How to Fix Bird Droppings on Car Paint: A Detailed Guide
Bird droppings are more than just a nuisance; they are corrosive substances that can cause significant damage to your car’s paintwork if not addressed promptly. Understanding how to properly remove bird droppings and repair any resulting damage is crucial for maintaining your vehicle’s appearance and value. This guide outlines the types of damage bird droppings can inflict and provides step-by-step instructions on how to fix them.
Understanding Bird Dropping Etchings
Bird droppings are acidic and can quickly eat into your car’s clear coat, leading to etching. There are primarily two types of bird dropping etchings that can occur on your car paint: Type I Topical Stain Etching and Type II Fractured/Wrinkled Etching. Recognizing the type of etching is the first step in determining the appropriate repair method.
Type I: Topical Stain Etching
Type I etchings are generally less severe and affect only the surface of the clear coat. These are often described as topical stains because they are shallow and haven’t deeply penetrated the paint layers. The good news is that Type I etchings can usually be removed or significantly improved with the right techniques and products.
To fix Type I topical stain etchings, you will typically need a clear coat safe compound or polish. Due to the shallow nature of the damage, hand application is often effective and allows for focused pressure on the affected area. By concentrating your effort, you can minimize the work area and precisely target the etching. Machine polishing with a spot repair system is also an option for a more efficient process, especially for larger affected areas, but hand application provides more control for minor cases.
Type II: Fractured/Wrinkled Etching
Type II etchings represent a more serious form of damage. These are known as fractured or wrinkled etchings because they go beyond the surface, causing the paint to fracture in tiny lines or wrinkle as the paint swells. This type of damage is not merely a topical issue; it’s a structural defect within the clear coat itself.
Type 2 bird dropping etching showing wrinkles and fractures in the clear coat
Attempting to remove Type II wrinkled etchings through aggressive polishing is generally not recommended and is often unsafe. Because the damage is deep within the clear coat, removing enough clear coat to eliminate the etching risks exposing the base coat, which has a dull finish and is not designed to be the top layer. Trying to fix Type II etching can lead to further paint damage and potentially require professional repainting. In many cases of Type II etching, the damage is too extensive to safely repair without compromising the integrity of the paint finish.
Conclusion
Dealing with bird droppings promptly is essential to prevent both types of etching. While Type I etchings can often be corrected with careful polishing, Type II etchings are frequently beyond safe DIY repair. Regularly washing your car and quickly removing bird droppings when they occur are the best defenses against paint damage. If you’re unsure about the type of etching or how to proceed, consulting a professional car detailer or body shop is always a wise decision to avoid further damage and ensure the best possible outcome for your car’s paint.
