ACRYLIC PAINT CARE

[David K.]

Hello!

I just purchased a 1967 Lynndale blue car which was restored back in 1996. The paint is the correct acrylic application, and is in perfect condition. The car is covered almost full time in my garage, and driven sparingly. My question is as follows - I am concerned the the paint will spider crack over time due to age etc.... The previous owner who sold the car to me assured me that the use of 'DRY WASH' cleaning product will condition & preserve the paint over a long period. Am I overly concerned about something that will not occur - or is FATHER time againt the paint on this Triple Crown car ? Any insight or advice on the preservation of acrylic paint would be gretly appreciated !

Regards; David

[Chuck S.]

Re: ACRYLIC PAINT CARE

Hi David...Welcome to the NCRS Tech Board.

I'm unfamiliar with "Dry Wash", but I assume it is a type of spray wax or detailer like Meguiar's Quik Detailer or Quik Wax. If so, the previous owner is correct in that it's use will reduce the frequency of having to wash the car. This will, in turn, minimize the paint's exposure to car wash detergents and microscratches generated by washing. Car wash soap is necessary to remove heavy dirt, but use ONLY car wash soaps that will not strip your wax protection.

Even with a non-stripping car wash soap, the car has to be washed properly to avoid microscratches that will have to be polished out...the more polishing you do, the more paint is worn away. Details on proper wash techniques are available in other forums.

If you only drive the car on nice days, you will be able to go a long time between washes by keeping the car covered and using a spray detailer. I would also recommend a California Car Duster to remove most of the dust on the finish BEFORE using the spray detailer. Spray detailers can be wiped off with a microfiber towel, and as far as I can tell, they will not put micro-scratches in your paint. I hesitate to put them to the extreme test with visible road dust on the finish.

About every 6 months to a year, wash the car and apply a coat of carnauba wax like Meguiar's Gold Class. As long as the paint has excellent shine, polishing is not required, or is it desirable...polishes are super fine abrasives the create shine by removing irregularities, and therefore paint, from the surface. Your car won't see much UV under it's car cover, but the wax will give you UV protection for when you drive it.

As far as "Dry Wash" or any spray detailer having any magical penetrating powers that rejuvenates and nourish the paint...Highly unlikely in my opinion. Paint, like everything, has a finite life...nothing you can do will extend it's life beyond reducing it's exposure to aging elements...sunlight, heat, cold, chemicals, body flex, etc.) Your present plan will optimize it's life, but it won't live forever...it will, however, probably outlive you with good care.

[Jim T.]

Re: ACRYLIC PAINT CARE

There are so many products on todays market, however something that has been referred before to take care of the paint is Meguiars #7 Show Car Glaze.