New paint protection

[peterro]

As you may have seen my car was painted recently and is now home.  I have a new cover to protect it (California Car Covers) and there was a note in the box that said that if the paint was less than 6mo old, to contact your painter.  I did and didn't get a good clear answer, I suspect he didn't know all the ramifications.  I'd like to put the cover on, but don't want to damage the paint until it is fully cured.

Also, at some point I'd like to give it a coat of wax for protection. Since I'm starting from scratch and want to keep the shiny glow for as long as possible, what would be your recommendations?  What products to use etc.  When should I start using it?

Thanks

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Is this car being stored indoors, or outside?


I have heard to wait 6 weeks or more before applying wax to a new paint job...

If this car is indoors, then no problem with a cover. If this car is outside, then keep in mind high winds could move the car cover around some, thus the possibility of putting minor scratches in the overcoat. I think that is where the concern lies..


    Mike

[elitecustombody]

How old is the paint job? I s it base/clear or single stage?

[peterro]

The paint is about 8 weeks old and it is a base/clear. It will also be stored inside. I just checked the car cover warning again and it simply said to contact the painter for when and how to use the cover.  Not much to go on.

Thanks.

[elitecustombody]

where are you located? I'd wait another month or two and then put the cover on, some paint depending on application will stay soft for a while and the cover may leave print from fabric if it's tight, especially on the corners and sharp bodylines,it's safe to wax it now if you wish to do so

[peterro]

Thanks, I'm near Portland, OR.  Any recommendation on wax products?

[vinb]

I use Mother's Carnauba with no cleaners in it, works great for me...

[moparmaniac59]

I had my car painted about a year ago and had the PPG Concept 200 clear coat applied. At the time I was told it was the best stuff on the market. My painter told me to absolutely NOT apply any wax for at least 3 months after the paint job. All I can go on is what he said as I know NOTHING on paints, coatings, cure times or any other product data, but I am sure if you looked up the product on the web (like PPG products) you could find out a good bit of info!! I would wait at least another few weeks before waxing.


                                                               Matt B.

[elitecustombody]

It's safe to wax it, I've owned paint shop for nearly 20 years and never had any problems using wax even on 1 day old paint,

Meguiars Tech Wax is very user friendly and gives great results,

Has the paint been colorsanded and polished?

[peterro]

Excellent. It has been sanded/polished.

[elitecustombody]

do you know what system or products the paint shop used to polish the paint? I'd use cleaner wax to remove any sealants that interfere with wax bonding before applying wax,

[peterro]

I don't know what they used but I could find out.  I think if I just start with the right products, I should be in good shape for the long term.

So since you recommended the Tech Wax, would you then recommend the deep crystal cleaner and polish to prepare for the wax?

[elitecustombody]

yes, you will have to use cleaner wax before application of sealer wax if you want the best results, if you have plenty of time ,go to http://www.autopia.org/forum/, you'll find out more than you want to know about detailing and preserving paint & interior and everything else