Pollen and detailing

J

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Well, its that time of year. The spring is beginning here in North Florida and pollen is showing up on everything. In the next week, cars will be covered in pretty thick green/yellow powdery pollen. It will get into everything including engine bays and all over the interior. As one who likes to try and keep my car clean and shiny, this is time of year when I think it might be best to cover the car and hide for awhile. I have heard that pollen is especially bad on paint and is scratchy. I can see trying to wash and polish the car but there is really no way to keep the stuff off the car during the process and so I dont want to rub it into the paint.

So, what do you think, hide until the worst is over?
 
If you're able to garage a car or cover it then I would certainly consider it. Pollen is nasty like you said. I started noticing it a couple weeks ago as well (also North Fl resident). I have 2 black cars in my driveway but both are DD so no hiding from the pollen. I believe what we're seeing now is the oak pollen?

I agree with you it is abrasive. It seems harmless because it's like dust and you can blow it off like dust but under a microscope you can see it has little spikes/barbs which helps it grab onto things and do what nature intended it to do. I wonder if a leaf blower to move SOME of it and a careful QD wipe is safe. I know it's ok for a light dust and as Mike P says "if the dust gets wet then it's a film and no longer safe to QD".

Back in the day I USED to handle pollen with a California Duster. It seemed to work pretty well.
 
I would wash your car with the 2 bucket method and get a Foam Gun or Foam Cannon to loosen the dirt on the car before washing it. Also i would apply a good sealant like Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0 or Four Star Polycharged. Then after 24 hours apply a good wax like Pinnacel Series II or DP Max Wax.

This should help protect your paint alot
 
sullysdetailing said:
I would wash your car with the 2 bucket method and get a Foam Gun or Foam Cannon to loosen the dirt on the car before washing it. Also i would apply a good sealant like Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0 or Four Star Polycharged. Then after 24 hours apply a good wax like Pinnacel Series II or DP Max Wax.

This should help protect your paint alot
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What about following the above products listed with FK 425? Since it is anti-static, shouldn't that help fight against pollen "clinging" to the paint? Just curious.
 
With pollen you want to remove it as easily and as invasive free as possible. Blowing the vehicle off first would be a good idea along with a water only rinse (pressure washer?) and then the foam gun with a 2 bucket method. Here is a closeup picture of pollen, you don't want that rubbing against your paint!

matsci_pollen.jpg
 
Pollen beats the heck out of snow,ice and salt. I'd give anything for some nice yellow pollen!
 
jpegs13 said:
Pollen beats the heck out of snow,ice and salt. I'd give anything for some nice yellow pollen!
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I was thinking the same thing.... they get the yellow stuff, when we get the white stuff. Pollen doesn't hit here until late April, early May!
 
jpegs13 said:
Pollen beats the heck out of snow,ice and salt. I'd give anything for some nice yellow pollen!
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:iagree:

You beat me to it! I almost can't wait to see pollen again... Hell, I can't wait to see my lawn again!
 
budman3 said:
I was thinking the same thing.... they get the yellow stuff, when we get the white stuff. Pollen doesn't hit here until late April, early May!
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Just avoid the yellow snow!

Back on topic, anyone know if FK 425 will help fight against pollen sticking to paint?
 
rwright said:
Just avoid the yellow snow!

Back on topic, anyone know if FK 425 will help fight against pollen sticking to paint?
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Only one true way to find out. I went to Finish Kare's website, clicked on the Contact FK tab and asked them this question. I'll post back here when I get a response. I am curious on this as well, as I just recently purchased FK 425 myself.
 
CieraSL said:
Only one true way to find out. I went to Finish Kare's page, clicked on the Contact Us tab and asked them this question. I'll post back here when I get a response. I am curious on this as well, as I just recently purchased FK 425 myself.
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I was hoping for a response from a forum member because they won't try a sales pitch, unless you're Matt@Autogeek and recommending a tire shine product!

Just kidding Matt! Please don't ban me!!!!
 
rwright said:
I was hoping for a response from a forum member because they won't try a sales pitch, unless you're Matt@Autogeek and recommending a tire shine product!

Just kidding Matt! Please don't ban me!!!!
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Does that mean you do or don't like my response? :poke:;)
 
It's a great idea in fact! Contact the people who make the product, they should know.
 
Yeah. Well, hopefully they'll get back to me on that question soon.
 
:thankyousign: Thanks all and hopefully the snow will begin to melt soon. I would like to know about FK 425.
 
Just a note: during pollen season you might consider frequent rinseless washes instead of regular washes or QD's. That way, you don't have to bust out the hose and junk all the time and no worries about a QD and pollen combo scratching the paint. Not that doing a QD with pollen on the car would hurt the paint, but why run the risk?
 
Pollen season comes around I have to stay indoors. Therefore, my car just gets covered likes it's doing now.
 
Still no response from Finish Kare. Grrrrrrrr.

I just re-submitted my question. If I don't get a response tomorrow, I'll give them a call on Thursday.
 
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Thanks for reminding me... :(

I have HORRIBLE allergies and this time of year is when it gets the worst...
 
I live in SoCal and washed my car on Sunday. No sooner did I finish drying the wheels that I noticed this heavy sprinkling of pollen on the windows of my newly washed car.

I used OPT ID&GE to wipe down the entire car including windows and closed the garage. It seems to have held the pollen at bay, even though the car snuck out of the garage a few times.

I keep reading posts about FK425, but the OPT detailer worked great on a clean car.

Otherwise, I think that I may buy some ONR and wash in the comfort of my garage away from the nasty pollen. :laughing:
 
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