How to Prepare Your Car for Paint

Before Taking Your Car to the Shop

Proper preparation makes the process faster and results better.

What to Do

1. Clean the Interior

Remove personal belongings, valuables, electronics, and child seats.

2. Wash the Exterior

A clean car allows better damage assessment. Doesn’t need to be perfect, just free of heavy dirt.

3. Document Current Condition

Take photos of the entire vehicle before drop-off — all angles, existing damage, odometer reading, fuel level.

4. Remove Accessories

Take off removable items: antenna, stickers you don’t want painted, wheel covers.

5. Leave Minimal Fuel

A quarter tank is enough — the car won’t be driven much.

Questions to Ask Your Shop

1. Total price (get a written estimate)
2. Estimated time
3. What’s included (disassembly? polish? warranty?)
4. Payment options
5. How they’ll update you
6. Protocol if additional damage is found

After Picking Up Your Car

• First week: No washing (paint is still curing)
• First month: Gentle soap only, no pressure washing
• After month one: Normal wash and wax routine

Ready for a fresh look? Request your estimate at JF Autobody & Paint or visit us in Vega Alta — 787-940-9387.