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Washing or waxing your vehicle too soon, or using an improper cleaning technique, can inadvertently damage your vehicle’s paint finish. To maintain a long-lasting 'looks like new' finish, follow these guidelines.
During the first 30 - 90 days: the curing phase
The nerdy details: During the curing process: microscopic amounts of liquid solvents evaporate into the air and polymer molecules start to chemically link together - gradually transforming the paint job into a hard, durable, and glossy protective shell. At the end of this process the paint will have achieved its maximum scratch and chemical resistance properties.
Although dry to the touch, a new paint job actually takes 30 - 90 days to fully cure and harden. The type of paint used, the paint application process, temperature variations, and humidity levels are all factors that will impact the curing time.
During this phase:
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Let the paint 'breathe': do not apply any type of of barrier on top of the paint such as waxes, liquid polishes, or ceramic sealants. These products will trap the escaping solvents, and cause the clear coat to turn hazy or bubble.
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Avoid automated car washes.
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Don't park under trees: avoid sticky sap or acidic bird droppings coming in contact with the paint. If this happens, gently remove with a water-dampened micro-fibre cloth asap.
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Avoid sprinklers: commercial water sprinklers may deposit hard minerals.
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In winter: Use a snow brush, not an ice scraper or other hard tools.
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Vehicle storage: If possible keep your car in a garage to minimize exposure to UV light and the elements.
How to WASH a freshly painted car?
Wait at least 2 weeks after picking up your car. Follow these guidelines to avoid creating swirl marks that dull the paint over time.
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Rinse thoroughly first: Working from the roof down, remove initial layer of dirt before touching the paint with a wash mitt.
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Use a premium wash mitt: do not use standard rags - they trap tiny dirt particles and act like sandpaper, ultimately creating fine web-like scratches. Do not wash your mitt in fabric softener.
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Use a cleaning product specifically made for cars. Dish soap and other household liquids can dull the paint's finish.
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Use two buckets: Fill one bucket with clean soapy water and a second bucket with pure water to rinse your wash mitt. A grit guard in the bottom of each bucket keeps abrasive dirt particles away from your wash mitt.
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Work top-to-bottom: avoid circular motions to avoid dragging lower-body road grime onto clean upper panels.
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Work in sections: do not allow cleaning solution to dry on paint. Rinse each section before starting a new area.
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Lubricate the drying process: Do not drag a dry towel over dry paint. Working in sections again, mist a lightweight detail spray onto the vehicle to act as a lubricant, then dry the surface with a plush microfiber drying cloth.
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When laundering your washing and rinsing mitts do not use fabric softener.
How to WAX a car by hand?
Wait 90 days to apply wax, or any other barrier (i.e. polymers or ceramic coating) to ensure the new paint has fully cured.
At the end of the curing process, a barrier needs to be applied on top of the paint to shield it from harsh UV rays, acidic bird droppings, and winter road salt. This barrier will help ensure long term paint protection.
Carnauba wax is a popular option and provides a deep gloss lasting about about 4 to 8 weeks.
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Only apply product to a freshly washed car.
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Choose a shaded area to park the car for the application, and before you begin make sure the vehicle is cool to the touch (to avoid the wax drying too fast).
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Use little product: Put a few small dots or thin lines of wax onto a soft microfiber applicator pad.
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Apply thin layers: Work on one or two panels at a time. Spread the wax in an overlapping side-to-side or cross-hatch pattern. Do not press hard or use a thick layer; thin is always better.
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Avoid trim: Keep wax away from black plastic trim, rubber seals, and glass to prevent staining
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Wait for the haze: Let the wax dry or "haze" according to product instructions (5-20 minutes).
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Finger test: gently swipe a clean finger through the hazy wax - if it wipes away clean and clear without smearing it is ready to buff.
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Buff: Use a clean, soft microfiber towel to gently wipe off the residue using light pressure, flipping the towel often to ensure a streak-free shine.