Glenncal1

Hey all- I got some @#$#%&* line striping paint on my car and didn't notice it right away. It is a bunch of small flecks, but they are on there pretty good. I tried a plastic bondo spreader I had that didn't even budge the damn stuff.

John Struthers

Well .........
We have switched to thermo-plastic paints for highway striping here in this part of Texas.
For clean-up on the nozzles we are using carberator cleaner.
For your paint try washing then use Orange Sol, spray, or, can available in Auto Parts stores.
Diesel fuel works well too, several applications may be in order. Soap wash again after removal.
Oh yeah, bug and tar remover MIGHT work.
If you see that Paint machine followed by a shadow/crash attenuator truck, steer clear!
Never get between the shadow truck and Paint Machine.
The thermo-plastic setting, and old paints as well set within 2-3 seconds, the only difference is durability and enhanced reflective bead retention..
Set is incredibly quick, paint mixtures are set to vendor specs so there is virtually no chance of recompense from highway dept, or contractors. The set speed was designed in so the paint could be laid without shutting down traffic lanes.
The four common reasons for paint adhereing to following vehicles are:
1. Getting between the shadow vehicle and Paint Machine.
2. Tailgating the shadow vehicle which has to travel close enough to the Paint Machine to prevent cars from dodging in between the work convoy vehicles. Stay at least 5 lengths behind the shadow vehicle and if passing don't get any closer to the rear end during the pass.
3.The vehicle ahead of you is following to close to the shadow vehicle and cuts across the fresh paint slinging it , either off their tires, or, into the slipstream onto your car.
4. Ignorant bastages blowing by -passing- the paint machine at 70+ mph and sucking the paint into the slipstream.

Glenncal1

I dont know where I got the damn stuff, I was not near any trucks. PITA though.

jarroyo

Glenn, I manage a road striping company and have to clean a car or two before. First thing you need to do is determine whether or not it's traffic paint or thermoplastic, two totally different things. If it's paint you are going to want to pick up some Zep degreaser concentrate available at home depot. The bondo spreader is too soft to remove the paint, get a plastic spackling knife. spray the degreaser on and let sit for about 10 minutes. start scrapping away with the knife and it should come clean. after you are done you will have to clay bar you paint and reapply wax to any areas where the degreaser touched.

I doubt that you ran through any thermoplastic but if you somehow didn't notice anyone working. First , shame on you. JK Use deisel fuel in a pump sprayer applied in several coats and it should soften up the thermo enough to allow easy removal by hand washing or power washer. Also reapply wax after doing so.

Glenncal1

Any way to tell which it is?

jarroyo

thermoplastic will appear as a more thick and textured substance. They both will have texture due to the glass beads that are applied for reflectivity. if you can take a pic I may be able to identify it.