Help - Remove etch marks from bird droppings

[mightypudge]

When I left work yesterday afternoon and walked to my car, I noticed there was a fresh bird dropping on the hood. I sprung to action, grabbing my Supreme Shine microfiber and Ultimate Quick Detailer from the trunk and removing the offending present. Unfortunately the damage had already been done, for while the solid dropping was gone there was still some outlines where it had been. The dropping could have been sitting there all day baking in the hot sun, who knows. All I know is I was unable to remove the etch marks.

I've tried Claying and Swirl X but nothing is working. Now that I've done those things, the etch marks are very hard to see in most light, and you cannot even feel them. But they are still there.

What would work in this instance? Am I just not trying hard enough with the Swirl X? Or should I try Ultimate Compound or some other product? I've got an arsenal of Meg's stuff here so I'll try 'em all.

FYI It's a black VW Passat.

Bird poop. It was bound to happen, but so soon? Just bought the car three weeks ago.

[mis3]

Re: Help - Remove etch marks from bird droppings

Yes, too soon to etch the surface.
Wax should protect your car against the elements. Did you wax the car since you pick it up 3 weeks ago?

[mightypudge]

Re: Help - Remove etch marks from bird droppings

Indeed, I waxed it just last weekend with NXT after washing, claying, and polishing. Sure enough two days later we had showers pass through the area and the water beaded exactly how I expected, so I'm pretty sure the wax was doing its thing.

Anyway I just gave the area a good swiping with UC and still could not remove the etches. Though I think they did get mildly better. I can't believe this happened already. I did read elsewhere that despite a good coat of wax, bird droppings contain enough uric acid to etch after a short period of time. But I didn't think it would get to the point where it couldn't be removed with a swirl remover or UC.

[andytsang]

Re: Help - Remove etch marks from bird droppings

Yes, bird poop can do serious damage. I have over a dozen etching marks on my car even though I almost check for them every day. I guess birds in my neighborhood love spicy foods.

[mightypudge]

Re: Help - Remove etch marks from bird droppings

I was thinking the same thing. I think my birds dig Indian food.

Well I'm pretty much thinking the only way I'm going to get rid of these is with a DA. I guess I could keep at it by hand but it feels hopeless.

[h_bomm]

Re: Help - Remove etch marks from bird droppings

A DA is probably the way to go. It can do more work with less effort from you, which is always a good thing, right? Try using your Swirl X first and if needed step up to the UC. Good Luck!

[goldenlight]

By hand i would use ult compund.

[kiwiatlarge]

Re: Help - Remove etch marks from bird droppings

Same thing happened to me a year ago mate with my mint condition daily driver. In my furiousness to remove the etching I must have gone right through the clear coat, even though I was only working the Ultimate Compound by hand. There is a noticeable spot on the roof where the blue looks slightly stained and if you use a pad with any product with a level of cut, you get stain on the pad. I barely notice the patch on my roof these days, but it still annoys me that the damage is there. Gotta admit, I wish I could justify the expense and get a roof and bonnet respray, as the bonnet has had a pretty hard time with there being so many roadworks and trucks on my route to work. Especially since our earthquakes last year.

Fortunately other bird poops have come out fine, or at the very least reduced to almost invisible on both our cars, with a bit of gentle Ultimate Compound... guess it goes to show no two poops or birds are alike.