LONGEVITY TIPS

• Do not wipe dust off your car with a dry cloth or duster. This will scratch the paint. Only use a wet cloth after rinsing the paint surface with water first.
• During summer, do not wash, polish or wax your car in the sun when the paint is hot. The paint surface could streak or stain. A paint surface must not be extremely hot or cold when being treated.
• Only wax your car after it has been washed to avoid sealing in dirt.
• Do not use vinyl or plastic car covers in humid conditions. They trap moisture and could cause fungus, mold or mildew growth. Use natural fabrics that breathe, like cotton. Also, make certain the car cover is secure. If the cover material flaps in the wind, paint could be rubbed from your car's surface.
• Do not wash your car with hard water (which contains minerals). Hard water will leave a film on the paint surface.
• Do not wash your car with laundry detergents or similar harsh soaps. This is because paint is always evaporating oils into the air; the oils give the paint its luster. Harsh soap will remove any protective wax plus the paints oils. This will dry out the paint, and make it look flat.
• Do not use any polish, cleaner or wax on the car's paint surface before checking your owner's manual regarding recommended treatment. Many treatments contain mild abrasives and could scratch the paint surface.
• Do not use polishing or rubbing compounds on paints with a clear acrylic coating; the coating will be dulled. For acrylic finishes, use non-abrasive liquid polishes specifically designed for such finishes.
• Use rubbing compounds only when the paint surface is extremely oxidized (chalky) and does not shine, even after wax has been applied. Abrasive cleaners are extremely dangerous and can easily remove the paint and primer, leaving bare metal.
• Avoid use of power (electric) buffers, since they can easily buff through a layer of paint or acrylic clear coat.
• Light colors retain their brilliance over the years better than dark colors do. Dark colors are more susceptible to oxidation from the sun.
• Avoid parking the car in the sun for extended periods of time. Use covered parking or shade where possible. Intense sunlight will cause the paint to blister.
• Do not let paint chips go unattended. Exposed metal could begin to rust when exposed to water and salt. Immediately touch up paint blemishes with the appropriate color and type of automotive paint. Consult your vehicle specification sheet for the correct type of paint.
• Be careful about using silicone-based wax. The wax penetrates all layers of paint. Paint touch-ups are more difficult in this case.

SYSTEMS
BODY PAINT
VARIATIONS
PROPER CARE