How To Treat Fresh Paint.
Now that there's paint on your parts, how do you keep it in that like-new condition?
Fresh paint needs some special attention beyond the usual paint care steps.
You don't want to put anything on fresh paint that's going to inhibit the drying, flashing out or outgassing processes.
The various paint companies have different recommendations as to the time it takes for their paints to completely cure, but 60 days is a good rule of thumb. During that time, you shouldn't use wax or anything else that promises to seal or protect the paint, as those products will put down a barrier that inhibits the curing process.
Fresh paint is susceptible to damage from just about anything. Because you don't have a protective layer on the paint yet, it can get beat up quickly. Get bird poop off within five minutes. Don't let water sit on it and get cooked in the sunlight or water spots will etch in in no time. If bugs get on there, get them off quick. If you have the misfortune of experiencing any of these problems and wind up with marks, you may have to
Fresh paint needs some special attention beyond the usual paint care steps.
You don't want to put anything on fresh paint that's going to inhibit the drying, flashing out or outgassing processes.
The various paint companies have different recommendations as to the time it takes for their paints to completely cure, but 60 days is a good rule of thumb. During that time, you shouldn't use wax or anything else that promises to seal or protect the paint, as those products will put down a barrier that inhibits the curing process.
Fresh paint is susceptible to damage from just about anything. Because you don't have a protective layer on the paint yet, it can get beat up quickly. Get bird poop off within five minutes. Don't let water sit on it and get cooked in the sunlight or water spots will etch in in no time. If bugs get on there, get them off quick. If you have the misfortune of experiencing any of these problems and wind up with marks, you may have to
any other gritty compound into the surface. Use a dedicated automotive soap - not laundry detergent or household cleaner - since car wash soap is formulated without abrasives or harsh detergents. Use a brand new, high quality car wash mitt or new soft towel.
Meguiar's recommends a two bucket washing process. Fill one with water and appropriate soap, and fill the other with water only. Dip the mitt in the soapy water, wash, then rinse the mitt in the water bucket before dipping it back into the soapy water. That way, the second bucket catches the dirt coming out of the mitt.so it won't get wiped back into the paint.
Use lots of water when you're washing. It's easy to inflict a scratch or swirl on the new paint.
If you do wind up with these type of surface defects, use a good quality swirl remover, provided it doesn't contain harsh
Meguiar's recommends a two bucket washing process. Fill one with water and appropriate soap, and fill the other with water only. Dip the mitt in the soapy water, wash, then rinse the mitt in the water bucket before dipping it back into the soapy water. That way, the second bucket catches the dirt coming out of the mitt.so it won't get wiped back into the paint.
Use lots of water when you're washing. It's easy to inflict a scratch or swirl on the new paint.
If you do wind up with these type of surface defects, use a good quality swirl remover, provided it doesn't contain harsh
resort to sanding and buffing to get them out. Don't, however, use a course compound or you will end up with a surface haze from the hundreds of tiny surface scratches you've now inflicted on the paint surface. So what do you use? First things first: Before applying anything to the paint, make sure it's absolutely clean, so your'e not rubbing dirt, dust or
abrasives. The job can be done by hand or machine using a very soft hand applicator or soft foam pad on the machine.
When the surface is clean and free of marks, you can apply a polish or glaze to add gloss to your paint. The polish will have conditioning agents, darkening agents, that will make the finish look dark, deep and wet. Avoid any product labeled polish/wax or any spray wax to keep the paint barrier free. If the product offers protection, you don't want to use it - at least not at this point.
Once the 60 day paint cure time is up, the surface can - and should - be treated with a protective coat of wax.
When should you wax again? If you rub your finger over your paint and it squeaks, it's time to wax.
When the surface is clean and free of marks, you can apply a polish or glaze to add gloss to your paint. The polish will have conditioning agents, darkening agents, that will make the finish look dark, deep and wet. Avoid any product labeled polish/wax or any spray wax to keep the paint barrier free. If the product offers protection, you don't want to use it - at least not at this point.
Once the 60 day paint cure time is up, the surface can - and should - be treated with a protective coat of wax.
When should you wax again? If you rub your finger over your paint and it squeaks, it's time to wax.
Link to an online video about paint care and products.
Link to paint detailing guide.
Once there, click on their 'Preparation-Sealing-Waxing link.
Once there, click on their 'Preparation-Sealing-Waxing link.
Links