Hey guys,

I dropped my car off to get painted on monday and I picked it up today. It looks GREAT. I didnt get a chance to talk to any of the bodyshop guys though, so I dont know exactly how to care for it right after its painted. I obvioulsy know not to wax it yet, but what other tips are there for the first week. Right now its parked in my backyard, away from all the trees to avoid tree sap. What other precautionary measures should I take? When can it be driven without worrk or bug splats and road debris? Any other tips or info would be really appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

dont know really what to do but would love to see some before and after pics

 

Don't wax until three months later!!!! Wash w/ water for the first week maybe two! Then use a "mild" soap, nothing too agressive/strong!!!! And I would use some kind of "Microfiber towel" that will reduce the amount of swirls in your paint! Please take your time to wash from top to bottom, eliminate as much dirt as possible before you wipe w/ anything! Wiping the dirt/pollen makes the swirl marks!!!!

 

Does water pressure mater? I have access to a pressure washer. Would that ruin the new paint job somehow? This is just for my own personal knowledge. Thanks

 

Oh, for the love of-- the car will be easier to dry off if you do not use some sort of pressure sprayer. Sprayers cause water to bead up on paint and cause water spotting if you do not dry the car in a timely manner.

Just use water coming directly out of a hose so that the water will sheet off. I went out and purchased a 20 dollar leather chamoise that has worked wonders as long as you keep it clean and dirt free.

I would not suggest taking the car to a car wash from now on. Wash it yourself and take pride in knowing that you are the one who made the car clean.

Also, if you have animals and your drying towels will attract hair then do not use said drying towels, go get the leather chamoise. (I promise its worth the 20 dollars!)

Most importantly, enjoy your new paint and take care not to get into a wreck. If a wreck should occure make sure it is notyour fault and kill the person who hit you. ^_^

Please post pics

 

depending on how it was painted has it already been wetsanded?

if so you should be fine to use polish cleaners...something of a very fine grade. no wax because you need to let the paint breath and wax will seal it. it's best not to use any products on the paint for at least a few weeks but especially not wax.

you should allow the car to sit in the sun as much as possible to let it bake. you shouldn't use a power washer to wash your car as the pressure can be enough to strip your paint. a hose should be fine. since you have a new paint job invest in some swirl mark free products. go and pick up some microfiber towels and either a california water blade or a 100% cotton towel.

try to drive the car as little as possible until the paint is cured as you will have to clean it less and have less chance of hurting anything.

look up paint care tips here and you'll find alot more helpful info.

 

Definately no pwer washer and no car wash, i just turned the hose on about half way and used it right out of the teh hose, Be very careful not to get any dirt or crap in the chamois or towel and rinse and ring out the mitt or sponge real good before moving to another section. I wouldn't drive it to much for a while the paint is still soft and very easy to chip. I found this out the hard way when my bird got done last year i had some guy mowing the house next door and the bird was sitting outside and not in the garage and the mower threw like a peblble or somethign and it chipped a small spot on my hood and i watched it happen so trust me it takes little force to to. Wheres the pics?

 

Hey,

Thanks for all the info guys. Someone said to try not to drive it too often until the paint cures... about how long does it take to fully cure?

Also, i am debating putting sum declas back on, probably the iroc door decals or heritage stripes or something... how long should I wait to do this?

Lastly, should I wash the car a lot the first week to keep dirt off of it, or try not to wash it at all to let the paint cure and set?

Thanks guys

 

Anyone?

 

Try to keep anything off of it like bird Sh*t, tree sap, everything but dust. Wash it as little as possible. The paint is still open and "breathing" (it's curing down deap) so keep water spots off.

Let it go for about 2 weeks before it will have "calmed down" completely. It's somewhat different for different types of paint. I'm assuming enamel.

Troy
So Cal

 

Dont baby your car to much washing it to much wont let the paint cure and buff it in about 2 months after that your ok.

drive your car as much as you can (w/o burning a hole in your pocket from the gas), have fun with your car and enjoy it.

 

As long as a hardner was used in the clear, the car should be ready to wash pretty quickly. As far as wax, I would wait a couple of weeks to be safe. Next time I call the PPG tech line I will ask these questions and post answers.