Bird Damage

[Schark]

I've got a couple of bad spots on my hood from old bird droppings.
From a distance it looks like "mostly" removed guano.
Up close, it's clean but there are small spider cracks through the paint.



Not the best pic... I'm learning.

Here's what I've done:
1. Clay
2. UP with my faithful Makita that I use for boat hulls
3. Cleaner Wax

Car is an old dog daily driver so I'm not looking for perfection.
Just want to get the old girl looking as good as possible.
The paint is damaged so I'm a little afraid of going at it with more UP.

Any ideas or should I leave well enough alone?

Thanks to all in advance.

[greg0303]

Re: Bird Damage

Those spots could be pretty deeply etched. You may need a stronger paint cleaner to level them, like Ultimate Compound.

I had cases when sanding with 3000 grit paper was necessary to fully remove bird bombs.

[Marc08EX]

Re: Bird Damage

If the paint is cracked, I don't think there's anything you can do. This is probably CC failure but I may be wrong on this one.

Like what Greg said, try using Ultimate Compound first and see if you can improve anything.

I think that ultimate polish and ultimate compound is formulated for rotary use though. Do you have a D/A? If not you may want to get M105.

[Schark]

Re: Bird Damage

The paint is fractured and that pic is after 4 passes of Ultimate Compound applied with a commercial grade rotary loaded with a foam compound pad.

I just don't know I dare try to smooth out any more for fear of opening up the paint cracks by taking the top edges off.

[TOGWT]

Re: Bird Damage

Bird excrement is acidic and if it’s not neutralized will permeate and erode the paint matrix. The ‘crow’s feet’ cracks in the paint surface are classic signs.

They usually run fairly deep into the clear coat and abrasion may not be a viable option, use an oil rich product, allow to permeate and then protect with a wax

[Schark]

Re: Bird Damage

Yep, this poo was indeed acidic and from the looks of it, had a long time to marinate / penetrate.
It got through the clear and eroded the paint below.
Since the spider cracks are so close together I'm afraid that I could actually start pulling chips off.

Stupid question: What would an "oil rich product" be?

Thanks for all the replies.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Bird Damage

Stupid question: What would an "oil rich product" be?

M07 Show Car Glaze or Deep Crystal Polish