Bird poop

[pirateprentice]

Parked mine at a friend's for the weekend and the pigeons pooped on the bonnet.
It was on a day or two before I could wash it off, now I have that faint etching mark both on bonnet and the fibreglass nose.
Any suggestions? How about this Autoglym Reflow as recommended here https://yourcar.co.uk/how-to-remove-bird-poop-stains/
Or a gentle polish?
Thanks.

 

[Andyp123]

I’d would do a Polish with some finishing polish or a single stage Polish.

 

[Cornelius]

May seem strange but before you try treating the etched paintwork stains, get a hairdryer & with hot air, hold it close to the effected area for a few minutes (it's scary at first as you think you may burn the paintwork) but keep an eye on what's happening & if you're lucky you'll see the paintwork return to normal as the hot air draws the lime out of the paintwork. I didn't believe it when I was first told about it but have since used this method a few times & it usually returns the paintwork back to normal without leaving any signs of etching. Good luck!

 

[ianp]

Avian faecal matter may be removed by pouring boiling water over it and dabbing off the softened matter with a paper towel. The scratching comes from birds digesting grit to help digest food. Having a beak instead of teeth, who knew?

 

[WShudds]

I use Auto Fanatic's Secret Weapon, it's like a cleaner wax with fine abrasives. Applied by hand on a clean surface with a microfibre pad in circular motion with medium pressure. Autoglym Super Resin Polish might work too.

I always keep some quick detailer and a pack of baby wipes in the car to clean up bird poo or stop at a coin jet washer as quickly as possible. It might mess up with the rest of the car if it's already clean but it's better than leaving it on the paint.

 

[Cluck]

May seem strange but before you try treating the etched paintwork stains, get a hairdryer & with hot air, hold it close to the effected area for a few minutes (it's scary at first as you think you may burn the paintwork) but keep an eye on what's happening & if you're lucky you'll see the paintwork return to normal as the hot air draws the lime out of the paintwork. I didn't believe it when I was first told about it but have since used this method a few times & it usually returns the paintwork back to normal without leaving any signs of etching. Good luck!

As I understand it, this is basically what the Autoglym pads do - they heat up via a chemical reaction and then slowly cool - so it's no surprise a hairdryer works. You're paying a fair price for the convenience and safety with the Reflow pads, but for those that don't like the risk, it's at least an option

 

[pirateprentice]

Thanks all for suggestions. Not sure if I'll try polish or hairdryer first, maybe I'll experiment on the fiberglass nose first.

 

[AdoptedYorkie]

I use Auto Fanatic's Secret Weapon, it's like a cleaner wax with fine abrasives. Applied by hand on a clean surface with a microfibre pad in circular motion with medium pressure. Autoglym Super Resin Polish might work too.

I always keep some quick detailer and a pack of baby wipes in the car to clean up bird poo or stop at a coin jet washer as quickly as possible. It might mess up with the rest of the car if it's already clean but it's better than leaving it on the paint.

Where do you buy that from? Can't seem to find it on the net for UK buyers

 

[cj10jeeper]

Avian faecal matter may be removed by pouring boiling water over it and dabbing off the softened matter with a paper towel. The scratching comes from birds digesting grit to help digest food. Having a beak instead of teeth, who knew?

Fully agree re bird poop containing grit. Indeed most damage is caused by folks scrubbing at it to remove it..

Strongly disagree through re boiling water. It can cause considerable damage to paint, peel the lacquer and even deform the underlying metal with localised heat. For sure use warm water though.
I typically put a warm wet cloth on the area for 10 mins and then gently mop up the poop if I’ve not been able to remove it immediately. Marks usually go themselves in a few days.

 

[Madlil]

Avian faecal matter may be removed by pouring boiling water over it and dabbing off the softened matter with a paper towel. The scratching comes from birds digesting grit to help digest food. Having a beak instead of teeth, who knew?

Strongly disagree through re boiling water. It can cause considerable damage to paint, peel the lacquer and even deform the underlying metal with localised heat. For sure use warm water though.
I typically put a warm wet cloth on the area for 10 mins and then gently mop up the poop if I’ve not been able to remove it immediately. Marks usually go themselves in a few days.

Yes agree on not using boiling water - I once jet washed one of my cars using the hot water tap instead of cold and it stripped some lacquer off my bumper, and the water was no where near boiling!

 

[Jaguandy]

I had massive seagull poop on my bonnet while on holiday. It was a couple of days before I went to use the car so it was pretty solid. I bought a roll of kitchen paper towel and spent about 2 hours on and off repeatedly laying wet towel on, waiting a bit, then wiping off what was loose. Not pleasant but successful and no scratching or discolouration. In another event I had to polish cut my sister's bonnet when she was too quick to rub poop off it, so beware and take your time.

 

[Millwheel]

My go to treatment is, believe it or not, insect remover spray. Spray it on, let it soak a bit, and rinse off. Might need to do it a few times as the bits loosen up. Living beside the water I know what gulls eat, no wonder it’s like Coade stone. We should use them as recycling machines for building material.