Does Rain Affect the Car After Painting?
4 Answers
Yes, it does. It is best not to choose rainy days for vehicle painting because the paint surface does not dry thoroughly in humid weather. Even if it is dried through prolonged baking, such a paint surface is prone to gloss degradation over time. Therefore, repair shops generally try to choose dry or sunny weather for painting. Below are some precautions regarding car painting: 1. Avoid contact with dust: If the car has just been painted, be careful not to let the newly painted areas come into contact with water or dust. 2. Avoid driving in the rain: The newly applied paint is still delicate, and exposure to rain can leave marks that are unsightly and sometimes cannot be removed even by polishing. It is best to park the car in a garage at night.
I still vividly remember the experience when it rained right after I had my beloved car freshly painted. The paint shop technician had warned me that the paint needed several days to cure and must not get wet, but unfortunately, I encountered light rain on my way home. Within a few days, small spots appeared on the paint surface, as if water had seeped in and caused bubbles. After taking it back for repair, the technician explained that rainwater mixed with dust had penetrated the still-wet paint layer, weakening the adhesion and requiring a complete repaint. It cost me several hundred dollars and delayed my car use. Since then, I always check the weather before painting—either choosing a dry day or leaving the car at the shop for a full 24 hours before driving it away. In fact, rain after painting can cause significant issues—not just unsightly water stains but also potential rust or discoloration over time. New paint requires careful protection!
As someone who frequently repairs cars, I can tell you that rain after painting is really bad. When the newly painted surface is still wet, rainwater can easily cause watermarks or blistering, especially if the rain is heavy. Paint curing is a process; for example, water-based paints dry faster than solvent-based ones, but high humidity on rainy days can allow moisture to seep in, damaging the gloss and strength. It's best to keep the car dry for at least a day after painting. If it does rain, immediately wipe the car body with a clean cloth to prevent water accumulation. Checking the weather forecast before painting is key to avoid working on humid days. Improper handling of rain issues can shorten the paint's lifespan, and in severe cases, require repainting, costing unnecessary money. Daily maintenance tip: Park the car in a sheltered area after painting and use a cover to protect against rain for safety and peace of mind.
When I was younger and working on cars, I encountered the issue of rain after painting several times. If it rained right after the paint was applied while the surface was still soft, water droplets would form and soon leave unsightly white spots or bubbles. This happens because before the paint fully cures, rainwater can seep in and alter its texture. Later, I learned to always choose sunny days for painting or cover the freshly painted surface tightly with plastic sheets to prevent moisture. Simply put, how much rain affects the paint depends on how long it's been since painting: the highest risk is within minutes after painting, but it gets better after a couple of days. Prevention is straightforward and saves the hassle of rework.
