[S.335XI.L]

Hey guys,

So after I got home I noticed this patch on my paint. I'm not sure if it's a scratch or if it's some hard water etching. Any opinions on what this is and what I should do to fix it?

Thanks guys. Really bummed out right now

[JayKay335i]

Looks like somebody hit your bumper. It may buff out.

[TOGWT]

Progressively using the least abrasive product first-

1. Use a paint surface cleaner (Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner or Duragloss 501)
2. Try to dissolve the alkaline-based, surface/etched mineral water deposits try one or more of the following;
a) Use a 2:1 or stronger solution of distilled water/distilled white vinegar (Acetic acid)
b) Try a 2:1 solution of distilled water/Isopropyl Alcohol (adjust ratio as required)
c) Or equal parts distilled water/distilled white vinegar/Isopropyl alcohol.
3. Clean the effected surface with Klasse All-In-One or Zaino Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner
4. Use detailing clay to remove any `hard' surface granules
5. Use a machine polish (Optimum Polish, Optimum Compound) and a cutting (LC White, Orange or Yellow) foam pad (speed # 4- 5.0) to level the paint surface
6. For Ceramiclear or other hard clear coats substitute Menzerna for machine polish; Super Intensive Polish / Nano Polish (105FF) or Final Finish Polish (106FA)
7. Use the least aggressive polish/foam pad first, if this doesn’t remove the problem step-up to a more aggressive polish / foam pad set-up
8. Menzerna Power Finish (PO203S) - (M) this is a one-step scratch remover polish is formulated for CeramiClear or other ‘Hard’ paints.

It will remove 2500 grit, cut 3.0-gloss 3.5, is formulated as a quick way to polish out light flaws and amplify the paint’s gloss. Use a primed Orange (mid range, high density foam (60 PPI) medium abrasive cutting action LC CCS foam pad 1200 RPM
9. Wet-sand with 2000, 2500 or 3000 grit finishing paper


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[MuttGrunt]

Appears to be contamination. Give her a good wash and then clay the area. If clay doesn't work, a product like Klasse All In One might, and if that doesn't work, machine polishing should.

Make sure that once you remove the unsightly marks that you keep the car properly protected with a good sacrificial barrier (sealant or wax)

[ceb]

Originally Posted by Samjai187

Hey guys,

So after I got home I noticed this patch on my paint. I'm not sure if it's a scratch or if it's some hard water etching. Any opinions on what this is and what I should do to fix it?

Thanks guys. Really bummed out right now

The dead giveaway that it is a contaminant is the mark under the back-up sensor.

[S.335XI.L]

Thanks a lot for the tips everyone! I'll be booking an appointment with my polisher soon and put pics up once it's treated!

Edit: Does anyone know what caused this contamination? It's kind of in a weird area of the body for brake dust :S

[MuttGrunt]

Originally Posted by Samjai187

Thanks a lot for the tips everyone! I'll be booking an appointment with my polisher soon and put pics up once it's treated!

Edit: Does anyone know what caused this contamination? It's kind of in a weird area of the body for brake dust :S

Crap sitting directly on your clear-coat.
Some of the crap is embedding itself shallowly into your clear-coat which takes away from clarity while giving the surface a more rough texture to the touch. Other crap has chemically etched which has dulled the clear-coat giving the surface a translucent appearance.

I already talked about solutions above, but remember once again the importance of keeping your finish waxed or sealed to prevent such things in the future.

[mudshark]

My guess is that it's exhaust/gas related judging by the location.