Spots on white paint... What are they?

[gb387]

Not sure where to post this so I thought here might be good... Simple question that I have had for sometime.... on white cars new or old you frequently see small orange(ish) spots on the surface of the paint (looks like rust) what is that stuff? Anyone know?

[Mike Phillips]

A local detailer, (with a white work truck), and I discussed this one day as he pointed to some orange spots on his white finish.

He told me he thought these particular orange spots, which looked like small paint splatters, were insect droppings or something along that line?

I think I have a picture of them somewhere, (I photograph everything related to detailing).

I'll try to find them. Tim's suggestion is a common problem, which may explain it. Do your orange spots look like stains in the paint, or stains on the paint therein lies a clue to the answer.

Mike

[Billorlando]

what is the location of the spots I know there are several shops in my local area that usw tire dressings with a chemical called heptane this chemical is well known for damaging white paint because of it nature it discolors tru the finish. so if the cars are discolored on the side of the vehicle where tire sling can happen I will almost guarantee it is because of that chemical .PS meguiars tire dressing does not conyain this chemical so stick with it ...

[gb387]

Well the spots are on a friends car (Chrysler) and they are on the rear of the trunk lid and rear portion of the rear fender. Although I have seen them on other white cars in other locations, my old truck (Chevrolet) always had them around the emblems where I couldn't get with cleaners/polishes/waxes, in fact I removed the emblems on the tailgate to remove the spots and eliminate the problem, it was driving me nuts.

They are on the surface of the paint, with a little work they can be eliminated.

I know another guy at work has them on his brand new pearl metallic white Lexus, so I think that eliminates the idea of only one manufacture having the spots or paint related issues.


Something I have always wondered about.