New Paint

[djspawn00]

I recently had a car repainted (Pearl White) which I should be picking up tommorow, I'm just wondering what would be the best products to protect this new coat of paint. The entire car was sanded, primed, and painted over so this isn't a second coat.

If anyones wondering its a 907'd Salvaged 2002 M5...

[TOGWT]

B) Newly re- painted vehicle-

1. Oil-based paint, lacquer or enamel and low solids paint systems were formulated with solvents (30-80% dependant upon manufacturer) The volatile organic compounds (VOC) in modern automotive paints are now greatly reduced due to recent legislation, which greatly decreases the amount of out-gassing.

2. Newly applied paint needs to dry and the solvents need to (out-gas) evaporate for sixty to ninety days (60-90) to enable the paint off gassing and aerobic curing, if the paint is covered with a conventional wax or sealant it will arrest the gas off (evaporate) /cure aerobic process. Sealing paint before it has completely out-gassed will result in permanently soft paint. (See also Paint Curing)

3. Water-based high solid/low solvent and urethane paints used by PPG Industries, DuPont Chemicals, and BASF Aktiengesellschaft and most other paint manufacturers are not as chemically resistant as the older paint systems as they are porous, but do not require time for the gas off (evaporate) /cure aerobic process., as they are either catalyzed (i.e. a chemical process that cures paint) or oven-dried. But I would suggest waiting for approximately ten to fifteen days before any product application, which should be more than sufficient time to enable paint off gassing and aerobic curing. Professional painters add chemicals; accelerants and compounds to their paint mix prior to painting to improve flexibility, reduce paint imperfections, increase hardness, improve gloss and reduce curing times.

4. Applied after polishing, a glaze is the make-up that hides flaws and gives paint the sheen it had in the showroom. The common ingredients in a’ fresh paint safe’ glaze are: water, glycerine (to produce a high shine) amino-functional mineral oils, solvent, and mild abrasive Kaolin (China clay) to burnish the surface and produce a gloss, they exclude silicone and wax, some polymers are also formulated as ‘fresh paint safe’

5. The application of a specific “fresh paint safe” polymer type product, Zanio Z Polishes (exclude the use of either Z1 or ZFX™) or Klasse, allow for an ‘initial gas off’ (evaporative aerobic) process of seven (7) days before application. These products are completely safe for any fresh paint system as they allow the solvents in an oil-based paint to outgas and provide some protection for any type of paint surface. After approx. thirty days (30) the paint surface can be protected with a regular polymer sealant and/or Carnauba wax. (See also Notes below)

6. Abrasive polish should be avoided until the paint has cured (usually 24 hours) an abrasive polish will not necessarily harm the soft new paint but unless it’s absolutely necessary I would avoid it. Vehicle washing is encouraged but avoid car wash concentrates that contain any harsh detergents, alkali, acids or wax (recommended products- Zaino Z-7™ Show Car Wash, Groit’s Car Wash) also avoid car washes that uses a high-pressure spray or wax or harsh detergents.

Notes:

1.Do not use a car cover until the paint is fully cured

2.A paint film surface is a delicate thin coating easily dulled and very easily scratched, so choose carefully the advice you listen to and most importantly what advice you act upon.

3.The body-shop / paint manufactures know their products; seek their advice so as not to void any warranty. Paint manufacturer have specific technical guidelines on how to use their products to affect a warranted spot/panel/ repairs or a full repaint. This preserves both the paint manufactures and factory warranty.

4.Some Carnauba waxes contains paraffin wax, which effectively ‘seals’ the paint surface more than a polymer due to its formulation.

[tsantoro]

Great post TOGWT. A little off the subject, can a spray lubricant/ gloss enhancer (Meguiars Final Inspection) be used on fresh paint? Also, what is in these products to give them their lubricity?

[TOGWT]

I have nothing against Meguiars products, but I don’t use them and will only recommend what I have first-hand experience of. Check to see if it contains Carnauba wax, if it does do not use it on 'fresh' paint.

Silicone is used in car care products for many things amongst them lubrication (spreadability)

[djspawn00]

Thanks for the great post TOGWT, turns out the car will be indoors for the next month or two as the custom interior is being started ahead of schedule. I'll definitely keep the info you shared handy.

[TennesseeLexus]

Thanks for the great post TOGWT, turns out the car will be indoors for the next month or two as the custom interior is being started ahead of schedule. I'll definitely keep the info you shared handy.

Pictures?????