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new paint rules....

kloadman97

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Joined
January 7, 2004
Messages
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City, State
Columbus, O.
Year, Model & Trim Level
1997 XLT 4x4
After 5+ long months of waiting for the schmuck who backed into my 97 XLT to get the repair work done, I finally have a brand spankin new fender. Still needs the accent stripe put on, but at least we've finally progressed in the right direction and I can pretty much forget about the guy totally. Long story of why it took this long, but that's not all that important now.

My question is this...I've heard several different theories/rules as to how long I need to wait before giving it a serious washing and waxing job (a good washing followed up by the MacGuire 3 step process). Some have said 30 days, others up to 60 days, and even a few who said 90 days. I don't want to go thru the process of having to get it repainted at my own expense, so I would appreiciate any advice/experiences anyone has had on how I should proceed from here. Even if it was a simple wax job on the fender and the 3 step on the rest of it, I would love to finally have the whole car looking outstanding for when I go on vacation in a few weeks.

thanks :chug:
 



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When I got my X painted they said 30 days but I did the next week. 2 years from then it's still fine.
 






you can wax it after water stop's beading on it
 






This time of year, 30 days is sufficiant.
 






30 days for the solvents to clear and the paint to cure
 






Thanks for the info all...one more quick question

Does the 30 day rule apply to washing, or washing and waxing?

Since this was taken care of "off the ticket" (although the part was purchased from and painted at a local Ford dealer) I have not been able to follow up with any of the repair shops I spoke with during the estimate process. Though it has been about a month since I spoke with them, I could have sworn one of them mentioned something to the effect of waiting a certain time frame and then I could wash it 6 times a day if I wanted to, but I had to wait XX amount of time before I could wax it, esp. if I planned on using the 3-step process. With bills as well as working towards a masters degree, I don't have the funds or the time to get it done again if I screw it up. Sorry to beat this dead horse again, I just want to make sure I have all my bases covered.
 






I have always been told to wait 30-60 days to wax my cars after being repainted. You can wash it but you need to be gentle. If you take it to one of those self washes with the high pressure spray, you will likely blast the paint off. It is okay tro wash it, just be gentle and use a mild soap (the bodyshop canb probably recommend one) for the first 30 days.
 






so even using the 3-step, which of course begins with a rubbing compound, can be done after 30 days providing I give the painted fender a gentle rather than intense wash job? I just want to get it all done since it has been sooooooooo long and it will be parked 300 yards from the ocean when I go on vacation in that wonderful, warm, humid salt air. I would like to wash it ASAP...looks like next week based on the numbers I am getting, but am more than willing to wait until like the 2nd or 3rd of June to give it a proper wax job, especially if waiting means I don't destroy the new paint.
 






simple washing is fine, but I would not give it any " harsh " treatments till the 30 days.
 






well so far so good. Washed it myself last week, it took all of about 2 hours to get dirty in the rain and what not, and then took it thru the drive thru power wash at the gas station and all appears to be well.

Still one question remains if anyone has a moment to field it. Later this week I plan on giving it another wash followed by a kick ass wax job. Even though we're beyond 30 days, would it be safe to use the entire 3 step process on the new piece, including the rubbing compound? Or to be safe should I skip that part and only use steps 2&3 on the new part and all 3 on the rest of the car?
 






You really shouldn't need the three step, but you should be fine.
 






Well I gave it a good washing yesterday. If anyone hasn't used it yet, I suggest giving the new Mr.Clean Auto-Dry washing system. That along with a good cleaning sponge and it looked great.

Then my friend and I went at it with MacGuires 3-step (although I didn't use the paint cleaner, step 1, on the new fender). Looking at it sitting in the street right now it turned out great. Now it's all good to go for vacation, ready to be attacked by bugs and salt water in the air.
 






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