Chemical stains or etching are common car finish issues. Minor cases can be eliminated by cleaning with soap and water or a solvent cleaner. Severe cases may require removing the finish from the damaged area and applying a new one.
In this article, I’ll answer common questions about preventing chemical staining and etching and how to eliminate it when it happens.
Spotty discoloration or irregular pitting on a finish are clear signs of chemical staining/etching.
Embedded contaminants, from nature and the environment, can wreak havoc on even the best paint surface. Whether it is bird droppings, tree sap, acid rain, or even regular water droplets (mineral-laden), contaminants remaining on a paint surface for an extended period can result in a chemical reaction on the finish, burning through a clear coat, resulting in staining or etching.
Chemical staining/etching of any paint finish can be prevented by following these four suggestions:
Here are four possible solutions:
Taking these steps will prevent unsightly chemical staining/etching and keep your paint finish looking attractive.