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      07-06-2015, 03:58 PM   #1
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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.
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      07-06-2015, 04:20 PM   #2
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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.
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      07-06-2015, 04:27 PM   #3
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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.
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      07-06-2015, 04:30 PM   #4
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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!
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      07-06-2015, 04:40 PM   #5
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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.
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      07-06-2015, 05:44 PM   #6
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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.
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      07-06-2015, 06:21 PM   #7
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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.
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      07-06-2015, 06:48 PM   #8
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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.
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      07-06-2015, 07:21 PM   #9
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Don't use windex next time, made that mistake a very long time ago and never again.
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      07-06-2015, 07:46 PM   #10
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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!
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      07-06-2015, 08:37 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3.0L View Post

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.
Invisible Glass. Can be had at almost any auto parts store.

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.
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      07-06-2015, 09:06 PM   #12
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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.
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      07-07-2015, 05:58 AM   #13
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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
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      07-07-2015, 07:35 AM   #14
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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....
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      07-07-2015, 08:30 AM   #15
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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.
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      07-07-2015, 01:32 PM   #16
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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.
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      07-07-2015, 07:31 PM   #17
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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.
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      07-07-2015, 07:48 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyberdemon View Post
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.
I just finished applying a coat of Meguiar's Carnauba Paste Wax, followed by hand buffing with brand new microfiber cloth. Smooth as glass!

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.
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      07-16-2015, 11:17 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hyperzulu View Post
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.
For hard water, maybe invest in a DA polisher? I enjoyed learning how to use a new tool on the car and feel more comfortable when keeping her clean. Added bonus - I can identify a shitty detailer very quickly and learn to stay away. For hard water stains, most any light polish on a DA polisher will remove it on the first few passes. A start up kit should cost less than one visit to the detailer.
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