How many days after painting can you wash the car?
3 Answers
In good weather, one week is sufficient; in cloudy weather, 15 days are recommended. Below is expanded information on precautions during the painting process: 1. Gun Adjustment: Before spraying, the spray gun and related equipment should be clean and in proper working condition. Check whether the spray gun produces the ideal spray pattern. An ideal spray pattern should be symmetrical, with evenly distributed atomized particles, clear edges, and only a minimal amount of overspray beyond the edges. Lower atomization pressure helps achieve the correct, uniform spray pattern, reducing bounce-back and overspray. 2. Holding the Gun: The correct spraying path should remain perpendicular to the workpiece surface. Depending on the angle of the surface being painted, the distance between the spray gun and the surface is generally 15~30 cm. To obtain a wetter, darker, and thicker coating, the distance can be closer; for a drier, lighter, and thinner coating, the distance can be farther. 3. Gun Movement: Gun movement includes the angle of the spray gun relative to the surface and the speed of the spray gun. The spray gun should be kept at a right angle to the surface and moved parallel. The movement speed of the spray gun is typically adjusted between 30~60 cm/s and should remain constant. If the spray gun is tilted and moved in an arc or at variable speeds, it will result in uneven paint thickness and may cause streaks and spots.
Last time after my car was painted, I asked the repair technician, and he said it's best to wait a week before washing the car. The newly painted surface needs time to fully cure, as the paint is still soft in the first few days, and the high-pressure water jet from washing can easily cause scratches. In summer, the high temperatures can shorten this period to three or four days, but in winter, it's best to wait seven or eight days. The last time I washed it on the fourth day, the paint surface got swirl marks from the car wash brush, and I regretted not listening to the technician. Additionally, it's best not to wax the newly painted areas within a month, waiting until the paint surface is completely hardened before maintenance. If it rains, try to park in an underground garage, as the acidic substances in rainwater can significantly damage the not-yet-fully-cured paint surface.
Both of my family's cars have undergone full-body repainting, and the experience taught me to consider temperature and paint type. For regular solid colors, you can wash the car after three days in summer, while metallic paints require five days. Last time in the workshop, the technician mentioned that modern water-based paints cure faster than solvent-based ones, but still need at least 48 hours. Before washing, lightly rub the paint surface with the back of your hand—it should feel completely dry. Avoid automatic car washes as the brushes can scratch fresh paint. Opt for hand washing instead, and ask them to avoid the newly painted areas while using lower water pressure. Fresh paint remains delicate for up to three months after application, so limit washing frequency to once or twice a month during this period.
