EvansBlue

Several people have asked about rust spots in the paint of a relatively new vehicles. Heres the most likely cause of the problem and the solution to the said problem.

• Symptoms: Visible grains of iron or rusting spots in the paint surface.
• Models Affected: 1994-2007 GM Passenger Cars and Trucks.

Commonly looks like (click to enlarge):



Where does it come from?
Rail dust comes from tiny iron particles produced from the friction between train wheels and the tracks and gets deposited on the vehicle surfaces. Iron dust can get deposited on the surface if the vehicle is stored near any operation producing iron dust such as a steel ore yard. Either material can lay on top of, or over time, become embedded in the paint surface.

Illustration of surface rail dust and embedded rail dust:




Because the severity of the condition varies, proper diagnosis of the damage is critical to the success of repairs. Diagnosis should be performed on horizontal surfaces (hood, roof, deck lid, pick up box, etc.) after the vehicle has been properly cleaned. There are two types of repair materials recommended to repair rail dust or iron dust:

Gel Type Oxalic acid (Fallout Remover): - Has the characteristics of the liquid type oxalic acid but stays where you put it because of its gel consistency.
Clay Bar: - Requires surface lubricant during use.


Caution:
Rail dust remover (Oxalic Acid) is an acidic substance containing chemicals that will break down the iron particles embedded in the finish. When working with rail dust remover, use the necessary safety equipment, including gloves and goggles. Follow the chemical manufacturer's directions closely because it may require special handling and disposal.


If, upon inspection, some particles are still present, the various chemical manufacturer's processes can be repeated.
After the removal process, small pits may remain in the clearcoat and can be corrected, in most cases, with a finesse/polish/buffing operation.



Procedure
Move the vehicle to a cool shaded area and make sure that the vehicle surfaces are cool during the removal process. DO NOT PERFORM THE REMOVAL PROCESS IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT OR ON A VEHICLE WITH HOT OR WARM BODY PANELS. Wash the vehicle with soap and water. Dry it immediately and clean the affected areas with a wax and grease remover.
Perform the removal process according to the chemical manufacturer's directions.
Once the damage has been repaired, the final step involves a polishing process.


Where do I find Rail dust remover or Clay bar?
Napa and Sherwin Williams carries Rail dust remover.
Clay bar can be found at any place that carries car care products.

daniel86

Great post.

EvansBlue

Thank you.

suvyush

it is awesome and very interesting and nice to see the post and good job guys.

Johnnyson

great and thank u so much and this is the common problem that all are facing.

silverado 1500 2001

the best way to destroy something is to clean it improperly

i worked / was trained into dealer detail some. you can find detailing tips on internet: but the best is still in books

1st thing you learn proper wash

do inside (spray-nine), jams, then outside, (spray nine tires NOT paint).

never wash in sun. get car wet and keep it wet a while - don't wash immediately let it dissolve maybe several minutes - it will make a big difference. use a soft soap never detergent (really!) and very sudsy. now use one of those soft hairy mits. NEVER PRESS into paint. just rub lightly many times. rinse thoroughly (avoid spots) and use chammy (best) or blow off water to avoid spots. (wax not discussed)

breifly use acetone for what didn't come off: use only a soft cloth never pick at paint

buff if required after that - but study how first - maybe watch it being done at dealer 1x first. don't even try with black paint you don't know how you need help.

certain detail products like spray-nine are "car compatible". make sure they are compatible with what you use them on: meaning make sure a real detail guy wouldn't tell you "no - not on these cars". really ask.

there are many more really good tips if you buy a book. one last tip: buying a good detail from your dealer will increase the value of the car for sale more than fixing underhood problems, so keep on top of it if you ever might sell. every 2 weeks because sap or dirt act like an acid and get into paint if given time. if you go every 2 wk it never gets the chance to eat in.

northerngirl

I have similar issue. 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. What the dealer told me was rail dust all over my truck, acid wash was done multiple times. A year later spots returned. Dealer refused to do anything was down right ignorant to me. Contacted Gm Canada, long story short they say there is no recalls for Colorado paint, and warrant doesn’t cover environmental factors. They said go thru insurance although it’s a Gm paint problem as the truck was brand new 6 months in with spots everywhere.








Any suggestions what to do?

WillRead

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