Detailing problem

David Sharp · Jun 5, 2005

I hope someone can help explain to me what I'm seeing when I detail my B5 and Honda Odessey, both in silver.

I see tiny little specks that look almost to be rust spots, sometimes on the hood, mostly on the sides. There are tons of them, and I have end up having to use cleaner wax, and a good deal of elbow grease, on every square inch. Talk about a sore arm.

My wife was sick last year, and I didn't wax my cars as religiously. Thus the buildup is worse this spring.

I've theorized that it's something falling from the trees. It gets wet and leaves the marks. Is there any type of tree that would do this?

A friend said she believe it's rust spots. The latter theory doesn't make sense: why would there be rust spots on the exterior of well-kept cars? But... it does seem to be worse on lower panels, which would have greater exposure to road salt.

David

vwdefector01 · Jun 5, 2005

I've noticed the same thing on a few different white or ligth-colored vehicles and I agree with your friend -- they look like rust to me. My mother has a Lexus that is less than a year old and she recently commented that she had noticed a little bit of this. Not really sure of a solution myself other than to stay up on the waxing but I'll be eager to see if anyone else chimes in with one.

Kiyoshi · Jun 5, 2005

On my white B5 I think I've seen this before. Maybe pollen getting somehow embedded in the paint?

YetAnother20V · Jun 6, 2005

steffenme1 · Jun 6, 2005

Sounds like fallout.

Fallout is mosty a new car issue. When vehicles are transported from the factory the car can sometimes pick up pieces of "Fallout" in the paint. "Fallout" is usually small flecks of metal that have embedded themselved in the finish, and if left untreated will rust. Lightly colored vehicles are especially susceptible.

Fallout can be removed by using a chemical solvent and a clay bar. And a LOT of elbow grease.

Altair 4 · Jun 6, 2005

I agree, it sounds like rail dust or industrial fallout. See: http://www.detailcity.com/printthread.php?t=3135

Paulssat · Jun 7, 2005

I have had similar spots show up on our cars. It turned out to be something called Artillery Fungus. An internet search will yield tons of info. Basically they are little mushroom-like fungi which shoot black tar-like dots onto shiny objects. I didn't believe it the first time someone told me, but its a really common problem now that everyone is using mulch. They were growing in my mulch beds adjacent to the driveway. The spots start out as raised dots, then when they dry they fall off and a little perfectly round stain, about the size of a pin-head is left. The only way I have found to remove them is to use a cleaner wax and lots of elbow grease like you described. Some websites suggested replacing hardwood mulch with pine bark nuggets. I have tried that and so far it has not come back. Short-term, raking the mulch around seemed to stop them from shooting our cars. It sounds like this stuff might be your culprit. It would explain why the dots are on the sides, and not so much on the hood. They shoot up from below. Look very closely in any mulch near your cars for groupings of these small brown things shaped like little golf tees.

Detailing problem

Our Vendors

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities