What causes Drip marks?

[Expertcarpetcare]

I find these drip marks that come from mirrors or vinyl handles and stain the paint to be easy enough to remove with a light compound. But what causes them? Is it hard water causing a stain on the paint?

Regular cleaning will not remove it, but compound such as Meguiar's #2 Fine cut cleaner seems to do a great job eradicating this.

[RedSoxRacer]

Re: What causes Drip marks?

Either a product that was applied to protect the vinyl/plastic, or the dirt and grime that builds up and then is released when it rains. I've also found this to happen when people lube the locks or handles on doors/trunks.
Also, you may be going a little more aggressive than necessary with the fine cut cleaner.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: What causes Drip marks?

Often times mirrors, handles, cracks and crevices hold water. It usually won't come out until you drive and the wind blows it out.

I would suggest acquiring some Meguiar's Last Touch (Very cheap in bulk) and keeping a spray bottle of LT with you, along with a clean microfiber towel. After you wash your vehicle, first attempt to blow water out of cracks and known drip sources (air compressor is best, but doing it the old fashioned manual way at least helps), and then using the Last Touch to clean it up.

Then keep it with you in your vehicle and immediately after driving it for the first time after a wash, stop and inspect for runs. Spray some Last Touch on the areas and GENTLY wipe. The Last Touch is extremely effective at gently breaking these deposits up, and 100% removing them.

This method is better than using a compound or polish as those remove a small amount of paint, too.

[Expertcarpetcare]

Re: What causes Drip marks?

Thanks for the tips, I should mention this problem is for addressing cars that are being brought to me for detailing. (We detail 2 cars per day in our shop here)

Such preventative measures are good to know, but fixing the stain once it is there was what I was wondering. I dont think any sort of wipe on cleaner will remove the drip stains.

If the fine cut may be too aggressive I could go to the polish and see how that works, its a little milder. I used the fine cut today and it looks great though.

Amazing how just a steady drip of dirty water can stain the paint.

Is last touch pretty close to "final Inspection"?

[Fly Bye]

Re: What causes Drip marks?



I agree with all of the above, but will add that water with high mineral content will definately cause stains. (water spots/drips)

Lincoln Towncars are notorious for the drips, as well as other makes and models of cars. One way to combat this would be to hit the susceptible areas with a leaf blower. Another way to combat this, would be to remove ALL the minerals from the water that you are spraying on your vehicles.

I've seen Town Cars (Limo company) in which well water is used to clean the cars on a daily basis. If the stains are not responded to in a timely fashion, they become harder to remove. Detailing clay will not remove these stains. It is also possible that etching may occur, which can cause permanent damage.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: What causes Drip marks?

Thanks for the tips, I should mention this problem is for addressing cars that are being brought to me for detailing. (We detail 2 cars per day in our shop here)

Such preventative measures are good to know, but fixing the stain once it is there was what I was wondering. I dont think any sort of wipe on cleaner will remove the drip stains.

If the fine cut may be too aggressive I could go to the polish and see how that works, its a little milder. I used the fine cut today and it looks great though.

Amazing how just a steady drip of dirty water can stain the paint.

Is last touch pretty close to "final Inspection"?

Gotcha.

In that case, I suggest using a cleaner wax like ColorX, M66 or M20. They will use a combination of chemical and physical cleaners, but remove less paint than a compound or abrasive polish.

Final Inspection and Last Touch are similar, but Last Touch, in my experience, is unique in its ability to remove water spots.