What Is the Best Way to Protect Car Paint?

If you want to keep your car looking beautiful and new, then you need to read this guide on the best way to protect car paint.

A basic paint job that doesn't come with all the bells and whistles can run you anywhere between $300-$1000. If you want something a little fancier, you won't get out without spending $5,000 or more.

That's an investment that you have to take care of. The last thing you want is to scratch up your ride after paying so much to have it painted. 

What is the best way to protect car paint, though? Well, the number one thing that you can do is keep it clean. A fresh coat of wax now and again will go a long way as well. 



These are only a few options to keep your ride looking pristine. Continue reading to learn more. 

Wash Your Car

The best and easiest form of car paint protection is washing your car. Even if your vehicle doesn't look particularly dirty, you should give it a bath at least once a week. 

It doesn't take a lot of dirt and debris to put scratches on a shiny new paint job. Minor scrapes caused by dirt will only get worse as time goes on. 

Debris isn't the only reason why you should keep your vehicle clean. Acidic contaminants such as insect splatters and bird droppings will eat away at the paint on your car and corrode the metal underneath. 

Apply Wax 

Wax has a few important jobs when it comes to protecting car paint. For one, it will keep your vehicle looking shiny and brand-new. For two, it will shield your car from the sun's harsh UV rays and bird droppings. 

It's best to apply wax to a clean vehicle so take your ride through a car wash beforehand. When it comes to actually putting the wax on your car, every product is different. Don't jump in without reading the instructions on the packaging. 

The general rule of thumb is to start with one small section of your vehicle and move on to the next. This will prevent you from forgetting where you've already put wax. 

Apply the product using small circular motions. Avoid using too much wax because that will make it difficult to remove it later. 

Use Paint Sealant

Paint sealants work like wax, but they're a bit more thorough. You'll need to do a little more prep work on your vehicle before you apply the sealant, however. Not only will you have to take your ride through the car wash, but you'll also have to use a spray solution to remove every single particle of debris. 

Once you install the sealant, you won't have to worry about doing it again for about 6 months. Keep in mind that if your paint job has any minor imperfections, the sealant will bring attention to them. 

Install a Car Paint Protection Film 

Paint protection film (PPF) is a transparent layer that detailers can apply to the surface of your car. Like wax, it will make your vehicle look pristine and protect it from debris and contaminants. 

Once it's installed, you will have to start washing your car by hand, but you won't have to do it often. Most protection films will prevent the sun's harsh UV rays from fading your paint job. 

PPF products are also self-healing. If something manages to scratch them, the wound will begin to close up in about 30 minutes. If you live in a colder climate, you may have to apply warm water to your vehicle to push the process along. 

Store Your Vehicle in the Right Place 

The best way to protect car paint is to park your vehicle in a garage. If you don't have one, it's recommended to invest in building a carport. 

If you live in an area with a lot of trees, parking your vehicle under one will protect it from the sun. The problem is that will leave your paint vulnerable to tree sap and birds. 

If you would like to avoid these contaminants, and you don't have a garage or carport, you can invest in a quality cover. 

Use a Car Cover 

When shopping around for car covers, you'll need to do your research. Some of them, while serving their purpose, have the potential to scratch paint. 

Look for a cover that provides a good amount of moisture resistance. It also needs to be a tight fit, or it won't stay in place during windy days. 

No Harsh Chemicals 

This may sound silly, but avoid putting drinks on top of your car. Beverages such as sodas and coffee are acidic. If they were to spill on your car paint, they could corrode it. 

Feel free to allow your children to play with silly string and slime, but make sure they do it away from your vehicle. These products do not play well with paint. 

When washing your car only use products that are designed for cleaning vehicles. Other soaps may contain harsh chemicals that will damage your ride. 

Watch Your Parking

Finding the closest parking spot to the store or your place of work has its perks. You don't have to walk as far to get into the building. 

The issue is that everyone else has the same idea. By parking close, you leave your car vulnerable to other drivers and rogue shopping carts. 

Before parking under a tree, it's important to make sure that it's not dying. if it is, a strong gust of wind could cause it to fall on your car. 

Choosing the Best Way to Protect Car Paint 

Having your car painted is expensive. If you want showroom quality, you won't get away without spending upwards of $5,000. 

Take care of your investment by choosing the best way to protect car paint. All it takes is a bit of wash and a paint protection film to keep your ride looking great for years to come. Go here to get an estimate on Myrtle Beach Window Tint PPF services today!