Fresh paint is more fragile than it looks. A few precautions in the first month protect the finish for years.
New paint needs time to fully cure, even after it feels dry to the touch. Modern basecoat/clearcoat systems are typically drivable within a day, but the finish keeps hardening for several weeks underneath.
First 2 Weeks
- Skip the automatic car wash — brushes can leave fine swirl marks in soft clearcoat
- Hand wash with cool water only, no pressure washer aimed directly at the panel
- Park in shade or a garage where possible; direct sun accelerates curing unevenly
- Avoid parking under trees — sap and bird droppings can etch into new paint faster
First 90 Days
Hold off on wax or ceramic coating until the paint has fully cured — usually 60 to 90 days — otherwise you risk sealing in solvents that haven't finished off-gassing. A gentle hand wash with pH-neutral shampoo is fine throughout.
If you had bodywork done with us, ask about our post-repair care checklist — we'll tell you exactly what was used on your car and how long to wait before waxing or coating it.
