The first 30 to 90 days after having your car painted is a delicate time. The finish is still drying and hardening, and there are many ways it can be damaged along with the paint layer underneath. Use the guide below to avoid accidental scratches on your new automotive paint. 

Cleaning & Waxing

If your car gets a bit dirty in the month following the paint application, remove the dust by hand with cool water and a soft sponge. Avoid heading to a car wash during this time, as the pressure and stiff brushes are more than the finish can handle right now. Also, whatever you do, never wipe away pollen or spills when the car is dry because it may cause scratches. Finally, put off waxing for the first three months or you will strip away the shiny new automotive paint color. 

Driving & Parking

For the most part, you shouldn’t run into any driving issues unless you have to deal with a gravel road or driveway. If this is the case, auto repair specialists suggest leaving your car on the curb or storing it somewhere else until the paint has fully dried. This is one of the most common ways they see owners scrape up new automotive paint. 

When parking your car during this time, look for shaded spots that will protect it from extreme heat or cold. However, don’t leave your vehicle under a tree. In addition to leaves, seeds, and sap falling on the paint, you’ll also have to contend with bird droppings, which contain acid that will eat through the new finish. 

If you were recently in a collision that damaged your automotive paint, contact the professionals at Airport Paint & Body to have it corrected. This family-owned and -operated auto body shop has been serving the Northern Kentucky region for over a decade and has experience going back three generations. Contact either of their three locations today for more details by calling (859) 441-5000 for Wilder, (859) 491-5880 for Erlanger, and (859) 689-5700 to reach the Hebron office. You can also learn more about their services by visiting their website.