Clearcoat failure spot, does it look different?

[GHONDA07]

I would like some opinions on hood and if you guys think the situation with my clearcoat has gotten worse or remained the same.


So here is picture set one. Taken April 21, notice it's a bit cloudy out. I'm talking about the white splat that looks like bird poop (it isn't).
https://imgur.com/a/Dbwa8


Now here is picture set two taken today. To me it appears that lower left corner has gotten worse. It also seems that the upper right has gotten worse.
https://imgur.com/a/ILCPU


Now here is calendar of things I've done to the car
Polish / Clay / Wax - 5/1/17
Wash 5/7/17
Wash 5/14/17
Rewaxed hood 5/17/17
Wash 5/24/17
Painted grill black 5/27/17
Took photo of spot on hood again 5/29/17


So to me it seems in about a months time the spot has gotten slightly worse. Does anyone else see this or does anyone think it's purely lightning that makes it appear worse? Is there anything I can do to make it stop or fix it? I know I could repaint it but I'm strapped for cash.

[Rsurfer]

Can you post the pictures?

[GHONDA07]

Can you post the pictures?


I did in the links above.

Old pics: https://m.imgur.com/a/Dbwa8

new pics: https://m.imgur.com/a/ILCPU

[LSNAutoDetailing]

I did in the links above.

Old pics: https://m.imgur.com/a/Dbwa8

new pics: https://m.imgur.com/a/ILCPU

Typically it's a lot to ask folks on a forum to follow some unknown link and risk some kind of virus or spyware installation.
Autogeek Online gives you a free gallery where you can upload photo's then actually post the photo from your library into your thread.
I think your thread will gain more credibility and response with actually putting the photos in the thread and not sending folks to outside links...

How to upload a photo to autogeek online (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-do-different-types-things-ag-discussion-forum/21295-how-upload-photo-into-your-autogeek-photo-gallery.html)

Then, once uploaded you can copy the img link and past it to the thread... and there you go!

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/members/lsnautodetailing-albums-mustangs-picture57364-img-1877.jpg

[GHONDA07]

57575I don't mean to be rude but the image upload doesn't work for me, which is why I used Imgur to host the images. Above is a picture I just took.



Here is an older picture. 57576

[LSNAutoDetailing]

57575I don't mean to be rude but the image upload doesn't work for me, which is why I used Imgur to host the images. Above is a picture I just took.



Here is an older picture. 57576

First follow Mike's thread on how to upload photo's and post.. This should help: How to upload a photo to autogeek online (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tips-techniques-how-articles-interacting-discussion-forums/21295-how-upload-photo-into-your-autogeek-photo-gallery.html)

Looking at the photo's you have some really bad water spots. Here is a good article by Mike Phillips on the three types of water spots:
Types of Water Spots - Type I, Type II and Type III (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/33499-3-types-water-spots-type-i-type-ii-type-iii.html)

Depending on how bad the minerals have etched into the clear coat will determine if this is recoverable. You stated you washed, clayed, and applied a wax... however, you need to lightly abrade the paint to see if it is correctable. Chances are if the minerals have etched too far, there isn't much you can do. Remember when you abrade paint, you are essentially removing paint to a level lower than the etching. I suggest the McKee's because it's on the light to moderate side of abrasives.

You might want to try machine polishing with a cleaner/wax such as McKee's 360 (http://www.mckees37.com/all-in-one-cleaner-wax.html)

Polishing in a 16"x16" overlapping pattern known as a section pass. After about 6 section passes, wipe and inspect. If the spot is still persists, there is sadly nothing. If it's small enough, you can get some Dr. Colorchip and treat it as a rock-chip and do some touch up.

Hope this helps!

[GHONDA07]

First follow Mike's thread on how to upload photo's and post.. This should help: How to upload a photo to autogeek online (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tips-techniques-how-articles-interacting-discussion-forums/21295-how-upload-photo-into-your-autogeek-photo-gallery.html)

Looking at the photo's you have some really bad water spots. Here is a good article by Mike Phillips on the three types of water spots:
Types of Water Spots - Type I, Type II and Type III (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/33499-3-types-water-spots-type-i-type-ii-type-iii.html)

Depending on how bad the minerals have etched into the clear coat will determine if this is recoverable. You stated you washed, clayed, and applied a wax... however, you need to lightly abrade the paint to see if it is correctable. Chances are if the minerals have etched too far, there isn't much you can do. Remember when you abrade paint, you are essentially removing paint to a level lower than the etching. I suggest the McKee's because it's on the light to moderate side of abrasives.

You might want to try machine polishing with a cleaner/wax such as McKee's 360 (http://www.mckees37.com/all-in-one-cleaner-wax.html)

Polishing in a 16"x16" overlapping pattern known as a section pass. After about 6 section passes, wipe and inspect. If the spot is still persists, there is sadly nothing. If it's small enough, you can get some Dr. Colorchip and treat it as a rock-chip and do some touch up.

Hope this helps!
So to be sure, you think this is a water mark? Why would it grow then?
Thanks for your help!

Edit: I'm talking only about the white blob. The water marks were removed after a wash I just did.

[GHONDA07]

5758057581

I cleaned the spot, this is what it looks like now.

[LSNAutoDetailing]

So to be sure, you think this is a water mark? Why would it grow then?
Thanks for your help!

Edit: I'm talking only about the white blob. The water marks were removed after a wash I just did.

Without physically seeing your car in person, I can't say. I would suggest reading Mike's article on Type I, II and III water spots (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/33499-3-types-water-spots-type-i-type-ii-type-iii.html) and make the determination since you physically can touch and feel the vehicle.

I can only go by the photo posted... Looks like a water spot, how badly it has etched can only be determined by you or someone who can physically look at the vehicle. But I think once you look at the article, you should be able to make that determination.

It could quite possibly bird droppings that have etched as well. Here is some more reading for you:
Two Types of Bird Droppings Etchings (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/24924-two-types-bird-dropping-etchings.html)

IMO it's not bird droppings as they tend to fracture the clear and make them look like snow-flakes. So water mineral etching seems most logical.

To answer the question of why would it grow, if it's a type III water spot, it's quite possible clearcoat failure has started. It just needs a small area to start deteriorating the rest of the clear.

Does your area have hard-water? Does the car get hit with automated sprinklers?

[GHONDA07]

Ok thank you. If you don't mind I just have a few questions,
Do water spots grow?
In your opinion is it worth going and trying to abrade it down?
Can I or touch up paint over it or will that lead to issues?

Thanks for your help!!!

[custmsprty]

I'm going with bird poo etching.

[GHONDA07]

Is this something I can use touch up paint on?

[Rsurfer]

I'm with custmsprty on this one. Try some compound and if that doesn't remove the spot, you will need to wet sand. Unless it ate down through the base coat you won't need touch up paint.

[GHONDA07]

So do you guys think it's safe to wet sand?

[Rsurfer]

Do you have a paint gauge? What kind of car and what year?