[I Lupi 16]

I was inspecting my cars paint and for the most part it, looks pretty good. I have a couple light swirls but also, I noticed one hazy / etch defect on the front hood.

I've done a bit of research on different types of defects and how to get them out but I am not quite sure what this is from. I initially assumed it was tar or a bird dropping that etched into my paint but I may be wrong.

The defect is fairly well hidden when not focused on it. However, when you shine light sun hits it, the spot becomes very noticeable. Below are two pictures taken at the same time. One with a flash light the other without.

Can anyone confirm the type of defect? Also, would you recommend a light pad and one step polish or does this look deep?

[tracer bullet]

Some light weight, non aggressive polish like a scratch or swirl remover is cheap and easy to use. Find a soft cloth i.e. microfiber and put a dab on a corner, and swirl it around under light finger pressure. If it removes this you're good to go, just consider some "wax" of your choice on top. If it doesn't come out, it could be from bird poop or something else and somewhat embedded. You'll have to either get more aggressive (do-able but need to be more careful and there will be multiple steps), take it somewhere, or live with it.

[tcphoto]

The pictures aren't very good to diagnose, the first looks like a bug or tree sap that sat too long. If you want to take care of the paint yourself, I'd learn about detailing and get started. I would use a wool pad and compound, then an orange pad and polish then ceramic coat to seal. I also carry a detailing spray and microfiber towels in the trunk to wipe off those bird droppings and other contaminates so they don't become problems.