Mind the paintwork
Page 52
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• As well as removing the dirt from a vehicle, repeated washing can also take its toll on paintwork over a long period of time. Workshop spoke to some paint manufacturers to see if they had any recommendations about good washing practice.
The first reaction was immediate — that two-pack paints will outlast synthetics by a factor of two or more. This applies to resistance to abrasion (from brush washers) and to cleaning agents (the suitability of which should be confirmed with the chemical manufacturer).
Herberts has done some research on the use of pressure washers on chipped paint, and advises that the temperature and pressure be restricted to 50°C and 50-70 bar (800-1,000psi) respectively.
Glasurit reminds operators that paint should be left at least seven to 10 days after refinishing before any washing is carried out, to allow enough time for the paint to cure properly.
It was emphasised that any problems associated with high-pressure washers were normally caused by poor preparation of the vehicle when refinishing was carried out. If paint is applied according to the manufacturer's guidelines, pressure washing will not damage the paint finish.