Monthly Technical Tip
: Black Tire Marks On A Garage Floor

What causes black tire marks on the garage coating or other such surfaces like concrete is a compound in the makeup of the rubber in the car tires?

Black tire marks on the garage coating or other such surfaces like concrete is caused by a compound in the makeup of the rubber in the car tires. Plasticizer Migration is the leeching out of the Polymer compounds from within the tire. These Polymers are used to help keep the tire soft when heated up to give you more traction or help grip the road better. When heated to a point, the Plasticizer’s will leech out of the tire or relax, and leave an oily residue behind on the surface. The black dye or color of the rubber will basically run with the leeching effect causing the black smug marks. This occurs also if the cars have a tendency to sit for a long period of time in the same spot. Not all tires are made with the same materials and this occurs mainly with high performance tires and all-season tires.

Due to the quality of the sealers we use and the crosslinking effect of the products, our flooring hardly has any issues with this happening. Our sealers cure to a tighter and harder finish that does not allow the Polymer leeching to absorb into the clear coat, making it easier to wipe off and keep clean without the staining effect.  Yes it can, but that is not due to inferior products, but the quality of the sports tire on the automobile. Lower grade epoxies do have this problem.

Be sure to use this point as a selling tool to your customers and let them know you use the highest grade coatings in the business from your supplier.


Still Have Questions?

Contact Jimmy McGhee,
Technical Support, at (714) 829-2552.