You just got your car painted, and it looks amazing. You want to keep it that way, but you also want to keep it clean. Can you wash the car after the paint job? The answer is yes, but only after the paint has fully cured and hardened. Otherwise, you risk damaging your new paint and ruining its appearance.
This article covers the dos and don’ts of washing a car after a paint job. It includes guidelines on how long to wait before washing, how to wash the car safely, whether to use an automatic car wash, how often to wash the car, and when to wax it.
These tips protect your new paint job and keep your car looking great for years. Let’s get into it!
Key Takeaways
- Wait until the paint has fully cured before washing your car.
- Use gentle soap and soft materials to avoid damaging the paint.
- Avoid automatic car washes and wash the car by hand for a gentle and thorough cleaning.
Table of Contents
Can You Wash The Car After The Paint Job?
So, you’ve just got your car painted, and now you’re wondering if you can wash it. The short answer is yes, you can wash your car after a paint job, but only after the paint has fully cured and hardened.
Curing and hardening are terms used in paint chemistry and physics. [1] Curing is the process of chemical reactions that bond the paint molecules together and form a durable coating. Hardening is the process of physical changes that make the paint more resistant to scratches and abrasions. [2]
Curing and hardening take time and depend on various factors, such as the type and quality of the paint, the thickness of the paint layers, the temperature and humidity of the environment, and the drying method used by the painter.
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How Long To Wait To Wash Your Car After A New Paint Job?
There is no definitive answer when washing your car after a new paint job, as different paints have different curing and hardening times.
However, a general rule of thumb is to wait at least two weeks before washing your car after a new paint job. This will allow the paint to fully cure and harden, ensuring it is not damaged during washing.
Waiting two weeks is advisable because washing your car too soon after a paint job can cause many problems. For example, you could damage or remove the clear coat that protects the color coat from UV rays, oxidation, and corrosion.
Additionally, washing your car too soon can create swirl marks or scratches on the new paint surface, ruining its gloss and appearance. Also, washing your car too soon can cause peeling or cracking of the paint due to water penetration or temperature changes.
In addition, you should generally wait about 30 days before washing your car if you have used acrylic enamel paint. If you have used acrylic urethane paint, you should wait about 15 days.
If you have used water-based paint, you may only have to wait about seven days. However, checking the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific paint is always best.
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How To Wash A Newly Painted Car
Congratulations on your newly painted car! Now that you’ve waited for at least two weeks, it’s time to give it a good wash. However, you must be careful when washing a newly painted car to avoid damaging the fresh paint.
Here are four steps on how to wash a newly painted car safely and effectively:
1. Prepare the car and wash it in the shade
First, you must prepare and wash the car in the shade. Rinse your car with water to remove any loose dirt or dust. Park your car in a shaded area or wait until the evening to avoid washing your car under direct sunlight. Sunlight can dry the water and soap too quickly and leave water spots or soap stains on the paint.
2. Use pH-neutral and non-aggressive products.
Second, use pH-neutral and non-aggressive products. Choose a mild car wash soap that is pH-neutral and does not contain harsh chemicals, detergents, or additives. Avoid dish soap, laundry detergent, or household cleaners. They can damage the paint and strip off the clear coat.
Also, use soft and clean cloths, sponges, or mitts designed for car washing. Avoid using any brushes, scouring pads, or abrasive materials that can scratch the paint.
3. Perform a safe hand wash.
Third, perform a safe hand wash. Fill two buckets with water: one with clean water and one with soapy water. Dip your cloth, sponge, or mitt in the soapy water and gently wash one section of the car at a time, starting from the top and working your way down.
Rinse your cloth, sponge, or mitt in the clean water frequently to remove any dirt or debris that can scratch the paint. Rinse each section of the car with water after washing it to prevent soap buildup.
4. Dry your car carefully.
Finally, dry your car carefully. Use a soft microfiber towel or chamois to dry your car gently and thoroughly. Do not rub or drag the towel or chamois over the paint, as this can create swirl marks or scratches. Instead, blot or pat the towel or chamois over the paint to absorb the water.
Make sure to wipe off all water spots, as they can leave mineral deposits that can stain the paint.
Can You Use An Automatic Car Wash After A Paint Job?
You might wonder if using an automatic car wash after a paint job is safe. The short answer is no, at least not for the first two months. There are several reasons why automatic car washes are bad for new paint jobs.
- Automatic car washes use high-pressure jets to force water into the paint cracks or peel off the clear coat.
- They use rotating brushes or soft cloths that can rub against the paint and create swirl marks or scratches.
- They use harsh chemicals or detergents that can strip off the clear coat or damage the paint.
If you have no choice but to use an automatic car wash after a paint job, you should choose a touchless car wash system that does not use brushes or cloths. However, even touchless car washes can have some drawbacks.
Touchless car washes use hot water that can cause thermal shock to the new paint and make it crack or peel. They also use strong jets of water that can still force water into the paint cracks or damage the edges of the paint. Additionally, they use acidic cleaners that can etch or dull the paint.
To minimize the damage from touchless car washes after a paint job, you should wait at least two weeks before using a touchless car wash.
Choose a touchless car wash that uses mild and pH-neutral products. Keep a safe distance between the water jets and your car. Lastly, dry your car thoroughly after the wash.
8 Things You Should NOT Do After The Car Paint Job
After getting a fresh coat of paint on your car, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure the paint job lasts as long as possible. Besides washing your car too soon after a paint job, there are other things you should avoid doing that can damage your new paint.
Here are eight things you should not do after a car paint job:
- Wait to drive your car immediately after picking it up from the shop. The new paint needs time to settle and bond with the metal surface. Driving your car can expose it to bumps, scratches, debris, bugs, etc., ruining the fresh paint. Wait at least 24 hours before driving your car.
- Don’t wax your car for at least two months after a paint job. Waxing your car can seal the paint’s pores and prevent it from breathing and curing properly. Waxing can also create a layer of wax residue that can dull the paint’s shine and color. Wait until the paint is fully cured and hardened before applying any wax.
- Don’t use a commercial car wash or a pressure washer for at least two months after a paint job. These methods can be too harsh and abrasive for the new paint. They can strip off the clear coat, create swirl marks or scratches, or force water into the paint cracks. Use a gentle hand wash or a touchless car wash system instead.
- Only park your car under direct sunlight for at least two months after a paint job. Sunlight can cause the paint to fade, oxidize, or blister. It can also increase the car’s temperature and cause the paint to expand and contract, leading to cracking or peeling. Park your car in a shaded area or use a car cover to protect it from UV rays.
- Don’t use abrasive materials like brushes or sponges to wash your car. These materials can scratch the paint and damage the clear coat. Use a soft microfiber cloth or a lambswool mitt instead.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals like gasoline, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or grease to clean your car. These chemicals can strip off the paint and cause discoloration. Use a mild soap and water solution instead.
- Refrain from washing your car in windy conditions or on gravel roads. Sand and gravel can scratch the paint and damage the clear coat. Wash your car in a sheltered area or on a smooth surface.
- Don’t let bird droppings, tree sap, or dust accumulate on your car. These substances are acidic and can eat through the paint. Wash your car regularly to keep it clean and protect the paint.
How Often Should You Wash A Car After A Paint Job?
Maintaining the appearance of your newly painted car is essential to keep it looking great for years to come. While washing your car regularly can help you maintain its paint job, over-washing can damage it. So, how often should you wash your car after a paint job?
Generally, waiting at least two to three weeks before washing your car after a new paint job is best. This gives the paint enough time to cure and harden fully. Washing your car too soon can damage the paint and remove the protective layer of wax or sealant that shields your paint from UV rays, oxidation, and corrosion.
After waiting, you should wash your car by hand using proper equipment to avoid scratches and damage. Generally, you should wash your car every other week, depending on how often you use it and the conditions it is exposed to.
When Can You Wax Your Car?
Waxing your car can help protect the paint and enhance its shine. However, waiting at least two months after a new paint job before waxing your car would be best. This will give the paint enough time to cure and harden fully.
Once the paint is cured, you can apply high-quality car wax to protect it from the elements and keep it looking great.
Waiting two months is advisable because waxing too soon after a paint job can seal the paint’s pores and prevent it from breathing and curing properly. It can also create a layer of wax residue that can dull the paint’s shine and color.
Additionally, waxing too soon can interfere with the chemical reactions in the curing process. To wax your car after a paint job safely and effectively, follow these steps:
Step 1: Wash and dry your car thoroughly before waxing. Use a mild car wash soap and a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse the soap off and dry your car with a microfiber towel or chamois.
Step 2: To choose the right car wax, consider your paint type and desired level of shine and durability. Different types and formulations of car waxes are available, such as paste, liquid, spray, natural, synthetic, and hybrid.
Step 3: Apply the car wax in small sections using a foam applicator pad or a microfiber cloth. Follow the directions on the product label and use circular motions to spread the wax evenly over the surface. Avoid applying too much or too little wax.
Step 4: Buff the car wax with a clean microfiber cloth or a polishing machine. Please wait until the wax dries to a haze, then buff it off with light pressure and circular motions. Use a separate cloth for each section of your car. Check for any streaks or spots and remove them with another cloth.
Following these steps, you can safely and effectively wax your car after a paint job. This will help protect the paint and keep it looking great for years.
Happy washing!
Frequently Asked Question
Does washing a car scratch paint?
To avoid scratching your car’s paint, gently hand wash with soft microfiber cloths and mild car shampoo. Avoid abrasive tools and products. Automatic car washes can also cause scratches, so wait at least two months after a new paint job before using one.
Does washing your car fade the new paint?
Washing your car with a gentle cleanser and car-safe towels won’t fade new paint. Paint can fade due to sunlight, bird droppings, road salt, and improper care. To prevent fading, park in covered areas, wash your car regularly, and wax it every three to six months.
What makes the car paint last longer?
To keep your car’s paint surface in good condition, wash it regularly with a gentle automotive cleaner and dry it with a clean cotton cloth. Polish with wax every 3-6 months and use a paint sealant or ceramic coating for extra protection.
Park in a shaded spot or use a car cover to avoid sun damage. Avoid scratches and repair chips with touch-up paint or professional service.
Is it OK to wash a car without drying?
Leaving your car wet after washing can cause water spots, damaging the paint and leaving permanent marks that require polishing or repainting to be removed.
Will rain damage a freshly painted car?
Rain won’t damage a freshly painted car if you wait at least 24 hours before exposing it to water. This will help the paint cure and harden, preventing any issues. However, you may need to fix the affected areas if your car gets wet before the paint dries.
