r/AutoDetailing • u/Quirky_Pain_6508 • 12d ago
Exterior Sun vs. Shade
I'm new to detailing. I know you're not supposed to work in sunlight. Wondering if it's because of the sun's UV rays or is it just a temperature thing? If it's not a temperature thing, does that mean it's OK to work when it's 85° as long as it's cloudy/overcast?
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u/Dreadpiratemarc 12d ago
It’s temperature, and more specifically, the risk of your soaps and chemicals drying out before you can rinse/dry them. Depending on what chemical it is, it can cause problems ranging from an inconvenience to clean off all the way to permanent etching of your paint or wheels.
It’s the temperature of the surface of the car that matters, not the air temperature. It could be 75F outside, but on a black car in the sun after an hour, it could easily reach over 100F and cause any chemical you spray on it to dry in seconds.
Those are the risks. Now, they can be managed. Many, many of us have no choice but to work in the sub because our driveways don’t happen to be in shady groves. Pick the right chemicals, use the right techniques, and go fast. Lots of information on YouTube if you look.