Things To Avoid After Getting Your Car Paint Repair | GVE London – Blog

You’ve just taken your car out of a supercar bodyshop, it is freshly painted. It looks new, glossy, and ready to hit the road. However, not so fast. The job isn’t done yet. After the garage hands you the car over, there are some things you need to do from your end. What happens after the repair matters just as much as the job itself. Skip a few basics and you risk ruining that flawless finish.
Here’s what not to do if you want that paintwork to last.

Why Post-Repair Care Matters for Your Supercar

Don’t Wash It Too Soon

This one catches a lot of people by surprise. It may seem tempting, and it’s also a force of habit thing, but freshly painted surfaces aren’t supposed to be washed. They need time to fully cure first.

You have to resist the urge to wash your car for two weeks at least. Yes, even if it looks dry to touch, underneath it’s still settling. Water pressure and cleaning chemicals can interfere with the curing process and leave marks or swirls. If it gets dusty, just wipe it lightly with a soft, dry cloth. No scrubbing, no hosepipes.

No Polish or Wax

Hold off on waxing or polishing for a solid 60 days as the paint is delicate. It needs time to harden fully and waxing too soon can seal in solvents, affecting the final finish. That’s not something you want to deal with. The idea is to let the surface breathe. Once the paint’s fully cured, you can go all in on polishing and waxing to protect it for the long haul.

Read Also: Top Reasons to Invest in Paint Protection Film for Your Supercar

Avoid Parking in Direct Sunlight

Yes, too much sun is not particularly a problem for us here in the UK, but still, UV exposure can fade new paint fast because the paint hasn’t fully bonded with the clear coat right after a repair. Sunlight can cause it to oxidise unevenly. Try to park in the shade or indoors wherever possible, at least for the first month.
If you’re in the business of exporting cars from the UK, especially high-end vehicles, this becomes even more important. Buyers abroad expect pristine condition, and sun damage doesn’t translate well in photos or shipping documents.

Skip the Automatic Car Wash

Here is a little pro tip: automatic car washes aren’t good for your car. Recently repaired or not. The brushes on them? They’re dirty and tend to scratch up your car.

Ideally, you want to stick to the classic soft hand-wash method. Use microfibre cloths. If you’re in a hurry, waterless wash products work well for spot cleaning. Especially for show cars or vehicles in a supercar showroom, you want to maintain that flawless shine.

No Stickers or Decals Just Yet

Thinking of adding a badge or personal decal? Wait it out. Applying adhesives too early can lift the paint when removed later. It’s safer to wait at least two months. If the car’s being prepared for sale or exporting cars from the UK, you’ll want the finish clean and clear anyway.

Final Word

A proper paint repair isn’t just about the job done in the shop. It’s also about the care taken afterwards. Small things, like skipping that car wash or avoiding harsh sunlight, can make a huge difference. We here at GVE London are a supercar showroom located in West London that deals with car repaints, repairs, servicing as well as luxury car export.