Detailing in the Sun

[vctrku]

Hi, so I see on many bottles of products, videos, and articles stating that it is best if detailing steps were done in the shade but I do not really understand that. Is it just because of the heat from the sun drying out the products, and affecting the paint in a bad way, or is there an affect on the products due to the actual sunlight, like UV rays? I am very confused about this. For example, if I am washing or polishing my car in the shade, but the sun shifts and a part of the car is exposed to the sun's rays, is that okay? I know that people say washing the car in the sun is bad because the water can dry and leave water spots and that is why I was wondering. Also, I live in Toronto, Canada so it is not always very hot here. Since it can get quite cool here in the winters, or even when it is mild in the spring and autumn I am wondering if it is okay to detail in full sun? Shade is very hard to come by at times, especially when I am trying to do a full day detail on my car and my garage is not that big. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

[h_bomm]

Re: Detailing in the Sun

I think product drying out is one problem. Also the sun will make your car surface hot, obviously, and the heat can evaporate some of the chemicals in the product you are using. Those are probably the 2 biggest reasons. Also it's probably more comfortable working in the shade. I don't know about you, but I sweat like a pig when I'm doing a full detail! Probably not a big deal if the shade leaves a corner of your car, but as much of a pain as it may be, you will probably want to keep it seeded as much as possible. Hope this helps!

[vctrku]

Re: Detailing in the Sun

Oh, okay so heat is the main factor. It is actually quite cool where I am right now so I think it would be fine to detail in the sun. It is only about 7 degrees celsius here today. If anything, I would be worried it might be too cold. lol

[h_bomm]

Re: Detailing in the Sun

That is an issue too i think. That's about 40 or so fahrenheit, right? I think general consensus is 50-55 or warmer. Maybe 10-12 or so in Celsius. You can certainly try it though and see what happens. You cars surface should be warmer than the air temp if it is in full sun, just pay attention to your liquid that you're using and make sure it isn't drying out on you, common sense stuff! We must be getting some of your weather here, it's 34 and cloudy, not as wndy as yesterday though, a slight breeze vs 20-30 mph yesterday! Winter is back!

[Murr1525]

Re: Detailing in the Sun

Yeah, it is really just a surface temperature issue.

So if you are in the full sun, and the surface just feels a regular temperature, everything is ok.

Esp this time of year in a northern area, working in the sun is almost better, esp for wax.

[vctrku]

Re: Detailing in the Sun

Thanks for all your help guys!