How long to wait before applying clear bra?

blnewt

New member
Car is in the body shop right now after a side collision, hood is also getting re-sprayed. I've heard it's best to wait for the paint to fully cure before applying anything to the surface of the fresh paint. Is there a specific wait time? I'm thinking of going w/ the brand new 3M Paint defender spray-on DIY clear-bra and want everything to be OK before application. Thanks for any help you can provide :thumb:
 
The person or persons with the best and safest answer is the shop that did the refinish work. They know the paint material they applied and under what conditions.

I suggest you ask them and go with their recommendation.
 
You typically need to wait a few months for the volatiles to gas out and the paint to completely cure. Depends on the paint and clear used as well as weather.
 
I'd heard that the newer water-based paints have different cure times than the old stuff.



Also, I'm always leery of taking the bodyshop's word for stuff as too many of those guys don't do much in the way of studying to keep up to date. Think of how bodyshops tell people to "wash with plain water" or to "not wash/polish/etc. it for two months" and stuff like that :rolleyes:
 
Back
Top