How long should I wait?

[Ronkh]

[forrest@mothers]

If, at some point in the near future, a problem developed with a repaint, I'd feel much more comfortable going back to the painter and saying, "I did what you said", instead of, "I did what some guy/gal/whatever in an internet chart forum told me to do."

That's no knock against the advice here, it's simply a good way to CYA.

The painter knows how the paint was cured, the amount of hardener used, etc. They are the only accurate point of information on how/when the paint can be protected.

[nobita]

i think its depend on the paint which is used by painter and only he can tell you how to keep nice it.

[Nth Degree]

General advice from body shops is to wait 3 months before waxing/sealing. While the paint may be dry, the solvents are still being released. Sealing the paint may prevent the solvents from escaping and cause premature paint failure. You will not see this a week or month after you wax, but perhaps a year or two.

Even Opti-coat says to only rinse with water for a week and use no soaps. If something is going to damage your paint in the first 90 days I don't think there is any wax or sealant that is going to prevent it.

As a detailer for hire I will refuse to wax/seal a car that is less than 90 days from the factory or a repaint. It is not worth the risk of liability when someone's paint fails.

[Paul Mitchell]

When I had a quarter panel painted the body shop gave me a brochure that said to wait 60 days for wax or polish. The brochure was from Martin Senour Automotive Finishes but I assume other paint systems may require less or more time. It was nice to have something in writing from the professionals who did the work.

[RTexasF]

Originally Posted by David Fermani

Yup, we all know that painters are the all knowing when it comes to paint and how to keep it looking nice. While you’re at it, follow his opinion on what wax to use too. And make sure to get his contact number so if he leaves the shop he’s painting at you can chase him down to see if he'll be supporting your warranty coverage.

Your friendly helpful attitude is always appreciated by all and is only outshined by your total professionalism.

You pollute every forum you post in.