Is it safe to use acetone to remove spots on trunk of vehicle?

[REHA4GA]

I have a series of white spots across the trunk of my A6. The spots look like dripped paint perhaps from a lane marking machine. However, I am beginning to think that the spots could be diluted fingernail polish because the spots have a slight ridge. I have tried various bug and tar cleaners and also quick detail cleaners to remove the spots, but the only solvent which seems to work is acetone.

I would appreciate comments from those in the know about whether it would be safe to use acetone to remove the spots. I tested the acetone in a very small area. It seems to work and does not seem to damage the paint. However, I am a little reluctant to use acetone more extensively on the car.

If acetone is not my best choice, are there any safer products out there that might work?

Thanks for your responses.

Bob

[Avus RS4]

Can you post some pics?
Acetone is a pretty strong solvent.
Thiiner would probably be safer, but I'm going to reserve my opinion on what to use safely until I see a pic of what you're talking about.
As a rule of thumb, you'd always want to try the least abrasive, aggressive method first even if it may take longer to achieve results.

[REHA4GA]

Thanks for your response. I am having some trouble uploading a photo. I will post some photos when I can.

[b8audis4]

I would not use acetone. That is a very bad idea. I would first try clay. If that doesn't work then try Menzerna FG400 or a stronger compound.

[REHA4GA]

Thank you b8audis4 for your response. I did try clay with a a quick detail product. Clay did not work. I will look for the Menzema fg400 product.

I have posted some photos here: http://reha4ga.shutterfly.com

[Avus RS4]

Try a little bit of white vinegar by soaking it for a few minutes to see if that breaks it up. It almost looks like bird doo-doo.
You would still need to buff it after it's cleaned. That stuff tends to etch onto the paint the longer you leave it on, even after it's removed.

Have you tried claying it?
If you can feel it like you've said you can feel edges, then a claybar would be a good alternative.

[REHA4GA]

Claying does not work and I don't think that it is bird doo-doo. I have not yet come across bird doo-doo that can't be cleaned using either bug and tar cleaner or quick detailer cleaner.

The spots have really adhered and dug into the paint almost like glue. I suspect that I will likely get the Menzerna FG400 or a stronger compound and put the Porter-Cable to work.

[CLEANA3]

I would try and I have done thinner on paint . When paint is cured it is strong enough to put thinner on .. but I would net let a rag soaked in it lay on the paint over night but any good compound should do the trick. But you may need to go into a 3000 grit if it's etched at all .

[Avus RS4]

As it stands righ now, I doubt you'll be able to buff it completely out.
I know it's hard to make an assessment on what it really looks like in person, but I would think that that stuff needs to be reduced a little more before a buffer can take it out.
If it's a paint derivate I then would suggest using some denatured alcohol, rubbing it gently...

[REHA4GA]

Thanks for all the responses. I have made a lot of progress in removing the spots using denatured alcohol and Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105 compound. Now you can only see the spots if you get up real close. It does look like the spots did become etched into the paint. I am going to keep working on it using a little more denatured alcohol and a less abrasive compound.

[Avus RS4]

Thanks for all the responses. I have made a lot of progress in removing the spots using denatured alcohol and Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105 compound. Now you can only see the spots if you get up real close. It does look like the spots did become etched into the paint. I am going to keep working on it using a little more denatured alcohol and a less abrasive compound.

I'm glad the denatured alcohol helped.
Now, that you know where you are, if it's etched into the paint like I thought it would be, buffing will not do you much good, not a porter cable anyway, it needs now to be wet sanded with 2000 grit and then buffed.
I'm only suggesting wet sanding it with 2000 grit with the understanding that you're aware of the risks involved if you've never done this before...
Otherwise, just leave it like that as long as the white stuff is all gone...

[REHA4GA]

I decided not to attempt the wet sanding as I did not want to make things worse. However, I was able to successfully get the spotting cleaned up even though it seemed to be etched into the paint.

I followed up my previous use of the denatured alcohol and the Meguiar's #205 Ultra-cut Compound with a buffing using Meguiar's #205 Mirror Glaze Ultra Finishing Polish. Then, I did my regular cleaning and waxing process (claying, zymol HD Paint Cleaner, and zymol Carbon wax).

I am really not sure what gets the credit for really cleaning things up, but I am very satisfied with the overall results. Thanks to all for your prior responses and suggestions.

Bob

[Avus RS4]

Good job!
I'm glad everything worked out for you and the guys here were able to chip in helpful ideas.

[Crucible35]

I had some spots like that a few years back after I parked in an underground parking lot....turns out that construction was happening right above my car that I couldn't see and some cement "runoff" landed on my roof in a very similar pattern to your pictures. I was able to get it out with Megs Ultimate Compound....but there was some etching left that, over time, faded.