After paintwork, wait two weeks before washing your vehicle

Cars never look shinier than the moment they get fresh paint. They are free of light scratches, dirt and environmental haze that occurs to paint finishes over time.
Is important to know how to care for your freshly painted vehicle after it leaves Mid Island Collision Centers. Here are some pointers.

Wash only for the first two months. Two Months Later – OKAY to Wax

It is important to apply wax to the new paint; however, it’s best to wait two months before waxing your vehicle. This allows enough time for the paint to “cure” completely. (The term “curing” really applies to allowing the solvents and thinners used in the paint to fully evaporate allowing the paint to fully harden). Use a quality wax, preferably a carnauba wax. Follow the manufacturers instructions on the can of wax and apply to your car. To protect your paint for years to come, wax your vehicle on a regular basis. Avoid using compound our cleaner waxes on your fresh paint.

Tips To Take Care of Your Freshly Painted Vehicle

  1. Wait two weeks before washing. Even though your paint is dry, it is still curing for approximately two weeks following the initial paint application.
  2. Wash the vehicle by hand or a touchless car wash system, not a commercial brush or soft cloth system.
  3. Wash with cold water only in summer, in the shade, and with warm water in the winter. Do not use detergents or cleaners.
  4. Wipe off all waterspots with a soft clean cloth or chamois after a wash.
  5. Do not wax, polish, or apply any sealant products for at least 90 days.
  6. Keep the vehicle from unnecessary extremes of high and low temperatures.
  7. Do not park under trees or near industrial facilities with heavy fallout/smoke.
  8. Avoid driving over gravel roads.
  9. During winter months, have under fenders and hidden areas force pressure washed to remove road salts.
  10. Avoid scraping ice and snow from the painted surfaces, brush it off.
  11. Wipe off any antifreeze or windshield washer solution spills immediately.
  12. Do not leave your vehicle parked under trees that drop sap or berries. As well trees with berries attract birds whose droppings will also ruin your paint finish if not rinsed off quickly
  13. Never scrape snow or ice from the surface. The snow scraper will act like a paint scraper on your fresh paint job.
  14. If you live in a hot climate or an area with hot summers, try to park your vehicle in the shade whenever possible. Sun can cause fading over time.
  15. If you accidentally spill oil, gasoline, antifreeze, windshield solvent or transmission fluid on your car, be sure to rinse it off immediately using water. Try to avoid wiping the area, as it may smear. If you need to wipe it, try to do so as gently as possible.
  16. Avoiding gravel roads is always a good idea or driving through shrubbery that can scratch your vehicle. As well, newly laid asphalt can be difficult to remove and if left too long can damage the paint.
  17. Touch-up any scratches or chips as soon as it is possible. If left unattended deep chips and scratches can quickly start to rust the metal areas of your vehicle.