Can a car be exposed to rain after being painted?
3 Answers
A car should not be exposed to rain after being painted. It is safer to avoid washing the car or getting it wet for two days. Generally, if the painting is done at a 4S shop, the car will undergo processes like baking the paint, and it usually takes two to three days before the car can be picked up. The car paint is quite complex, consisting of four layers from the inside out: the electrophoretic layer, the primer layer, the color layer, and the clear coat. The electrophoretic layer primarily serves as an anti-rust measure. After the entire car body is assembled, it is immersed in an electrophoretic bath, forming this layer on the surface. Above the electrophoretic layer is the primer layer, which also prevents rust and enhances adhesion to the next layer of paint. The color layer, above the primer, mainly provides the aesthetic appearance. The outermost layer is the clear coat, which protects the color layer and enhances the glossiness of the car's paint.
The car has just been painted, and I think it's best not to let it get rained on for several reasons. The new layer of paint needs time to fully dry, especially water-based paint, which requires 24 to 48 hours to harden properly. If it gets rained on immediately, rainwater may carry dust or contaminants that can seep in, causing the paint to bubble, discolor, or lose its shine, making it look old and dull. I recommend keeping it in a garage or under a carport for at least 24 hours after painting. If there's no shelter available, using a car cover or a large cloth can help. Additionally, weather plays a big role—paint dries faster in the high temperatures of summer, while in winter's humidity, it takes longer. Keeping this in mind can save a lot of rework trouble and extend the lifespan of the paint job.
As someone who frequently deals with cars, I believe it's crucial not to let a freshly painted car get wet in the rain. The newly applied paint is still soft on the surface, and contact with water can easily cause damage, leading to cracks or spots. I've seen people do this a few times, and the result was ruined paint, requiring a costly and time-consuming repaint. It's advisable to wait at least two days before normal use, and extra caution is needed during heavy rain. If metallic paint or similar was applied, the curing process is slower, increasing the risk of rain damage. You can perform a simple check: after a day, feel the paint surface to see if it's dry and smooth; if not, don't take the risk. These small habits effectively protect the car's paint, keeping the vehicle looking new and shiny for longer.
