Car painting is done under a near perfect atmospheric weather. Painting a car under poor weather conditions can lead to poor adhesion or blistering; which, then, necessitates a rework. Car painting is to be avoided, both, while it is raining and, when climate is below 55° F. Experts’ stipulations already point to the fact that fresh painting of car is a delicate affair.
Consequently, washing of freshly painted cars also has it key considerations to observe. All things equal, new paint takes, at least, 24 hours before it cures. However, even after 24 hours, it is still prone to react quite negatively to soap, water and other car washing ingredients. Experts recommend for two weeks waiting period. After which you may resume regular and weekly car washing. However, when washing is unavoidable within the first two weeks, ensure you only apply water.
Below are four key detailing recommendations for your freshly painted car.
- Start with the Engine Bay
Conventionally, it makes good sense to start car washing from the engine bay. However, and, most especially, with a freshly painted car, that had properly spent time getting prepped with its bonnet off, it makes better sense to commence with the engine bay. Aside blowing away the surface with an airline, most paint shops do very little to truly clean accumulated dust and dirt from the engine bay. Attend to the hard-hit dust by pre-rinsing thoroughly the baked-on dust. After you must have carefully protected the exposed electric points and filters, you can carry out a comprehensive engine bay cleaning.
- Safe Wash by Hand
As already stated, experts’ recommendation for detailing freshly painted car is after 15-days, or a minimum of two weeks. Even then, during the first 30-days, it is recommended that you only wash by hand with mild, specially formulated, car soap as against convention (avoid dish soap). In addition, ensure you do not scrub, sidestep the use of any stiff commercial brush as this can mar the car finish. Wet your car first, then, wash with utmost gentility and under a shady spot, engaging only the use of a soft sponge, microfiber mitt and cold water during summer or warm water during winter.
- Dry Properly
When washing is completed, for proper drying, it is best to avoid the sun completely as this can negatively affect the paint job. Conversely, even raindrops can ruin the paint job. The clustered water vapor that returns as raindrops usually collect contaminants and pollutants from the air, leading to acid rain and acting as fresh car paint nemesis. Also, you cannot dry detailed freshly painted car under a tree to prevent against bird droppings or tree sap damages.
- Waxing
The last car detailing key consideration for freshly painted car, is application of wax. Regular waxing of your car help to protect the paint from the elements. This is, therefore, a key car detailing practice. However, experts recommend waiting for, at least, two months or 60 Days before polishing or waxing freshly painted car. This is the expected period for a paint job to be completely cured.
A meticulous adherence to the above four keys can help protect your new car paint job for years to come.