Hi everyone - this is my first post. I've been lurking for a while now.

I'm in New Zealand. I took delivery of my new Titanium/black leather 6sp RX8 two weeks ago. Wonderful car, nicest I've ever driven - love it.

I got a 'paint protection' coating/treatment done through the dealer - supposed to be some sort of teflon that protects the paint from environmental factors like UV, acid rain etc. I was also told that with this treatment I shouldn't wax the car. (With my previous MX5, I waxed the car regularly)

Anyway, my problem is this: the car lives outside and I noticed it had become covered with what looked like fine sticky dust. I assumed it was pollen and the first opportunity (several days later after hot sunny weather) washed the car. This is only the second wash I've given it.

The 'pollen' seems to have bonded with the paint and a normal wash won't shift it. I'm loath to scrub too hard and risk scratching. The upper surface of my new car now feels like fine sandpaper.

Should I contact the dealer? Any advice on how to treat this much appreciated.

Try one those clay bar cleaning systems. They are designed to remove surface contaminates like that! if not try the dealer as that coating should come with some type of warranty.

It sounds like the coating that the dealer applied got a bit soft sitting in the sun and allowed the pollen to set itself into the surface.

Exact same problem here. I have a clay bar on order from Zaino along with the rest of the kit. Looks like its gonna take alot of claying for me though. I've got pollen everywhere. Time to invest in a car cover I guess.

I would suggest you go to the dealer first and let them take care of it. I bet they charged you a bit for that "protectant" so they might as well take responsability for it not working.