How to treat/clean new paint...

Mon Nov 30, 2015 7:49 pm

Since the touring is in the bodyshop having a new door fitted and that side sprayed, I'm taking the opportunity to have a few, (most), other bits painted too.

So, what's the best way to treat new paint???

I'm sure I read somewhere a while back that new paint should be left alone for a few weeks before cleaning/sealing/waxing - but I might just be spouting rubbish!!!
It'll be a week or so before I get the car back, then I'll be driving it daily - A and B roads and lanes, so it'll get pretty mucky pretty quick this time of year!!!

Ideally I'd like someone/somewhere to give the whole car a proper clean/polish/wax/whatever, to make sure my new paint is looked after!!!

What & where would people recommend???
(Car will be original colour - diamond black!!!)

Wed Dec 02, 2015 2:21 am

Where's all the detailers hiding then???

Thu Dec 03, 2015 8:10 pm

Read on another forum to leave the paint for 10 to 12 weeks before sealing/waxing!?!?!

Any other advice???

And I'm assuming I've just gotta keep jetwashing it during that time to try and keep it slightly clean???

Thu Dec 03, 2015 8:27 pm

NO!, no jet washing.
Bucket wash with the 2 bucket method.

Fri Dec 04, 2015 3:39 am

Really? Bugger!!!

Not gonna have time/facility to do that very often & don't trust the 'hand car wash' places near me!!!

Does it really need to be left that long???

Then what after that - will it ideally want to be mop'd before waxing, etc???

Fri Dec 04, 2015 4:23 am

Ask the body shop what they reccomend first

I have never in 20 years had an issue with detailing/polishing/waxing "fresh paint". In fact most body shops would have polished the car and probably used a glaze/wax like 3M Rosa

The only product id be cautious about using would be a bonded / nano sealant

The lacquer would of had hardener added to it, it would have been flashed off and baked. It does need some time to complete cure and harden, it can shrink at bit over time but as is said, speak to people who are painting it

Fri Dec 04, 2015 11:52 am

Good point Kos - far too obvious for me!!!
Just assumed they would spray/lacquer/bake/whatever then give it a wipe down and wheel it out, leaving it up to me to polish, etc!!!

It's being done through some guys I know in a workshop round the corner from me, so I'll get them to have a word with the bodyshop for me!!!
(Sounds long, but they're making it easy for me and sorting a very good deal too!!!)

Was just wondering if my hard earned will be looking shiny for a few days, then getting ruined through winter!!!