One of the biggest threats to a vehicle or caravan’s paintwork is bird droppings and tree sap. These contaminants are very acidic and can cause some serious damage if they are not removed. The good news is that paint protection can help, but its effectiveness depends on the type of protection used. Let’s see how various coatings work to prevent these problems and what else you should do to protect your car. How Bird Droppings and Tree Sap Cause Damage to Paintwork. 1.Bird Droppings Bird droppings are acidic and if left on the paint for too long, they can cause corrosion of the paint. They tend to set and become sticky, which makes them stick on the surface and can be difficult to remove without damaging the surface. When exposed to sunlight, the acid in the droppings reacts with the paint and causes more damage. 2.Tree Sap (Tree) gum is sticky, and it is not easy to remove it from the surface of the car. It can stick to the paint and dry up and become sticky, and may require strong solvents to remove it. Some types of sap contain chemicals that can stick or even eat through the paint ware. How Different Paint Protection Products Work. 1.Wax and Sealants Effectiveness: Fair to good level of protection. Wax and synthetic sealants form a thin protective layer on top of the surface which makes it easier to wipe off the dirt. But it is not effective in preventing etching especially if droppings or sap is left on the surface for a longer time. These products are short lived and thus need to be applied frequently in order to keep the protection in place. 2.Ceramic Coating Effectiveness: Very good protection. Ceramic coatings form a long lasting hydrophobic barrier that is difficult for droppings and sap to adhere to the paint. Ceramic coatings do the job of making the cleaning process smooth and prevents permanent stains but it is not fully resistant to etching if the contaminants are left on the surface for a long time. Quick removal is still advised to avoid damage. 3.Graphene Coatings Effectiveness: Maximum protection. It has all the features of the ceramic coatings with the added benefit of resistance to high heat and chemical substances. It offers superior protection against bird droppings and tree sap by stopping them from sticking on the surface and also reduces the chances of etching that is intensified by heat. 4.Paint Protection Film (PPF) Effectiveness: The best protective measure. PFF is a self-healing film that is applied directly on the car to shield the paint from contaminants. Whereas coatings are not able to heal the minor etching, PPF is most suitable for bird droppings and sap due to its ability to heal itself to some extent. Conclusion: Protection is Good, But It is Better to Clean the Stain as Soon as Possible Ceramic coatings, graphene coatings, and PPF can decrease the chances of damage from bird droppings and tree sap but no product can completely protect your paint. The best defence is always a quick clean up. Hence, to get the best outcome, clean the contaminants from the surface by using a mild cleaner or detailer to prevent the etching of the paint.