FORD FLTM BI 113-01 Water and Soap Stain Test for Paint

The “FORD FLTM BI 113-01 Water and soap stain test for paint” standard, developed by Ford Motor Company (FORD), describes a test method used to determine the resistance of painted surfaces on metal and plastic parts to water and soap stains.

Water spotting is a visual defect in the surface appearance of the paint film caused by water on the surface to be painted or in the paint film. The defect may appear as hazy spots, rings or dull spots. Spotting is usually due to the sensitivity of the paint to water.

Water and soap stains on the vehicle's paint will damage the paint in any case. Such stains may have occurred in various ways. For example, rain, roadside sprinklers, muddy water splashing from puddles, water from toy water guns, or not rinsing the vehicle well after washing may cause this. In short, any type of water that has not been filtered to remove minerals can leave stains on the vehicle's paint.

These stains can occur at any point where the vehicle comes into contact with water, and these stains, which initially seem harmless, can wear away the paint over time due to the effects of the sun and environmental conditions and cause permanent damage. Especially in the summer months, these stains burned by the sun damage the paint.

Unfiltered water contains impurities, salts, and minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium carbonates. Hard water contains minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium and can be found in water used to wash vehicles. Vehicles can be exposed to hard water through car washes or puddles. When water begins to dry on the paint, it leaves behind minerals and abrasives. Over time, mineral components can penetrate the surface and penetrate the coating, causing permanent damage to the paint. Mineral deposits can remain in the vehicle's paint, leading to rust, fading, or oxidation. Worse, the paint begins to wear away, exposing the vehicle to the elements.

Over time, the wear spots weaken and cracks and pits begin to form. The next time it is exposed to water, the water finds the same spot and expands the crack or abrasion in the paint. This is how the paint is damaged and over time, these stains become impossible to remove.

In short, hard water can leave stains on car paintwork and simply wiping it off won’t do the trick, as these stubborn stains tend to reappear once the water has dried. If not cleaned properly, they can get worse and cause permanent damage to the vehicle’s appearance.

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. Rainwater is naturally soft, but when it flows underground it absorbs minerals from the soil and rocks, causing the water to harden. The level of mineral concentration determines the hardness of water. In general, water hardness levels are classified according to the calcium carbonate content.

Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses and evaluation studies that our organization has carried out for businesses in various sectors, it also provides testing services defined in the “FORD FLTM BI 113-01 Water and soap stain test for paint” standard with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.