My car is polished and waxed, but the other day I was rinsing off my car and noticed etchings on my paint. I don't know what it's from maybe tree sap or bird ****? I have a bottle of detalier in the trunk and a microfiber towel to wipe off bird crap when I see it. The etchings are almost perfect circles and you can only see them at certain angles. I clay barred and waxed them but they're still there. How do I get rid of them?

 

First, get rid of the wax in the area. Then try vinegar. If that doesn't get rid of the spot, you'll need to cut the clearcoat. Try a light swirl remover by hand first.

 

I recommend the Poorboy's World SSR 2.5 and then follow it up with SSR 1.0. The 2.5 is a medium abrasive polish that will remove a micro thin layer of the clear coat. The 1.0 will remove any macro marring and restore surface gloss. The clear coat will be very smooth after this, I recommend sealing it with a sealant after. My personal faovrite is teh MEnzerna FMJ because of its amazing shine, super easy application and removal, amazing durability.

 

Couldn't a Clay bar be used safely and effectively here?

 

I don't think this is surface contamination, so a clay bar probably wouldn't do it. I think he mentioned trying one, too. If you're working by hand and want something you can find locally grab some Meg's ScratchX - that will take out etchings, just make sure to apply it properly.