How to Protect Your Cars Paint from Bird Droppings and Tree Sap

Why Bird Droppings and Tree Sap Damage Car Paint?

Bird droppings aren’t just unpleasant to watch but are also fully capable of damaging your car’s aesthetics. They contain uric acid with a pH level of 3.5 to 4, which makes them highly acidic. If it falls on your car’s surface and you don’t clean it soon, the acid can eat into the car’s paint coat very quickly. 

It will result in etching, stains, or the paint looking dull. When left untouched for a long time, the acid can penetrate deeper into the car’s paint, leading to discolouration or damage to the base paint. As for the tree sap, it may feel like sticky glue initially, but it can harden with time. 

The sap will start bonding with the car’s paint as time passes, especially when left in the sunlight. The sap will become incredibly difficult to remove, and when you try, you risk pulling off or scratching the car’s protective layer and paint. It makes tree sap car paint damage equally disastrous as bird droppings.
 

Preventive Measures to Protect Car Paint

Fortunately, there are several car paint protection tips which can limit the damage intensity. If you’re ready to protect your car paint, you must implement the following car paint maintenance tips, which are preventive in nature.

• Park Smartly

Try to avoid parking your car under a tree where sap is likely to drip. Parking near lamp posts and power lines should also be avoided, as birds typically rest on them. Instead, look for a safer parking space where bird droppings and tree sap are unlikely to fall on your car’s surface.

• Clean Contaminants Promptly

Even if tree sap or bird droppings make their way to your car’s surface, you must instantly remove them so they don’t dry and become harder to remove. The quicker the removal, the lesser the damage.

• Apply Protective Coatings

A good wax, paint protection film (PPF), or a ceramic coating may be applied to the car paint to prevent damage. These coatings create a barrier between your car’s paint and contaminants, so you can easily remove them without damaging the paint.
 

Protective Coatings and Films

A practical way to protect your car’s paint from bird droppings and tree sap drips is to apply a protective coating to the car’s surface. You can choose one from the following two coating options -  

• Paint Protection Film (PPF)

A paint protection film (PPF) is one of the strongest shields available to protect your car’s paint. It’s a transparent, flexible film applied over the body panels. This film becomes the physical barrier against bird droppings, tree sap, and even light scratches. 

Since this film absorbs the damage instead of your car’s paint, contaminants don’t get the chance to penetrate the paint coat. 

Consider investing in modern paint protection films (PPF), which feature self-healing qualities. It means they can make minor swirls and marks disappear with the heat from sunlight, extending the life of your car paint.

• Ceramic Coatings

You can also consider getting a ceramic coating for your car’s paint if you prefer a harder, glossier, and hydrophobic layer on top of the paint. This layer will ensure that bird droppings and tree sap have a hard time sticking to the surface. 

Since ceramic coating makes the surface slick and repellent, contaminants will remain seated on the top instead of bonding immediately with the paint coat. It will give you enough time to clean them safely, limiting potential damage.
 

Quick Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

You can keep your car and its paint protected with the following car paint maintenance tips.

• Remove Droppings and Sap Immediately

Don’t let the tree sap or bird droppings sit for longer on your car’s surface. Clean it at the earliest using a wet microfibre cloth soaked in water or a gentle solvent, such as a dedicated bug-and-tar remover. It will soften and lift the contaminant without any harsh rubbing. 

• Avoid Aggressive Scrubbing

Some individuals start scrubbing dry droppings or hardened sap aggressively, which may scratch the clear paint coat. Hence, always soften the contaminant first and then wipe gently. 

• Keep a Quick Detailer Spray Handy

Every car owner or driver should carry a quick detailer spray with them, as it can help remove light smudges, dust, etc., protecting the car’s finish. This car care product can also clean fresh bird droppings and tree sap. 

• Rinse Your Car Often if Parked Outdoors

If you frequently park your car under trees or in bird-prone areas, make it a routine to rinse the car every couple of days. It can help remove early contaminants before they harden and bond with the paint.

• Use a Paint-Safe Cleaner for Stubborn Spots

Another effective car paint maintenance tip is to use a paint-safe cleaner designed specially to remove contaminants, such as bird droppings and sap. However, in no case should you use harsh household cleaners to try to clean them quickly.
 

Repairing Damage from Bird Droppings and Sap

Repairing the damage caused by bird droppings and sap is easy. You only need to implement the following tips.

• Light Etching Fix with Polishing and Buffing

If there’s a light etching, wet sanding by a professional detailer can help. They can gently remove a thin layer of the clear paint coat to restore the smoothness.

• Use of Touch-up Paint for Small Marks

Applying touch-up paint can help you conceal the spot and prevent further deterioration. It is recommended if the etching has reached the coloured paint layer.

• Professional Wet Sanding for Deeper Etching

Wet sanding by a professional detailer is recommended for severe etching. It will help you level the damaged area and restore uniformity.  

• Reapplying Protective Coatings After Repair

Cleaning the surface isn’t enough. You must restore their protective barrier by reapplying the best coating. You can either choose a paint protection film (PPF) or a ceramic coating to prevent future stains and protect the car’s paint.
 

Conclusion

Bird droppings and tree sap are among the most common contaminants that you can notice on many car surfaces parked under trees or near bird-prone areas. While they may look harmless, leaving them as they are can cause massive damage to the car’s paint, affecting its visual appeal. 

If you want to protect your car paint from bird droppings and tree sap, follow the tips shared in this blog. They’re simple yet highly effective. If you think bird dropping and tree sap can lead to costly repair, you can protect yourself financially by investing in a Car Insurance that provides generous coverage. 

Shriram Car Insurance is one option that doesn’t simply provide unmatched coverage at affordable premiums, but also lets individuals personalise their coverage with extensive add-on cover options.
 

FAQs

1.How do bird droppings damage car paint?

Bird droppings contain high uric acid, which can quickly eat into the car’s paint coat. Leaving them as they are for a longer period under sunlight can cause stains, etching, and visible dull patches.
 

2.What is the best way to protect car paint from tree sap?

The best way is to apply a paint protection film (PPF) or ceramic coating for superior paint protection.
 

3.How often should I apply paint protection film or ceramic coating?

You can reapply the paint protection films (PPF) within 5 to 10 years of application as it’s the usual lifespan of the film. Ceramic coatings may have to be reapplied earlier as they have a shorter lifespan, ranging from 2 to 7 years. You can get the ceramic coating inspected by a mechanic to change it at the right time.
 

4.Can I safely clean bird droppings myself?

Yes, you can clean it if the bird droppings haven’t hardened yet. However, avoid scrubbing it aggressively as it may lead to paint pulling off from the surface.
 

5.What if the paint is already etched?

You can polish out light etching. However, deeper marks may need wet sanding, touch-up paint, or professional detailing to restore the finish, preventing further deterioration.