Paint - Particles

[jbcrzn]

Greetings, all!

Yesterday, the weather was mid 70's and I was allowed the opportunity to once again clean the Cruiser (like others, my wife believes I am borderline obsessed with the Cleanliness of the PT). While I like the Cool Vanilla, I have had a great difficulty maintaining its cleanliness, especially with as much rain as we have had recently.

Anyway, I noticed for the first time when I was drying the rear bumper that there were some little specs. They somewhat resembled general dirt that one might collect from general road grime/driving conditions. Some of the particles had a slight texture, but I might have even been imagining that as I saw the specs. I rewashed the bumper, thinking that I had not been attentive enough, alas, they remained. Then, I started to notice that they appeared all over the PT's exterior, but nowhere that is protected by the doors. My wife thought that it might be the coloring of the paint, as I had to be within a few inches to see the particles. There were many more on the rear bumper than any other part of the vehicle, but I thought that might be due to the plastic in lieu of steel paint. They were also appearing on the bumper, under the hatch weatherstripping, where I have not been scrubbing.

I use Armorall wax and wash and thought that I might have been over zealous and trapped dirt between washes (I do no apply a separate wax - Sorry Candyman ). I also thought that I might have scratched the paint, but I use soft sponges for all of the car except the wheel wells and the front fascia, where I use a textured (netting) sponge for bug removal. So, I am at a loss of what these little spots could be and again, they are so little, that I cannot even take a photo of them.

Any direction as to what they are if anyone has noticed them on theirs or any other thoughts of what they could be or what they are not is greatly appreciated. I just would like to ensure that I am not damaging the paint or trapping dirt.

Thanks!

p.s. A photo for fun!

[quicksilverdon]

I have read about "rail dust" - steel particles from train brakes that are hot and burn into paint.
I am a believer in clay bar - have you ever trird one? Keep it moist, rub fast but lightly, and then wash and wax after.

[jbcrzn]

Originally Posted by quicksilverdon

I have read about "rail dust" - steel particles from train brakes that are hot and burn into paint.
I am a believer in clay bar - have you ever trird one? Keep it moist, rub fast but lightly, and then wash and wax after.

I have not tried to use the clay bar yet. I had read about the train dust also, but had totally forgotten about it. I bet that is what it is, as there are tracks near our office. I will try the clay bar, but I have never used one, so it will be a new experience.

Two more questions then: is there a better way to protect the paint from those particles and is there a better paint that is more resistant to them?

Thanks!

[cruserdad1976]

I always thought that "TRAIN" dust was caused when the car was being hauled on the train?????

[jbcrzn]

Originally Posted by cruserdad1976

I always thought that "TRAIN" dust was caused when the car was being hauled on the train?????

The tracks that are near our office are probably 50 yards from where we park. There is a lot of brush and the tracks are at a lower elevation than the parking lot. Also, since there are more of the spots on the rear bumper and hatch than the rest of the vehicle (we park under the building), could that be that particles from the tracks?

[cruserdad1976]

Well i really do not know but----------------- if you think about it 50 yards is a long way for some really really small particles to remain hot enough to burn into the cars paint ---its not like they are being shot out of a gun the have to go through the air at a not so fast pace and then land on a car??

Im thinking its most likely not that.

[Arne]

My white PT is covered with tiny black specks when I go to wash it.
These may not be the same as yours but they will not wash off.
I have to use a fingernail to remove each dot.
Had no idea what they could be till I asked a neighbor.
He immediately replied that of course they were residue from a small local insect.
I started laughing in disbelief but it turns out
it was in fact some kind of bug shit.
The other problem I'm having is an algae type growth in the seems of the roof edges.

[cdynaco]

Originally Posted by cruserdad1976

Well i really do not know but----------------- if you think about it 50 yards is a long way for some really really small particles to remain hot enough to burn into the cars paint ---its not like they are being shot out of a gun the have to go through the air at a not so fast pace and then land on a car??

Im thinking its most likely not that.

Maybe its not heat, but its acidic. I've read some of the the 'Paint Protection' warranties that cover acid rain or industrial pollution, so it must be an issue.

Clay bar and one of the polymer treatments sounds like a correction to the finish, then maybe have a car cover for work for prevention...

btw, the pic makes it look Stone White like mine rather than Cool Vanilla. Maybe its the lighting.

[careyk]

I have the reputation of having the shiniest cars on the block also....my wife says I am obsessive compulsive.....oh well at least Im not a alcholic, gambler, smoker,druggie,or a deadbeat freeloader

[Candyman]

Hey their Everyone,

You Guys are really close on this one. Actually Rail Dust primarily does come from transporting vehicles from the Manufacturing Plant to the Distribution Center where the new vehicles are then transported by Truck to their final destination. Basically Rail Dust is disbursed via hot brakes off the rail car in front creating friction thus creating tiny minute hot particles which get onto the vehicles paint surfaces, and attract to the surface as they cool. Most of the time the concentration will be more on the flat surfaces like the hood, roof, trunk, and bumpers more so than down the sides, although the sides can also be contaminated in various states as well. It is really truly amazing that I would estimate more than 90% of new vehicles straight off the lot have rail dust that has not been treated. Mostly through non-education on behalf of the Porters who clean the cars prior to placing them on the Lot, and poor Salesmen who tend to promise, or mislead Customers in order to secure a Sale, this problem often goes undetected, and can easily lead to Paint Deterioration, or Failure over time. In fact, on white especially, if left untreated, these metal particles could eventually actually rust on the paint surface.

In addition to Rail Dust, you also have Brake Dust which is disbursed from other vehicles on the road all around you. basically the same scenario as microscopic hot particles are slung off of other peoples brake pads and land on your paint surfaces where they can easily attatch themselves to your paint surface creating this fallout.

Then you also have a variety of other air bourne contaminants that also can cause friction on the surface if not treated properly as well thus creatin the same effect over just a couple of days.

As mentioned above, Claying is the answer. Clay Bars are non abrasive, and can be used as many times as needed without removing paint like Compounds do. Basically, the Clay removes foreign contaminants from the surface, rather than the actual paint itself, kind of like an eraser to a piece of paper. Their are a couple thing you need to be aware of when claying though. First off, if you should drop the Clay, you will want to throw it away as you can likely pick up contaminants that can scratch your paint. The other thing is to be sure to keep the area your working on lubricated with some type of Quick Detailer Product in conjunction with the Claying Process. Never Clay on dry paint without Lubrication at any time.

On that note, I will turn it over to a Vid from my good Friend Mike Phillips over at Meguiar's to demonstrate the basic process for you.

YouTube - How to Clay Bar

Go easy, and if you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me anytime.

Candyman