Is engine oil bad for paint? Engine oil can leave deadly stains on a surface. It is sometimes very hard to remove the paint off a surface. What happens when you need to get the oil off the paint? Quite a puzzle, huh!

Let’s begin.

Most engine oils can ruin a surface and leave a stain. However, the stain can be cleaned using the right method. You need to know all about these techniques because your car’s glossy paint might someday get a splash of engine oil all over it. This is not a far-fetched possibility. Engine oil is never too far from your vehicle. It can leave ugly stubborn patches on the body.

Moreover, your garage walls, your furniture, your belongings – they are all under its radar. So, in all, we may not always be able to stop a leakage or a splash, but we can still reverse its adversaries.

You need to have the right tools and methods. The market is full of expensive high-end products. Not everything pricey is good; you need something reliable on a small budget. Depending on where the oil has stained, there may be a variety of solutions to choose from, and you’ll need to start with understanding the surface.

Do you want to clean the oil marks from the car paint or the wall paint? They can both be removed, however, the method varies. Let us begin with understanding how engine oil affects the paint it’s closest to.

Engine Oil and Car Paint

Engine Oil Stains

The lubricants like petrol, engine/motor oil, and diesel can ruin fresh paintwork. If you accidentally spill oil on the car interior or the exterior, it can cause serious damage to the car paint. The oil leaves permanent marks, if not removed properly.

What Does Engine Oil Do to The Car Paintwork

The engine oils available in the market nowadays are high-quality. Because of the premium-quality, there is less danger to the exterior of the car. Even if there is a splash, it won’t be so tarnishing. The stains can be removed easily if you know the proper method of cleaning them off the car.

The old motor/engine oils contained a huge amount of harsh chemicals and additives. They would not just hurt the paint but also the tenacity of your vehicle. The modern advancements in technology have made engine oils paint-friendlier and better for the environment as well!

However, you must be very careful using an old form of oil. Moreover, if you have gone for metallic paint, there can be more damage upon a slight touch of engine oil.

How to Get Engine Oil Off Car Paint

Lubricants like motor oil do not harm the paint on the car per se. However, the additives present in them would! If you spilled mineral oil on the car’s body, it would only create a slimy milky residue. However, the additives can go so far as to scar the car permanently and compromise the body’s compactness too. Scary, isn’t it!

Engine oil has different grades. Most of the grades will not damage the car paint at all. You need to keep in mind a few important things while cleaning the oil-created mess:

• Never wipe the oil off the car paint. Instead, take paper towels and blot the oil as much as possible.
• Use a small quantity of degreasing liquid at a time. Pour ½ cup on a clean towel and clean the oil from the car paint.
• Let the degrease product sit on the car paint for at least 10-20 minutes.
• Wipe the liquid with clean paper towels.
• Repeat the step until all the stains are removed.
• You need to apply a generous amount of car wax on the surface for shine.

Engine oil stains are tricky to remove. If the stain is not cleaned properly, the paint beneath the oil may be damaged. You will probably require a touch-up paint job.

How to Keep Your Car Paint in Good Condition

Furthermore, here are some important things to keep in mind if you want to maintain a good-looking smooth-painted car.

• UV rays can destroy fresh paint. It is advised to always park the car in a covered area. The paint will remain fresh and additives will not react with the photons found in sunlight.
• Do not over-wash the car and use a mild detergent, whenever you do. Always wipe the extra liquid off the car and do not leave it for air dry. Water minerals can damage the paint.
• A microfiber towel is best for the surface. Alternatively, you can dry the surface using a paper towel.
• Keep acidic liquids away from the car as much as possible. The car is made of metals, which can react with the acid.
• Always do complete research before applying anything to the car exterior.
• Wax protects the car paint from rusty elements. It is preferred to wax the car every three months. Wax has a thick consistency and protects the paint from scratches.

Engine oil and Wall Paint

Engine Oil Stains on Walls

Engine Oil stains on wall paint are even worse. Wall paints come with a matte and glossy finish. Paints with a glossy finish are easier to clean. They contain more oil in their base, which helps dissolve the engine oil. However, cleaning the stains off a matte-finished wall can be exhausting. The motor oil is mixed with additives, which seep into the wall.

Can Engine Oil Damage the Wall Paint

The motor oil bonds stronger with a porous surface. In other words, the more porous a surface is, the harder it is to clean. If we somehow do manage to clean the surface, the wall may be discolored. Moreover, you may have to touch up the patch with a coat of fresh paint.

If you let the oil stay on the painted wall for a really long time, the additives and their stains will be harder to remove. The engine oil creates a gloopy mess when it reacts with paint. The surface starts to look wet. Using cold water to wipe it off can be a huge mistake. It will just spread the oil across the wet patches, and your skin may feel defatted (a process wherein your body oil gets sucked out by external oils).

How to Remove Engine Oil From Wall Paint

Motor Oil stains are hard to clean but not impossible. Here are some useful tips:

• Mix two parts hot water with one part white vinegar. You can apply it directly or use a spray bottle instead. Allow the mixture to sit on the surface for 15 minutes.
• Work in small quantities. The vinegar will only faint the stain. Repeat until the stain is almost removed.
• Take one part ammonia and mix it in two parts water. Do not rub the surface harshly. Gently clean the surface with a microfiber towel.
• Use a pair of gloves to protect your hands. It is better to wear a mask and protective goggles.
• The procedure will dull the stain. You would need to touch up the surface with a fresh coat of paint.
• If the paint has a glossy finish, you can simply clean the engine oil stain with baking soda.
• We saved a strong cleaner for the end stroke: TSP (Trisodium Phosphate). However, it can irritate and burn the surface.
• Wear long sleeves. Protect your eyes and skin. TSP discolors the area. Pour 1/4^th parts TSP into a gallon of warm water.
• Use a sponge to apply the solution and avoid dripping. Do not allow the solution to sit on the surface for more than two minutes. Rinse the area and re-paint.

Final Words – Is Engine Oil Bad for Paint?

In conclusion, the engine oil contains additives that can be bad for paint. You need to clean the oil from the surface as soon as possible. If you let it sit for too long, the oil will bond with the paint. Moreover, it will sink into the surface.

Additives in the engine oil seep into the vehicle. They damage the moving parts and affect the performance of the car. Therefore, apply a thick coat of primer on the wall for additional protection.

The engine oil has a more adverse reaction on wall paint as compared to a car’s paint. However, it is better to do complete research before cleaning the paint off.

Happy Cleaning!