[OVRKLL]

I thought I'd do a write up on how I removed the acidic etching from bird turd on my car.
I'm sure there are many other ways, but I thought since I did this and took some pics, why not give out more info on how I did it.

I did not us a DAO (dual action orbital) but used my hand, since not every one owns or can rent a DAO.

Now since the car is black and there's a lot of light reflection, let me give the orientation of what you're looking at.
I'm standing at the back of my car facing the front and looking down at the top of the passenger side rear fender and trunk lid.
This process took me about 30min including taking pics.

The bottle of Compound says Rubbing Compound, but it is NOT gritty at all. I'm use to seeing Rubbing Compound being a little gritty and Polishing Compound not gritty...so this kind of threw me off at first, but I really like the product.

This same process can be used to remove water spots however, you may want to use a DAO for stubborn spots...makes life much easier.

Keep in mind, what you are basically doing here is removing a very thin layer of clear coat that has been etched by the acid in the bird turd, so do not apply a lot of pressure and do not rub in a small spot. You DO NOT want to remove more clear coat then you need to, and you definitely do not want to get down to the base coat. Although it would take a lot to do this with compounding by hand, it can be done, so be careful and go easy...it's not that difficult.

Here is the process:

1. Lightly spray water on the foam pad (helps to lubricate the compound). I only do this once on a dry pad.
2. Apply a small amount of compound to foam pad...about half the size of a dime, depending on the size of the etched spot.
3. Using light pressure, rub/polish the etched spot in a circular motion and then a back and forth motion...horizontal and parallel. (do not apply a lot of pressure...better to do it multiple times using light pressure.)
4. Once most of the etched spot is removed, use some kind of scratch removal of your choice to remove the light scratches from the compound, again using light pressure and in the same motions.
5. As you remove the light scratches, if necessary, use a final glaze of your choice to remove any very fine scratches, again using light pressure and the same motions.
6. FS (final step) use what ever brand of wax/sealer you like.

Pics from left to right:

Pics 1 & 2 Etched Spot Target
Pic 3 After first pass with compound
Pic 4 After second pass with compound
Pic 5 Amount of Swirl Remover used...same amount for Compound (white color)
Pic 6 After Swirl Remover
Pic 7 Amount of Finishing Glaze (gray color)
Pic 8 After Finishing Glaze
Pic 9 & 10 Final Outcome...TADA!
Pic 11 Products used

[Trochoidal]

Good write-up and nice pics too!

Thanks for taking the time.

[OVRKLL]

Originally Posted by Trochoidal

Good write-up and nice pics too!

Thanks for taking the time.

Glad you liked it.

[KirkH]

Wolfgang is good stuff. Expensive, but it works very well.

I've never tried 3M compound. I see it in Autozone, etc but never tried it. Glad it worked for you.

My old joints can't handle hand polishing anymore.

[EJR8402]

Nice job!

[OVRKLL]

Originally Posted by EJR8402

Nice job!