How can I fix the paint damage caused by bird droppings to my Volvo C70?

I was on holiday last week and after my late return flight into Gatwick I discovered that my 2012 Volvo C70 was plastered across the bonnet and drivers door with thick greasy dirty bird droppings. What could I do? I quickly brought a couple of bottles of water to remove some of it - but it was not until I arrived home that I managed to remove it all with shampoo and warm water. Sadly my pride and joy is now marked with "etched" poop marks. I have tried polish and T-Cut which seems to work, but the etching is back within 24 hours. I am waiting to hear back from Volvo to see if they have any ideas to remove the marks. The answer is for everyone is not to park under the Flood Lights at NCP Gatwick North Long Stay Car Park.

Asked on 20 July 2013 by JM, via email

Answered by Honest John
Autoglym discovered that this etching is not caused as suspected, by acids and alkalis in the bird droppings, but by the different temperatures of the paint under the droppings compared to the surrounding paint temperature in bright sunlight. Some bodyshops can eliminate the marks with a heat treatment. But this isn't guaranteed.
Similar questions
We have a carport which, in our East of Scotland winters, is beneficial for our two vehicles as early morning there is no problem with ice and snow. However summer is a different story, when the swallows...
My wife's Range Rover Evoque is only a few months old. We found some bird droppings on the car that, after attempted cleaning, did not remove the matted look. We took it back to the dealer who, to our...
I have just bought a 18-month-old Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate and have to park under trees. There is a constant problem with bird droppings (pigeons) that may well result in damage to the paintwork. Any...
Related models
Refined open-top cruiser with a metal folding roof. Classy interior design. Sharper looks after 2010 facelift. Strong diesel engines including D5.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer