Does Turpentine Damage Original Car Paint?
2 Answers
It has a certain impact, but as long as it is wiped off in time, it will be fine. The methods for maintaining car paint are as follows: 1. Clean dust from the car body promptly: Before, during, and after using the vehicle, promptly remove dust from the car body to minimize the adsorption of dust by static electricity on the body. 2. Wash promptly after rain: Rain stains on the car body will gradually shrink, increasing the concentration of acidic substances in the rainwater. If not rinsed off with clean water as soon as possible, over time, it will damage the topcoat. 3. Clean corrosive scratches promptly: For some particularly strong corrosive marks, they must be removed promptly. Special cleaning agents should be used for this purpose; avoid using blades to scrape or gasoline to remove them, as this may harm the paint surface.
In my years of working in car detailing, I can confidently say that turpentine absolutely damages the original car paint. It contains strong solvents like turpentine oil that can quickly dissolve the clear coat and color layers of the paint. This is especially problematic for factory paint jobs, which are thinner and more precise. Common issues after use include bubbling, fading, and permanent stains. I've seen numerous cases where customers mistakenly used it, resulting in sticky or even cracked paint surfaces. Fixing such damage often requires polishing or repainting, which is not only expensive but also affects the car's appearance. Car paint has a protective layer, and once solvents damage it, oxidation and rust become more likely. That's why it's best to use pH-neutral car wash solutions for daily cleaning. I remember a friend who used turpentine to remove an oil spot—the paint surface became completely blurred and had to be professionally repaired to barely restore it. In short, avoid any solvent-based products and stick to professional automotive cleaners for reliability.