[lorge1989]

Getting my car back from the shop today and I'm wondering what the best thing to do is to protect the new paint.

I've heard that I should wait a few days from some people others say just do it right away.
The clear coat was sprayed 72 hours or so ago, and it will be color sanded and buffed before I pick it up.

So do I just do a good wash and wax or do I go more complex?

[SuperFan99]

I'm almost 100% that you shouldn't wax it. Check with whoever painted it and see what they say about how long to wait before waxing.

I think the rule of thumb is 3 months.

Edit: I know it's maaco, but they say at least 60 days.
http://www.mcautobody.com/faq/newpaint.php

[DBR007]

I wouldn't worry about waxing it right away....almost all shops do that
after they finish it.

[TheThreeFitty]

My father has owned a shop for 20 years now. I worked there for the last 5 summers. Don't wax it for a month. Thats the the rule we use there. I have waited that long for all the things I have sprayed with no problems. The paint has to breath for it to completely cure. Even if that car was sprayed then baked it will take about a month for it to fully harden. Wax closes off the pours of the paint. For now just keep it clean. Then wax later. Shops generally dont even keep wax in them because of cross contamination with the prep and painting process. And they definitely shouldnt wax. Most sand and buff then wash then give the car to the owner.

[lorge1989]

Thanks guys, I talked to the owner and he said 60 days to wait til I can wax it. But he gave me some hand glaze stuff that I can use.

[slopoke]

pics???

[lorge1989]

Ask and ye' shall recieve

http://www.dubsinthebuff.com/forum/v...e-story-3.html

nothing special in a lot of people's minds but I don't care I really love it.

[deagle]

Originally Posted by lorge1989

Getting my car back from the shop today and I'm wondering what the best thing to do is to protect the new paint.

I've heard that I should wait a few days from some people others say just do it right away.
The clear coat was sprayed 72 hours or so ago, and it will be color sanded and buffed before I pick it up.

So do I just do a good wash and wax or do I go more complex?

i have a few scratches on my car's side (mailbox post!)

please feel free to PM if you recommend a shop

i'm not sure if i want to get original color, canyon red, if its exclusive to VW or get a totally new color.

[cruciform]

Yeah, after painting a few cars, and dozens of bikes, I would say the longer you wait to wax the better, I recc 90 days.
Waxing seals the micro pores in the surface, possibly preventing even curing and bubbling in the future.

Waxing is good for older surfaces, as it help keep water/other contaminants out on the surface, remove fine dirt particles, fill small scratches and remove oxidation to renew the surface.

Paint doesn't fully dry for up to 90 days.