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      10-12-2019, 05:23 PM   #1
titan7
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Bird droppings, again

So, to enjoy my cars I have to drive them outside, lol. My question is, how I can avoid slight etching in the clear? I mean I take a 30 min drive and get back to the garage and there are a couple tiny round yellow drops, I carefully remove them it there is the classic transparent circle from where the dropping was. I mean I can’t know when a bird dropping hits the paint, I can’t realistically pull over every 5 minutes to check the paint. What are you guys doing?

I guess after the next wash I can take some maguires #9 on my finger tip and that should remove it.

Ok rant over, just wondering what you guys do.
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Last edited by titan7; 10-12-2019 at 05:42 PM..
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      10-12-2019, 05:32 PM   #2
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Relax and forget about those little things...
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      10-12-2019, 05:44 PM   #3
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I wish, the OCD runs deep.
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      10-12-2019, 06:17 PM   #4
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I use some quick detailer for this kind of thing. Spray on, wipe off with with a clean towel.
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      10-12-2019, 11:47 PM   #5
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Get urself a DA polisher and some good polish. Done. It’s like a $250ish investment with some pads and you can clean up your own paint.

I recommend a Griots G9 polisher if you go that route.
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      10-12-2019, 11:59 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by titan7 View Post
I wish, the OCD runs deep.
OCD = shorter and stressful life

This means less opportunity to buy new cars and drive them as they are meant to.
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      10-13-2019, 05:16 AM   #7
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Clear wrap it, the best you can do. I wrapped my whole car and i love it. No etch marks, no stonechips, no scratches.
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      10-13-2019, 12:45 PM   #8
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Clear wrap it, the best you can do. I wrapped my whole car and i love it. No etch marks, no stonechips, no scratches.
Yes but the PPF is very susceptible to etching from bugs and bird poo too. Maybe vinyl wrap isnt as bad. Dunno.

If you catch it early a quick stay and wipe with Detsil Spray or quick detailer does the trick.
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      10-13-2019, 12:49 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrSmartyPants View Post
Yes but the PPF is very susceptible to etching from bugs and bird poo too. Maybe vinyl wrap isnt as bad. Dunno.

If you catch it early a quick stay and wipe with Detsil Spray or quick detailer does the trick.
I haven't seen any marks from insects on my film. It's hydrophobic too so nothing really sticks to it. I also use some detailer on it now and then.
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      10-13-2019, 01:46 PM   #10
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I look over the car after every drive and use quick detail spray, but realistically I can’t stop every 5 minutes. It only takes a few minutes for etching to happen. This is a spot that is 1/16” circle or smaller. Most of the time I can get it off with no cloud left, appears this bird was different. I am thinking M205 or #9 swirl remover on my fingertip should remove it. I think a DA machine would be overkill. Most of the car, 90% is covered with PPF, this spot is on the rear deck.
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      10-13-2019, 09:17 PM   #11
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Make sure you have a good coat of wax or other protection. I have had droppings that I wipe off at the end of the day (in hot Houston sun) and do not have problems with etching. Although Carnuba is not very heat resistant it works great. I use Meguire's synthetic sealant (either the M21 pro or Ultimate car wax and use quick detailer spray and a soft microfiber towel to wipe it off after wetting with the quick detailer spray and giving it a minute or so to soften the stuff
Good luck.
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      10-14-2019, 09:46 AM   #12
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Hey, I'm a luxury car detailer from Toronto and I just picked up a 2016 m4. I'm also new to the forums as this is my first post!
I would agree with some people advising get a wax for protection but that won't last you much once you get a nice rain fall. The best two ways that you will not get etching in the clear would be either to ppf the car or do a ceramic coating from a high quality and reputable brand. And some ppl go the extra mile (deep pocket lol) and they will ppf the whole car and ceramic coat right on top.
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      10-14-2019, 10:37 PM   #13
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If it's that bad, you should just garage the car and never drive it

Or maybe get some track wrap https://www.trakktape.com/
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      10-14-2019, 10:53 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrSmartyPants View Post
Yes but the PPF is very susceptible to etching from bugs and bird poo too. Maybe vinyl wrap isnt as bad. Dunno.

If you catch it early a quick stay and wipe with Detsil Spray or quick detailer does the trick.
Vinyl isn't as durable as PPF, it's thinner and there aren't any healing properties.

But I wrapped my entire car to prevent droppings and stuff from etching.
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      10-15-2019, 07:25 AM   #15
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PPF/ceramic coating, or both. In the off chance that the PPF gets etched, it can be replaced. Pay special attention to the carbon roof if you have one, the clearcoat is extremely soft and susceptible to damage.
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      10-17-2019, 12:51 AM   #16
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Get a polisher and ceramic coat it yourself.

Do a maintenance layer of Gtechniq Liquid Crystal every 2-3 months and you’ll be happy with the results.

Also get Wolfgang Uber Rinseless Wash and use 3 oz with 1 gallon of distilled water for the ultimate quick detailer solution. A tiny bottle lasted me over a year.
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      10-17-2019, 10:06 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hellokitty View Post
Get a polisher and ceramic coat it yourself.

Do a maintenance layer of Gtechniq Liquid Crystal every 2-3 months and you’ll be happy with the results.

Also get Wolfgang Uber Rinseless Wash and use 3 oz with 1 gallon of distilled water for the ultimate quick detailer solution. A tiny bottle lasted me over a year.
Every 2-3 months That might be overkill.
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      10-17-2019, 10:44 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by allinon72 View Post
Every 2-3 months That might be overkill.
I'm OCD with plenty of time on my hands... lol
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      10-17-2019, 11:08 AM   #19
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Would ceramic coating help ease your mind re: the bird shit? I've received quotes from $1500-2k to do my M4, just haven't scraped together the $$ for it yet.

Last edited by Narcosis; 10-17-2019 at 11:13 AM..
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      10-18-2019, 08:40 AM   #20
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There's no way I would pay that for ceramic coating. There are too many variables that could ruin the coating. Say you take your car to the dealer and they accidentally wash it - poof that 2k goes up in smoke. Plus you'll get 1.5, maybe 2 years out of a coating and it needs done again.

I just coated my car for about $300 in materials and roughly 8 hours of my labor. Now at that price point, it makes sense. Same with my Raptor at about $400 and 12 hours (needed more paint correction).
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      10-18-2019, 11:07 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Narcosis View Post
Would ceramic coating help ease your mind re: the bird shit? I've received quotes from $1500-2k to do my M4, just haven't scraped together the $$ for it yet.
Get McKees ceramic coating. Very diy friendly, with amazing results.
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      10-20-2019, 08:31 AM   #22
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You will be amazed at the level of protection with a ceramic coating. I wasn’t a believer until I saw thing like bird shit come right off and leave no trace.
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