Paint Exceptions And Associated Repair Procedures (G1676685): Etching
NOTE:
Alternative Terminology: Bird droppings, acid attack, windshield-wash attack, strong detergent attack, industrial fallout, splashes and solvent attack.
Description
Small or large areas of the paint surface roughened and partly removed or disintegrated, often with traces of the cause and staining around the area. The severity of the exception will vary depending on the exposure and the nature of the attacking substance. In severe cases the paint film may exhibit signs of crazing.
Warranty Related Cause
- Not an exception arising from manufacturing process.
Non-warranty Related Cause(s)
- Incorrect or poor storage of new vehicles.
- Poor handling or carelessness with corrosive chemicals.
- Exposing soft or new paint finishes to strong chemicals or failure to protect from airborne contaminants.
Prevention
- Store vehicles as detailed in the New Vehicle Storage Manual.
- Take care with finishes and protect. Do not expose uncured or improperly hardened finishes to conditions likely to cause etching.
- Avoid washing recently finished areas or soft cellulose with detergents or allowing detergents to stay on the surface.
Rectification Process
- Check severity of exception.
- If mild, exception can be fine flatted and compounded/polished out.
- If severe, exception will require local refinish. Make sure all traces of the contaminant are removed.