New Auto Paint? Follow These Care Tips For Preservation

As a general rule, when your vehicle gets into an accident and requires collision repair, it will also need to be repainted. Auto paint is applied by technicians to repaired surfaces or brand-new parts that are installed on vehicles so that they will match the original paint job of your automobile. The auto paint process requires the application of a primer, new paint, as well as a clear coat finish. Finally, the surface will be buffed so it will shine. To ensure that your new paint job is properly cared for, here are a few tips to follow.

Take Extra Precautions for Three Months

As a general rule of thumb, auto paint will take somewhere between 30 to 90 days to fully cure. During this period of time, the paint is particularly vulnerable to blemishes. You need to avoid going through a commercial car wash and using brushes to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. Instead, you should only hand wash your vehicle when needed with a mild soap specifically made for vehicles, clean water, and a soft cloth. Do not apply wax, and use a microfiber towel to dry off your automobile. If you simply allow the water to dry on the surface naturally, it can cause the development of permanent water marks, but at the same time, if you wipe the surface too hard, it can cause a swirl pattern to develop.

Avoid Driving on Unpaved or Gravel Roads

Loose gravel can be a serious danger to a car that has been newly painted. The gravel can easily fly up, chip and ding the fresh paint of your vehicle. If chipped paint is not quickly repaired, it can cause the metal body of your car to be exposed, leading to corrosion.

Park Under a Shelter or in a Garage

You should always park your vehicle in the shade or underneath some sort of shelter. Although the shade is important, you should not park underneath trees, since debris could fall from the trees and onto the vehicle's surface, depending on the weather forecast and time of year. The best place to park your vehicle to preserve the new paint job is inside of a garage so that it is not exposed to the elements.

If you have recently gotten your vehicle painted or are planning to get your vehicle painted, the aforementioned tips will help you in preserving the paint. For more information, talk to an auto paint service in your area such as Lakeside Collision Kirkland.

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