Congratulations on your new painted bumper, fender, or tailgate from Bumpers That Deliver! Just like any new addition, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure the paint's longevity and maintain that showroom shine. While the curing process for fresh paint can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days, there are some key steps you can take right now to maximize the results.
Commercial Car Wash
One of the best things you can do for your new painted bumper is to avoid using a commercial car wash for about 60-90 days. Those automated car washes, while convenient, can be a bit rough on fresh paint. Their high-pressure spray and harsh brushes can potentially cause swirls, scratches, or even remove uncured paint particles. If you need to wash your car, we suggest doing an at-home hand wash. You can use warm water with a mild car washing soap and a non-scratch sponge. Please avoid using anything dry to wipe the car down. Use that same sponge to wipe away soap residue and water. Do not use anything abrasive, as the paint can scratch when it's not all the way cured.
Extreme Weather
Extreme heat and cold can be a real buzzkill for your new paint job! To keep it looking flawless, park your car in a garage or shaded area, especially during the first few months. This will help prevent bubbling, cracking, and fading; ensuring a complete cure.
Wax or Polish
You might be eager to give your beautiful new paint job that extra pop with a fresh coat of wax or polish. But here's a surprising tip: hold off on those products for a while!
Here's the thing: fresh paint needs time to fully cure. This curing process, which typically takes 60-90 days, allows the paint to harden and bond completely with the underlying surface. Applying wax or polish too soon can hinder this process.
Think of it like this: the paint needs to "breathe" a little during this curing period. Wax and polish can create a barrier that traps uncured paint particles. This can potentially lead to several problems down the line, such as a dull finish, uneven texture, or even premature fading.
Bumpers That Deliver not only gets you a perfectly matched painted bumper, tailgate, or fender replacement, but we also provide all the information to help ensure your part fully cures without any bumps in the road. You haven’t fixed that cracked bumper yet? Call us today and we will help you get back on the road witha perfectly matched bumper.
