How soon to wax new paint?

[T-Keith]

I recently purchased a 98 Lesabre for my wife. 97,000 miles, great condition. Just before selling it got out of the body shop for a deer accident. They replaced the headlight and fixed the hood. How long should I wait before waxing this new area? Winter is quickly on it's way and tonight and tomorrow might be the last days in a while I can wax it. The hood was painted last Thursday.

thanks,
-T

 

[Steel Blue Wind Rider]

Normally 30 to 90 days. If it's possible ask the person whom painted it. I would think after 30 days it would be OK, but depending upon the paint used and if it was baked or not, could be 3 months, to be sure check with the painter. Good luck.

 

[T-Keith]

In three months it will have been exposed to tons of rocks, salt, freezing temps, and who knows what else, it's the front edge of the hood. What would be the downside to waxing it earlier?

 

[uconn1150]

You really should wait, but like you said it's going to get beat on pretty bad. To minimize the damage, just use a pure (no cleaner) caranuba. Next year, use Klasse--it'll last through the winter.

 

[Steel Blue Wind Rider]

If you use a wax, the best you can hope for is about 3-5 weeks of protection at best! Waxes are great for making things that look good, look great, but very little in protection. I would just spend a little extra time every couple days to keep the painted area clean this winter, or until the 30 days is up. If you don't wait, it's (possible) the paint will not adhere properly and will not last and you'll need to repaint. It's a chance either way, I'd rather spend a little time at a car wash twice a week than spend whatever next summer getting it repainted, IMHO.

 

[T-Keith]

Thanks for the help guys. If I don't do anything soon there is little chance it will get done before spring. I don't have a heated garage and the car is likely to get parked outside this winter. It's my wife's car, so washing it every other day is impossible.

-T

 

[Dr. T]

Zero. I've had my car to the body shop many times...in fact, they polish/wax it right after painting to get out imperfections....

So basically, you can wax it the day you bring it home....

 

[kenw]

"In three months it will have been exposed to tons of rocks, salt, freezing temps, and who knows what else, it's the front edge of the hood. ...."

like wax is going to protect it from this???

as was said, wax is for looks and it's darn good for that. It won't protect anything from much of anything.

but if you insist, the painters I've known say wait 2-3 weeks (altho colder temps may take longer?).

It's to allow the paint and clearcoat to *harden* fully.

 

[Spector]

I had a similar issue with a hood, the dealer said to wait 90 days. I waited 45 and by then the paint had some acid rain marks and it was also cracking. had it repainted and decided not to wait. I used Zaino immediately upon getting it home and it has been fine since, about 30- days so far. Looks great. Zaino is not a wax though.

 

[T-Keith]

OK I waxed the rest of the car, but did not do the hood. I normally use Meguars NXT wax, but I also have an old bottle of Silicone Turtle Wax. Would that be a better bet?

-T

 

[Spector]

One thing the dealer did emphasize with me, do not use a silicone based or carnuba wax product for 90 days.

 

[Amkeer]

You need 30 days for the finish to cure 99%. The exception to this is baking the finish which will cause the cure rate to increase faster. If its baked I would just wait till after your first washing or 1 week.