Protecting one of your most expensive personal items and primary method of transportation is important. A car’s exterior paint is not just for aesthetic purposes. The car’s exterior creates a barrier of protection and helps maximize the value of your car. Here are some Auto Body Shop Tips to help protect your car’s paint.

1. Protective Paste Wax

Waxing is the most basic car paint protection method available. Your vehicle should get a good coat of wax to protect the paint job from elements including ultraviolet rays. Waxing should be done every few months, but you should not go longer than a year between waxing. You can tell your car is overdue for a wax when water stops beading on the paint. Many name-brand paste waxes are great, car people prefer pure carnauba or other natural waxes. A really good paste wax is expensive. They are difficult to apply and more difficult to buff manually. Make sure to follow all directions on your wax. Natural waxes do not last as long as cheaper silicone based waxes.

2. Clear Coat Paint Sealant

When you buy your car new, clear paint sealant is typically an option at the dealership as an add-on. It provides a glossy shine to the vehicle’s clear-coat finish. It protects it from the elements and affords added protection against UV rays and tree sap. Sealants contain harmful chemicals and are difficult to remove, so they are safest when professionally applied. It’s difficult to correct if you make a mistake. This kind of paint sealant can last for six months before fading.

3. Ceramic Coating 

Ceramic paint coating can be easy to apply, and can give a deep and lasting shine to glass, wheels, and trim. Ceramic coating protects car surfaces against dirt, scratches, and chemical damage. It outlasts conventional wax and can retain shine for up to five years. Directions must be followed and applied to a freshly washed vehicle. The coating is applied in a spray to body panels and rinsed off. Streaking and spotting can occur if it is not rinsed quickly, and it is left on for too long. Finding a professional to apply it can save time and reduce potential errors.

4. Vinyl Wrap

Vinyl car wraps are one of the most protective steps for your car’s paint. Wraps are applied directly to a vehicle and can be removed without damaging the finish. You can wrap all or parts of a car that require an extra layer of protection. Some people like to wrap front ends, side mirrors, and rocker panels for example that take the most damage from the road debris. Wrapped cars clean easily and don’t require waxing or other coatings. You can customize a wrap, changing all or part of the exterior color or adding designs. A professional wrap is expensive but can be applied to most vehicles in a day or so.

At A1 Auto Body in Lynnwood, WA can inspect, repair, and restore the condition of your car’s exterior paint. We are passionate about taking the best care of vehicles possible to keep them looking and working great for many years to come. Our Auto Body Shop can help you touch up and/or repair any blemishes to keep your car looking clean and new.

Schedule a free estimate today!