How Sand Affects Car Paint

Overview of how sand affects car paint:

What is sand?

Sand is a granular material composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles. It can be made up of various types of rocks and minerals, such as quartz, feldspar, and calcite, and can range in color from white to black depending on the composition of the particles. Sand is found in many environments, including deserts, beaches, and riverbeds, and can be formed naturally through the erosion and weathering of rock, or through human activities such as construction and mining. Sand grains range in size from 0.063 to 2 millimeters in diameter, roughly the size between silt and gravel. Sand can be classified based on the size, shape, and mineral composition of the grains. Some common types of sand are beach sand, dune sand, desert sand, and river sand. The sand used in construction and industry, such as in the manufacturing of concrete or glass, is typically sourced from quarries and mines and may undergo further processing to meet the desired specifications.

How sand affects car paint:

Sand can have a significant effect on car paint, as it can cause scratches and other forms of damage. Sand particles are abrasive and can scratch the surface of the paint as the car moves or is washed, or if the sand is not removed properly. The scratches can dull the paint and make it appear hazy or cloudy.

Sand can also embed itself into the clear coat of the paint, causing swirling, which can be difficult to remove. This can make the paint look hazy and dull, even after it's been polished and waxed.

What is Clear Coat?

The clear coat in cars is a layer of clear paint that is applied over the base coat of color on a vehicle's body. It is a transparent layer that helps to protect the base coat and give the paint a glossy, smooth finish.

Clear coat is typically made of a mixture of several different ingredients, including resins, solvents, pigments, and hardeners. The most important component in clear coat is the resin, which forms the film that protects the base coat. The resins used in clear coat are typically one of two types: thermoplastic or thermosetting.

Thermoplastic resins, such as acrylic and polyvinyl butyral (PVB), are softened by heat and can be re-formed. They are considered more flexible and less brittle, but also less durable than thermosetting resins.

Thermosetting resins, such as polyurethane, epoxy, and polyester are hardened by heat and chemical reaction. They are more durable and resistant to weathering and chemicals, but less flexible and more brittle than thermoplastic resins.

The solvent, often made of a mixture of different chemicals, serves as a carrier for the resins and other ingredients, and evaporates during the curing process, leaving the solid film behind. Pigments and hardeners may also be added to the clear coat to enhance its UV-resistance and durability.

The clear coat is also applied in multiple layers to achieve the desired depth and gloss. It should be noted that clear coat is also applied on top of the primer as well, to achieve a better finish.

Back to the sand…

Sand can also cause damage to other parts of the car such as windshield and the windshield wiper. The abrasive nature of the sand can cause scratches on the windshield, reducing visibility and the wipers can become clogged with sand, causing them to malfunction.

To prevent sand from damaging car paint, it's important to wash the car thoroughly after driving on sandy roads, or beach, making sure to rinse and dry the car completely to prevent water spots. Also it's important to remove the sand from the tires and wheel wells, as the sand can become embedded into the tires and can be thrown onto the car while driving.

Regular washing, cleaning and inspections are key to prevent sand damage, as well as avoiding driving on sandy areas as much as possible, if it cannot be avoided. If sand damages occur, it's important to address it as soon as possible to avoid more severe damage.

Living in coastal and desert areas can be beautiful, but it can also cause damage to your car's exterior and interior. The main causes of deterioration are intense UV rays and blowing sand. The sand can cause rust and corrosion on paint jobs, as well as damage to plastic trim, rubber, chrome and headlights. To protect your car from the damage, you can use a high-quality aftermarket car cover to protect your car from blowing sand, UV rays and salt air. Additionally, you can care for your car’s paint job by washing it regularly and waxing it to reduce the likelihood of sand adhesion.