Cold Weather - Fresh Paint

[Iehtn-G6]

Hey,

I had some work done on the car because someone bumped me into the car in front of me. Because of this the bumpers, fender and hood all needed paint. Obviously, it's not idea this time of year due to the salt, snow and cold but my question is, how should I go about keeping the car clean? Options I see around might be, a drive through spray and wash car wash, or, by hand, a waterless car wash spray or a rinse-less car wash. Would any of these be a bad idea? Will the spray and wash be to powerful or will the waterless and rinse-less washes contain compounds that will interfere with the paint curing?

Thanks for any insight,
Iehtn

[46&2_X]

Re: Cold Weather - Fresh Paint

Ah I see the problem now, is with the paint curing.

I missed that, I thought you were waiting to paint till the spring.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Cold Weather - Fresh Paint

Washing will not be an issue on fresh paint. You just need to avoid SEALING the paint with a wax or polymer sealant for 30/60/90 days.

As for which wash to use, use the safest method available...can you still do standard washes? If so, I would use that.

[jfelbab]

Re: Cold Weather - Fresh Paint

Depending on your climate, winter messy weather and frigid cold make it hard to keep fresh paint clean and the cold slows the paint curing. Too bad you couldn't wait to have the repair work done in the warmer months.

If it were me, I'd gently hand wash, if you have a warm place to do so, or take the car to a totally touchless car wash (i.e. LaserWash) and afterwards do a wipe down with Final Inspection and then apply M80 for some protection. Both products are body shop safe so should not harm the paint or interfere with it's curing.

[blackmachdown]

Re: Cold Weather - Fresh Paint

it stinks but handwashing is going to be your best bet, im in the same boat as you

[tguil]

Re: Cold Weather - Fresh Paint

I most certainly agree that handwashing is the best alternative. Don't even attempt a wash if the temperature is below freezing. It is possible to do a very good job using two buckets. Warm water in both. Soap in one, rinse in the other. I also suggest using a high quality cotton chenille mitt. Wash and dry your car one section at a time. Use lots of water. Good luck.

Tom

[Iehtn-G6]

Re: Cold Weather - Fresh Paint

It would have been ideal to wait until warmer weather to have the car repaired but what can you do. Since it's too cold to do a traditional bucket wash I was thinking today that my best option might be to bring the car to a coin operate spray wand place, when the weather breaks a little, and then follow that with jfelbab's suggestion of Final Inspection. I do have some Deep Crystal polish that I might think about putting on.

[tguil]

Re: Cold Weather - Fresh Paint

An expensive alternative would be to take your car to a quality detail shop and have them handwash it.

Tom