Protecting paint from contaminants

[4raver]

Hello,

I have so many paint imperfections (scratches, rock chips, dents, paint overspray) on my paint that I decided to repaint the whole vehicle.

After the paint job is done, I have to protect the finish against all those airborn contaminants.

What's the best product to protect my paint from contaminants such as acid rain, paint overspray, industrial polution, etc, and how many times per month should I reapply the product?

I'm living in a very hot country (in africa) and I have a black toyota rav4.

I already possess most meguiar's products and third party carnauba wax as well.

Thanks for your help.

[romulus]

Re: Protecting paint from contaminants

Since you are living in a extreme environment, it won't hurt to protect/wax your car once a month. In gerenal, it is recomended to wax your car twice a year. Personally I do it once a month if I have time but lately has been like once every two or three months.
Since you just got your car repainted, DO NOT wax your car before the paint is fully cured (60 days?). Check with your body shop what they recommends. In the mean time you can wash your car and apply a polish like DC2 or #7 to add beauty on the finish.
After this period you can wax your car. I like to use NXT wax, #26 and #21. I go back and forward between these waxes depending on my mood
If you can get or have one of these waxes, you can't go wrong.
Cheers!

[4raver]

Re: Protecting paint from contaminants

Thanks for your answer.

Can I use the quick detailer after repainting the vehicule or do I have to wait for the paint to cure as well?

Another question. How long does it take for the paint to completely dry?

When the body shop finishes painting it, does the car has to stay in the garage more than 24 hours before I can drive it outside?

Thank you.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Protecting paint from contaminants

Thanks for your answer.

Can I use the quick detailer after repainting the vehicle or do I have to wait for the paint to cure as well?

Quik Detailer isn't body shop safe, that is safe to use in a fresh paint environment, if you want to be extra careful then you can use M34 Final Inspection which is also a quick detailer and it is "Body Shop Safe" and completely safe for fresh paint.

Another question. How long does it take for the paint to completely dry?

When the body shop finishes painting it, does the car has to stay in the garage more than 24 hours before I can drive it outside?

Thank you.

Paint takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to completely dry and harden, there are different terms to describe specifically what stage a paint job is in, so the word dry can mean dry to the touch, but even if it's dry it may not be completely hardened.

Read this,

Paint Needs to Breathe


Yes to your last question, after fresh paint is applied, you should really try to leave the car stored inside for a few days at a minimum.