So some dumb high school kids were playing with paint in the middle of the road this past fall. Since then, even though it's dry people get it sort of sprayed up the side of their cars. I'd like to try to get it off there myself, if possible. I'm able to get it off by scraping a bit with my fingernail, but that's not really a feasible solution for all the paint that's on there.

Any ideas? Products? Cleaners?

You need to know the chemical composition of the paint. It sounds to me as if it might be a tar- or oil-based paint. Depending on the age of your car, you may be able to use either cellulose thinners or an acryl-based solvent. However, I would recommend you take the car (complete with paint splats) down to a spray shop and ask for advice.

You can easily passivate the paint on the road with solvents too - how does it react to turpentine? If it dissolves, then - problem solved. If it "curdles", then you have to change solvent. Alternatively, your city council might be able to help - it should be part of the responsibilities of the Road Services and Maintenance department.

However, the best solution is to kill the kids with a large axe to the head. Most State courts accept paint splatters to car paintwork insanity as a legitimate defence these days, but check with your attorney first to be sure before launching your decapitation foray.

Try paint thinner and a push broom.

This is house paint that has transferred to your car?

Use polishing compound, lightly. Buff and wax. Use the least aggressive.

You should clarify if you are trying to get the paint off the car or the street.

I agree.

I say you should call your city hall and ask for the public works department. They have the responsibility of cleaning this up. Be sure to throw in that is damaging private property to try and hasten the removal. Attempting to clean it yourself possibly opens you up to liability should the solvent itself damage the paint on any cars.

Sorry, I thought I'd made it clear. I'm trying to get it off the car. It would be nice to get it off the street, but at the moment I'm more concerned about the car.