Mysterious Deposit on Hood – Clay Bar Didn’t Work, Advice Needed!

[Anthropod]

I’m hoping someone here might have some advice or insight. My wife’s 2023 Mach-E (in black) has developed a mysterious deposit on the hood. It almost looks like a clear coat splatter, but it’s not sticky—it’s smooth, shiny, and has some noticeable thickness when you run your hand over it. Based on the shape and pattern, it seems like it could have splattered at speed.

Here’s what I’ve tried so far:

1. Microfiber cloth and detailer spray – No effect.

2. Clay bar – Spent some time with this, and it had zero impact on the deposit.

I’ve attached a photo and have a video ready to share for reference. The deposit hasn’t come off or even been reduced with the steps I’ve tried so far.

My next thought is to try bug and tar remover, but I’m hesitant since I don’t want to risk damaging the surrounding paint or clear coat.

Has anyone encountered something like this before? What worked for you? Should I go ahead and try the bug and tar remover, or are there other methods/products you’d recommend?

Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!

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[Scooby24]

Try some rubbing alcohol diluted 10:1 and see if that makes any difference. If it does and it's slow, you can increase the ratio to speed it along.

If it doesn't, you could try a more powerful solvent. Bug and tar remover is paint safe and I wouldn't be worried about trying it..just spray on a towel first to minimize spraying somewhere you don't wipe off.

It's unlikely it's harder than the paint itself so last resort would be wetsanding and polishing but that takes a comfort level most don't have and you may want to tap a professional detailer for that.

 

[Mach-Lee]

I’d try some tarminator or rubbing alcohol. Might be like sap which is difficult to remove.

 

[Anthropod]

I just remembered I think this car has SurfaceCare. Should I file a claim?

 

[dalola]

Try a paint-safe solvent based cleaner, like Martin-Senour Kleanz-Easy, available at NAPA.

 

[ipca204]

I just remembered I think this car has SurfaceCare. Should I file a claim?

hell yes!

 

[joebruin77]

I agree that rubbing alcohol might remove it, but I suggest a slightly different way to apply it. Get some alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and apply it to the area on the paint when it is cool and out of the sun. Let it dwell for 3-5 minutes, then wipe it off with a microfiber towel.

A professional detailer once taught me this trick. The problem with applying diluted alcohol is that it evaporates pretty quickly before it can affect the substance you are trying to remove. The hand sanitizer will keep the alcohol in place, allowing it to dwell on the substance for much longer.

You can also try the bug and tar remover. It should not affect your paint, but it will likely degrade or strip any sealants or waxes you might have on your paint. So you would just have to reapply your sealant or wax after application and removal.

Good luck!
Joe

 

[Nolanbro]

If you can try KochChemie Eulex, but be careful this stuff is super strong and DO NOT USE IN SUNLIGHT, if that doesnt work maybe try a polish?

 

[Skip Towne]

Yes, do file a claim and report back. I've always worried those policies have a "void if claim made" clause.

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