Removing tiny spots from a pearl white M3

[Zacster]

I just washed my M3 by hand and found that all the little black specks that were sticking to the car left a tiny brown spec mark underneath when I removed them. It also sometimes streaked when I popped it off. The streaks I could rub off with some effort but most of the brown spots don't come up, but some did with a dry microfiber towel. I probably shouldn't have left them on as long as I did but there are no touchless car washes here in Brooklyn that I've been able to find and I've had a shoulder injury for the last 6 months (still have it actually but it isn't as sore).

Is there some product to use to remove the rest that I should try? I want to remove them before I apply a protective coat.

 

[Zacster]

I did a little research and found that this is a fungus from wood mulch! And I have wood mulch in my garden right next to the car. Apparently I should use a clay bar to remove it. I had no idea there were so many cleaners out there with specific uses. I believe the local Autozone had them.

 

[Kimmi]

to the Clay Bar!

 

[Unclepaul]

May also be from rail dust. When a car is shipped by train, the paint can pick up steel particles from the rails and wheels.

Special cleaners are available for this. They smell terrible, but work quickly and do their job well.

Use clay after than, then your favorite high quality wax or polish.

 

[Zacster]

My car may have been shipped by train back in 2021 but it hasn't been near one since. I'm going with the artillery fungus idea since it fits the description. It is more prevalent on the side of the car that usually faces the garden. I'll have to check out my daughters car since it is usually parked there too.

 

[Zacster]

My daughter's car had it really bad because it is the car usually parked next to the garden.

The clay bar actually didn't work to remove the brown spots, but with the lubricant I was able to scrape it off with a fingernail. The clay got the hood nice and smooth as it should and then I applied HydroSlick ceramic coating and it sparkles. Now I have to do the rest of the car when it warms up a bit outside.

 

[NeuroRad]

The brown spots are probably iron particles. You need to chemically decontaminate. Get a product like Iron X

 

[Zacster]

The brown spots are probably iron particles. You need to chemically decontaminate. Get a product like Iron X

They're from the fungus. There is a black dot like a tiny poppy seed that easily picks off, and underneath it is the brown goo. The goo would streak as I removed the black dot and I could wipe it away, but the spot directly under the black was more difficult as it had been sitting there a while.

The raised dot, you can actually see the shadow to the left:

After I picked it off, it looks like rust but is the residue:

These pics are from my daughter's car as I've already picked them all off my Tesla.

 

[Zacster]

I just tried something that worked on my daughter's car, vinegar. Just plain white vinegar softens it enough to scrub it away with a microfiber towel. Let it soak for a few seconds. Wash it away with water and dry.

 

[joebruin77]

If you try google searching "how to remove tree fungus from car paint", you will find helpful suggestions. For example, this is from an article published by "Miami Mold Specialists":

How to Remove Tree Mold from Car Paint?​

Tree Mold causes the same patches on car paint as it causes on the trees. So before starting the cleaning process, you shall park your car in sunlight and open its door and windows for cross ventilation.

The first step is to spread olive oil over the affected areas. Then with a dampened soft cloth or wool cloth, rub the surface with it. Avoid using an abrasive tool as it gives shifter chances of destroying the paint.

The motion you use shall consist of circular motions. Now, use mineral spirit and rub that along. Let it settle for at least ten minutes. It will kill the remaining residue of bacteria. With a dry cloth, wipe off the surface.

Another method is to use white vinegar. Fill the vinegar in a spray bottle and then spray on the infected areas....

The next technique involves the use of salt. Yes, you are right salt is very effective against molds. Use the diluted salt and water mixture and pour the mixture into a region where mold is present. Afterward, let it dry.

 

[joebruin77]

BTW, shortly after reading your original post, I visited my favorite car detailing website Autogeekonline.net . Coincidentally, there was a post on there that talks about a professional detailer who had to clean "Whiskey fungus" off of a white truck. The fungus comes from the wood used to make barrels at a distillery about a mile away:

Whiskey Fungus Removal- Big money in Bourbon country

This 2012 Silverado truck lives 1 mile downwind from both Buffalo Trace Distillery (Pappy Van Winkle) and Jim Beam. The whiskey fungus originates from

www.autogeekonline.net

Here is what the detailer said he had to do to remove the whisky fungus:

"I used Chemical Guys Citrus Wash & Gloss at high strength, then synthetic clay pads on a Cyclo polisher to scrub all the fungus off. Various brushes and every mitt and bug scrubber I had."

Sounds like really nasty stuff.

 

[Zacster]

Thanks, but that's all much more heavy duty than the artillery fungus. The main problem with those little black dots is the residue behind them. You don't want to get out the big guns just to take those dots off. White vinegar does the trick, then just hose it down and dry.