TOGWT

Bird Excrement

Consists of [: Uric acid, C5H4N4O3 [a diprotic acid, thus in strong alkali at high pH it forms the dually charged full urate ion, but at biological pH or in the presence of carbonic acid or carbonate ions it forms the singly charged hydrogen or acid urate ion as its pKa2 is greater than the pKa1 of carbonic acid] [1] The water solubility of uric acid and its alkali metal and alkaline earth salts is rather low

Solubility [: the property of a solid, liquid, or gaseous chemical substance called solute to dissolve in a solid, liquid, or gaseous solvent to form a homogeneous solution of the solute in the solvent]

Cause - the different types of food ingested by birds affect the composition and quantity of droppings. Chemical aggression on the paint surface is caused by strong organic acids acting for an extended period and exposed to high temperatures and moisture (reactivity).

One of the most serious threats to a paint surface; it's not only disgusting - it's a toxic hazard. Bird excrement contains unpleasant fungi, including Histoplasma capsulatum and Cryptococcus neoformans as well as bacteria, including Chlamydophila psittaci. Migratory birds, especially seagulls are known to spread hard-to-treat infections as they can carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

These are known to cause pneumonias as well as systemic infections. Various forms of encephalitis are also associated with bird droppings, so avoid direct skin contact.

Unlike mammals, birds don't urinate; their kidneys extract nitrogenous wastes from the bloodstream, but instead of excreting it as urea dissolved in urine, they excrete it in the form of uric acid. Uric acid has a very low solubility in water, so it emerges as a white paste. The white/gray stain caused by bird excrement edges seem brighter and more affected compared with the interior areas, if left on the surface and is then subjected to reactivity it will result in an indentation in the surface (etching) around the periphery

Bird excrement is one of the most damaging environmental pollutants as they relate to automobile paint as it comprises; Ammonia and urine as white crystals of uric acid (pH 3.0 - 4.5) a small organic compound, which is produced by the breakdown of protein during digestion, and is excreted by reptiles and birds. Uric acid is also the end product of nitrogen catabolism in birds Ammonia is a mixture of nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas; with moisture as a catalyst it becomes Ammonium Hydroxide, which is caustic.

Reactivity

[: acceleration of a chemical reaction by a catalyst]

Be cognizant that an acid is inert until it comes into contact with moisture; any chemical attacking a surface, temperature will dictate reactivity (acceleration of a chemical reaction by a catalyst [moisture and heat]. The more heat and moisture that is present (in the form of high humidity, dew and etc) the more aggressive the acid becomes.

Then you have; an acid + water +oxygen + ozone all of which forms an acidic oxygen molecule that causes a concave indentation (acid etching) to the paint surface it should be noted that until this acid is neutralised subsequent moisture and heat will reactivate the acid and allow further damage, as acid requires an alkaline to neutralize it

This will cause surface etching (an indentation of the clear coat) so they should be removed without delay. In this case, paint care not only serves aesthetics, but also helps preserve the vehicles. At lower temperatures (> 40.oF or less) there’s no reactivity and therefore little or no etching.

At higher paint surface temperatures, the clear coat expands, once the paint protection product fractures (reaches its melting point) it is no longer able to withstand the acids, which allows the acids to quickly penetrate the paint matrix.

This will cause surface etching, so they should be removed without delay. In this case, paint care not only serves aesthetics, but also helps preserve the vehicles. At lower temperatures (> 40.oF or less) there’s no reactivity and therefore little or no etching .

Catalyzed hydrolytic degradation

Definition [: the damage can range from paint discoloration to the film dissolving completely. Bubbling, swelling and etching are typical phenomena]

Be cognizant that there are no polymers or waxes that are acid-proof; they all only offer short-term resistance. The most pertinent factor is to have a layer of (sacrificial) protection between the acid and your paint surface. The second is to ensure that is removed and any residue is neutralized as soon as possible. For added protection apply an organic wax over the polymer sealant, as this acts as a sacrificial barrier and by washing the vehicles paint surface plus the reapplication of the sacrificial barrier on a regular basis.

Note: some of the newer coating products rely on a configuration Si-C (SiO2) bond, which are far more resistant to enzymes than the C-C configuration used in polymer sealants. Due to the applied coating thickness they are more resistant to the acids found in excrement than a polymer sealant.

Notwithstanding, these acids should be removed as soon as possible

Food Sources

Their main food source in summer is mostly insects and seeds, in the winter/ spring it’s berries, which are very acidic, and if left for any length of time the will cause the porous clear coat to occlude (a non-transparent ‘clouded’ area) or may cause etching (a depression in the paint or glass surfaces)

Birds use gravel to help digest their food, predatory birds (owls, hawks, etc hunt and kill mice and small animals, so ground light weight bone fragments, sand and grit are some of the major components, which can cause scratching.

Removal

Avoid using a quick detailer (QD) spray or a sealant to flush residue, as they usually contain either carnauba wax or polymers, which will seal in the acid and not allow it to dissipate.

Take your time and be careful with its removal, these acids should be removed as quickly as possible. If the affected paintwork is not neutralized any remaining acid residue will be reactivated by moisture and heat.

• Limonene (citrus-based) cleaner (P21S Total Auto Wash) will both emulsify and neutralize the acid or use an alkaline rinse of baking soda and water as soon as is practical is highly recommended.
• 1:1 solution Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and distilled water. The alcohol content acts as a drying agent, which will extract the acid, then thoroughly flush with water to rinse away any grit or sand, etc or use detailers clay to encapsulate it, re-spray the area let it react for 2-3 minutes and wipe dry.
• Glass cleaner (do not use one that contains ammonia; as it acts as an acid accelerant
• Gel alcohol hand cleaner (Purell ®) Place a small amount on to a first aid gauze pad and apply to effected area this will help it stay in place during the necessary react time. The alcohol content acts as a drying agent, which will extract the acid, then thoroughly flush with water to rinse away any grit or sand, etc or use detailers clay to encapsulate it, re-spray the area let it react for 2-3 minutes and wipe dry.

An automobile paint system is porous; when you add moisture and heat to an acidic substance it will erode the paint system very quickly; as the heat opens microscopic fissures in the clear coat allowing ingress, the water provides a carrier system for the acid, and heat acts as a catalyst (reactivity) each time water is reintroduced the acid will be reactivated and erode the paint matrix

Identify the type of damage (Type I Surface staining or Type II Surface etching (a concave indentation) Ultra violet (UV) infrared radiation (heat) causes the urethane clear coat to expand allowing contaminates to permeate; the same heat greatly accelerates the corrosive abilities (reactivity) of the acid, for these reasons any acid or alkali should be neutralized (See article Acid / Alkali Neutralization)

Verification of the type of surface condition can be diagnosed through the use of a 30X magnifier. Any acid should be removed from the paint surface ASAP; proceed by using the least abrasive products first

Type I [is an off-white non-transparent ‘clouded’ stain] that if left for any length of time that will cause the porous clear coat to occlude (become non-transparent) this is usually inherent with a light surface stain.

Providing it is removed quickly and hasn’t been subjected to reactivity (moisture and heat) this can usually be removed easily, especially if there is a sacrificial coat of wax on the paint

1. Use a chemical paint surface cleaner (Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner) to remove surface stains
2. Use ValuGuard Acid Neutralizer (Step I) - diluted 1:8 neutralizes acids deposited on the paint surface and in the pores of the paint
3. Try to dissolve the surface/etched deposits trying 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.

4. Clean the effected surface with Klasse All-In-One or Zaino Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner

Type II [is a mark with surface etching (a concave indentation) around its perimeter] this is usually the result of a stain that has been on the surface for a while and has been subjected to reactivity (the addition of moisture and heat), which produces an acid that etches the paint surface

1. Use a chemical paint surface cleaner (Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner) to remove surface stains
2. Use ValuGuard Acid Neutralizer (Step I) - diluted 1:8 neutralizes acids deposited on the paint surface and in the pores of the paint
3. Use detailing clay to remove any `hard' surface granules
4. Use a machine polish (Optimum Polish or Optimum Compound) and a cutting (LC White, Orange or Yellow) foam pad (speed # 4- 5.0) to level the surface
5. For PPG CeramiClear™ Clear Coat or other hard clear coats substitute Menzerna for machine polish; PO 203 S - Power Finish
6. 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
7. Wet-sand with 2000, 2500 or 3000 grit finishing paper and polish with a finishing polish
8. Apply a paint protection

Do not scrub hardened/dried excrement residue, birds use gravel to help digest their food so grit and sand are some of the major components, which can cause scratching as it is very abrasive and will scratch the paint surface. Once it softened (re-liquefied) it enables their removal with less likelihood of damage to the paint surface Do not use on a hot paint surface (soon after driving) as this will cause streaking

Use a solution of Optimum no-rinse (ONR) diluted 1:20 / distilled water in a fine mist spray bottle) and allow to react time as this will soften debris and allow it to be removed with a mesh covered bug sponge

Protection

An acrylic polymer or polyethylene-acrylic (Klasse, Jeff Werkstatt or Duragloss #105 Total Performance Polish) are all acid-based so they are more resistant to acidic pollutants (acid rain, bird excrement, and etc) there is no product wax, polymer or nano coating, including CeramiClear that is acid-proof (See also Notes)

For added protection apply an organic wax over the polymer sealant as this sacrificial barrier and by washing the vehicles paint surface on a regular basis.

Far beyond washing, cleaning and detailing your automobile inside and out, the best preservative action you can take is to cover the car with a car cover. It provides the best protection against industrial fallout (IFO) dust, dirt; ultra violet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation; bird excrement and windblown debris (See also Car Cover article)

Aves bomb First Aid Kit- use a 1:20 Optimum No-Rinse (ONR) / distilled water solution in a fine mist spray bottle. The surfactants it contains encapsulate and trap bird and insect excrement, dry surface dust, or light dirt particles making them virtually non-abrasive and it can be used without causing scratches (check contents periodically as heat will evaporate the contents if stored in the car’s trunk)

Apply with a long nap micro fibre towel using very little surface pressure, dusting with long strokes in one direction only. For stubborn stains, soak the micro fibre towel and allow it to remain in n place for a few minutes and then wipe away the debris.

Caution - Dispose of any towels or wipes used to remove bird droppings immediately and thoroughly wash your hands, as bird lime can harbour diseases

Avoid using a QD spray to flush residue, as they contain either carnauba wax or polymer sealants, which will seal the acid and not allow it to dissipate. Using an alkaline rinse of baking soda and water (to neutralize the acid) as soon as is practical is highly recommended, if the affected paintwork is not neutralized any remaining acid residue will be reactivated (heat and moisture). If the paint or glass surface has been etched the surface can be levelled with a suitable polish (Zaino PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleanser) and then apply a paint protection.

Excrement Removal

Be cognizant that the longer the deposit remains on the bodywork and the higher the ambient temperatures, the harder the dried deposit will be, and the greater the propensity for paint damage. This type of damage can only be prevented by motorists remaining vigilant and removing the deposit as this pollutant can have a serious negative impact on your paint finish if not removed safely and expediently. Also be aware there are no polymers, nanotechnology coatings or waxes that are acid-proof; they all only offer short-term resistance although they will make them easier to remove

Use the least abrasive product first-

1. Use a paint surface cleaner (Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner)
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 or Compound) and a cutting (LC White, Orange or Yellow) foam pad (speed # 4- 5.0) to level the 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. Wet-sand with 2000, 2500 or 3000 grit finishing paper

Bibliography

1. Alma Heritage Science – Uric acid from bird droppings
2. Effects of Environmental Conditions on Degradation of Automotive Coatings, a paper by Mohsen Mohseni, Bahram Ramezanzadeh and Hossain Yari
3. Bond Disassociation Energies in Organosilicon Compounds, a paper by Robin Walsh
4. Polymer Basics DoITPoMS - University of Cambridge

Relevant Articles

I hope the information in this article is of some help to you. If you have any further questions please let me know

sydtoosic

i do not let it sit on my car. as soon as i see it , i go to the trunk and grab my CGWCW and a MF towel. especially now with this heat that **** will bake into your paint in minutes. and i have alot of protection on my paint. that **** will eat through anything you put on your car.

SC400slide

iTrader: (11)

We don't have trees!

CdeFabio

Great info, thanks! I have seen first hand the damage this can do to paint, even when removing it with hours or in some cases minutes of contamination. Very dangerious stuff...

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

Are birds naturally attracted more to a clean shiny car? It seems like it...

I am totally fine with not washing my own car for weeks or sometimes months if I am lazy...but I just have to do it as soon as you see one of these bird bombs on the paint. Why do they do it......

Davidcv4

Nasty as rats that fly!

TOGWT

There is a study that found they like red vehicles.

It always been my contention that they also prefer freshly cleaned / polished / waxed vehicles (after you've spent all day or more getting it near perfect.

StLucchese

I live in a heavily forest area and seen quite a bit of bird droppings on cars. I did not know that this !@#$ does great harm to the car's paint. For emegency purposes to have in the car, what is this "CGWCW" and "MF" towel? Need to have something in my car just in case. Here in south texas, we are not far from the coast line and in other parts of the county its wooded as well. Any suggs to have in the trunk just in case these birds like to ruin my car. I just got an white CPO 08 RX 350 and want to keep it as cleans as possible...

TOGWT

Aves bomb First Aid Kit- use a 1:20 Optimum No-Rinse (ONR) / distilled water solution in a fine mist spray bottle. The surfactants it contains encapsulate and trap bird and insect excrement, dry surface dust, or light dirt particles making them virtually non-abrasive and it can be used without causing scratches (check contents periodically as heat will evaporate the contents if stored in the car’s trunk)

Apply with a long nap micro fibre towel using very little surface pressure, dusting with long strokes in one direction only. For stubborn stains, soak the micro fibre towel and allow it to remain in n place for a few minutes and then wipe away the debris.