Paintwork Tips

You have just had your vehicle painted and want to keep it looking brand new?

TIPS

1. Wash regularly

Frequently washing your car is possibly the best way to protect the paint work. Use a high-quality automotive appropriate soap and apply it with a soft sponge. Do not use Washing-up liquid as it is designed to removed baked on grease and will strip any wax that has already been applied to your car, repeated use will also affect the paint’s protective clear coat. So, no washing up liquid guys.
Rinse with clean water until all the soap residue has gone. Automatic car washes are a convenient way to wash your car, However, if you really want to look after your paintwork, we recommend that you do not use them. The rollers collect grit from the previous washes which can cause fine scratches and marks in your paint. You will not go wrong with a bucket, sponge, and elbow grease.

2. Dry it

This is the bit most people skip. Drying your car after washing is an important part of taking care of the paint. Allowing the car to air dry leaves behind minerals from the water, which can be damaging to the paintwork. Dry your car with a microfiber cloth. NOT Bathroom towels, paper towels, and rags which can leave behind miniscule scratches that over time cause paint to erode and look dull.

3. Wax it

Wax provides a protective seal on top of the paint that guards against dirt, dust, pollution, water, and other harmful substances like salt and sand. Wax can also cover up small scratches and other minor blemishes. We recommend that you wax your car every few months using the recommended techniques or take it to a body shop and have them do it for you.

4. Keep it out of the sun

Ultraviolet rays from the sun can wreak havoc with your vehicles paint job. Sunlight can oxidize and fade the paint making it look dull and old. Whenever possible, park your car in the shade or under cover. You could purchase a protective cover to help prevent sun exposure these are widely available and cost around £15.00 so well worth a little investment. They fold up into nothing so they are easy to put on, take off and store.

5. Deal with rust as soon as possible

Rust is a type of corrosion. It happens to iron and its alloys when it is exposed to air or water for a long time. Rust slowly decomposes iron into other chemicals, because of a reaction with the oxygen molecules. It is important that you do not leave little dents where the paint and lacquer have come away. Deal with any rust spots immediately.

Links to some interesting reads:

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/rusty-cars-why-theyre-not-thing-past
http://www.classiccarhub.co.uk/articles/car-rust-prevention.html