M3 in accident, has new paint job on hood/bumper... best way to take care of it?

[Accord]

My M3 was in an accident and the bumper and hood were replaced and repainted melbourne red. The paint is cured and all that and about a week old and the body shop said not to apply wax or wash the areas with new paint or anything like that for at least 30 days?? Is that right?

What is the best way for me to take care of the new painted areas and detail them?

[spectrumphoto]

I too had always heard to wait at least 30 days before applying anything to the new paint except for the most mild of detergents when washing. Just go easy on the areas as the paint is still soft and curing.

[Kev]

They are right about the curing period. Just wash it with Zaino, P21S or CG car soap that are mild in the next couple weeks. Then, you can apply sealant afterwards.

[boynbeagle7]

That is true. The new paint needs time to cure. Some people recommend waiting 3 months before waxing.

[dawgdog]

I just had my trunk lid and rear bumper replaced. I was told to wait 60 days to polish or wax. In a warmer climate 30 days would probably be fine.

[Innovative Detailing]

At least 30 days minimum, and after 90 days have body shop inspect for shrinkage, bag marks, overspray or any other paint related issues. Most reputable shops offer a 90 day follow up, for exactly this.The BMW certified and owned body shop out here, their detail shop that I managed over the summer even gave a courtesy clay and D/A wax with the 90 day follow up

Dave @ Innovative Detailing

[johnL]

I had the paint shop double bake the paint on a previous car to speed up the curing process. Otherwise, I've always head to wait at least 30 days before detailing the paint.

[ScheerSpeed]

after the paint first dries, you can do anything but seal or wax. meaning, you can clay, polish, glaze, but just no wax or sealant. This is because the paint needs to "gas out" and all the solvents have to dissolve and evaporate, which can sometimes take 30-90 days.

However, Zaino claims that their sealants are safe to use on new paint, but i would still be skeptical about actually using it.

[Kev]

Originally Posted by ScheerSpeed

after the paint first dries, you can do anything but seal or wax. meaning, you can clay, polish, glaze, but just no wax or sealant. This is because the paint needs to "gas out" and all the solvents have to dissolve and evaporate, which can sometimes take 30-90 days.

However, Zaino claims that their sealants are safe to use on new paint, but i would still be skeptical about actually using it.

That's what the body shop manager at Kelly-Moss Motorsports told me when I had my old Benz fixed there. He said you should allow the paint to breathe for at least 30-60 days before you apply new wax to it.

[doba_s]

the more you wait the better it is for your paint ... you can wash is but don't wax it