How Long After a Car is Painted Can It Be Washed?
2 Answers
How long after a car is painted it can be washed depends on the situation: 1. If the car was painted in a paint booth, it can be washed as soon as the car is driven out; 2. If the car was painted in a professional shop, it can be washed when the staff delivers the car; 3. If the car was painted and picked up on the same day, it should be washed after 2 days; 4. In lower temperatures, the car should be washed after a week. Precautions for car washing include: 1. Do not wash the car under direct sunlight; 2. Do not wash the car in cold weather; 3. Do not randomly add detergents; 4. Do not use water other than soft water for cleaning; 5. When wiping, follow the direction of water flow from top to bottom, do not wipe in circles or horizontally.
Right after I got my car repainted, I lacked experience and wanted to quickly wash off the dust, but ended up damaging the fresh paint and had to redo it. Now I understand that you must let the paint fully cure before washing, otherwise water and detergents can damage the new paint layer. Generally, it's recommended to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before gently wiping off dirt with a soft cloth, and wait a full week before washing the car normally. Drying time depends on the paint type and weather—water-based paint may dry faster, while solvent-based paint takes longer. In summer heat, parking in the sun can speed up the process, but avoid prolonged exposure to prevent thermal expansion. I usually keep my car in the garage for a few days—patience ensures the paint stays glossy and durable, making it look more impressive on the road.
