07-06-2015, 03:58 PM | #1 |
Colonel
9803
Rep 2,010
Posts |
Bird poop damages clear coat
When I returned home from a dentist appointment this morning, I noticed 3 gobs of bird poop on my hood. So, I softened them for a few moments with some Windex, then gently wiped them off. Took about 3 tries.
The aftermath is that the clear coat in those spots appears to be etched, or discolored slightly. It is mostly noticeable when the light reflection is just right. I tried some gentle, fore-aft (not swirl) polishing and when that produced no results, some gentle polishing compound. No change. So, anyone out there aware of a home-remedy. Or, am I just out of luck. I'm a bit pissed as this the first damage to my paint after 13 happy months of ownership.
__________________
2014 BMW M235i
2024 Mercedes Benz GLC300 Expert ultracrepidarian |
07-06-2015, 04:20 PM | #2 |
Major General
3105
Rep 5,582
Posts |
Reads like the perfection can be buffed out. But first you don't mention the type of medium used to wipe: micro-fiber, 100% cotton etcetera.
You probably just need a more aggressive level of paint correction Polish. Find a qualified Detailer. |
Appreciate
0
|
07-06-2015, 04:27 PM | #3 |
Brigadier General
1542
Rep 3,338
Posts |
Windex will likely strip the wax, so what I would try is this:
-Get a clay bar and clean and go over the area to remove any contaminants from the surface. -Re-wax the area If that does not improve it, then I would say to have a professional detailer take a look at it. It should be correctable.
__________________
Current: '20 X5, '18 M3 ZCP
Previous: '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette |
Appreciate
0
|
07-06-2015, 04:30 PM | #4 |
Captain
432
Rep 887
Posts
Drives: Enzo F23 228i
Join Date: May 2015
Location: MD, USA
|
I detail on the side and I can tell you this can be removed. I don't know what tools you have, but if you want to be safe just stop by a good detailer and they can remove it for you in a couple of minutes, minimal monies!
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-06-2015, 04:40 PM | #5 |
Captain
312
Rep 886
Posts |
For future reference, the best way I've heard to remove BP is to place a sopping wet paper towel over the material for 2 or 3 minutes, then gently sponge the resulting soft mass off with a piece of microfiber.
One of the problems with it is that in addition to it being acidic, birds injest gravel and grit to help them break up seed hulls. The waste is really abrasive as a result, and you need to be careful that you're not grinding the grit into the surface as you lift it off.
__________________
2015 M235xi coupe, Black Sapphire Metallic, Black Leather, Fineline Stream trim, Steptronic, xDrive, ZPP, ZTP, ZCW, ZDA, ZDB, 5DP, hk w/BimmerTech amp, Enhanced BT
Prior 40 years: 67 BelAir wagon / 68 LeMans Tempest / 70 Mustang Mach 1 / 72 El Dorado / 78 Corvette / 81 Subaru GL wagon 4WD / 83 s10 Blazer 4x4 / 85 Bronco 4x4 / 96 Bronco 4x4 / 04 Passat 4mo / 09 BMW 335xi |
Appreciate
0
|
07-06-2015, 05:44 PM | #6 |
Captain Not So Fast
6
Rep 39
Posts |
I would not use Windex in the future. Like it was mentioned, the poop is acidic in nature (the white in the poop is uric acid), when you introduced Windex (I believe basic in nature) you are creating an acid/base reaction.
Next time just soak the poop with water to soften it up. |
Appreciate
0
|
07-06-2015, 06:21 PM | #7 |
Lieutenant Colonel
570
Rep 1,502
Posts |
As mentioned, windex is not good for paint as it will likely strip the paint. The etching most definitely can be taking out but it may require machine polishing.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-06-2015, 06:48 PM | #8 |
Captain
330
Rep 823
Posts |
I just (reluctantly) left a big ole bird pie on my car for 4 days. Removed with a hose and no ill effects.
Like others have said, I think Windex is what ruined it. Windex has NO place in the automotive detailing scene. |
Appreciate
0
|
07-06-2015, 07:46 PM | #10 |
Colonel
9803
Rep 2,010
Posts |
This is a good day, I learned something.
Good news: I bought some Mother's Scratch Remover and followed the directions. Among other things, the directions specifically allowed for dealing with clear coats. Well, it worked. Not a trace of the bird poop or any residual damage that I can see. As to the Windex warnings, many thanks. I use Windex to clean my windows inside and out, but now I think I'll find something better. Windex rarely touched the paint, but never again. Thanks again!
__________________
2014 BMW M235i
2024 Mercedes Benz GLC300 Expert ultracrepidarian |
Appreciate
0
|
07-06-2015, 08:37 PM | #11 | |
Captain
330
Rep 823
Posts |
Quote:
I rarely 'clean' the windows with that though unless they're dirty. 90% of the time I just go over them with my waffle weave towel (http://www.detailedimage.com/DI-Micr...00/36-x-24-S1/) after drying the car and that leaves them streak-less. Best drying towel I've ever had. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-06-2015, 09:06 PM | #12 |
Private
13
Rep 75
Posts |
The best thing to do is to remove the bird poop right away if possible. I bought some moist car wipes at Target and have them on the glovebox ready just in case.
If the bird poop has been sitting there for a while, specially in the hot sun it will leave a mess behind. I use Meguiars quik detailer to soften it then wipe it off, usually with soft toilet paper. If you have a hose at hand, spray the quik detailer and leave it for a few seconds (not too long) then hose it down, water alone won't remove it. After you remove it the clearcoat will be etched depending on the time it's been sitting there. To fix it I wash the affected area then use a clay bar on it. I then use Meguiars Scratch 2.0 followed by Ultimate Compound, apply this with a microfiber cloth and rub it until it's gone, it takes a few tries, then wax the area. Also make sure not to do this in direct sunlight or when it's hot outside, it won't work as well and you'll have to do it again, but still get rid of the poop. This works perfectly and it's the same thing a good detailer would do. |
Appreciate
0
|
07-07-2015, 05:58 AM | #13 |
Brigadier General
1851
Rep 4,203
Posts |
I have multiple etchings in my clear coat from droppings that happen early in the day and I do not really see them until the end of day or the next. By that time there is etching.....happens quick
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-07-2015, 07:35 AM | #14 |
Second Lieutenant
51
Rep 292
Posts |
I always get so annoyed when a bird surprises me with a morning poop! I go back inside before I go to work and handle the situation!
But what I do is usually take a big cup of luke warm water and drizzle it high above the spot and it usually takes care of it. If anything extra is needed I then soak a paper towel with that water and very lightly kind like slap at it (as funny as that might sound) then drizzle more water over it and its taken care of. My method is best for fresh ones or day of ones....
__________________
2014 M235i.Estoril Blue II Coral Red
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude 2021 X3M Competition.Alipine White.Sakhir Orange 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE Summit Reserve (Current) |
Appreciate
0
|
07-07-2015, 08:30 AM | #15 |
Brigadier General
1542
Rep 3,338
Posts |
This is also an important reminder why waxing your car is important. Wax is what is protecting your paint from the elements most of the time, so without out your car is naked to the world.
And yeah, don't use Windex. I keep a bottle of quick detailer in my trunk with a microfiber cloth for quick cleanups. I tried cleaning bird shit off my windscreen, and wound up scratching the windshield so bad that I had to get it replaced. Little SOB's need to stop eating rocks.
__________________
Current: '20 X5, '18 M3 ZCP
Previous: '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette |
Appreciate
0
|
07-07-2015, 01:32 PM | #16 |
Private First Class
9
Rep 115
Posts |
Dont use windex for sure.. I use water-less wash spray to soften and wipe away the bird/bug mess without causing any chemical reactions that further damage the clear coat.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-07-2015, 07:31 PM | #17 |
Colonel
703
Rep 2,337
Posts |
I keep a bottle of detail spray in the trunk with a micro fiber towel for instances like these. A few sprays to soften up the mess and wipe down. All set. I still have some hard water spots on my car that I need to get removed. Polishing them off by hand isn't working so I'll have my detailer do it.
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-07-2015, 07:48 PM | #18 | |
Colonel
9803
Rep 2,010
Posts |
Quote:
Also, I picked up a bottle of Meguiar's Auto Glass Cleaner today. I think I got lucky that no permanent damage was done to the clear coat. Live and learn.
__________________
2014 BMW M235i
2024 Mercedes Benz GLC300 Expert ultracrepidarian |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-16-2015, 11:17 PM | #19 | |
Captain
129
Rep 765
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." MLK Jr.
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|