Which product?

[C32 AMG]

After I wiped off those birds' poo poo on my paint, there are something like glue stuff (dried and transparent) leaving there. Anyone knows which product I should use for the remedial?

[Mike Phillips]

Hi C32 AMG,

Welcome to Meguiar’s Online!

After you remove the bird dropping from your car's finish, if you are seeing [i]something[/b] in it's place on your finish, then chances are very good it's where the bird dropping has etched into your car's finish.

In order to remove the etching, you will need to gently remove some paint in that area in order to level, or flatten out the finish.

The best product for that by hand is ScratchX.

After applying the ScratchX, you will want to apply a coat of two of wax as ScratchX is only a paint cleaner, not a protective wax.

Can you take a digital picture of the area?

Mike

[C32 AMG]

I don't have a digital camera handy. The best description of my paint surface is: something like a thin layer of dried glue (transparent) embedded into the paint.

I was thinking using the wax cleaner to remove the glue substance but i don't think it will work.

I will try using the Scratch X to remove the stuff. It looks so ugly on my black color paint after I washed.

[supercharged]

C32AMG after you remove that "layer of dried glue" - give it a coat of wax. If you have bird problem very often - give your paint a coat of Polumer Sealant, that's what I use and it seems to work very well. It will not protect you 100%, but it will slow acids in bird droppings down, and try to remove those droppings ASAP with quik detailer. I myself have trouble with birds and quik detailer seems to help very well. give it a try - see for yourself. But like I said earlier - remove droppings ASAP. Don't let them seat for an extended period of time.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

If the mark looks like a transparent form of a bird dropping, then you have etching. As Mike suggested, you will need something like ScratchX to remove it; a cleaner wax will not be strong enough in the majority of the cases. Afterwards, I would top with #20, MPPP or NXT on a regular basis.

Tim

[C32 AMG]

Okay, I will buy the Scratch X this weekend for a try.

However, what is the best method to apply the Scratch X? Just rub back and forth or what?

Can this Scratch X be able to remove the old water spots embedded in the paint too?

[C32 AMG]

Finally, I bought the Scratch X yesterday and had a try.

I washed the car and let it dried. After that, I applied the Scratch X on the "Etched" area. Some of them removed / disappeared immediately, but there were some still not coming out.

I used the orbital polisher to apply the Scratch X to the whole car and buffed off the Scratch X with the terry cloth.

I applied the Color X and the NXT wax afterward.

Any ideas why some of the etched area are not removed? What other products should I try?

[supercharged]

scratch X is not a product to be applied by machine.....only by hand....by machine you car use Medallion Premium Paint Cleaner.
But still remember, if bird propping etched through your clear coat into paint - then you need professional advice, I will even say even take it to shop for proper body filling - repainting..........that's IF THE PRODUCT DOESN'T WORK........Although Mike can give you a better answer.

[C32 AMG]

Are you serious that the Scratch X cannot be applied by machine?

I used the machine because I was too tired and lazy / I wanted the product to be evenly spread. There were so many etched spots on my paint. It was so tired to "rub" one by one by hands.

[supercharged]

read the instructions on a back of it. If it say

[supercharged]

Wait a minute, this is what it says on a website:

ScratchX is the most effective way to remove fine scratches and swirls from automotive paint by hand. This product is guaranteed to deliver the finest results possible by hand (some scratches require removal by machine applied professional formulas). ScratchX removes surface contaminants, oxidation and blemishes as well as enhances paint color. Unlike many paint correction formulas on the market, ScratchX will not leave more scratches than it takes out. It's ideal for use as a quick touch up or to revive a car's entire finish.

And this is also what it says on a back of tube:

if Scratch X cannot remove a scratch or blemish, only machine applied professional formulas can do the job. Please call our technical help center toll free for further assistance on how to restore your finish - (800) 347-5700.

Or post a reply, asking Mike how to fix the problem.

I think that Mike will be able to help you out.

[C32 AMG]

To prove the Scratch X using by hand, I will try this weekend.

But one question, should I apply the paste by circular motion or back and forth? Should I wipe it lightly or using a little bit pressure?

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Meguiar's ScratchX is designed to be applied by hand only. Though some have tried using ScratchX by PC, it tends to gum up the pads and dries too quickly. Hence its formulation for use by hand.

I always like to apply any cleaner, if done by hand, in a side to side fashion.

If the ScratchX did not remove the etching, then it is quite deep and will require a machine with more aggressive products. A PC with a W-8006 Polishing Pad and #83 DACP or MPPC may remove the rest of the etching. However, some etching can be so deep that it may take someone skilled/experienced in using a rotary buffer (and possibly feather sanding) to remove it. And, sometimes the etching is even too deep for the rotary.

My best advice is try the ScratchX again on the etching. I would also suggest trying Medallion Premium Paint Cleaner (MPPC). Otherwise, as I said, a machine will be needed.

Tim

[C32 AMG]

Agreed. When I polished the Scratch X with the polisher, I felt the paste was drying so quickly. I would definetly try using the Scratch X by hand to remove the biggest spots. All I need is patient.

[supercharged]

And most important - that needs to be done As Soon As Possible, because of you don't - you only give droppings more chances of etching your paint. It is VERY IMPORTANT to do it ASAP. I mean for complete bird droppings removal.