Can I wash my car ???

[stanclub]

I honestly think this is a stupid question, but I just want to make sure ....

I was told not to wash a car with new paint on it for at least a month. However, every time I seen a car refinished at paint shop, they always look clean unlike mine ......... Have I got the wrong info from someone???

I know that I don't want to wax it for a month or two, till all the solvent evaporated. But, why not washing???

[Henry]

I honestly think this is a stupid question, but I just want to make sure ....

I was told not to wash a car with new paint on it for at least a month. However, every time I seen a car refinished at paint shop, they always look clean unlike mine ......... Have I got the wrong info from someone???

I know that I don't want to wax it for a month or two, till all the solvent evaporated. But, why not washing???

You can wash the car. I like to use a carwash soap that has sheeting action like a dishwasher to NOT let or limit any water spotting. Do it in the shade, don't let the soap dry and dry it off with a microfiber towel.

I stay away from wax for a couple months. Others on here will say no problem, wax anytime. To that I say, when the manufacturers say it instead of them saying wait 2 - 3 months then I might think it's OK but won't do it myself.

Don't get wet as you are washing. Henry

[Len]

I honestly think this is a stupid question, but I just want to make sure ....

I was told not to wash a car with new paint on it for at least a month. However, every time I seen a car refinished at paint shop, they always look clean unlike mine ......... Have I got the wrong info from someone???

I know that I don't want to wax it for a month or two, till all the solvent evaporated. But, why not washing???

I find that the softer the paint the longer you want to wait to wash or wax. If you painted with acrylic enamel you'll probably want to wait a week or two to wash and do like Henry said, don't let the water sit on it and dry it off quickly. If you used an inexpensive urethane I might treat it the same as acrylic enamel. A "good" high solids urethane can probably be washed and dried after about 24 hours and waxed after about a week.

[stanclub]

Thanks for both you guys' replies!!

I find that the softer the paint the longer you want to wait to wash or wax. If you painted with acrylic enamel you'll probably want to wait a week or two to wash and do like Henry said, don't let the water sit on it and dry it off quickly. If you used an inexpensive urethane I might treat it the same as acrylic enamel. A "good" high solids urethane can probably be washed and dried after about 24 hours and waxed after about a week.

How can I found out if my clear coat is "good" high solids or not?? I don't recall datasheet mentioning about it ....... or maybe I just overlooked.

The clearcoat I used is Transtar Euro Classic ...... It was painted last weekend.

[another2centsworth]

Thanks for both you guys' replies!!






How can I found out if my clear coat is "good" high solids or not?? I don't recall datasheet mentioning about it ....... or maybe I just overlooked.

The clearcoat I used is Transtar Euro Classic ...... It was painted last weekend.

You are good to go...I spray that clear and if its been hot (70 and above) where you are go for it!

[Len]

Thanks for both you guys' replies!!

How can I found out if my clear coat is "good" high solids or not?? I don't recall datasheet mentioning about it ....... or maybe I just overlooked.

The clearcoat I used is Transtar Euro Classic ...... It was painted last weekend.

If you're worried about washing you should be fine as long as the surface isn't hot and you wash it in the shade and dry it immediately.

I'm not sure about the products you're using so I'd recommend that you press your thumb hard against the surface for about 30 seconds, remove it and wipe. If the print wipes off and the surface is smooth you're probably ok to wash.

If the clear uses very little thinner (10% or less) you're probably ok to wax it after a month of hot weather.

[Henry]

Thanks for both you guys' replies!!






How can I found out if my clear coat is "good" high solids or not?? I don't recall datasheet mentioning about it ....... or maybe I just overlooked.

The clearcoat I used is Transtar Euro Classic ...... It was painted last weekend.

I am SORRY for giving you information without first knowing the paint you used. LEN called out a number of things I did not take into consideration - just assumed it's been at least a few days and you did use good URETHANE products.

I usually figure if I can wet sand the paint and it tolerates and is dry enough for that then washing is a go. I never wet sand anymore since finish film was born.

As for soap, I would use a product that says Bodyshop Safe. Keep us posted. Henry

[Serge]

Presta has a wax that can go on fresh urethane, its a breathable wax in the sense that it lets the solvents go while still protecting your paint...

Len can hook you up with that wax...

[another2centsworth]

Presta has a wax that can go on fresh urethane, its a breathable wax in the sense that it lets the solvents go while still protecting your paint...

Len can hook you up with that wax...

have you used it much?

[Serge]

Its the only wax in my body shop....Its not a spectacular wax but it does its job well.... but the fact that I can put it on anything makes it real useful when detailing a finished car without having to worry about die back....

[stanclub]

Thanks for all you guys' great info!

The car I have painted is my own car, so I guess that I will wait for another month before waxing ( I use Meguiars NTX wax ). Just washed the car yesterday late afternoon after about a week painted on hood, and 2 weeks on door and fender ........... I wiped off the water soon after it's washed, and everything is good so far!

[another2centsworth]

Its the only wax in my body shop....Its not a spectacular wax but it does its job well.... but the fact that I can put it on anything makes it real useful when detailing a finished car without having to worry about die back....

is it silicone free/body shop safe???

[Serge]

I don't know of a wax that is!....do you? I would love to find one.... I have searched long and hard but they seem to all have silicone in them...the liquid ones at least...

I use it because its breathable and its in the detailing area of the garage ... I never had a problem with contamination...