Picture it. There you are, in front of your car, shining and shimmering with a brand new paint job. It’s beautiful, makes you feel good, but in the back of your mind stress starts to form. You think about how soon that shine will start to fade and about the way your car will look in a year. But does it have to be that way? Can caring for your new paint help it last longer? Absolutely, and here are some tips to help.
1. Wait for the Wash and Wax
When we talk about caring for your new paint job, we need to begin with the wash and wax. It sounds counterintuitive to tell you to wait a couple of weeks before washing your car, and even more so to say wait for wax for a couple of months. Why would we say that? Washing your car is important, but it needs to be done properly. For the first couple of weeks after a new paint job, rinse away anything such as pollen or bird droppings with water. Try not to scrub it too vigorously and respond quickly. Then move on to a mild car soap and a gentle hand wash. After a couple of months, the paint will have cured and you are ready for the regular waxing. Taking time to let this cure happen properly can really help in the long run.
2. Park Smart
Some of the greatest dangers to your car’s new paint come from above. Trees can drop berries, sap, and pollen that can put a great deal of strain on that new coat. In hotter climates, like here in Charleston, the sun can cause an incredible amount of damage while your car just sits there. The key here is to park smart. Find shade, but not necessarily under the trees, if at all possible. Picking the best parking spot is a great way to extend the life of your car.
3. Touch Up ASAP
In the event of a scratch or ding, you may need to perform a touch-up. Sometimes it seems like it can wait, but these should be handled as soon as possible. Giving these scratches time to grow can turn something small into something much bigger. We recommend seeking a professional for these touch ups, as they can match paint and mold that touch up seamlessly into your car’s current paint.
Your Local Car Paint Experts
At Fender Mender, we offer top-of-the-line auto painting services to make your car look as great, or even better than it did the day you bought it. Our advanced technology and experienced staff will match your vehicle’s paint color exactly to ensure you are getting the best quality work, every time. Contact us for a free estimate if you are interested in freshening up your paint job.