Did you spoil yourself with a shiny, new paint job on your beloved automobile? Perhaps, you bought a new car and want it to glisten enough to turn heads down the strip. Painting a car can be a considerable investment, but it is worth the effort to keep your auto paint looking brand new.
Here are a few tips on how you can use automotive paint to keep your car in showroom quality:
Wash and Dry It Yourself
Car paint quickly deteriorates, especially if you live in a place with extreme weather or high humidity. If you never drive your newly painted ride, you won’t have to worry about this problem. However, if it faces dirt and inclement weather, washing your car is essential in protecting your auto paint.
A professional car wash isn’t always the safest method, though. Brushes are abrasive, and the water often contains salt (which will rust paint). If you want to effectively protect your car’s exterior, buy high-quality cleaning products at auto shops instead.
Apply the soap with a foam sponge and rinse with clean water. Always dry your car by hand with a microfiber towel—leaving auto paint to air dry will result in water stains and residue that will corrode the paint.
Paper drying products easily scratch paintwork, which might force you into paying for touch-up paint jobs.
Wax On, Wax Off
The Karate Kid mantra wasn’t such a crazy concept after all. After washing your car, you should apply a wax that is safe for a high-quality paint product. Wax maintains the shine but also protects against sunlight, dust, grime, and bird droppings.
Washing your car is also an easier process if you wax it between cleanings. You should apply this wax coating every six weeks for your automotive paint to reap the benefits. The movie technique was accurate—you should “wax on” in a circular motion and “wax off” when it appears dry and chalky.
Use a soft towel to remove the excess wax from your auto paint for the best results. A bottle of polish is a cheaper alternative to a body shop, but it is well worth the time.
Apply Paint Sealant
If you want your auto paint to sparkle and shine, you need a paint sealant. You apply the synthetic product like a wax, but it lasts longer and offers more protection (up to six months if it’s a high-quality product).
Cover Your Car
If you can’t park your car in a garage, you should invest in a water-resistant cover. Excessive moisture deteriorates your auto paint quickly. A durable cover will protect your vehicle from dirt, rain, snow, and UV rays.
Our final tip is to buy a cover that fits tightly so that it doesn’t lift or scratch the paint on windy days or nights. Your car protects you and your family—you should return the favor (and save time and money in the process).
Desoto Collision Repair: Professional Auto Painting
If you need help preserving your auto paint, contact the professionals at Desoto Collision Center. Our body shops offer new paint jobs, touch-up paint, and high-quality paint products to keep your car looking brand new.
