How To Care For Your New Paint Job
Posted on: 17 April 2015
If you recently experienced a collision or needed repairs, you likely had a brand new paint job after the auto body repair work was done. Once your car is freshly painted, it is important to maintain that paint with regular washing and waxing. The following tips will help you keep your new paint job looking beautiful for years to come.
Wash Your Vehicle Carefully
The first thing to know about washing your car is that you should wait about two weeks or so after having the paint job done. If you wash it too early, you could affect the sealant put over the top coat of paint. If you absolutely need to wash it before this time, do so gently and only with water. When you are ready to wash your car, avoid washing it in direct sunlight. You don't want it to be too hot out when you wash your car. A dry, cloudy day is the best weather.
Also remember not to dry wipe the vehicle at any time. Get it wet first, then wash it using cool water and soap meant specifically for vehicles. Use a microfiber washing mitt or another type of washing material that won't leave behind lint and doesn't have any scrubbing properties. For drying the vehicle after washing, be careful what material you use so it doesn't scratch the paint. Sheepskin and 100 percent cotton are good choices.
Don't Forget to Wax
Waxing your vehicle is the next most important thing about maintaining a good paint job. If this is something you are not comfortable with, don't be afraid to bring your vehicle to a car wash that specializes in waxing. It will help keep your paint job fresher for longer. If you wax the car yourself, use a high-quality wax that is meant for automobiles. Avoid wax that has super polymer or silicone in it, as those will penetrate through the paint. Make sure you wax the car after is has been thoroughly washed and dried. This is another benefit of bringing it into a local car wash.
Take Care of Scratches Early
If you get mild scratches on the paint, which is common, buff them out as soon as you can. If you leave the scratches, they could eventually lead to more severe scratches and the paint might start peeling or fading in the scratched areas. If you tend to them quickly, you can avoid more severe damage and protect your car paint. For more tips, contact a collision repair shop like Jeff's Auto Body.
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