The satisfaction of a job well done: that’s typically the first thought you have when sunlight hits the car you’ve just repainted. The second? Probably how you’re going to care for the color you’ve just laid down to keep it pristine for as long as possible.
As soon as a car rolls out of the paint booth, the clock to count down the curing time begins. It’s not until that time runs out that you can put protective products on top of the stellar paint job you completed. Check out the recommendations below to see what the professionals have to say about caring for new car paint and what you can do to enjoy the fruits of your labor for years to come.
How caring for new paint compares to general auto paint care
The same basic concepts apply when caring for new car paint versus existing car paint, but timing is the primary difference. You must wait 30 to 60 days after painting (or repainting) a car before washing it and applying protective products. Failing to allow the paint to cure during this first month or two can compromise it and may even require starting over completely—costing you a lot of time, energy, supplies, and money.
Outside of repainting a vehicle, most people experience “new paint” when they purchase a brand-new vehicle. That paint comes fresh from the factory, so it has typically already completed the 30-60-day curing process before it arrives at the dealership for pick-up. If you’ve ever had your car repainted by a body shop, that same concept and timeframe applies.
Why does proper curing time matter after painting a car?
Proper curing of automotive paint ensures that every layer hardens and protects the layer beneath it. A common misconception is that if it looks and feels “cured,” it’s probably fine to wash, polish, and wax. Yet, there’s much more going on beneath the surface chemically.
Without delving too deep into the science of it, curing allows the solvents within the paint to evaporate, reinforces strong chemical bonds, and promotes adhesion between layers. Cured paint will repel most dirt and road debris and withstand powerful UV rays for several years. Without the chance to properly cure, each paint layer remains susceptible to cosmetic damage and ultimately leaves the bare metal frame beneath it exposed to corrosion.
Common new car paint problems that can occur
In addition to time, specific physical characteristics can either confirm that the paint has cured or that it’s still too fresh to work. For example, automotive paint that’s still within the curing stage will feel tacky, smell like solvents, and feel soft under light pressure from a fingernail.
If you notice delamination, a color or texture difference, or bubbling, there could be something wrong with the paint itself, separate from needing more time to cure. Learn more about common paint problems and solutions by checking out our helpful resource.
5 helpful tips on caring for new car paint
As soon as the car you’ve just painted leaves the booth, it’s time to start caring for the paint. The tips listed below apply to any type of paint job, whether you painted a single panel or the entire car, a single color or custom graphics. Incorporate these steps into your car care routine, and advise your customers to do the same. s
1. Protect the car for the first two to three days
In a perfect world, you’d wheel the car you just painted out of the paint booth and into an enclosed space where it can sit for 48 to 72 hours. During that time, it wouldn’t come into contact with any water, harsh sunlight, tree sap, bugs, road paint, bird droppings, or any other contaminants that can mar the paint. However, getting as close to that as possible is more of a realistic goal.
2. Allow the paint to cure for 30-60 days
Every car paint job requires a minimum of 30 days to cure. The exact length of time required depends largely on the type of paint you use and the environment. Generally speaking, lacquer-based and single-stage paints cure fastest over urethane-based and multi-stage paints. Warm, dry ambient temperatures reduce curing times, while the opposite is true of cold, humid conditions.
During the first one or two months, avoid touching the painted surface with anything unless you must. Avoid using cleaners with any type of silicone or polymer and clay bars. Chemicals and abrasives can have a greater effect on uncured paint, causing irreparable cosmetic damage once the paint has set.
3. Begin your paint care routine
After one to two months, it’s time to establish and apply your car care routine. Keep your car parked in the shade and on a clean, preferably concrete surface. Remember to rinse the car to remove dirt and debris before scrubbing the paint.
Start by washing your car by hand using a pH-neutral car soap or vehicle wash concentrate. Use warm water and brand-new sponges as you work from the top down. Never use household detergents like laundry soap or dish soap to wash a car, as the degreasing agents can strip the new paint job of oils necessary for the paint to stay lustrous.
Dry the paint using a clean, soft microfiber towel or an air dryer. Keep the dryer a few feet away from the painted surface to avoid damage.
4. Maintain a polish and wax routine
On average, it’s best to polish and wax your car’s paint every three to six months. Polishing keeps the scratches to a minimum as part of paint maintenance, while wax provides a protective barrier against contaminants and harmful UV rays. There are such things as polishing and waxing too little and too much, so finding that happy medium is key.
Polishing before the paint has fully cured can cause lots of problems, all of which, in the best-case scenario, are nearly impossible to remove completely. You could remove too much clear coat (“burn” through the paint) or introduce deep scratches and swirl marks into it. Clay-barring the paint before it has cured can also have this effect.
Although a car cover might seem like a step in the right direction, most car covers actually cause more damage than they prevent. It’s best to keep them off car paint, whether it’s fresh or several years old.
5. Practice good paint care techniques
A lot of caring for new paint happens daily, not just as part of your routine. Don’t lean anything against the paint; minimize contact as much as possible. Avoid placing any decals, magnets, or accessories that could scratch the paint, and take care when you install or reinstall trim, badges, and aftermarket accents.
Protect your new automotive paint long-term
While a diligent external car care routine can increase automotive paint’s longevity, products like paint protection film (PPF) and ceramic coating provide maximum protection. However, it’s important to note that you cannot apply these products before the 30-60-day curing window, as they will prevent the paint from fully and properly curing. In fact, because these two methods create such a strong barrier, it’s often a good idea to wait a few extra days to ensure the paint’s cured before application.
Full circle: Caring for automotive paint from prep to polish
A superior automotive paint job fresh out of the booth requires more than the right products and proper techniques to last for miles and miles. Apply your knowledge of caring for new car paint to your next project, whether you paint another one of your vehicles or a customer’s. For more helpful information and tips, check out our blog or call us at 336-378-7872.
