Autoglym`s research on Bird droppings throws light on paint damage

[togwt]

Always keep an open mind and I would also strongly suggest that you verify any information that I or anyone else shares with you. Be pro-active and research others opinions and products, test them and then make an objective decision based upon the factual information gained from research. Don’t regard any source as something you can entirely rely on, least of all marketing hype or brand loyalty

Commercialism brings with it concerns of honesty and true representation. In other words, it’s difficult to know what is true when someone is motivated by income, i.e. directly targeted at product sales, more so than an unbiased opinion. One of the advantages of being independent and not having to answer to shareholders



Most importantly - choose carefully whose advice you listen to, and more importantly what advice you act upon. The misinformation and myths that are so prevalent in the detail industry is the reason that detailers need to do research on their own. Treat all marketing claims as being just biased marketing claims and if you`re lucky they will be based on truth and the company will operate ethically.



Autoglym`s research on Bird droppings throw light on paint damage | Auto Tech Blog



Here is my research on this subject-



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]



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.



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.



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.



When you have an acid + moisture +oxygen + ozone all of which equates to a highly concentrated acidic solution, add heat (reactivity) to this equation, and you have the causes of pitting, a concave indentation on the paint surface. Heat and water act as a catalyst (reactivity); a vehicle paint surface temperature of >90.oF creates a very aggressive reactivity of the Alkaline, Uric Acid and Ammonia. 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.



Be cognizant that there are no polymers, nanotechnology coatings or waxes that are acid-proof; they will only offer short-time 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









Constructive criticism and comments are always welcome as it helps us all improve

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[Lonnie]

Autoglym`s "research" seems to indicate that this etching is caused by physical changes rather that chemical.

Your "analysis" is (and has been) the accepted theory.



It`s safe to say it`s the beign/nemesis of automotive paints, along with hard water/acid rain etching.



This is one reason why people who truly care about the appearance of their cars wash, polish, and wax/seal them. Those who subscribe to the theory that the new clearcoats do not require frequent waxing/sealing and are resistant to these types of etchings, well...we have our "labels" for them. Professional detailers and car-care enthusiast see this etching all the time and know why it happens. While not totally preventable, its effects can be mitigated with the proper care and application of car-paint chemicals in a timely fashion (sounds like a legal disclaimer, doesn`t it)