Back from Body Shop...when can I detail?

[megs]

You guys are the expert.

I'll do that. Thanks!

[kgb]

My body shop said to go ahead and wax it right away and that is fine. I did and now the body panels they painted are so soft I have to have them recleared. I just look at the paint wrong and it scratches. Looks like crap and I am sure ithas to do with me being dumb and listening to the body shop.

[Accumulator]

Originally posted by Scottwax
Polish the car with Meguiars #80 like Accumulator mentioned and then QD weekly until the body shop says you can wax.

Though I'd add to use a non-carnauba QD- I really do err on the side of caution with this stuff.

Yeah, the glazes wash/wear off fast, but they're better than nothing. In a perfect world I'd put the car in the garage until the paint's cured (that's what I do if I have something else to drive).

2001civicex- Isn't it a drag when you get crappy advice from people you should be able to rely on?!? Yeah, if it's way too soft that could be from insufficient outgassing...it really does pay to just wait.

[kgb]

Originally posted by Accumulator
Though I'd add to use a non-carnauba QD- I really do err on the side of caution with this stuff.

Yeah, the glazes wash/wear off fast, but they're better than nothing. In a perfect world I'd put the car in the garage until the paint's cured (that's what I do if I have something else to drive).

2001civicex- Isn't it a drag when you get crappy advice from people you should be able to rely on?!? Yeah, if it's way too soft that could be from insufficient outgassing...it really does pay to just wait.

Yes, it sucks big time! I think after winter, if Is till have the car, I am going to get it recleared.

[Dennis H.]

Here's what I've learned about paint cure times.

If the paint was baked you can wax within a week. Usually the paint, if mixed correctly, will cure in 24 to 48 hours.

Air dried, if mixed correctly and spray correctly will cure in 30 to 45 days.

The problem arises when paints are not mixed correctly. Another problem arises if the paint is sprayed on too thick. I've been told for each mil of paint added to the manufacturers suggested thickness increases drying time at a exponential rate. My 63 Nova took years to fully cure. The guy put on about 12 mils of paint.

All the while I used our Sealer and Glaze and Natural Formula Carnauba. I had to be very careful with application and removal because the surface scratched very easily, this was before MF towels.

Personally I'd stay away from the so called paint sealants/polymer/acrylic products and stick with products that will not inhibit out-gassing. When the paint is fully cured then have at it!

I generally wait 30 to 45 days past what the painter says. That usually turns out to be 90 days on an air dried paint job.