Environmental Fallout (Bug Residue)

Caution

Refer to Clearcoat/Ultraviolet Screeners Caution.

Note

Always refer to the manufacturer’s packaged instructions for the detailed procedures of materials used for compounding and/or polishing. Since the severity of the condition can vary due to the quantity of matter on the units, proper diagnosis of the contamination is critical to the success of the repairs.  Perform the diagnosis under high intensity fluorescent lighting  and ensure the surfaces have been properly cleaned using a bug remover soaking for 3 minutes and washing the unit in a brushless wash system or hand held pressure wash.  Suggested bug removal products are 3D Bug Remover, Nanoskin Happy Bug, and Wizards and Armour All Tar and Bug remover or equivalent. If possible, please avoid direct sunlight while performing bug removal procedure. Clearcoat Etching Slight etching is still noticeable after the above washing and finesse polishing procedure. Refer to Slight Clearcoat Damage – Wet Sanding, Finesse Polishing. Basecoat Etching Severe etching beyond the clearcoat into the basecoat in the affected areas will require refinishing. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems. Surface Level Contamination Repair

1. Thoroughly wash and dry the recommended bug removal products and process.
2. Apply finesse-type polish with a foam panel. If damage has been repaired, remove any swirl marks with a dual action orbital polisher and foam pad. Refer to Clearcoat Repair Specifications - 3M Products.
3. If some damage remains, refer to Slight Clearcoat Damage – Wet Sanding, Finesse Polishing. Slight Clearcoat Damage – Wet Sanding, Finesse Polishing
4. Select a small contaminated test area.
5. Film thickness should be taken prior to the sanding and polishing. Refer to Paint Gauges.
6. Wet sand and finesse polish the contaminated test area. Refer to Clearcoat Repair Specifications - 3M Products. If during the polishing you suspect or observe that etching has penetrated into the basecoat, too much clearcoat has been removed during sanding, or base color is transferred to the polishing pad during polishing, then the affected areas will require refinishing. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems.