I was parked and got some atomic tree sap or whatever the hell it was on a good portion of my hood and roof. Well, I didn't have any protection (wax/sealant) on the car at the time (I know, big mistake). So I tried removing this tree sap by claying the car, but the clay wasn't really getting to it that well so I had to take almost all of it of w/ my finger nail (while area was lubed w/ quick detailer) and then use the clay to get all the small pieces of tree sap after I took it off w/ my finger nail.
After this I saw some serious etching over the hood and the roof where the tree sap spots used to be. I was wondering, will 3M FI-II w/ the yellow CMA pad remove the etching? I went over the area w/ P21S GEPC, and it didn't do anything to get rid of the etching, and I really wasn't expecting it to because it's not abraisive enough to get the serious stuff off the paint.

Also, I ended up detailing deep into the night and decided I needed some sleep, so I just rinsed the white CMA pad I was using to apply the P21S GEPC and just held it under water and kept squeezing it until all the water dripping was clear. I left it out to air dry tonight, would it be okay to use this tomorrow morning, or do I have to throw it in the laundry and really wash it out?

For the etching try FI2 or product of similar agressiveness. You will need to remove some clear to level off the marks. GEPC is not strong enough to do this.

As for your pad, yes, you can go ahead and use it. You did a good job of cleaning it.

David.

For the etching try FI2 or product of similar agressiveness. You will need to remove some clear to level off the marks. GEPC is not strong enough to do this.

As for your pad, yes, you can go ahead and use it. You did a good job of cleaning it.

David.
Okay, I'll definitely use the FI-II then because I can't stand looking at the etching. David, thanks for your help!

david got it right on both counts. I rarely wash my pads more than you described. Occasionally i'll let them soak in a bucket with dawn. Washing them sometimes takes away their shape a bit...

FI-II should work, as well DACP... If you need more, step it up to a Fine cut compound, but you'll have to go over it after with something less abrasive to remove any micro-marring.

david got it right on both counts. I rarely wash my pads more than you described. Occasionally i'll let them soak in a bucket with dawn. Washing them sometimes takes away their shape a bit...

FI-II should work, as well DACP... If you need more, step it up to a Fine cut compound, but you'll have to go over it after with something less abrasive to remove any micro-marring.

Which fine cut compound would you recommend if FI-II doesn't work?
I was thinking something along the lines of this if the FI-II doesn't get the job done: http://store4.yimg.com/I/classic-motoring_1793_222325

That looks like the one. I've heard good things, but never used it.

And, I'm glad to help out!

David.