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Bird poop stain solutions?

NSCyber

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I have a few bird poop stains on the hood that hasn’t come off with wash and glass cleaner. Any tips and tricks on how to get rid of bird poop stains?
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tmeyer3

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Give it time. Stainless kind of rotates through stained patches through it's life. Stainless, surprisingly, doesn't mean it doesn't stain, it means it's very resistant to corrosion. But the stains do cycle.

If you're not a fan and want a more painted, perfect, and consistent look. I highly recommend a wrap!

But to answer your question, to reset all stains you'll need to repassivate the panel, or entire truck, to even it out. That means chemically removing the chromium oxide layer that protects the steel and giving it some time to rebuild that dull grey layer. Typically by using something intentionally corrosive with oxalic acid in it like bar keepers friend, brasso, etc. I don't recommend doing this often, though, it does expose the raw steel each time. Alternatively, just wait for the stain to cycle through.
 

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Barkeeper's Friend and Windex are your best bet, BUT... if you do this you will likely need to do the WHOLE truck, or at a minimum that whole panel. It dramatically changes the surface finish in the area you clean temporarily. It will return to normal in time. Cleaning just one spot will make it stand out.

Here is an extremely long video covering this very simple idea. Linked at a timestamp that gives you the basic process. It can be done by hand.

 
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justinpratt

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Scotch bright.
Or Mr clean magic eraser. It will etch. Rub wisely.
 


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NSCyber

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Give it time. Stainless kind of rotates through stained patches through it's life. Stainless, surprisingly, doesn't mean it doesn't stain, it means it's very resistant to corrosion. But the stains do cycle.

If you're not a fan and want a more painted, perfect, and consistent look. I highly recommend a wrap!

But to answer your question, to reset all stains you'll need to repassivate the panel, or entire truck, to even it out. That means chemically removing the chromium oxide layer that protects the steel and giving it some time to rebuild that dull grey layer. Typically by using something intentionally corrosive with oxalic acid in it like bar keepers friend, brasso, etc. I don't recommend doing this often, though, it does expose the raw steel each time. Alternatively, just wait for the stain to cycle through.
Thanks! Getting it wrapped in 3 weeks which is why I’m asking as I didn’t want it to get worse in the next 3 weeks or you think it should be ok to wait for the wrap as they will be clay barring it?
 
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tmeyer3

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Thanks! Getting it wrapped in 3 weeks which is why I’m asking as I didn’t want it to get worse in the next 3 weeks or you think it should be ok to wait for the wrap as they will be clay barring it?
The staining from acidic things like bird poop is fine to wrap over ?
Just want to be certain the surface is clean first.

What color did you decide on?
 

Crissa

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Wet a paper tower or microfiber cloth and leave it to soak for a few minutes, then use soap. If that doesn't work, use a quick wipe of bar keeper's friend, or other solvent.

You need to rehydrate the fats and crystals so the soap and grab them.

-Crissa
 
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NSCyber

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The staining from acidic things like bird poop is fine to wrap over ?
Just want to be certain the surface is clean first.

What color did you decide on?
We are wrapping it in clear satin PPF so that’s why I am a bit concerned of the imperfections underneath the wrap.
 


tmeyer3

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We are wrapping it in clear satin PPF so that’s why I am a bit concerned of the imperfections underneath the wrap.
Oooooohhhh, yeah might be good idea to repassivate the truck, wait a week, then do the ppf if you want a perfect look. Oxygen exposure is what makes stainless cycle through stains like it does.

I was thinking of doing a vinyl wrap myself, haven't decided yet.
 

Sarge23060

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I've used CitriSurf 77 as recommended in the Tesla Cybertruck manual. It worked very well. Making my way around the whole truck over a few days (Don't have hours at a time to do it.) I have some BKF, but haven't tried it yet - seems a little aggressive to me.
 

sanaoil

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We are wrapping it in clear satin PPF so that’s why I am a bit concerned of the imperfections underneath the wrap.
Hi,

Thinking of doing satin clear as well. Did you proceed with the clear? Does it show the discoloration under? Or does the clear even it out? Thank you!!
 

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Barkeeper's Friend and Windex are your best bet, BUT... if you do this you will likely need to do the WHOLE truck, or at a minimum that whole panel. It dramatically changes the surface finish in the area you clean temporarily. It will return to normal in time. Cleaning just one spot will make it stand out.

Here is an extremely long video covering this very simply topic. Linked at a timestamp that gives you the basic process. It can be done by hand.

Wow, what a difference!
 
 








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