Paint Etching (Bird Dropping And Sap Damage)
Paint etching is permanent marking of the clear coat caused by acidic contaminants such as bird droppings, sap or insect remains.
What is Paint Etching (Bird Dropping And Sap Damage)?
Heat speeds up the damage. Etching shows as dull, sunken spots. Fresh deposits should be removed quickly. Light etching can be polished out, but deep marks that have gone through the clear coat need a respray. A good wax, sealant or ceramic coating gives time to remove deposits before they damage the paint. Quick detailer sprays help soften fresh droppings.
How it works
Acids soften and eat into the clear coat.
Why it matters for your car
Do not scrub dry deposits. Deep etching needs polishing or refinishing.
Other terms
- 12-volt Socket (Accessory Socket)
- Balloon Payment
- Bulkhead (Firewall)
- Charging Losses
- Flywheel
- Fuel Pump Control Module (Fuel Pump Driver)
- Halogen Bulb
- Lead Replacement Additive
- Limp Mode (Emergency Mode)
- Manual Transmission (Manual Gearbox)
- Mid-Engine Layout
- Plus Sizing (Larger Wheels)
- Power Steering Fluid
- Pressure Washer
- Reverse Gear
- SAE Levels Of Driving Automation
- Upholstery Cleaning
- Wheel Runout
- Wiring Harness
- ZDDP (Zinc Anti-Wear Additive)