I have a jet black BMW M3 and the front end was painted about 1 month ago. I want to get some poorboys products and polish and wax the car but Im afraid to do it so soon since it has been freshly painted. When I had it painted before at a different shop they told me I had to wait 4 months to put wax on the car. Now this time I went to a different shop and I asked them if I could wax it and they said yes I didnt have to wait. So what do I do? Is there a general rule as far as time goes before I can wax my car? Do you think it would be safe to do it now, or should I wait longer? thanks for the help. John
How long to wait before waxing newly painted car??
- Thread starter woptang22
- Start date
GregCavi
Pinnacle Detailing Owner
I would go with the advice of the poeple who painted it. Usually when you get a car painted and the paint gets backed on for lack of a better word, you can wax it. When the paint doesnt get backed then you wait. A car from the factory can be wax right away. HTH
Greg
Greg
togwt
The Old Grey Whistle Test
Newly re- painted vehicle-woptang22 said:
•Oil-based paint, lacquer or enamel are formulated with solvents (30-80% dependant upon manufacturer) once applied paint needs to dry and the solvents need to (out-gas) evaporate for sixty to ninety days (60-90) to enable the paint off gassing and aerobic curing, if the paint is covered with a conventional wax or sealant it will arrest the outgas/cure process.
•Water-based high solid/low solvent urethane paints used by PPG, DuPont and most other paint manufacturers do not require time for the outgas/ aerobic cure process, as they are catalyzed (i.e. a chemical process that cures paint) but I would suggest waiting for approx. seven days before any product application, which should be more than sufficient time to enable paint off gassing and aerobic curing
•The application of a specific glaze (Menzerna Final Polish II, 3M™ Perfect-It III™ Show Car Finishing Glaze, Zanio Z Polishes) is completely safe for any fresh paint system as they allow the solvents in an oil-based paint outgas/ aerobic cure process and provide some protection for any type of paint surface.
•Abrasive polish should be avoided until the paint has cured (an abrasive polish will not necessarily harm the soft new paint but unless it’s absolutely necessary I would avoid polish)
•Vehicle washing is encouraged but avoid any harsh detergents or any car wash that uses a high-pressure spray
•The body-shop or paint manufacture knows their products best; seek their advice so as not to void any warranty given. (Rev May 2005)
JonM
B
Boss_429
Guest
As always Jon... great information! :bigups
Well maybe Ill give it a little bit more time just incase. I really dont know what kind of paint they use so Im not sure as to how long to wait. WHen I got the car back I asked them if I could wax it and they told me yes. But then I remember the other body shop I went to before told me to wait 4 months. Then a few days ago I went to a detailer in my area and he told me I have to wait for the paint to cure. So I dont know what to think. I just dont want to go waxing it and screw up the paint because I didnt wait long enough. But on the other hand I want to get some polish and wax on it to protect it and make it shine like crazy. But so far its been approximately 1 month since it was painted so I guess soon will be ok.
Craigster
New member
For bodyshop work, you really want to wait at least 30-45 days.
If you want to keep a little protection, you can use 3m Hand glaze. It's safe for new piant, allows it to dry, and the oils in the glaze are actually good for the repainted area. That can hold you over until you seal or wax it.
http://www.properautocare.com/3mimhanglaz.html
If you want to keep a little protection, you can use 3m Hand glaze. It's safe for new piant, allows it to dry, and the oils in the glaze are actually good for the repainted area. That can hold you over until you seal or wax it.
http://www.properautocare.com/3mimhanglaz.html