How to Fix Bird Poop Damage on Your Car

Bird droppings are more than just a nuisance; they can cause significant damage to your car’s paintwork if not addressed promptly. Understanding how bird poop damages your car and knowing the right steps to take can save you from costly repairs. This article will guide you through identifying and fixing bird poop damage, ensuring your car stays in top condition.

Bird poop is highly corrosive due to its acidic nature and the seeds and grit it contains. When left on your car’s paint, it can eat into the clear coat, leading to etching. There are generally two types of bird dropping etchings you might encounter:

Type I Bird Dropping – Topical Stain Etching

Type I etchings are usually surface-level stains. These are less severe and often sit on top of the clear coat. The good news is that topical stain etchings can typically be removed or significantly improved with the right techniques and products.

These types of etchings are often treatable with a clear coat safe compound or polish. You can tackle this by hand or with a machine polisher. For Type I etchings, hand application is often more effective because it allows you to apply direct pressure to a concentrated area, focusing your effort precisely where it’s needed. When working by machine, a spot repair system can help you keep your work isolated to the affected area, preventing unnecessary work on surrounding paint.

Type II Bird Dropping – Fractured/Wrinkled Etching

Type II etchings, also known as fractured or wrinkled etchings, are unfortunately a more serious issue. These types of damages are generally too deep to safely repair. The corrosive nature of the bird dropping causes the paint to fracture, appearing as tiny cracks or wrinkles as the paint layer swells and contracts unevenly.

In these cases, the damage extends throughout the clear coat and is not just a surface stain. Attempting to remove Type II etching would require removing a significant amount of the clear coat, potentially exposing the base coat, which has a dull finish. Due to the risk of further damaging your car’s paint, it is generally not recommended to attempt to remove Type II bird dropping wrinkled or fractured etchings yourself. Professional paint correction or even repainting might be necessary for severe Type II damage.

In conclusion, identifying the type of bird poop etching is crucial in determining the best course of action. Type I topical stains can often be fixed with polishing, while Type II fractured etchings are more severe and might require professional intervention. Prompt removal of bird droppings is always the best preventative measure to avoid any type of etching and maintain your car’s paint in pristine condition.