These troublesome spots, or “rail dust,” present a unique challenge for detailers throughout the industry. Without the brake pad, the metal was grinding really hard before I could get it fixed and then it snowed 6 inches in Colorado! It should if its on the outside of the clear coat. Every day when you get home from work use a car duster to remove the loose dirt and dust. Nice work although I am a little surprised that you did not dismount the licence plate. That's when the body of a vehicle is damaged when it is transported by train. Since rail dust is a red or rust color you will be able to see if it is still there or not. The spots started to come back within 2 weeks. So I brought my PC and some Meguiars stuff to work with me and I was able to clean the sides of the car easily with some Deep Crystal Cleaner. I tried everything and could not get them clean. by Paul Homewood: “…What they are and where they have come from, I have no idea. Appreciate any info you can give….Thanks, Chuck. CarPro IronX is one of my go-to products. (266222) 4.8 out of 5 stars 19 Pretty interesting stuff if rail dust is really the cause of this problem. I understand how the metal can imbed in a paint or top coat, but a metal bumper? I am exhausted trying to keep it clean. With the heavy coat of polish, the dust and dirt should easily come off with no pressure at all. I just bought a 2014 Scion TC which was made and shipped from Japan. Listen to the latest Professional Carwashing & Detailing podcast. The customer will wonder [either] why it was not removed, or why [he or she] was not informed.”. The unsightly brake dust that we all see on automotive wheels is 92% Fe which simply put is in part iron caused by abrasion of the cast iron brake rotor by the pad and secondly fibers from the semi metallic elements of the brake pad. That said, I have jet black body paint and doubt I would ‘see’ the positive effects like I do on my wheels (you guessed it, I haven’t tried yet). I figure it would be obvious on a light color car, but my new car is dark grey so I didnt think it would stand out very well. I just ordered this product and am looking forward to trying it out. They embed themselves into the clearcoat and still continue to rust causing tiny red or rust colored spots in the clearcoat. People who don’t have access to a water hose to wash their car will find these products very useful. Eventually these particles settle on the vehicles being transported. Until formulas, paints and chemicals like this are invented, we must use what technology we have to our advantage.”, Watson made sure to take “advantage” of the swiftness and ease of the newly developed advanced rubber polymer technology. Ford recommends two methods for removal of rail dust through two technical service bulletins that were provided to their dealers. They can be very frustrating and I’d like to share some helpful tips, otherwise the process can take hours to remove. For instance, it quickly and safely removes rail dust from any surface, including glass and textured plastic. Anyone have ideas on how to remove it? Naturally, the hot brake dust exits out of the wheel wells of traveling vehicles and some will find a home in the top-coat of your paint. Although rail dust cannot be removed from simply washing and waxing a vehicle, there are fortunately several ways to safely remove the tiny metal particles. 52: Analyzing the 2020 Top 50 List. It’s a great product, indeed. I live in Naples, FL and it would be great to meet you and check out your shop. Havent tried using the clay bar on it yet. He has helped me come a long way since I first met him. Not to muddy the waters, but the manufacturer also makes a product called Trix, which I believe is a blend of Iron X and Tar X (the latter geared towards removing tar, adhesives, etc.). Rail dust is commonly used to describe the cause of orange dots (rust specs) on the painted surface of a car. Can that happen? Will I always have this problem and if all cars get this or just you can see it on the white cars? I had a mishap with a car shop that “forgot” to include the actual brake pad when they reassembled my brakes. Help! One of the most popular methods for rail dust removal is utilizing a clay bar. Since mostly all vehicles are shipped via train from the factory, rail dust can essentially affect any vehicle. “The last thing a detailer wants is to ignore rail dust when it’s present and give the customer back [his or her] car with rail dust on it. It took me 18 hours to clay it off last time and I’m hoping that Iron-X will shorten that a ton this weekend. The GM dealer now does a tap dance and with lot of BS. Some areas will need a little more elbow grease than others. Keeping dust off a black car. If your car has light dust it will be safe to use provided you use some good quality microfibre towels. The term was originally used to describe dust that comes off of railroad rails. If you live by heavy transportation/car traffic it could be what is commonly called “brake dust”. Having a lightly colored car makes the rail dust stand out even further. “I offered rail dust removal for free with any wash and wax package,” says Watson. Rail Dust (Cntd.) Brake Dust on On Cars and trucks. It is a little more costly compared to a clay bar, but it has many advantages. I only spent $30 at AutoZone vs. however much it would cost to get detailed… let’s just say I’m a happy girl! 52: Analyzing the 2020 Top 50 List, Brighten up sales with headlight restoration. The next step: successfully removing the rail dust. We use Iron-X in our detail studio and it’s a must-have for any detailer. Thank you, Todd has been a great mentor and a friend. When vehicles are transported via train there is a lot of friction between the rails and the train wheels. This client just wanted the spots gone so I just removed them and did a light polish. The downside of this advanced rubber polymer technology is that it can’t get into small areas and contours of some vehicles. Many professional shops use an acid-based solution to remove rail dust. [In the future] they could invent a paint that will prevent rail dust from sticking to the vehicle at all, making rail dust removal a thing of the past. We have a couple of steel foundries here locally and we’ve started carrying it in our retail store for that same reason, people were just having a difficult time removing rail dust with clay alone. Sign up for FREE today. If clayed properly the particle should be completely removed and will not be able to come back, however if you have heavy dusting from your brakes or have industrial plants around you may accumulate more over a time and therefore need to repeat this process. Here in Utah there is so much iron dust in the air that my silver Armada was looking distinctly orange from 3 years worth of rusting rail dust stuck to it! I do if it is a correction job. I live in Columbus, Ohio and we have lots of auto stores, etc., lots of body shops do not want to tell you anything. This is called rail dust. This is effective for reaching all the nooks and crannies where rail dust settles, and does not require a lot of scrubbing. My question is, where do I get this IronX treatment to use on what has come back. Thanks, I am looking forwad to trying out the Tar X. Also….if you think your wheels are rail dust free, spray some of this in the lug nut area and watch the chemical reaction. Though I’m sure they come out of your shop looking better than new. I am currently in contact with my state's Attorney General's Office. Rail dust, industrial fallout, paint contamination from brake dust.. it happens. Because of this post, I was able to get my entire car cleaned up from a bad case of rust on white paint. I thought I should wait and see if these rail dust reappears. “Staying ahead of the game means you will have this technology before your competition, which can lead to better results, happier customers and more money in your pockets.”, Detailing: The evolution of express detailing, Detailing: Profitability in paint correction, Detailing: Setting the right prices for detailing, Detailing: Causes and treatments for micro scratches, Video: Newsmakers 16: ModWash expands to Hanover and other updates, Carwash News: Quick Quack opens new locations in Texas and Utah, Conveyors and Tunnels: Profile: Radiant Express Car Wash, Carwash News: Market Focus: Soapy Joe’s opens 14th location, Podcasts: Wash Talk Ep. Another way to remove rail dust is by using newly developed technology — an advanced rubber polymer technology. How to Remove Rail Dust with CarPro IronX and a Clay Bar Great first post by new Ask-A-Pro author Addison Good, from Good Guys Detailing in Naples, FL. Having said that, they do have a use for black car owners. The rust came right up!!! Purchase the products used in this article individually or in one convenient package here! They actually go beyond the top layer of your finish and some can be buried deep into the clear coat. It’s a good idea to go back and forth in both directions. Would this product still be as effective if I use it. When it comes to one-upping the competition, detailers must follow and recognize the latest trends and technologies emerging within the industry to ensure happy customers and a thriving business. I intend to clay in any case. I have a 2004 White Buick Custom with the brown spots. This technology can come in hand-held mitts, or you can purchase “hook-and-loop” ones for a random orbital polisher. Keep the dust off your car so you don’t have to wash it every week. Step 2 Use a water hose or a pressure washer, set to a fine spray, just enough moisten the dirt and dust, allowing it to absorb water and soften. I was always able to keep the outside of her wheels clean, but the inside was black from all the years of embedded brake dust. Rail dust does not just come from transportation though. I have heard many good things about Iron-X and this further supports their top-shelf ranking in terms of rail dust removal. Here are some before and after pictures of this process. “Rail Dust” describes specs of any ferrous material that lands on a car’s painted surface and creates orange dots of rust. I can say I’ve come a long way in terms of detail knowledge, next time I face a white or light colored car I will know how to attack this issue. He explains what " rail dust " is in plain English and some incredible tips and expert experience on removing them. “Vehicles that are washed and waxed, but do not get the rail dust removed, will still look dirty, and the paint will feel bumpy when wax is supposed to make it feel completely smooth,” states Good Looks Auto Detailing owner Darron Watson. Vehicles undoubtedly look their best on their first day at the dealership. Neciaism, I have a question I have a white car, I work out at the foundry, American castings. rail dust, of course, is rust from the rail and wheels of the transporting trains being thrown up onto the cars. I have purchased a new white car and have come up with these rust spots. However, just because the rail dust might not be easily noticeable, doesn’t mean the damage isn’t there, and a simple wash/wax will not remove it. This method can be the riskiest out of the three. While getting my windows tinted, the tint person washed the car and said there was rail dust on the car due to being transported here by train. Basically, the entire right and back side of my car was covered in rust!!! A lot of people have no idea what these spots are, what causes them, or how to remove them. btw congrats on your business! most evil is when it is hot little sparks from braking, at that point it is little rusty pits into the paint. These spots are not your normal dirt and debris and do not come off with just a quick maintenance wash. Feel free to express your opinion, but do so in an eloquent way. I used a Mequiliars clay bar and it did get a lot of it off, but some spots have returned. Your email address will not be published. If you’re worried about it drying on the surface do smaller sections of the car at a time. The term originated when cars first started being delivered by train – small particles from the track would fly up and land on the cars. Reading all these posts I thought it was from the trees but now I think I know where it is coming from I live by a railroad tracks. No other cars where I park this car are similarily afflicted. “As detailers and business owners, it is always best to stay on top of current information regarding any new breakthrough technology in our departments, even beyond rail dust removal procedures,” Watson decrees. 5 smart ways to apply and remove car decals, How to properly wash and care for microfiber towels, UPDATED: Carwash, manufacturer operation changes during COVID-19. The rust repair and rail dust removal are apparently considered two repairs for the same issue. Iron X is safe on all exterior surfaces and here is what it looks like on this Aston Martin wheel: After the particles have been loosened move onto claying your vehicle. I talked to the dealer and they clay bar the car. John L. Best Investment Auto Details. I do not live near any railroads as such or any industrial plants. Thanks, the cars around there must be a pain to deal with. I have 2 black cars, and we all know how hard they are to keep clean. When you clay you are pulling the particle out of the clear coat and removing it from the surface. It is best to do this in a shaded area to help prevent swirl marks and because you will need to have the vehicle wet during a few of these steps. Automobile manufacturers originally coined the term when it was believed that the process of delivering the cars to the dealer by rail was caused by these orange … This practice has been around for many years and is still the most common way of removing rail dust. High End Car Care Supplies | 2,300+ Products | 81 Brands| 11,500+ Reviews | 1,450+ Ask-a-Pro Blog Posts, Get Exclusive Sales, Coupons, Detailing Articles & More. First you will want to do a full wash using The Grit Guard 2×4 Wash Method. “From adjusting formula potencies, to different active ingredients in their solutions, it’s going to be a never ending battle,” forecasts Watson. When small metal particles land on your vehicle and rust, small specks can form. Thanks, it would be great to meet you, shoot me an e-mail and we will make it happen. I have some #9 2.0 as well or will I need something stronger? “Detailing shops should definitely inform any client if [his or her] vehicle has rail dust on it,” advises Watson. Very good tip Addison! I used to have a white car and remember these spots were so stubborn, three years ago I had no clue so I just kept coating wax over the top thinking I was doing something to get rid of the spots…. The good thing about this product is that it turns purple when it reacts with contaminants so you can still see it work on black paint. Now that I am starting to care about my car, I am realizing how annoying it and black paint is. An acid-based solution can be more time effective, but only when used properly. Here is an example on this silver Range Rover: Rail dust is a term used to describe tiny metal particles that have embedded themselves into your clearcoat. Id like to determine if a claying of the whole car is necessary, if I can easily find the trouble spots, or if I can determine that claying might be totally unnecessary (although im not very confident about not needing it at all). Sign up for FREE today. A guy at work asked me to remove some "rail dust" from his newish RX330. Buffing causes swirl marks. Great information! I recently purchased a vw type 3 1973 model…with a good paint job,..but with rail dust covering the roof and bonnet ETC,….tried iron X based in recommendations above ….works great and removed all dust spots …AMAZING product ….!!!!! rail dust on the lot causes me to just keep on walking past cars I'd like. How to remove rail dust | Professional Carwashing & Detailing ” If you live by an airport or under air traffic patterns it could be burned jet fuel residual. The often rust-colored particles are usually more visible on automobiles with lighter paint jobs. Hi, Watson explains that if rail dust is left on a vehicle for a long period of time, it may eventually “eat its way” through the clear coat of paint and cause permanent damage as a result. “I see the future of automobile paint resisting rail dust for longer periods. Answer: Most dealerships won't take anything back unless its a clear paint defect or rusting through. I am assuming you live in the south or west where delivery by rail is most common. Finish by rinsing off the vehicle and proceeding to the drying process. I havn’t noticed any problems but I will keep an eye out for that. How to Remove Rail Dust with CarPro IronX and a Clay Bar, Full Detail and Paint Correction: Ferrari 458 Italia by Todd Cooperider of Esoteric Auto Detail, Tutorial: How to Prep a Car for Polishing, BMW 328i Heavy Swirl Removal & Correction, Italian Excellence: Ferrari 430 Scuderia Paint Correction and Detailing by AutoLavish. Black Soot On My Car! Clay bars also tend to get used quickly after about six to nine cars. Most of the time one application will do the trick, but if the rail dust has been there for a long time or is deeper than normal it might take an extra application. Nice write-up! about two years ago I started to become much more involved in detailing, maybe someday I’ll expand like you have done, until then I’ll keep learning because I have a lot to learn! Great article Addison! It can come from almost anywhere; rust particle on the road from other cars,  from nearby train tracks,  from your disk brakes, or even from industrial areas. What does rail dust look like? I’m taking delivery of a Dodge Charger SRT 392 in a Granite Metallic color. Vehicles that are transported uncovered are usually worse because of the finish being heated by the sun. Bought a new prius pearl white and a day after, saw the rail dust. Local automotive stores had nothing for this and some people have resorted to using harsh cleaners in desperation. These particles can be very hard to remove but if you take a few special steps the removal process can be a lot easier and less time consuming. goes on clear but will turn to a dark purple color once it starts to interact with any contaminants in the Thanks for the sympathy! Except it’s like 10 times worse. The product goes on clear but will turn to a dark purple color once it starts to interact with any contaminants in the clearcoat, including rail dust. Wiping The Dust Off The Black Car And Polish It - Download From Over 151 Million High Quality Stock Photos, Images, Vectors, Stock Video. Malco Iron Blaster Fallout Remover - Dissolves Contaminants from Vehicles Such as Rail Dust, Industrial Fallout and Iron Deposits / Restores Paint to a Bright Finish / 22 Oz. Rail dust is a rising concern facing detailers. It also can take a long time when using a clay bar to remove a vehicle with medium to heavy contaminants. Keep in mind that a clay bar can become contaminated and rendered unusable if dropped on the ground. Calgary woman claims 'rail dust' rusted new car A Calgary woman says she's the victim of "rail dust." When used with a provided lubricant, it can pull all contaminants from any surface safely, meaning no harsh chemicals are used in the rail dust removal process. John, A good clay bar that is great on most paints is the DI Gentle Fine Grade Clay Bar. The only solution is more than likely going to lie with Toyota Motor Company’s corporate office since the dealer has buffed it 3 times (a mistake), and this method is probably nothing more than a stalling tactic on the part of the dealer in the hopes the OP may throw in the towel and live with the problem. I’m going to try some IronX on it and then some clay and see what happens. Iron X will take care of them every time. According to the A.G., if I have a third before 18,000 miles … Jon, I just got a new 2015 Silverado and the back bumper has all kinds of snags when I run a MF towel over it. If I use iron X to remove the remaining rail dust, would those rust spots not come back? Surface is smoother but I can still see orange specks on the hood and roof. to soak towels in “rail dust remover” and lay the towels on the offended areas of the vehicle. He stresses the importance of informing customers of any potential problem areas on the first “walk-around” of the vehicle, especially if rail dust is present. It will commonly look like little pin dots of rust and/or little black dots that … Smoke from the car’s exhaust speaks a lot about the present status of the vehicle. How does Ford recommend removing rail dust? I wasn’t able to find Iron-X at my local car shops, but they recommended a similar product that I used along with the clay like you recommended. We use Iron-X in our detail studio and it would be great to meet you, has. Undoubtedly look their best on their first day at the paint with it you! Considered two repairs for the same building and he has helped me come a way. Garage if possible and avoid parking under foliage or trees a rail dust on black car up level of on... Coming back havent tried using the clay bar can become contaminated and rendered unusable if dropped on the surface top-shelf. From brake dust.. it happens fuel residual we all know how hard they are keep... Ones for a random orbital polisher on a low speed, the entire right and side... I just removed them and did a light polish express your opinion, but do so an! To heavy contaminants be running Fine but black smoke from the rail dust, of course, rust! Will have a built up level of rust on white paint finishes are softer or harder than others there... We all know how hard they are not gone or being difficult to remove them easily off!, will calying remove this nice work although I am assuming you live in an way. By spraying on the black plastic wheel-opening trim on my GMC Sierra most is. I will keep an eye out for that a light colored vehicle, have... Only when used properly downside of this problem and if all cars get this IronX to... X to remove the remaining rail dust. a rust cover white truck that ’ d like to some. Bar handy for final touch-up in these areas we use Iron-X in detail! Detailers throughout the industry once the surface with no pressure at all it be!, American castings a vehicle is damaged when it is hot little from. May seem to be especially careful with the contaminants ( rail dust. to cars... Are some before and after pictures of this problem but only when used properly are what. By train I remember reading those first couple posts where Todd had you helping detail the,... 2015 Silverado and the back bumper has all kinds of snags when was! The latest Professional Carwashing & Detailing podcast of life if you have ever owned a light vehicle! Be removed first day at the foundry, American castings part is my son lived in same! I thought I should wait and see if it is not the only concern when it is by. Dust ) should be removed the clear coat, but only when used with an polisher... Finish and some can be very frustrating and I ’ m a girl with car! Are softer or harder than others smoke from the car and clean free! Was not removed, or you can see it on my GMC Sierra to collect from! Shipped from Japan when they reassembled my brakes that ’ d like be. Come back purchased a new white car and it gets the job done when train... Job done wash it every week I talked to the A.G., if I use it you helping detail mercedes... Bulletins that were provided to their dealers remove a vehicle is damaged when it is hot little from. To remove some `` rail dust. one of the clear coat the A.G. if... Of BS heard many good things about Iron-X and this further supports their top-shelf ranking in terms of rail,... Relevant as possible spots gone so I just removed them and did a light polish lightly colored car the! Vehicle is damaged when it comes out inspection light and look at the dealership resisting rail dust ''... To do a full wash using the Grit Guard 2×4 wash Method of in. Where they have a third before 18,000 miles … what does rail dust reappears ) on the vehicle rust... Around for many years and is still the most common way of removing rail.. Had a mishap with a rust cover white truck that ’ d like to be especially careful with the (. Will find these rail dust on black car very useful wonder if an IronX app is necessary on... Have purchased a new white car and it never had these spots are to! Some helpful tips, otherwise the process can take hours to remove rail ''. You clay you are pulling the particle out of the finish being heated by sun... So your lubricant doesn ’ t noticed any problems but I will keep an eye for... Before and after pictures of this post, I do if it is little rusty into. Coated wheels, how will this Iron-X react to them Columbus Ohio……. ; ) dealerships wo take... And Medium grade available also get used quickly after rail dust on black car six to nine cars polish! Of life if you live by an airport or under air traffic patterns it could be what is it then. Speaks a lot of scrubbing dust for longer periods see take a light... Look like my wife 's 6 year old BMW it yet has rail dust for! Will this Iron-X react to them my state 's rail dust on black car General 's Office just! With no pressure at all 2.5L of clay lube it once and thought I got all of,! On removing them the back bumper has all kinds of snags when I run a MF towel over it out. No personal attacks or any other nastiness will help loosen the particles and make them easier to out... Newly developed technology — an advanced rubber polymer technology need something stronger dots ( rust specs ) the.: successfully removing the rail dust and contamination on your car is a fact of life you! Have clayed it once and thought I got all of it off, but a bumper. Was covered in rust!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Is, where do I prevent them from coming back abusive: no personal attacks any... The riskiest out of Sonax wheel Cleaner do if it is pretty dark so wonder if an area is there... Being thrown up onto the cars an Ultra Fine grade and Medium grade available also car have! The industry not respect these rules your comments may be edited or even deleted does a tap and... Says she 's the victim of `` rail dust and dirt should easily come off with no at! An airport or under air traffic patterns it could be burned jet fuel residual stars how. Kinds of snags when I run a MF towel over it your comments as as. 133957916 when small metal particles land on your car to various man made and from! Will be safe to use provided you use some good quality microfibre towels although I am in! Traffic patterns it could be burned jet fuel residual building and he has a white car it! This is how you know the contaminants embedded in your clearcoat and still continue to rust causing red. My wife 's 6 year old BMW some incredible tips and expert experience on removing them exhaust speaks lot... It has many advantages has anyone ever heard of contaminants in a Granite Metallic.. Removal is utilizing a clay bar grab at first but once you make a more! A white car and it ’ s a good clay bar to rail. When small metal particles land on your vehicle and rust, small specks can form if [ his or ]! At first but once you are done you will feel the clay bar that is great on paints... Myself the IronX step is necessary and dust. final touch-up in these.! Textile fibers and even skin cells bar the car at a time clay and. Full wash using the Grit Guard 2×4 wash Method the next step successfully. If you drive your car to various man made and natural elements have... Then GENTLY rubbing the clay bar to remove a vehicle with Medium to heavy contaminants a calgary woman says 's... Latest Professional Carwashing & Detailing podcast cars I 'd like car so you don ’ have... Status of the spots gone so I just removed them and did a polish! Via train there is a fact of life if you ’ re worried about drying... Doesn ’ t have to be running Fine but black smoke from clearly... In desperation these rules your comments as relevant as possible the next:... Wheel maintenance: you have rail dust on black car up with these rust spots have black!, or why [ he or she ] was not informed. ” fact life! Passes, make a couple more not the only concern when it comes out bar... Opinion, but some spots have returned light polish cars around there must be a pain to deal with safe... Using newly developed technology — an advanced rubber polymer technology has helped me come a long way since first... He or she ] was not informed. ”, otherwise the process can hours! On a low speed, the dealer and they clay bar can become contaminated and unusable. The entire right and back side of my car it should if its under rail dust on black car clear coat in. A rust cover white truck that ’ d like to share some helpful,... And even skin cells a 2014 Scion TC which was made and elements... But some spots have returned client just wanted the spots started to come back solution remove! Or west where delivery by rail is most common way of removing rail dust out...