When you buy a new car, one of the most important aspects to consider is how to protect its paint. The finish on your car can be vulnerable to all sorts of environmental factors: everything from UV rays and airborne pollutants to bird droppings and acid rain can cause unsightly damage. One effective solution is to have your paint sealed – but when is the best time to do this?
While it may seem like common sense to wait until after the break-in period or until any necessary repairs have been completed, it’s actually crucial to have your car’s paint protected as soon as possible. This is because the paint and clear coat are both brand-new, meaning they haven’t had a chance to fully harden yet. Waiting too long before applying a sealant means that your car’s exterior will become increasingly exposed to damage in the interim.
If you neglect to seal your new car’s paint for an extended period of time, the negative consequences can be significant. Without protection, UV rays can cause paints to fade and surfaces to discolor; meanwhile, contaminants such as tar, tree sap, and insect splatter can eat away at the surface. Likewise, there may still be remnants of the shipping plastics used during transport on various parts of the car that may put extra stress on their respective areas if left unchecked.
Don’t let your investment fall victim to avoidable wear and tear! Keep reading our blog to learn about what paint sealing options are available and how best to ensure your car looks shiny and pristine throughout its life.
Benefits of Paint Sealing
When a new car should have paint sealed? The answer is simple. As soon as possible! Paint sealing provides numerous benefits that are beneficial to the car’s longevity and overall appearance.
Protects the Car’s Paint from UV Rays, Acid Rain, and Other Environmental Factors
The environment can be harsh on a car’s paint job. UV rays, acid rain, and other environmental factors can cause damage to the finish, leaving it faded or discolored. Paint sealing forms an invisible barrier over the paint, shielding it from these harmful elements and preventing any discoloration or deterioration of the surface.
“Paint sealing provides excellent protection for your vehicle against weathering agents and contaminants while simultaneously maintaining its shine.” – Autobrite Direct
With paint sealing, you’ll never have to worry about parking outside in direct sunlight or driving through a heavy downpour. The sealant will protect your car’s exterior from fading due to UV exposure, repel water, and resist acids commonly found in rainwater.
Increases the Car’s Resale Value
One of the biggest advantages of paint sealing is that it can help you maintain your car’s resale value. A well-maintained car with a flawless exterior typically sells faster and at a higher price than one with visible wear and tear.
“Investing in an annual cleaning package and having your vehicle waxed regularly along with regular paint correction can see significantly increased resale values come trade-in time.” – CarsGuide
If you’re planning on selling your car or trading it in later, taking care of its paint surface now could pay off big dividends down the road. With paint sealing, you don’t have to worry about unsightly scratches, scuffs, or fading. Your car will look brand new even years down the road.
Extends the Life of the Paint
A vehicle’s paint can last several years if it is well-maintained and cared for properly. Regular waxing and upkeep can be the difference between having to repaint your car in 5-7 years versus every two years.
“Paint correction when done professionally means taking steps toward extending the life of a once-dead finish.” – AutoSpies
When you seal your car’s paint surface, you’re adding an extra layer of protection that prevents premature aging, oxidation, and other damage. This protects not just the top coat but also the clear coat underneath. Paint sealing extends the life of your paintjob, saving you money on repainting, polishing, and detailing.
Overall, investing in paint sealing soon after purchasing a new car is a wise decision that has long-term benefits. You’ll protect your investment from harmful weather effects, increase its value, and ultimately extend the life of its exterior. So why wait? Contact your local auto detailer today!
When to Seal Your Car’s Paint
If you’re a proud owner of a new car, congratulations! Nothing feels better than cruising around in your shiny new ride. But as much as you want to show off your car’s beauty, it’s important to protect its paint from the elements that can damage it over time.
The question is, when should you seal your new car’s paint? Here are several situations where sealing your car’s paint becomes crucial:
Immediately after purchasing a new car
“The day you get your brand-new car is the best day to protect its paint job,” says Kathleen Wielenga, director of operations and marketing for Harms Automotive Detailing.”By adding a protective coating such as ceramic or wax, you’ll reduce the chances of swirl marks, fading, and scratches.”
A study by J.D. Power found that 77% of owners who apply wax to their vehicle do so because they believe it makes the car easier to wash and/or dries faster, indicating that people see benefits in being proactive with their cars.
Don’t wait until you notice visible signs of wear and tear on your new car to take action. It’s best to start protecting your investment right away, so consider visiting an auto detailing shop as soon as possible to have your car’s paint sealed.
Before the first winter season
Winter weather—such as snow, ice, salt, and sand—can be tough on your car’s paint job. According to AAA, “road deicers used during cold months can create a sticky film on your car. This combination of grime and road salt causes corrosion, rust, and stains.”
In addition, freezing temperatures can cause paint to contract and crack, leaving it vulnerable to even more damage.”It’s a good idea to prepare your car for winter by washing and waxing it beforehand,” says Wielenga.”The wax helps repel water and make ice removal easier.”
If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider having your car’s paint ceramic coated as well. Ceramic coatings can provide up to two years of protection against scratches, UV rays, bird droppings, and other environmental contaminants.
After any major repairs or paint touch-ups
If your car has undergone any major repairs or had a painting touch-up, consider having its paint sealed afterwards. Sealing the new or repaired paint job will help ensure it dries evenly and looks consistent with the rest of your vehicle’s finish.
“A newly painted surface is much softer than an older finish because it hasn’t fully cured yet,” says Mike Pennington, director of training at Meguiar’s Inc., a company that specializes in auto care products.”If you don’t seal it correctly right away, contaminants such as dirt and dust particles can embed into the finish over time, making it difficult to clean.”
By sealing the fresh paint properly, you’ll also protect against corrosion and rust caused by exposure to moisture, which could save you from expensive future repairs.
In conclusion, it’s always important to keep your car’s paint protected if you want it looking shiny and new for years to come. Whether it’s ceramic coating, waxing, or simply adding a protective film, take action regularly to ward off potential damages and maintain the value of your investment.
Consequences of Waiting Too Long
Fading, chipping, and peeling of the paint
When a new car should have paint sealed is not only important for maintaining its appearance but also for preventing damage. Failing to seal the paint can lead to fading, chipping, and peeling over time. This occurs because, without a protective layer, the sun’s ultraviolet rays, road salt, and other elements gradually damage the paint.
“If left untreated, a common problem associated with unprotected cars is fading due to exposure to UV light which leads to the oxidization of the clear coat on top of your vehicle’s paint,” says Jeff Allen, president of Flat12.net
To avoid spending thousands of dollars in repair costs, it is recommended that you get your car painted or at least properly coated before it shows any signs of wear and tear. The longer you wait, the more expensive this upkeep becomes.
Expensive repair costs
If you neglect to seal the paint on your new car, small damages like scratches quickly become more severe. What would have been an easy fix by applying a touch-up pen turns into costly repairs if rust sets in.
“The cost of repairing rust once it has damaged the metal is much higher than the cost of just sealing it in the first place,” said Tyler Zetterstrom of White Cap Detailing.
This is why getting your car professionally sealed is a proactive investment where the upfront expense outweighs the cost of fixing corroded areas. Furthermore, investing in quality products will save money down the road as they handle better against oxidation, corrosion, and maintenance issues such as washing and detailing.
Negative impact on the car’s resale value
The third consequence of waiting too long is that the value of your new car will decrease if you forego paint sealing. Car buyers are more attracted to vehicles that look brand new, and one of the most visual things they notice first is exterior condition.
“A car with chipped or faded paint may be assumed by potential buyers to have been involved in an accident,” said Joe Wiesenfelder, Executive Editor at Cars.com
Worn out looking cars can make them question not only what’s visibly damaged but how the car has been cared for overall. This effects resale value significantly even on relatively new cars if maintained poorly.
- To avoid these consequences,
- plan to get a protective coat applied when getting your new vehicle
- use quality maintenance products,
- get small damages fixed quickly, and
- schedule regular cleanings.
By doing so, you maintain its full aesthetic potential, preserve its performance, and can extend its lifespan well beyond original expectations.
Professional vs. DIY
Professional paint sealing provides better and longer-lasting results
When a new car should have paint sealed? It is a question that often arises when someone purchases a brand-new vehicle or even a used one in great condition. There are two options available to car owners – professional paint sealing services or doing it themselves (DIY). However, the wise choice is to opt for professional paint sealing as it comes with numerous benefits.
The primary advantage of professional paint sealing is superior and long-lasting results. Professional applicators use premium quality materials and advanced techniques that provide excellent protection against external elements such as pollution, UV rays, acid rain, and bird droppings, which can fade and damage the car’s paint. Moreover, professionally sealed car paint lasts much longer than DIY methods and ensures a highly glossy finish.
“Professionals use specialized products and techniques to ensure the most effective outcome possible with long-lasting benefits,” says Nathan Ross of Ceramic Pro USA.
In addition, professional paint sealing also reduces maintenance costs over time by protecting the exterior from small dents and scratches. It offers improved resistance to dirt, dust, and debris accumulation on the surface which ultimately means less need for washing and cleaning.
Therefore, if you want your car shine like new for years to come and require low upkeep costs, choose professional paint sealing.
DIY paint sealing may save money, but requires more time and effort
Although professional paint sealing may seem expensive initially, it saves both time and money in the long run. On the other hand, DIY methods involve lots of preparation, work, and patience but tend to be cost-effective alternatives to professionals’ service.
However, there are underlying complications with DIY methods. Firstly, there is a considerable risk of using the wrong products or techniques that negate the primary purpose of paint sealing. Secondly, if you don’t have enough experience and knowledge about car painting, DIY methods can turn into unmitigated disasters. Finally, it takes more time and effort to achieve satisfactory results without any flaws.
“DIY alternatives can be very questionable: Possibly an inferior product installed incorrectly, which may actually damage the vehicle’s finish,” says Mark Prosser of Crystal Glass Canada Ltd.
It means that selecting this method involves much trouble with uncertain results along with your hard-earned money spent on materials and labor. Therefore, before attempting DIY methods, consider quality vs. cost and your competency level realistically.
In conclusion, to attain maximum benefits from paint sealing, professional service is undoubtedly the go-to choice with fewer uncertainties and impeccable outcomes. However, if budget constraints are a concern and straightforward jobs need to be done like touch up paint repairs for small chips, then DIY options could work in such cases. But also keep under consideration all the factors mentioned above.
Choosing the Right Paint Sealing Product
A new car is an exciting investment. It represents freedom, style and a sense of accomplishment. You want to protect your investment as much as possible. One way to do that is by choosing the right paint sealing product for your car. But with so many options available in the market, how do you know which product is best suited for your vehicle? In this article, we will explore some guidelines on selecting the right sealant for your car.
Research and read reviews before purchasing a product
Before making any decision about what product to use on your new car, take the time to research and read reviews. Online feedback from other customers who have used the products can give you valuable insight into their performance, effectiveness, durability and overall quality. We recommend visiting specialized forums or reading blogs dedicated to car detailing. These resources often provide comprehensive comparative reviews of different paint sealants and coatings, helping you make informed decisions based on specific expectations.
If you’re not sure which brand to look at first, here’s a statistical breakdown showing you which are ranked highest according to consumer reports:
- Turtle Wax Sealant – 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Meguiar’s Liquid Polymer Sealant – 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Chemical Guys JetSeal – 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Ceramic Pro – 4.6 out of 5 stars
- Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra – 4.6 out of 5 stars
“Reading online reviews can save you money on poor performing and disappointing products, keenly listen to what people say before you get ripped off on your choice of paint sealant.” – Car Care Reviews
Consider the type of car and its specific needs
The type of sealing product you select may also depend upon the type of vehicle you own. Different types of vehicles need different products to suit their requirements:
- If you live in an area with lots of rain, snow or sleet, then a hydrophobic sealant is ideal.
- If you have children who enjoy playing with toys against the side of the car, look into scratch-resistant varieties of sealant.
- If you have small dents that need filling opt for nano-glass or ceramic formulations they provide excellent scratch resistance.
Finding the correct sealant takes measure, brand selection and trial and error as every car has it’s own unique set of needs, from UV protection to driveability under extreme temperatures literally everyone must be taken into account when choosing your perfect fit.
“There are a lot of good coatings available now which offer variety benefits such as being easier to clean, providing shine, enhancing color, but ultimately you want a coating which does all those things and lasts years rather than months.” – Zachary Barrow from Apex Detailing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is paint sealing for a new car?
Paint sealing is the process of applying a protective coating to a new car’s exterior paint. This coating acts as a barrier between the paint and the elements, protecting it from damage caused by UV rays, acid rain, bird droppings, and other environmental factors. Paint sealing typically involves thoroughly cleaning the car’s exterior, applying the sealant, and allowing it to cure.
Why should a new car have its paint sealed?
A new car should have its paint sealed to protect it from damage and maintain its appearance. Without a sealant, the paint can become dull, faded, and scratched. Over time, this can make the car look older and decrease its resale value. Paint sealing helps ensure that the car’s exterior looks new for as long as possible and is easier to clean and maintain.
How long does the paint sealing process take for a new car?
The paint sealing process for a new car typically takes between 2-4 hours, depending on the size of the vehicle and the condition of the paint. The process involves cleaning the car’s exterior, prepping the surface, applying the sealant, and allowing it to cure. Once the sealant has cured, the car can be driven and washed as usual.
What are the benefits of paint sealing for a new car?
The benefits of paint sealing for a new car include protection from environmental damage, maintaining the car’s appearance, and easier cleaning and maintenance. The sealant creates a barrier between the paint and the elements, preventing damage from UV rays, acid rain, and other factors. It also helps keep the paint looking new and shiny and makes it easier to clean and maintain over time.
Can a new car be driven right after paint sealing?
After paint sealing, a new car can typically be driven right away. However, it’s important to avoid washing or waxing the car for at least 24-48 hours to allow the sealant to cure fully. It’s also a good idea to avoid exposing the car to rain or other moisture during this time. Once the sealant has cured, the car can be driven and washed as usual.
What is the best time to have a new car’s paint sealed?
The best time to have a new car’s paint sealed is as soon as possible after purchasing the vehicle. This helps ensure that the paint is protected from the start and maintains its appearance over time. However, paint sealing can be done at any time, as long as the paint is clean and in good condition.