Getting bodywork done is only half the job and takes the least amount of effort, really. After an accident, you hand over the keys to an authorised repair centre, get the damages taken care of, and get a fresh car respray to remove the damage and get your car looking all shiny again.

However, ignoring aftercare is the fastest way to ruin said shiny look. You’re not just protecting paint. You’re protecting your investment. You’ve already spent the money. Now let’s make it count. Here are some tips every car bodyshop worth its salt would provide you.

Sports car parked on the grass.

Maintain Your Car’s Bodywork Post-Repair

Skip the Car Wash (for Now)

This may come as a surprise, but you’re not supposed to wash your car for at least 2 weeks after getting a car respray. Why? Well, the paint may seem dry, but it is still curing underneath. Washing the car too soon, especially with chemicals or a pressure washer, can ruin the finish before it’s fully hardened. You can start hand-washing with just water and a microfibre cloth after a week, though. Be gentle with it.

Also, even after it has been months since the paint job, those spinning brushes of doom in an automated car wash are absolutely disasters for your car’s finish. They’re not good at all. They leave swirl marks, drag grit across the surface, and slowly destroy that deep, polished look your car bodyshop worked hard to achieve.

The only real way to clean your car safely is the two-bucket method or go completely touchless with a washer. 

Ditch Harsh Cleaners

You might find your front bumper looking like a graveyard for bugs after a ride down the highway. Your instinct is, of course, to wish them peace and clean things up. However, as we said above, hard cleaners have chemicals within them that can damage the paint or strip the clear coat.

Either stick to just water or pH-neutral car shampoos. No household cleaners. No degreasers. Definitely no dish soap. These might seem effective, but they’re too aggressive for automotive paint.

Waxing? Wait at Least a Month

This might seem obvious now that we know washing your car is a no-no for a week, but waxing is a no-no for at least a month. Fresh paint needs to breathe, and waxes trap solvents, denying them the chance to evaporate fully.

Once you hit that 30-to-60 day window, a high-quality wax gives excellent protection. Just don’t jump the gun.

Mind Your Parking

Birds, branches, or merely the wrath of Gaia; assume everything’s out to get your paint in the early weeks. So, if possible, always park inside a garage or a shaded area (obviously, not trees). A breathable cover is a good idea if your car’s going to be sitting for a while.

Keep an Eye on High-Traffic Panels

By high traffic, we mean parts of your car that are bound to get some contact. Doors, mirrors, bonnet edges. People love putting their hands on them, bikes swipe them, shopping trolleys apparently find them irritating, and a million other things one has to consider. Even light scuffs can lead to chipping, which leads to corrosion.

Use an Authorised Repair Centre Again If Needed

Accidents happen. Nobody plans for them, which is why they’re called accidents. Getting in an accident isn’t the problem, but going to some cheap garage afterwards is. Don’t go for quick fixes either. Visit an authorised repair centre, like GVE London in such a scenario. They’ll have access to the proper tools and the right paint codes.

If you care about getting a finish that looks good, matches, and lasts, DIY and budget repairs stand out like a sore thumb — and not in a good way.

Summary? Protect the Work You Paid For

One ought to take care of their car’s bodywork to the best of their abilities. Not merely because of aesthetics but because it means preserving your car’s structure, resale value, and overall condition. Give the paint time to settle. Wash with care. Keep it protected. And park like someone who actually likes their car.