Spray on 'sand'?

[Roland E Odorant]

I have been in KSA for a couple of weeks now and have noticed quite a few 4 x 4s with a coating of 'sand' across the front. I dreamt that this was from some great desert safari or expedition.

I mentioned this to a colleague of mine who poo poo'ed it and said that it was a spay on effect. A lengthy argument/debate ensued with neither party surrendering and the matter reamined unresolved. However, upon parking my trusty Elantra in the hotel car park tonight there were two of the aforementioned 4 x 4s with the same coating. On closer inspection it seems that I may be breakfasting on humble pie. It is indeed a spray on effect.

two questions for the PH ME residents

1. What is it?
2. Is it common in other parts of ME?
3. Why?

Sorry thats 3 questions, be gentle with me. I'm new to this.

B

[DubaiJohn]

This has baffled me for a while as well and as far as I can make out it is indeed some kind of spray on product. I have been told that it is put on for long drives through the desert, for example from KSA to UAE to prevent actual sand from scouring your cars paint.

I have also seen it sprayed over number plates so I think this is also a bit of a speeding fine dodge for said drives as well.

Bear in this could be complete BS, I was told this by an Emirati guy I know and am still not sure if he was winding me up.

[petebarker]

hi mate - yes you are right - there use car shampoo or washing up liquid it then sticks sand and dust which protects your paintwork. The garages at the borders have guyus that will do it while you fill up. pete

[Roland E Odorant]

Thanks for the replies Guys.

So, it's not the Middle East answer to stick on flames?.

Maybe I shall have the Elantra prepared with this before I set off into the desert.

Or, maybe not

[Paracetamol]

I have seen some beautiful saudi registered cars (stuff like S500s) with their front ends sandblasted from driving at 160kph in sandstorms. The sand literally blasts paint to a matt finish on the bumpers and turns headlights opaque. This stuff is meant to stop that from happening. Cheap version of armourfend I guess