Working in the sun? How HOT does your car's paint get?

[danponjican]

Re: Working in the sun? How HOT does your car's paint get?

I just thought I would share this video of polishing on a panel that is measured to be 155F.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJPph-aCsIk

[Andy M.]

Re: Working in the sun? How HOT does your car's paint get?

You could also check out this video.

Meguiar’s Complete Video Guide

Andy
101impala

[pampos]

Re: Working in the sun? How HOT does your car's paint get?

I agree. I can't even think about using Quik Detailer when my truck has been out in the sun for 10 to 20 minutes because the QD will dry on the surface within seconds and just smear like a wax. I hate that because I love to use the QD often.

I used QD on shade and the car was on shade all day long

[new2detailing]

Re: Working in the sun? How HOT does your car's paint get?

I agree, even when the product states "use in sun or shade" I always try to use it in early morning or at dusk. Otherwise the flash time for "any" product is greatly diminished.

[TxZ71]

Re: Working in the sun? How HOT does your car's paint get?

I agree. I can't even think about using Quik Detailer when my truck has been out in the sun for 10 to 20 minutes because the QD will dry on the surface within seconds and just smear like a wax. I hate that because I love to use the QD often.

[danponjican]

Re: Working in the sun? How HOT does your car's paint get?

That's egg frying temperatures!

[pampos]

Re: Working in the sun? How HOT does your car's paint get?

I have the same problem here in Cyprus in less than 5 minutes in direct sunlight...Today i was applying some glaze on my car(it was out of direct sunlight all day long) and the glaze was drying almost at once,also the QD did so....

[TxZ71]

Re: Working in the sun? How HOT does your car's paint get?

Even after only 20 minutes in direct sun here in West Texas, the surface of my truck is too hot to touch. And I can definately relate to the hot surface even in the shade. You guys have it good for detailing out there on the coast.

[pampos]

Re: Working in the sun? How HOT does your car's paint get?

So how it translated a 95 degrees air temperature away of direct sunlight on a black car ?? : )

[Mr Mustang]

Re: Working in the sun? How HOT does your car's paint get?

^and that's why I dont get to resume work on my car until september, outside washings

[Mike Phillips]

Working in the sun? How HOT does your car's paint get?

The topic of working on a car in direct sun comes up from time to time, there are some companies that claim you can use their products in the sun. That's kind of vague because there's a HUGE difference between working on your car in the sun in the morning when it's cool out and working on a car in the sun at noon in Arizona in August where temperatures can easily surpass 160 degrees.

So next time someone claims their product can be used in direct sun, ask them to be more specific, ask them how hot the surface can be and their product can still be used safely and key word here, still be usedeffectively on the very hot surface they're claiming their products can be used on.

(We're betting there will be a pause with a lot of hemming and hawing in the answer).


Just for the record, even if a product can be used on a hot surface in the sun, this same product will ALWAYS work better on a cool surface in the shade.

The below was taken from the 2nd Advanced Class we've coordinated through our forum, note that these pictures were taken in Irvine, California, (a coastal city where temperatures don't get extreme), and they were taken in May, not even summer yet. Still, look how hot the paint became while the cars were sitting in the parking lot of our Corporate office.


Advanced Class #2 - Pictures & Comments


It was a beautiful sunny day at Meguiar's Garage! Check out the temperature differences for the different colors of paint sitting in full sun, especially the difference between the temperature on a white car as compared to a black car.




White car - 110 degrees



Silver Metallic - 129 degrees



Green Metallic - 165 degrees




Silver Metallic - 154 degrees




Black - 168 degrees




Our demo car was parked inside Meguiar's Garage since early morning...




Even out of the sun on a warm day the surface temperature can still be warm.




Additional Information

What temperature ranges are best for applying cleaners, polishes, and waxes