How to Get Shoe Polish Off of the Paint on a Car

Most would-be car decorators know to only place shoe polish on car windows, as it is infamous for ruining a good paint job, but occasionally someone will inadvertently embellish your car with shoe polish. Removing it will take some time and at least one trip to the auto parts store.

• 1

  Wash your car thoroughly with a mixture of the car soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and dry your car with the chamois cloth.

• 2

  Mix a solution of 50/50 isopropyl alcohol and distilled water and apply it to the shoe polish stains with the soft cotton cloth. If this does not remove the stain, move on to the next step.

• 3

  Cut the bar of detailing clay in half. Place one half safely out of the way to avoid dropping it on the ground.

• 4

  Mix a solution of several drops of car soap and distilled water in an empty spray bottle.

• 5

  Liberally spray the stains with the car soap mixture.

• 6

  Mold the detailing clay into a circular shape and rub it slowly over the stain. As the clay becomes soiled, use the other side. Once both sides are soiled, you may rework the clay into a new shape with clean sides. If it is difficult to move the clay over the stain, increase the amount of moisture by spraying more of the car soap mixture.

• 7

  Use the 50/50 alcohol mix and soft cloth to remove any additional residue from the paint.