85cam

Why is it my paint looks great when wet but then is really dull after it is dry?

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[This message has been edited by 85cam (edited September 18, 2000).]

1984-Firebird-SC

*Shot in the dark*
Me thinks the deal is:
1. Water is a good reflector of light, so when a car is wet, more sun will reflect off the surface (like the surface of a lake on a calm day) as opposed to when dry, it may absorb more light
2. When the car is dry, it starts to pick up dust and dirt and stuff, which dulls the finish as well
Hope this helps!



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1984 Pontiac Firebird SC
2.8L V6
Camaro Z28 mag rims and stereo

"Oh I've seen better days
The pain of these memories I cannot drive away" - Econoline Crush "Nowhere Now"

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

It's quite often a sign that your paint isn't in as good of shape as it could be. A car with good paint and good wax looks just as good dry. Rough paint does not reflect light well for the same reason that bricks don't. When the paint is wet, the tiny voids and rough texture is filled in with water, which has a perfectly smooth surface. This brings back the color because the light is once again reflected properly.

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