"milky" spots

Hello! I`m really hoping that someone here can help with these "milky" spots that have developed on my black 2017 VW GTI. The worst of these spots were found directly under the rubber feet of my roof rack when I removed it to perform an exterior detail. I have tried clay, 3D AAT rubbing compound, and 3D AAT finishing polish all with no change or even fading of the marks.

Attachment 36870Attachment 36871

Is this cloudy defect below the surface of the paint?

I`m not 100% sure but it looks to me like it most likely is as the surface feels smooth to the touch. I will post pictures once I figure out how to do that.

I`ve seen this on VWs before. In fact, I worked with someone with a CC and 50% of the roof of the car suffered this condition. It`s caused by that protective white plastic film they use to "protect" the cars.

Tom, were you able to remove the marks? I have owned the car since new and this is the first that this has appeared. I last had the roof rack off in the spring and there were no marks at that time.

No, the cloud effect is below the clearcoat. Something happens to the paint underneath. Re-paint, AFAIK, is the only solution.

Something happens (heat/humidity, etc.) that affects the paint in a bad way.

Check to see if Volkswagen is having an issue, easy to find out. The fact that you say it’s under the rubber feet. Let it sit in the sun for a day and see what happens.

Moisture entrapment, paint is more porus than most are aware. Wet with "undiluted" 70% or stronger IPA, allow a couple minutes than with a heat gun or hair dryer move over the area. May take more than once. The IPA is a drying agent and pulls the moisture out without damaging the clear coat.

Thanks Ron, I appreciate the insight.

Thanks Ron! I will give this a try when I get a chance.