Most people feel a renewed sense of the need to keep their vehicle pristine after it undergoes some type of body work. Fresh paint can stir the feeling that you need to wash and wax your car right away to keep it looking great, but vehicle paint and body professionals advise being patient. Learn how to properly care for your new paint immediately after undergoing these types of car repairs in Orange County.
After-Repair Car Care
Your new coats of paint want to take their time to set. For the next few months you will want to be careful with any of these freshly painted areas on the vehicle. Follow these simple tips on how to take care of your car after new paint.
- No soap or water for the first two weeks: The first two weeks after your vehicle has been painted are the most important. You want to avoid anything that is going to soften up that paint or cause it to break down before it gets a chance to solidify completely. While it may be hard to the touch, the paint needs time to “cure” properly.
- No wax for 60 days: Wax is designed to penetrate and rejuvenate deep down into several layers of paint. This will reverse and change the curing process of the paint that is required to make it durable and appealing.
- Quality soaps and waxes only: Never use dish soap or any other types of soaps or solvents on the paint unless they are specifically approved for automotive paints AND clear coats. Only use high quality automotive specific soaps and polishes for your vehicle’s body.
Taking care of your vehicle after body work has more to do with what you shouldn’t do than what you should do. Always follow your technician’s specific instructions, as paint types and application procedures can vary slightly. Your technician will know what’s best for you specific repair. If you or someone you know is looking for car paint repair in Irvine, contact your auto body specialists at Spectrum Collision.
