Frequently Asked Questions

Plasticizers are chemical compounds added to rubber and polymers to make them more flexible, durable, and easier to process. Think of them as “softening agents” that allow a material to bend rather than crack. In tire manufacturing, plasticizers help balance two competing demands:

• Flexibility for grip, comfort, and handling.

• Durability to withstand friction, heat, and weathering.

Without plasticizers, tire rubber would be stiff, brittle, and unsafe. With them, tires gain the ability to conform to surfaces, absorb impacts, and remain usable across a wide range of temperatures.

Plasticizers as a Tire Phenomenon

Over time, however, plasticizers can migrate out of the rubber. This natural process, known as plasticizer migration, plays a big role in tire performance and longevity.

• As plasticizers slowly evaporate or leach away, rubber becomes harder and less flexible.

• This results in reduced traction, longer braking distances, and a higher risk of cracking.

It’s why older tires—even those with plenty of tread left—can be dangerous. The rubber has chemically aged, becoming less elastic due to the loss of plasticizers.

The Problem for High-Performance Coatings

Here’s where this science crosses into flooring and coatings. When vehicles sit for long periods—whether it’s a classic car in a garage, a truck in storage, or an aircraft in a hangar—plasticizers don’t just stay in the tire. They leach into the surface beneath, creating dark, shadow-like stains on even the best high-performance coatings.

• These marks aren’t a coating failure.

• They’re a chemical transfer from the tire itself.

• Because plasticizers migrate from inside the tire outward, nothing can stop the process once contact is made.

And here’s the truth: there is no permanent solution to completely prevent tire plasticizer staining. Even premium epoxy or polyaspartic floors can discolor under parked tires.

Why High-Performance Tires Are Worse

Our team has observed that high-performance speed tires—like those on Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and other exotic cars—tend to contain higher amounts of plasticizers. These tires are engineered for maximum grip and heat management, which requires softer rubber chemistry. That softness comes at a cost: more plasticizer migration.

As a result, these vehicles are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to leaving deep, dark stains on coated floors. Owners of high-end sports cars should take extra care to protect their flooring if the car is going to sit for long periods.

Aviation Tires Too

The same principle applies to aviation tires. Aircraft tires are built to handle some of the harshest conditions imaginable: heavy loads, blistering speeds, and extreme heat on landing. To achieve this, they rely on specialized rubber blends rich in plasticizers. Just like supercar tires, this chemistry leads to more severe staining when those tires rest on coated hangar floors for extended periods.

The only reliable prevention for both automotive and aviation high-performance tires is placing mats or tire pads under the wheels when storing a vehicle or aircraft.