Detailing products should be applied to a cool dry surface out of direct sunlight (actual surface temperature of the vehicle) ideal range between 50 (10.C) and 80.F (26.C)
The other climate related condition that should be avoided when applying car care products is direct sunlight, as this will dramatically increase the surface temperature compared to ambient temperatures causing the product to dry prematurely and may render it ineffective.
· Surface Temperature (actual surface temperature of the vehicle) between 50 (10.oC) and 80.oF (26.oC) products will work well within a much broader temperature range, i.e. > 45. °F to < 90.° F (4.5-32.oC) but at 45 degrees it will take much longer to dry, perhaps as much as two to three hours) but the best results will be achieved in the 60° to 70° F (15-21.oC) range.
· Most detailing products contain solvents that if used on a hot surface will flash (evaporate) and will negatively affect the product used.
· The oils and waxes used in polishes to provide surface lubrication will evaporate, leading to dry buffing and surface scratches
· Sunlight - all chemicals should be stored in a closed cabinet or at the very least out of direct sunlight exposure for extended periods of time. Sun can cause colour and scent changes, as well as affect their performance; especially with products like Glass Cleaner, Waterless Wash, and APC. Exposing chemicals to sunlight during use shouldn’t be of concern, but try to return the bottles to a shady or covered area if they won't be used for more than a few minutes.
· A hot surface temperature will cause the car wash concentrates to dry out and when rinsing the surface will cause rapid drying, which will leave water spots
· Using cold water on hot metal will cause heat stress, which will lead to the metal deforming, cracking and failure (rotors, engine parts) once they are warped the brakes cannot work, the thermal shock could also cause the engine block structurally fail.
· The same principle applies to hot water on a cold surface (i.e. defrosting ice from a windscreen)
· Cold ambient temperatures (40.°F >) - water-based products (polish, wax, fabric cleaners, etc) will be negatively affected at lower temps i.e. some polishes use wax as a lubricant, which will solidify during lower temp conditions, causing the polish to 'clump' and become unworkable
Fracture/evaporation temperatures
[: the melting point of a solid is the temperature range at which it changes state from solid to liquid. At the melting point the solid and liquid phase exists in equilibrium.]
Polymers (including Acrylic polymers) 350.°F, Silicone oil 350.°F, Mineral oils 200.°F, Synthetic blends (Carnauba wax / polymers) 200.°F, Carnauba wax 183.°F, Bee’s wax 130.°F in actual practice the high temperatures frequently encountered by vehicles from the radiation causes wax compounds to melt.
For example, painted surfaces exposed to ambient temperatures of 85. °F in direct sunlight will obtain a temperature of 195. °F or more. It should be noted that there is a range of temperatures at which melting begins and that the 'melting point' is the end point of that range
The most important thing to be aware of when preparing to wax your car is the temperature of the actual surface area being waxed. This is even more important than the ambient temperature, which should be between 50° and 80. °F (10° - 26.7. °C) Higher temperatures will cause the solvents to flash leaving a ‘hard’ wax on the paint surface that is very difficult to remove.
If the car has been in the sun for any time, it should be brought into the shade and allowed to cool off before applying any wax or glaze. Applying wax when the temperature is less than 60.°F could result in streaking or difficulty in removing it from the surface.
Storage (Product)
All car acre products are negatively impacted by wide temperature fluctuations and extremes of high or low temperatures, especially with the now VOC compliant chemicals. As far as wax storage is concerned standard room temperature will suffice; a refrigerator provides a stable temperature / humidity, which equates to a longer shelf life to the products.
Water-based car care products should not be stored at temperatures below > 35.F (wax 45.F) if they freeze they may become unstable and therefore unusable, ideal storage temperature range- 50- 7.F with an average humidity range. Most car care products have a ‘useful life’ of approximately 2-3 years provided they are stored as above.
Keep containers tightly closed and ensure they are not compromised (fractured or leaking seals) store in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. Keep away from direct sunlight. Do not allow to freeze.
Do not store at temperature extremes (below 40 – over 80.OF +) as heat will destabilise emulsified products (wax, polymer sealants, polishes, etc)
Avoid extreme temperature swings as the chemicals will become unstable, which will create problems with the performance of the product. Some separate out; others lose their effectiveness if they are heated past a certain point. Most car care products will separate and may become unusable after being subjected to freezing temperatures. Products should never be used whilst separated; unmixed chemicals may result in a very concentrated mixture, which could inflict damage
All chemicals should be stored in a closed cabinet or at the very least out of direct sunlight exposure for extended periods of time. Sun can cause colour and scent changes, as well as affect their performance; especially with products like Glass Cleaner, Waterless Wash, and APC. Exposing chemicals to sunlight during use shouldn’t be of concern, but try to return the bottles to a shady or covered area if they won't be used for more than a few minutes.
The chemical composition of waxes rarely ever change regardless of what form it is in, whether it is melted to a semi-liquid or remains as a semi-solid. Temperature has little to no effect as far as inhibiting the shelf life of wax, a cool temperatures and constant humidity will slow the evaporation of solvents from the wax, thus keeping the wax softer and easier to use over a longer period of time.
Sunlight - all chemicals should be stored in a closed cabinet or at the very least out of direct sunlight exposure for extended periods of time.
Sun can cause colour and scent changes, as well as affect their performance; especially with products like Glass Cleaner, Waterless Wash, and APC. Exposing chemicals to sunlight during use shouldn’t be of concern, but try to return the bottles to a shady or covered area if they won't be used for more than a few minutes.
Shelf-Life
Providing their contains have a tight seal, are not compromised by fractures or (air) leaks, and use at least a single stage chlorination of the plastic, so that it is resistant to petrochemical solvents; without this the sides will ‘collapse’, which is actually the solvents in the product escaping through the micro pores of the plastic.
All liquid products should be shaken well before use and stored in light resistant containers
a) Polymers have a shelf life of approx 3-5 years if kept in their original containers and stored at temperatures as above
b) Nanotechnology coatings - should be stored in tightly sealed containers and protected from heat and moisture. Recommended storage temperatures are 30. ° - 122. °.F Shelf life is approximately 12 months, provided the material is stored in sealed in its original containers, between 65. ° - 75. °.F.
c) Polish - technically 2 years, providing the bottle is kept closed, and the product has not separated or the solvents haven’t evaporated by leaching ( the bottle will become semi- collapsed) there should be no problem with use for three years after sale date
d) Waxes - will last almost indefinitely, provided that they are stored a sealed in their original containers and in the refrigerator or controlled environment once opened.
Liquid - should last approx 18 months if stored at normal room temperature.
Paste wax – once the solvents evaporate the wax will solidify and shrink, which will negatively impact both spread ability and adherence
e) Detailing Chemicals (Wheel cleaners, All purpose cleaners (APC) and etc) have an almost indefinite shelf life if kept in their original containers and stored at temperatures as above, see also Product separation
f) Product separation - if product emulsion separates it could be indicative of age (but not necessarily past its useful life) shake vigorously for 5-10 minutes and see if the product re- mixes.
Product shelf -life may vary from one manufacturer to another, if in doubt check with product mfg or vend
All car care products are negatively impacted by wide temperature fluctuations and extremes of high or low temperatures. As far as wax storage is concerned standard room temperature will suffice; a refrigerator provides a stable temperature / humidity, which equates to a longer shelf life to the products.
Water-based car care products should not be stored at temperatures below > 35.F (wax 45.F) if they freeze they may become unstable and therefore unusable, ideal storage temperature range- 50- 7.F with an average humidity range.
Product shelf -life may vary from one manufacturer to another, if in doubt check with product manufacturer .
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