Wax-Related Question

[bradipock]

I've never understood this concept, so maybe someone can share some input. I live in NC where we have been relatively dry for awhile. I detailed my truck about 2 weeks ago and since then it has rained almost every third day. My question relates to the dust and dirt brought out by rain. Why does the water from rain run off the waxed areas EVEN when dirty but the dirt stays on there? Seems like the dirt would roll off with the water.

Just something I have been pondering on this last Monday of the year.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Wax-Related Question

Good question, maybe someone will have a good explanation?

[Jimmy The Detailer]

Re: Wax-Related Question

Hmm, yeah, I hate that as my car is white and the dirt likes gracing my back bumper somehow more so. But, I would guess that water has a higher lubricity than dirt in regards to a waxed surface, and dirt is more dense and can't roll off but rather velcros itself to the waxed surface when the water that accompanied it has dryed or dissipated. Again, I would think its all lubricity.

[Ticman]

Re: Wax-Related Question

I think static electricity might have something to do with it. Just driving down the road will create a static charge on your car paint. Rain just it's enough remove that last little thin layer of dust particles.

Plus dirt just sticks anyway. Especially when mixed with a little water. LOL!!!!!

Tic

[Nappers]

Re: Wax-Related Question

If you ever seen dirt under a microscope, it looks like little razors. My theory is that the dirt sticks to the paint. That is why we clay the car. Using a soap with lubricants prevents the dirt from sticking again and only doing small areas at a time prevents swirling the dirt around on your wash mitt thus scratching it up.

I saw a similar write up on upholstery, making sure to vacuum the dirt out of upholstery as the dirt actually cuts the fabric and eventually wearing it out. The scale would be taking a pocket knife to say....the cable on a suspension bridge, wont cut it but eventually would...

*shrugs* my theory anyways.

Aaron

[Deaner5]

Re: Wax-Related Question

I have a little different idea of things. Granted the heated underground garage that I usually park in is very dusty and even after just 8 hours overnight it is dusty.

With this dust on the surface it will gather with the water, and since most of us on here at least keep a fresh coat of wax on the surface, and then subsequently dry to leave behind horribly dirty water spots.

That's my theory at least. Plus do you ever notice how people who don't keep their car's clean, their car's will look fine after the rain, maybe because you have that glob effect of the water on the surface as opposed to the beading you get with a clean waxed surface. Just a thought.