Mike Gayner]

A foot long? Jesus dude, get some driving lessons.

 

[Vette73]

Go to Advanced, and buy Meguairs Ultimate Compound and an applicator pad. The paint transfer will come right off, 10 bucks

THIS!!!


I bought some of this and it works great. Just make sure to go over any area you use it with some wax. Does not have to be fancy if tis older or don;t care.