Collision Repair: How Long to Wait?

[Squidley]

I just had pretty much the whole right side of my car repainted.

Right before the accident I was preparing to do my normal (and overdue) ritual of Meguiars Medallion Cleaner, Show Car Glaze, and Medallion Wax.

The guy at the repair shop said no waxing/polishing for 30 days. A friend in the industry said 90. How long, and should I avoid the cleaner the first time? I use a random orbital buffer except the Glaze which I buff by hand.

Thanks

Added: The car is a year old, black Monte Carlo in otherwise perfect shape.

[Jbirk]

It depends on who you ask.

This question has been brought up before in many threads.

The concensus is 30 to 90 days. I would not do very much to the car being only 30 days. Maybe a wash with just water and a wax free car wash.

I would avoid doing any major detailing to the freshly painted sections and avoid wax for at least another 30 days.

After 90, you know you are safe.

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Squidley,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

We tend to tell people to follow their painter's instructions as they know their paint system best, often times they will extend the usual waiting period of 30 days as an extra level of protection for themselves because they they have no idea what you or their other customers are going to do/apply to the paint so they error on the side of caution. Below I've included a link to an article I wrote that delves into this topic that you may find interesting.

As for washing and polishing, (not waxing or sealing), any of our car washes are safe for use on fresh paint as are our pure polishes.

Here's an article that discusses the topic of fresh paint,

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/sho...&threadid=3704

And here's one that discusses the category of pure polishes that are safe for you to use on your car's fresh paint during this waiting period.

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/sho...&threadid=2409

[travisdecpn]

If you want to get some protection on your paint and enhance the appearance, I'd look into picking up #80 if you don't already have some. It is safe to use while the paint is still curing and will provide a small amount of protection until you can safely apply your wax or sealant.

[Jbirk]

Mike didn't say any kind of sealant or waxes are safe. He said you can wash your car. Any Seal or Wax will prevent or slow Outgasing.

I would say don't polish with #80 yet.

Besides, when the polish time comes you should probably use a Pure Polish being a new paint you have no swirls to buff out.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Jbirk
Mike didn't say any kind of sealant or waxes are safe. He said you can wash your car. Any Seal or Wax will prevent or slow Outgasing.

I would say don't polish with #80 yet.

Besides, when the polish time comes you should probably use a Pure Polish being a new paint you have no swirls to buff out.

Just to note: M80 Speed Glaze is safe for fresh paint and will not prevent outgassing.

[Tim Lingor]

Originally posted by Jbirk
Mike didn't say any kind of sealant or waxes are safe. He said you can wash your car. Any Seal or Wax will prevent or slow Outgasing.

I would say don't polish with #80 yet.

Besides, when the polish time comes you should probably use a Pure Polish being a new paint you have no swirls to buff out.

Hey,

Just to chime in...

Meguiar's #80 Speed Glaze uses a paintable polymer designed to be used on paint that is curing. It will provide some protection until the paint cures and a traditional wax and/or sealant can be applied.

Tim

[Tim Lingor]

Mike,

You have quick little fingers tonight! You got me within a minute on that post!

Tim

[the other pc]

I did a search on the keyword= “fresh”, username= “mike phillips”. A whole bunch of useful old threads came up.

Here are a couple:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/sho...?threadid=7796
http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/sho...?threadid=5944
http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/sho...?threadid=5715

One had a link to a FAQ on the Meguiar’s main site. The link was broken and I didn’t know where to look since the site update.


PC

[Tim Lingor]

Originally posted by the other pc
I did a search on the keyword= “fresh”, username= “mike phillips”. A whole bunch of useful old threads came up.

Here are a couple:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/sho...?threadid=7796
http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/sho...?threadid=5944
http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/sho...?threadid=5715

One had a link to a FAQ on the Meguiar’s main site. The link was broken and I didn’t know where to look since the site update.


PC

You ask, and you will receive: The FAQ

http://www.meguiars.com/faq/index.cfm?faqCat=Paint%20Care&faqQuestionID=54&section=_54#_54

[rusty bumper]

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
As for washing and polishing, (not waxing or sealing), any of our car washes are safe for use on fresh paint as are our pure polishes.

Except for Wash & Wax in the old Detailer line.

[Squidley]

Thanks for all the great replies!

[the other pc]

Originally posted by 2hotford
You ask, and you will receive: The FAQ

http://www.meguiars.com/faq/index.cf...ection=_54#_54

Thanks Tim!


PC.