If you have recently had a new paint job on your vehicle, summer is the perfect time for road trips, weekend drives, and showing off this fresh vehicle. However, while sunny days may seem like ideal and great conditions, the heat of summer can pose real risks to newly painted vehicles, especially in the crucial early curing stages. Here at Onyx Aim, we want to ensure the finish on your vehicle stays flawless for the long term, which is why understanding how heat affects fresh paint is so important.
New paint, especially when applied professionally using spray techniques, needs time to fully cure. While the surface may feel dry to the touch shortly after application, true curing involves a chemical process that can take days or even weeks depending on the products that were used. Extreme heat can interfere with this curing process in several ways, such as:
- Premature curing – If a vehicle is exposed to intense sunlight too soon, the top layer of paint can cure too quickly, while lower layers remain soft. This causes inconsistencies in the finish and can lead to peeling or bubbling over time.
- Fading and discolouration – fresh paint is more susceptible to UV damage. Without proper protection, direct sunlight can cause fading, especially in vibrant or darker colours.
- Paint softening – especially on extremely hot days, the metal panels of your vehicle can reach high temperatures, potentially softening the fresh paint underneath. This makes it easier for dust, debris, or even fingerprints to leave marks.
- Increased risk of defects – when newly painted surfaces are exposed to high temperatures, any slight imperfection, such as trapped moisture or air, can expand, leading to blisters or bubbles in the finish.
At Onyx Aim, we always advise our clients on proper aftercare, particularly in the warmer months. If you have recently had your car sprayed, have a look at our recent blog on proper aftercare on freshly painted vehicles. We take every precaution in our workshop to ensure your vehicle’s paint is applied and cured in optimal conditions, using controlled environments and top-quality materials from trusted brands. But once your vehicle leaves our care, it’s important to follow the aftercare advice we provide.
The summer sun might look great on a freshly painted car, but it can also be its worst enemy if proper care isn’t taken. Here at Onyx Aim, our expert team combines premium materials with extensive experience to deliver exceptional spray-painting results. Protecting that finish from the elements, especially summer heat, is a crucial step in maintaining both your car’s appearance and its long term value. If you need any more information or advice about post-paint aftercare and sun damage, give us a call today – we will be happy to help with any queries or problems that arise. Alternatively, take a look around our website today, where you can find information on anything you need, from blogs to services – our website has it all.
