How do you look after new paint on your car?

New paint looks hard when you collect the car, but it is still settling. The paint can feel dry to the touch and yet keep hardening for some time. So for a while after a respray, be kind to it. Hand wash gently, keep strong chemicals and high pressure away from it, and clean off anything sticky quickly. This page is general advice. For how long to wait, ask the shop how long to wait for your car's paint, because it depends on the paint that was used.

Why does new paint need special care?

Paint is applied wet and then hardens. Hardening is called curing. A body shop may bake the paint in the booth, but the paint goes on being softer than it will be later. Rubbing, scrubbing or harsh cleaners during that time can mark it more easily than they would a few months on.

Different paints, different numbers of coats and different weather all affect how long that takes. A body shop chain's guide to waxing new paint says the same: it depends on the paint type, the number of layers, temperature and humidity, and it advises checking with the painter for specific guidance. That is the right advice, and it is why we do not put a number on this page. Please ask us about your car's paint when you collect it, and follow what we say for your car.

How should you wash a freshly painted car?

• Wash by hand. Use a mild car shampoo, lots of water and a soft cloth or wash mitt. The CARSTAR guide mentioned above advises a pH-neutral shampoo and soft microfibre cloths.
• Start with a good rinse. Rinse off loose grit before you touch the paint with anything, so you do not drag grit across it.
• Pat dry with a clean soft towel. Do not rub hard.
• Skip the automatic brush wash. The same guide says automatic car washes can be abrasive and scratch fresh paint. Brushes are the worry.
• Do not wash in direct sun. Hot panels dry soap and water on the paint and leave marks.

What should you avoid?

Here is a short list of things we would leave alone until the shop says it is fine.

• Pressure washers and steam cleaners. The jet is strong, and at close range it can lift the edge of fresh paint or the lacquer on a repaired panel. If you must rinse with one, keep well back. Better still, use a hose until the shop says otherwise.
• Harsh cleaners. Strong wheel cleaners, bug removers, tar removers, solvents and rubbing alcohol can soften or mark new paint. If you want to use a product, ask first.
• Polishing and compounds. The CARSTAR guide says never to polish new paint because it takes off a thin layer. Our polishing and detailing page explains what machine polishing does and when it makes sense.
• Sealants, glazes and wax. Ask the shop when. The guide above says to wait until the paint has fully cured, and our advice is to ask us about your car's paint.
• Stickers, tape and covers. Tape and sticky labels can pull at fresh paint. A tight car cover can rub it too.
• Parking under trees. See the next section.

What about bird droppings and tree sap?

Remove them quickly. Consumer Reports says that heat makes sap bond harder to paint, and that sap can eat into paint and droppings can stress the finish if left. That advice is for ordinary paint, and new paint is softer, so it applies even more.

1. Rinse the area with plenty of water first, so you do not grind grit into the paint.
2. Soften dried droppings with a wet, soft cloth held on for a minute or two, then lift them off. Do not scrub.
3. If sap has set, do not reach for solvents on fresh paint. Ring us, and we will tell you what is safe for your car.
4. Wash the area afterwards with mild shampoo and water.

Consumer Reports suggests testing any remover on a small hidden spot first, and not working in direct sun. Park away from pines and other trees that drip sap if you can.

When can you wax or polish?

Ask the shop. The answer depends on the paint system used on your car, and we do not want to give you a rule that is wrong for it. Once we have told you it is fine, a coat of wax or sealant helps keep the paint clean and makes washing easier. Wax is not magic, and it wears off over a few weeks, so it needs doing again from time to time.

What if you notice a problem?

New paint can show a few things, and most are worth a call.

• a mark or fingerprint pressed into the paint
• a spot that looks cloudy or dull
• bubbling or lifting at an edge
• a chip or scratch from a stone

Tell us soon and send a photo. We would sooner look at it early. For small chips and scratches there is our scratch repairs page. If the repair was a bigger job, read about the car respray work we do.

Getting a price from us

If you have a panel that needs paint, send photos on WhatsApp on 07724 146 809. You can ring 01342 649 362 or email info@ericraft.co.uk. We are in Smallfield, near Horley and Gatwick. The quote is free and there is no pressure. The contact page has the details.

Questions people ask

Sources and further reading

• CARSTAR, when can you wax a car after it is painted
• Consumer Reports, how to get tree sap and bugs off your car

This page gives general information, not legal or insurance advice. Check your own policy and the official pages above.