Does Essential Balm Harm White Car Paint?
2 Answers
Essential balm can indeed harm white car paint. While it is effective for stain removal and can dissolve paint—allowing for the removal of paint drips on the car if applied carefully—excessive use or overly vigorous application can damage the car's paint. Therefore, essential balm should be used with caution. Below are some methods for protecting car paint: 1. Waxing: Waxing can be done directly or with polishing. Direct waxing involves cleaning the car and applying wax directly to the clear coat, while polishing waxing requires using a polishing machine to polish the paint before applying wax, which instantly makes the car shine. 2. Glazing: Glaze is not resistant to acid or alkaline cleaning due to its composition, making it easily damaged. It typically lasts only 1-3 months and can harm the paint, requiring reapplication every two to three months. 3. Crystal Coating: Crystal coating is a hard protective layer specifically designed for car paint, seats, interior and exterior trim, glass, tires, and other key areas. It comes in fast-drying and slow-drying types, determined by its main components. 4. Film Application: Car coating is a high-level protective measure that enhances the paint's shine and offers multiple benefits, including resistance to acid and alkali, high-temperature tolerance, strong waterproofing, oxidation resistance, and UV protection.
I previously owned a white car and accidentally dripped essential balm on it, which left a faint yellow stain. It cost me money to get it fixed. Essential balm contains volatile oils like camphor and menthol, which are solvent-based substances. It can dissolve the protective layer on the car's paint surface, and prolonged contact may even corrode the paint, causing yellowing or aging. White car paint is already prone to showing dirt and discoloration, especially new paint, which is more sensitive and difficult to clean once stained. Since then, I've been using specialized automotive cleaning sprays to treat stains, as they are both safe and help maintain the paint's shine. Small issues with cars should never be taken lightly. For example, when using essential balm to repel mosquitoes during summer drives, it's best not to leave it in the car or keep it far away. If it gets splashed by rain, the situation could worsen. Adding car wax during regular washes can also provide protective benefits.
