Can the paint sprayed in the afternoon get wet if it rains at night?
4 Answers
Paint sprayed in the afternoon should not be exposed to rain at night. Here is more information about car maintenance: Reasons: When a vehicle reaches a certain age or mileage, it will undergo major maintenance to improve driving safety. Oil change: The interval for oil changes can range from 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, depending on the grade of oil used. For example, conventional mineral oil can be changed every 5,000 kilometers, semi-synthetic oil every 7,500 kilometers, and fully synthetic oil every 10,000 kilometers. Spark plug maintenance: Spark plugs are also one of the important maintenance items, but the replacement cycle depends on the degree of wear. The general replacement cycle ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 kilometers.
If it rains in the evening after spraying paint in the afternoon, that's not good. The newly sprayed car paint hasn't fully dried yet, and if it gets rained on, problems can easily occur. I once sprayed my door panel and didn't check the weather forecast. It rained in the middle of the night, and the next morning, the paint surface was covered with watermarks like spots and felt rough to the touch. This is mainly because rainwater contains impurities that can damage the parts of the paint where the solvent hasn't fully evaporated. Over time, this may lead to bubbling or even peeling. Generally, you should wait at least a few hours after painting for it to dry. If rain is expected, it's best to move the car into a garage or cover it with a car cover to avoid direct contact with rainwater. Otherwise, repainting will not only be troublesome but also more costly. For daily maintenance, choosing a sunny and dry day for painting is the safest option.
Exposing freshly painted car surfaces to rain is a major no-no, as I've studied the chemical processes of automotive paint. After painting, the paint begins to cure, with solvents slowly evaporating. However, when rain comes, water mixes with the wet paint, potentially causing reactions like bubbling or staining, and worse, increasing the risk of rust formation underneath. Water-based paints dry faster but are more susceptible to moisture, while oil-based paints cure more slowly. The risk is even higher on days with high temperature and humidity. I recommend keeping the car sheltered for the first 12 hours after painting. If caught in the rain, take immediate action—cover the car with a plastic sheet and conduct a thorough inspection once the weather clears. Don't underestimate this issue; I've seen a friend's car develop bubbles and peeling as a result, requiring extensive repairs at the shop. Painting is an art of protecting the car's body, and a single oversight can undo all the hard work.
Fresh paint should never be exposed to rain. Rainwater can cause water stains or bubbles on the paint surface, damaging its gloss and protective layer. The key issue is that the metal body may oxidize and rust, reducing the vehicle's lifespan and safety. The drying time after painting depends on the type of paint, but generally, it's best to avoid moisture for 2-4 hours. If it rains, immediately move the car indoors or cover it with a rainproof cover. Prevention is simpler than repair—I've experienced the high cost of repainting, which often doesn't look as good. Remember, driving safety also relies on proper body maintenance.
