While all that splashing and bursting orbeez action is part of the fun, it does beg the question: can using an Orbeez gun on or around a car damage the exterior?
So, let’s take a closer look at how exactly Orbeez guns work, what the potential risks are for your car’s finish, and some tips for safe play to avoid damage.
As a fellow car owner and parent, I definitely understand the desire to let kids have their fun while also protecting your automotive investment!
Do Orbeez Guns Damage Cars?
Orbeez guns won’t do a lick of damage to your car, man. These toys are made for kiddos and have a pretty low muzzle velocity, ranging from 90-280 FPS. They’re not powerful enough to dent or scratch your car’s exterior.
Can Orbeez Guns Harm Your Car’s Paint Job?
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Several factors come into play in determining whether an Orbeez water gun battle could put your car’s finish at risk:
- Paint type/age/condition – Not all automotive paints are created equal when it comes to durability. Softer, more delicate paints are more vulnerable compared to hardy modern clear coats. And older, weathered paint is more prone to damage than a fresh new finish.
- Power of the Orbeez gun – Higher pressure water blasters can propel Orbeez at faster speeds, increasing the impact force. Battery-powered automatic Orbeez guns allow rapid repeat firing on one spot.
- Angle of impact – Orbeez hitting your car head-on have more direct force versus at an angle. And firing upwards from below risks water pooling and paint damage.
- Frequency of hits – Concentrated, repeated impacts on one area of the paint are more likely to cause issues over time. A constant barrage on a small spot can wear away the protection.
The good news is a few random Orbeez likely won’t inflict any noticeable damage, especially on newer or well-maintained paint. But it’s good to be aware of the potential risks so you can take proper precautions.
Do the Orbeez Themselves Pose a Threat to Paintwork?
Aside from the impact of being blasted out of an Orbeez gun, some wonder if the beads themselves could interact with automotive paintwork. After all, they are chemicals absorbing a ton of water and swelling in size.
The main concern would be:
- Paint erosion – If the polymer beads had abrasive properties when hydrated, they could potentially scratch paint as they strike and burst. However, orbeez tend to have a smooth gel surface once expanded.
- Chemical issues – Some worry the acrylamide composition could react with paint. But orbeez are generally non-toxic and paint-safe when used as directed.
Again, there is little evidence that orbeez on their own degrade or damage car paints. Especially with limited, occasional contact. But repeated exposure over time to the water inside orbeez could theoretically wear down paint protection. It’s mainly the force of firing them that creates a potential risk.
Can an Orbeez Gun Break a Car Window?
Another common concern is the potential for Orbeez guns to inflict damage on car windows, not just paintwork. Fortunately, a typical orbeez blaster lacks the power and velocity to shatter automotive glass windows.
Even firing repeatedly at close range, the lightweight orbeez and water pressure are extremely unlikely to succeed at breaking through. However, more powerful models marketed as “orbeez sniper rifles” may be able to generate sufficient force to crack or chip a window pane if aimed there intentionally.
So it’s still smart to prohibit firing at car windows specifically during orbeez battles. Overall, the paint and finish is much more vulnerable to accidental harm from orbeez gun play compared to the glass windows. But banning aiming at vehicles altogether is the simplest safety measure.
Tips for Safely Using Orbeez Guns Around Cars
Given the potential for paint damage, how can you safely enjoy Orbeez blasters without putting your car’s finish at risk? Here are some common sense recommendations:
- Shoot orbeez guns at least 10-15 feet away from any vehicles if possible. The farther away, the lower the impact force.
- Avoid aiming repeatedly at the same spot on a car. Disperse shots over the whole surface or aim away from the vehicle.
- Inspect your car paint regularly for any existing chips or thin areas that could allow water ingress if hit with orbeez. Apply touch-up paint as needed to problem spots.
- Consider using soft cloth, towels, or cardboard as shields/backstops to catch orbeez instead of bare paint.
- Remind kids to be responsible and conscientious of vehicles when playing with any water toy. Make sure they understand the financial impact of damage.
- Provide eye protection for orbeez gun play. Unexpanded beads can be a hazard if they enter eyes or are ingested.
Obviously, the safest approach is relegating orbeez battles to areas well away from cars. But with some precautions, you can likely allow limited car-proximate play. Just stay vigilant for over-enthusiastic firing!
What to Do if Your Car Gets Caught in the Orbeez Crossfire?
Whoops! In the heat of battle, your car ends up taking some direct orbeez hits. Before any potential damage sets in, act quickly:
- Rinse any stuck-on beads immediately – don’t let them dry out adhered to the paint. A pressure washer is ideal to remove orbeez residue.
- Hand wash the affected area gently with car soap and water to eliminate any remaining polymers.
- Carefully inspect the paint for any swelling, cracks, or scratches in the surface. Orbeez can mask underlying issues.
- Use automotive touch up paint on any problem spots or exposed metal to prevent corrosion or peeling.
- Wax and polish the paint to help fill in micro-scratches and restore protection.
- Going forward, try to redirect orbeez play away from driveway and parked cars. Set up a designated “safe zone”.
A little extra TLC can help your car’s exterior bounce back from an orbeez ambush. But severe damage may require taking it to a body shop for painting or clear coat repair. So keeping the cars orbeez-free is definitely preferable!
The Bottom Line – Have Fun But Use Caution!
Orbeez guns don’t need to be feared when it comes to cars. With some smart precautions, you can minimize risks while maximizing summer water weapon fun! Just keep orbeez battles at a safe distance, equip the kids properly, set ground rules, and respond quickly to any mishaps.
Your vehicle’s exterior will thank you for the care. And you’ll have happy, soaked kids – without the guilt of enabling damage. With orbeez blasters, as with any other toy, a little parental guidance goes a long way. Just emphasize safety and responsibility so a good time doesn’t turn into an expensive accident.
So rally the troops for a wet and wild orbeez clash – outside only! With all cars safely in the garage or well out of range. Let the balls fly and enjoy yourself too – just be ready with the hose for some post-battle cleanup! Proper supervision keeps cars orbeez-free and repair bills at bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Orbeez guns safe for my car?
A: Orbeez guns are generally safe if used responsibly, but the high-powered water pressure can potentially damage paint or finishes if aimed directly at a vehicle. Keep a reasonable distance, avoid prolonged firing at one spot, and supervise play.
Q: How can I use Orbeez guns near cars without damaging them?
A: Set up a designated “safe zone” away from vehicles and aim orbeez guns away from cars. You can also use shields like cardboard or cloth backstops to catch the Orbeez instead of firing directly at painted surfaces.
Q: Can an Orbeez gun crack my car’s windshield?
A: Extremely unlikely! Typical orbeez guns lack the power and velocity to shatter automotive glass. The water pressure and lightweight beads won’t break windows even at close range.
Q: Do the Orbeez balls themselves damage car paint?
A: The Orbeez beads are smooth gel and won’t scratch or harm paint alone. It’s mainly the impact force that presents a risk, especially if aimed repeatedly in one spot. Limit firing directly at vehicles.
Q: How can I repair paint damage from an orbeez gun?
A: Rinse quickly, inspect for flaws, use touch-up paint on any problem spots, then wax and polish the area. Severe damage may need professional repainting. Act fast before corrosion starts!
Q: Can I rinse off stuck-on Orbeez with a pressure washer?
A: Yes, a pressure washer is ideal for removing dried on orbeez! Just keep some distance to avoid damaging the paint underneath. Then hand wash the area.
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