I dont know what this is and how to get it off

**nixican** · 06-19-2015, 04:06 PM

I just picked up an 06 Scion xB. There is something on the paint all down the drivers side. It LOOKS like someone spit out the window while they were driving but seeing as I have not been able to remove the spots with clay or goof off, Im not sure what my next step should be. Here is a picture of one of the spots. I can feel something there with my nail but it doesnt want to chip off. How do I determine what this is, or better yet, what steps do I take to get rid of it.

Thanks!IMG_20150619_080954.jpg

**ihaveacamaro** · 06-19-2015, 04:20 PM

looks like clear coat etching

**tropicsteve** · 06-19-2015, 04:44 PM

do you have a polisher? try the old clean and polish routine. clean the area very well, clay the surface and polish. start with a light polish first, but you may need to go with a compound and follow up with a polish. if the clear is etched too badly already, even that might not help. finish with a wax, sealant, etc.

**RaysWay** · 06-19-2015, 04:51 PM

Hard to tell by that picture. I`d follow tropicsteve`s advice. I had a similar spot on a Honda Pilot...

And it came right out with BF SRC Compound.

**tom p.** · 06-19-2015, 04:56 PM

Ray, that`s most impressive!

**nixican** · 06-19-2015, 05:15 PM

I do not have a polisher yet. Im starting to look around for one. Can I use the compound with an applicator and still get results?

Thanks for all the quick replies!

**tropicsteve** · 06-19-2015, 05:24 PM

you can, but it`s a lot more work. again, you may have to follow up with a polish after the compound. they do make specific hand applicator pads that will help with the polishing. CCS Euro Foam Hand Applicators Trio - You Pick!

**MooreImpressive** · 06-19-2015, 09:05 PM

no doubt its clearcoat etching. little doubt that it can be sanded and/or polished to remove. and yes, looks like someone spit out the window seen it 100 times before.

**alexxxx89** · 06-20-2015, 02:42 PM

If youre going to try it by hand, i suggest using a terry applicator. You can get a pack at autozone for like 3 bucks. I was able to remove a huge black marr from my brothers white ram (apartment complex has one of those big gates that decided to close early!) by using one and some Megs Ultimate compound. I was out there for about an hour and my arm was sore, but i got it all. Def follow up with polish though. Especially if you use a product with diminishing abrasives, you will likely not produce enough heat/friction by hand to break down the compound so that it finishes down nicely.

Or buy a polisher and pads. lol.

Edit: I did it by hand because I did not have any polishing tools/accessories. This was pre-ACC/AGO lol