Polishing bug etchings

imported_NHBFAN

New member
A friend has an 05 Toyota Van that has bug damage on the hood/gravel pan. He left bugs on for about a month after evacuating for Katrina.



Can that ever be buffed out with a PC? I know initially polishing makes the damage look worse, but if I keep at it can I minimalize the damage?



I tried OTC bug removers and now you can't even feel cacusus with your fingernail. I know if it pitted the clearcoat you can't restore it to new ... I'm just trying to make it look better.
 
You can certainly make them much less noticable. What type of products do you have available to use? I know that for small areas ScratchX can be used. If you have a chemical paint cleaner like AIO or even VM you may want to give those a try first. If you have to use something more abrasive, try something like #80.
 
A client had a similar bug issue on an black X5. Clay or #80/polishing pad didn't touch them. I eventually got them off/out with SSR2.5/cutting pad.



Ben
 
Yeah, sometimes you have to get pretty aggressive. I had to use PI-III MG/1Z Pro MP on two bug spots on the S8's hood this summer and they were only on there for four or five days. I sure wouldn't hesistate to use #80, and it might take a few applicaions or something even more aggressive.
 
Bug etching is areal pain!! Don't be afraid to use #80 at all. It's reallly a final polish so you can't do any damage with it. I'd even try #83 on it with a polish or cutting pad. then step it down to #80 for a final finish. Do you have a rotary or just a PC? Depending on how bad it is a PC might not do it.



Hope this helps,

Brandon
 
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