After repaint, what to use first?

[Errtt]

Just picked up my go-2-work vehicle from getting repainted. After the cure time (they say at least a month), what should I use regards to a wax or a polish - this is for a SUV (RAV), and I am the type that don't want to wax/polish more than 2-3 times a year, so durability comes before looks.

Also, during the paint cure time of a month, I know not to use a drive-in auto car wash, so would a weak auto shampoo be okay? or would a auto detail spray bottle be just as fine?
The birds have already found the fresh painted vehicle in the neighborhood.

? on cure time - they told me a month. Is the cure time based on the type of paint, weather or? The summer heat (California) is on, so I'd think the cure would be faster than if was winder cool temps & rain.
I got the type of paint with the clear mixed in, and double the clear on the last coat. I guess they call it a single stage paint.

 

[JHZR2]

I think a month is smart. Then Id go with collinite or a sealant like zaino or similar.

 

[wolf_06]

Carnoba wax

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: wolf_06
Carnoba wax

Yeah, carnauba will last a month if you are lucky.

 

[Michael_P]

I use the el cheapo Kit carnuba and can get 4 months of water beading.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Michael_P
I use the el cheapo Kit carnuba and can get 4 months of water beading.


That does not mean you have protection. I can clay my car until all of the protection and contaminants are gone, yet water still beads fairly well.

 

[antiqueshell]

As for the curing time, I would give it about 60 days just to be certain although many major car paint suppliers like DuPont, and PPG suggest around 90 days.

Also I would stay away from "sealers" related synthetic products because even with the 60 day cure time it still may not be completely finished...I would recommend using a regular wax for about the first six months following 60-90 day curing period, just to be sure the paint can get as optimally hard as possible, for longevity and durability. Sealers will inhibit prevent any "breathing" of the painted surface after applied.

 

[dwcopple]

3M imperial hand glaze for the first 30-60 days. then wax away.

 

[Errtt]

So it seems it is very important to wait at least the cure time, maybe allow some extra time to be sure it's ready.
? - can I use something like Megs Quick Detailer spray until it comes time for wax/polish/sealant? The bird droppings are plenty & tried to wipe a spot of it with a wet (just water) cotton cloth, and a hint of color shows on the rag. Tried another spot using the detailer spray and the color did not show on that rag. But it might have been a spot more cured at the surface then too.

So when it comes down to the first wax/polish/sealant, sounds like most care for the 1st 6-months, then go something routine after that. I started reading back last night - sounds like NuFinish has lasting durability but hasn't been mentioned yet for a fresh re-paint job?

Thanks - hoping for something I can get locally too. I still have NXT and Slick Mist, but from my experience, it doesn't seem to last. They do okay for the motorcycles than get used less.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

If you're getting color when you wipe then you probably have single stage paint.

Nevermind the top part. Looks like you already know that. Guess I should read more thoroughly.

Since you have single stage, might consider using a glaze under a wax. Maybe Meg's #7 under Collinite #845 or Meg's #26. They're available at autopart stores. But don't put anything on it until it cures.

 

[HerrStig]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: Michael_P
I use the el cheapo Kit carnuba and can get 4 months of water beading.


That does not mean you have protection. I can clay my car until all of the protection and contaminants are gone, yet water still beads fairly well.


There's oil in the clay.

 

[Errtt]

Been doing more back reading and seems Collinite has quite a following - not much negative's. I don't think I've seen the stuff, but wasn't looking for it locally before.
So I have a month + to decide on first application after cure and care.
I gently cleaned the finish with Megs Quick Detailer spray and microfiber to rid the bird droppings and road grime/dust. Looks good - actually looks like it was waxed. Clean & shiny. This is my first repaint of anything.

Thanks for the replies so far.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: HerrStig
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: Michael_P
I use the el cheapo Kit carnuba and can get 4 months of water beading.


That does not mean you have protection. I can clay my car until all of the protection and contaminants are gone, yet water still beads fairly well.


There's oil in the clay.

I always rewash the car after claying and water beads great on a smooth surface.

Point is, beading alone is not the definitive indicator of protection.

 

[Bgallagher]

Originally Posted By: dwcopple
3M imperial hand glaze for the first 30-60 days. then wax away.


+1 Or Megs #7. I would give it plenty of cure time. Also, Collinite is a carnuba based wax and offeres 4-6 month protection. You aren't "lucky" if you get a month out of a carnuba. Yeah the fancier high end waxes wont get you durability but will shine better then any durable wax. There is a fine line between durability and shine and typically you have to sacrifice one for the other. I usually do a coat of Collinite. Wait 24 hours then quick detail the car (so no dirt or anything accumulates overnight) and top it with Megs 26. Best of both worlds.

 

[Errtt]

I just cleaned the SUV with Megs Quick Detailer spray with microfiber and it looks nice - think I'll maintain the bird droppings and grime with this stuff until after the cure. Then will give it a good complete hand wash, then go from there for whatever product decided. Have plenty of time to decide - and product will need to be locally available OTC.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

IIRC, you're safe to wash it, just not coat it with wax or sealant.

 

[Errtt]

Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
IIRC, you're safe to wash it, just not coat it with wax or sealant.


It's real grungy now (drive 2+ hours/day 4-work, open road).
I think I might try and wash it this evening or within a day or 2. It's been like a massive grasshopper invasion on a section of my drive for a few days. Then try to maintain with the Megs quick detailer spray.

Although I hate up to a point care appearance care, I want to get the new paint off to a least a good start, and maintain since I might keep this vehicle for a couple years or so more.

Having a fresh paint job kind of inspires doing some extra I guess.

 

[Errtt]

^ I gave it a good and gentle washing late evening with Megs Gold Class shampoo/conditioner (whatever conditioner means) and dried it with microfiber. First time trying this stuff (bought a gallon) and I'm real happy how it turned out.
It looks like I waxed the thing but I didn't.

 

[Bgallagher]

Originally Posted By: Errtt
^ I gave it a good and gentle washing late evening with Megs Gold Class shampoo/conditioner (whatever conditioner means) and dried it with microfiber. First time trying this stuff (bought a gallon) and I'm real happy how it turned out.
It looks like I waxed the thing but I didn't.


Gotta love new clearcoat.... Enjoy!