After a touch-up or aerosol paint repair, the paint and clear coat need time to fully cure. Brush touch-up and aerosol repairs cure at room temperature rather than in a factory paint oven. Allowing the finish time to harden helps ensure the repair remains durable. During this curing period, the finish is more sensitive to pressure, chemicals, and abrasion. If you recently completed a repair using our aerosol paint system, see the full Aerosol Instructions for detailed aftercare recommendations.
Paint Repair Aftercare Timeline
Time after repair | Recommended care |
First 72 hours | Avoid washing; protect the repair from heavy moisture |
3-14 days | Gentle hand washing if necessary |
After 30 days | Normal washing and waxing are safe |
After 60 days | Ceramic coatings or protective film wraps |
During the first few weeks, the repair may feel dry but the paint continues to harden internally. Being gentle with washing and chemicals during this time helps the repair last.
The guidelines below explain what to do — and what to avoid — while the new paint and clear coat finish curing.
After Aerosol Repairs (or Larger Paint Repairs)
First 30 Days
During the first month, the paint and clear coat are still curing.
To protect the finish:
Avoid automatic or commercial car washes.
If the vehicle needs washing, gentle hand washing is usually safe after about 72 hours, but waiting up to two weeks if possible is recommended. Use:
mild car wash soap
a soft sponge or microfiber cloth
cool or lukewarm water
Wash the vehicle in the shade, not in direct sunlight.
Avoid dry wiping the surface, which can scratch fresh paint.
Remove bird droppings, tree sap, or contaminants as soon as possible.
Avoid spilling fuel, oil, antifreeze, or washer fluid on the repaired area.
Do not wax or polish the repaired area during the first 30 days, as the finish needs time to fully cure.
After 30 Days
Once the repair has fully cured:
The vehicle can be washed normally.
Automatic car washes are generally safe.
Avoid directing high-pressure spray directly at the repaired area, especially at close range.
Waxing or polishing can begin after the 30-day curing period.
For best protection, waxing every 3–4 months is recommended.
After Brush Touch-up Repairs
Touch-up repairs use a single-component (1K) clear coat designed for small repairs. While factory finishes are applied in controlled conditions, proper curing and normal vehicle care will allow the repair to hold up well in everyday driving and washing.
First 30 Days
Wash the vehicle by hand only.
Avoid automatic car washes.
Do not wax or polish the repaired area during the curing period.
After 30 Days
Once the repair has cured:
Normal hand washing or automatic car washes are generally safe.
Avoid directing high-pressure spray directly at the repaired area.
Waxing and polishing can begin after the finish has hardened.
General Note
After the curing period, the repaired area can be washed and maintained like the rest of the vehicle using normal car care practices.
Proper surface preparation is important for a durable repair. If damage reaches bare metal or plastic, primer should be applied before paint to ensure proper adhesion.
FAQ
Can I take my car through an automatic car wash after a paint repair?
Automatic car washes should be avoided during the first 30 days while the paint and clear coat cure.
After the curing period, normal automatic car washes are generally safe, though high-pressure spray should not be directed directly at the repaired area at close range.
Can my car get wet after a paint repair?
Light exposure to moisture is usually safe once the clear coat has dried, but it’s best to avoid washing or heavy moisture during the first 72 hours.
If rain or snow is expected, allow about 72 hours of drying time after the repair before exposing the area to wet weather.
During the first 30 days while the paint cures, avoid pressure washing or directing strong water spray directly at the repaired area.
Can I drive my car normally after a paint repair?
Yes — once the clear coat has dried, the vehicle can be driven normally.
Drying times vary depending on temperature and humidity, but most repairs are dry enough for normal driving within a few hours.
If rain, snow, or sleet is expected, allow about 72 hours of drying time before exposing the repair to wet weather. Moisture contacting the repair too soon can affect how the finish dries.
During the first 30 days while the paint and clear coat are curing, take a few precautions:
Avoid automatic car washes
Avoid directing high-pressure water directly at the repaired area
Remove bird droppings, tree sap, or contaminants promptly
Avoid waxing or polishing the repaired area
After the curing period, the repaired area can be washed and maintained like the rest of the vehicle using normal car care practices.
Why should you wait before waxing new paint?
Fresh paint and clear coat continue hardening after application. Waxing too soon can trap solvents and interfere with proper curing. Waiting about 30 days allows the finish to fully harden.