Bumps on paint

[brienkd]

I recently purchaced a black Regal GS and while cleaning it I found these hard raised bumps on the paint. They are all over the car and appear to be tree sap that has been polished over. I am not sure what would be the correct method for removing these bumps. I cleaned the car with dawn and toweled it dry with a microfiber cloth. Then I clayed over a spot that is inflicted to no avail.
My question is what are these and how do I get rid of them without ruining the rest of the finish.

[SVT Lightning]

Re: Bumps on paint

Try some rubbing alcohol to see if it will dissolve them. Also, a bug and tar remover may dissolve them also.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Bumps on paint

Good job capturing them with your camera.


If claying doesn't dislodge them off the surface then the goal is to find a way to loosen their grip in a way that doesn't disfigure the paint.

Besides what was already mentioned you can also try some paint care products like a paint cleaner like Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner or ScratchX, for some real aggressive cleaning action then get a quart of M105 Ultra Cut Compound which can be used by hand.

Other options would include things like mineral spirits, Isopropyl Alcohol, and citrus based cleaners like Goo Gone, or Goof Off.

Always test a product in an inconspicuous area first before applying smack dab in the center of the hood of your car.

Just to double check, you can feel these spots/bumps and they feel like they are some kind of contaminant "on" the surface and nothing about them shows them to be some kind of etching "in" the paint?

[brienkd]

Re: Bumps on paint

Honestly I have not tried anything other than the clay to dislodge these bumps and yes they are definatly raised bumps. As far as etching in the paint I really can't say. I did pick at one with my fingernail and it did come loose but was hard and crusty like dried on tree sap. It did leave a mark but I haven't tried to clay it or scratch x it yet.

[HagFan]

Re: Bumps on paint

I would expect tree sap to be mostly on the top, hood and trunk lid. I suspect mineral deposits --water spots-- would be more uniform on the flats and sides.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Bumps on paint

I did pick at one with my fingernail and it did come loose but was hard and crusty like dried on tree sap.

That's actually a good sign. If the problem were an etching that would mean you would have to remove paint in order to remove the etching, it's better to just have to remove something off the paint and not the paint itself.

Now you just need to find a chemical that will breakdown and dissolve or loosen the contaminant without harming the paint. Luckily most clear coat paints are pretty stout, just test whatever it is you're thinking about using in and inconspicuous area and make sure it doesn't harm the clear coat portion of your paint job.

If if the removal process dulls the paint down a little, you can easily recover from that.

[brienkd]

Re: Bumps on paint

Thanks all for the quick replies. I am sooooooo happy I found this forum. I will be eternally gratefull to Meguires for running this forum and all that contribute.
Here is what one of the spots looks like after some gentle rubbing with laqure thinner. Way too much. I will try something like mineral spirits or Isopropyl Alcohol.

Now my problems are deeper than I have posted thus far.







But I have spent some time on the forum reading and trying to formulate the best plan of attack.
I own a PC7336 that I am going to get several velcro finishing pads for. I also have 2 tubes of Scratch X that I am going to try but from what I have read thus far I feel that I am going to need something more aggressive. I will try M80 and if that doesn't work I guess I will have to go a little more aggressive.
Something that I have read here over and over is start with the least aggressive polish to get the job done.

[HagFan]

Re: Bumps on paint

If #80 with the PC doesn't do it, you might try #83 and follow with #80 (and a wax or sealant once you're successful). I dont' believe a finishing pad will do it with either of those. You'll likely need a polishing pad, e.g. Meguiars 8006 or Lake Country white.