Your car may receive a new layer of paint after an automotive repair or just because your old paint was faded, chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged. After you receive a new paint job on your vehicle, it is important to understand that it can take 30 to 90 days for the paint to fully harden and cure. An autobody repair shop should give you specific instructions on how to care for your new paint job, but here are a few of the most common things you want to avoid.
Avoid Using a Commercial Car Wash for 30 to 60 Days
One of the best ways to care for new automotive paint is to avoid using a commercial car wash for 30 to 60 days. You should also avoid using anything dry to wipe down your car. If you must wash your car during the first month or two, it is advised that you wash it at home. Use warm water with a mild car washing soap and a non-scratch sponge. Then, use that same sponge to gently wipe away soap residue and water. Do not use anything abrasive, as the paint can scratch when it has not hardened.
Try to Avoid Extreme Weather
Another tip to help care for your new automotive paint is to avoid extreme weather. If you can, park in a garage when the temperatures are extremely hot or extremely cold. Extreme temperatures can have a negative effect on your new paint and can cause it to bubble, crack, fade or prevent it from fully curing.
Stay Away From Trees
After you have had a car painted, you will want to avoid parking under or near trees as much as possible. Trees may not seem like a big deal, but they can negatively harm your car’s new paint. Bird droppings are acidic and can eat through soft paint. Tree limbs swaying in the breeze can scratch or damage paint on your car, especially if the paint is not yet fully hardened. Also, leaves can fall from the tree and create an imprint in paint that is wet.
Stay Away From Wax or Polish
The last tip to help you care for your new automotive paint after a paint job or repair is to stay away from wax or polish. You should not use any products on the exterior of your car until the paint is fully cured. Unless the automotive repair shop tells you otherwise, you should assume that that will take at least 90 days.
Whether you have a scratch that you are unable to buff out, or you have large dents in your car that need to be filled in and repainted, Certified Collision Center Auto Body is here to assist you. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment or to obtain an estimate to have autobody repair or paintwork completed on your car.