Beware the ‘wax trap’, warns Meguiar’s

Car finishing and detailing experts at Meguiar’s are warning car owners of the ‘wax trap’, where applying wax polish to fresh paint finishes can actually damage their re-painting investment.

Said Steve King, Managing Director of Meguiar’s UK: "Repainting is a significant cost, but many owners don’t realise that, unlike new car factory finishes, repainted car finishes require special attention for their first 90 days. Applying car wax to a fresh re-paint can traps solvents in the paint, and impedinge the ‘cross-linking’ of modern paint polymers. This prevents a complete curing process and leaves the finish vulnerable to premature deterioration."

During the critical first 90 days, fresh paintwork must be allowed to breathe as solvent evaporatesthe curing process completes and the paint achieves its optimal hardness and durability. To help clarify the situation, Meguiar’s has developed the following specific care advice for new paint finishes:

1. Wash Frequently - During the first 90 days, freshly painted car finishes are soft and easily penetrated by bonded contaminants. This makes it especially important to wash your car more frequently during this time period. Regular car washing is the easiest way to remove contaminants before they have enough time to bond to your paint finish and the following tips may help:

To minimize water spotting and etching, always wash your car in the shade and make certain that the surface is cool to the touch.
For best results, never use dishwashing or household detergents to wash your car. They will dry out your paint and accelerate the oxidation process. Use only good quality car wash formulations, like Meguiar’s Gold Class™ Car Wash Shampoo and Conditioner or NXT Generation™ Car Wash, which are pH-balanced and will enhance and condition your newly painted surface.
Start from the top and work your way down, one section at a time, applying car wash solution liberally using a deep pile washmitt, such as Meguiar’s Lambswool A7301 or Microfibre Washmitt E102E.
Use two buckets, one for washing and one for rinsing, or a grit guard, to make certain that your sponge, brush or mitt is not inflicting avoidable scratches by reapplying the dirt and grime that you just removed.
To reduce the time it takes to dry your vehicle, on the final rinse, remove the nozzle and let the water gently flow out over the surfaces of your car in a stream of water rather than a spray. This will sheet the water off your car, leaving much less water to dry and saving you a lot of time and effort.
To avoid scratches during the drying process, only use a high quality microfibre towel like Meguiar’s Gold Class Super Absorbent Water Magnet X2000, or Ultra Plush Super Terry, both trimmed with premium satin edges to prevent scratches.
2. Remove contaminants immediately - Regular maintenance with a mist and wipe product removes fresh contaminants before they have time to bond to, or etch into, your paint finish.

Meguiar’s Quik Detailer® and a Supreme Shine Microfiber or Ultra Plush Super Terry towel can quickly and safely remove water spots and contaminants like bird droppings, bugs, tree sap mist, road film, dust and overspray and to provide a renewed shine. Stubborn stains or spots that cannot be removed with a mist and wipe product should be immediately washed.

3. Use only a pure polish on fresh paint - Unlike car waxes, a "pure" polish can be used on fresh paint to create brilliant, deep, clear gloss. Rather than coat your finish, pure polishes penetrate, rejuvenate and remove surface imperfection to create a bright finish without inhibiting the curing process.

After 90 days, most repainted car finishes are fully cured and ready to wax. Any paintwork will benefit from an annual ‘deep cleanse’ to remove wax build-up and prevent the early on-set of oxidation. A product such as Meguiar’s Deep Crystal Step 1 Paint Cleaner will deepen the paint colour and improve the results of subsequent polish and wax applications.

4. Little things make a big difference – Just taking a little extra care can extend the life of your paint finish, such as the following tips:

Park your car in the shade and under cover to avoid contaminants and UV degradation.
Avoid parking near trees. Tree sap mist is the most prevalent bonded contaminant on car finishes, destroying slickness and gloss.
Avoid the use of rubbing compounds and all other abrasive products.
To achieve maximum gloss and protection, use a detailing clay or clear coat-safe paint cleaner to make your paint as smooth as glass before you wax your car.
Wash and Quik Detail your car regularly to remove contaminants before they have time to bond and etch into your paint finish.

"By following these simple suggestions, your freshly painted car could look like new for as long as you own it", concluded Steve King.