brand new car - time to wax/seal

[JHZR2]

Hello,

My wife got her new car yesterday. It was a custom make, we ordered it from Germany, and it came off the ship just the other day.

So the paint, at least on the body (dont know about the alloy wheels) is pretty recent.

My understanding is that at least for repaints, one should wait a month to a few months to allow the paint to fully cure, prior to sealing it and waxing it.

My plan is to do the car with Klasse AIO, then Klasse SG layered a number of times. For the spring/summer, Ill use a high-quality ivory caranuba, and then in the winter, Ill use collonite 476, since apparently it is one of the longest lasting waxes out there.

So, question is, how long do I wait to start putting acrylic finishes, sealants and waxes on the rabbit? Paint technology is constantly changing, so I want to be sure I have the most up to date info.

Thanks!

JMH

 

[XS650]

Some will tell you that modern paint can be waxed right away. There is little to no evidence that it does any obvious harm.

Wait a month to be safe and do the sniff test.

If you can smell the paint at all when you stick your nose right on it, it's not done curing.

When I picked up my Corvette at the Factory they told me that waiting a month from when it was painted was a good idea even though the official word is that you don't need to wait.

 

[Bill in Utah]

When they painted my Outback from the accident the body shop said wait 3 months min before touching it.

It has been 4 months and I'm going to wax it this month even though they are going to have to repaint a few parts due to dust.

I have seen folks wax it off right away and in less than 2 years the clear coat starts to come off. Most of those are with these "super" waxes and dark cars. (Zanio (sp) is one I've seen 3 cars have problems with it)

Better to wait than go at it I think.

My outback was my last new car. Too much stress.

Congrads on the new car. Be safe.

Bill

 

[UNC201]

I would clay, AIO, then SG right away !

PAINT is dry the minute it leaves the factory as it's been BAKED.
It's different on a repaint....as it's not baked in the high levels of heat as a new car.

Make sure the DEALER DOES NOT DETAIL OR WASH IT BEFORE PICKUP.
best of luck

 

[tom slick]

your car came over the pond with protective wax and coverings on the paint/glass. the paint is ready for anything you are going to do with it.

 

[Saturn_Fan]

Just bought the Sonus MF towels, now gettin' ready to put on the NXT 2.0 with the Meguiar's #26 over the top.

Should I bother claying my new Corolla before applying the above products?

I have never clayed a car before and am apprehensive about doing it wrong and causing unintended consequences.

 

[rondoggnuts]

Originally Posted By: Saturn_Fan
Just bought the Sonus MF towels, now gettin' ready to put on the NXT 2.0 with the Meguiar's #26 over the top.

Should I bother claying my new Corolla before applying the above products?

I have never clayed a car before and am apprehensive about doing it wrong and causing unintended consequences.


On a brand new car? Absolutely, if there is rail dust or other transport related contamination on the paint. Clay is only mildly abrasive. Use plenty of clay lube and you can't do any damage.

 

[Cadude]

You can go ahead and detail your new car including claying and waxing. The difference between new car paint and a repaint is the way it is dried. In the factory, they turn the ovens up a lot more than when a body shop repaints. They can do this because they are baking it when there is no upholstery or weatherstripping yet installed.

A body shop can not turn the heat up due to the weatherstripping and upholstery. Therefore, the paint isn't fully cured.