How long to wait after re-paint?

Hey all,

Ok, I know this has probably been posted a million times in the past, but I couldn't find anything in the search...

I just got my car back from the body shop. How long should I wait with the new paint before I bust out the Zaino?

I'm planning on starting fresh with a Dawn wash and clay bar.

TIA for any advice.

You can use the polish by itself now if you want. Wait 1-2 weeks before using the Z-1 or the ZFX though.

My bodyshop said to wait 2 months before applying any type of protection. I've heard alot of varied times on this subject though

Zaino isn't like a wax, you don't have to wait that long with Zaino. I've known some people who applied Z-2 or Z-5 to the surface before leaving the paint shop with NO problems. BUT you do NOT want to use the Z-1 or ZFX along with it for at least the 1-2 weeks.

Cool, thanks for the advice guys. :D

I was planning on waiting 6 weeks, which I think I'll do anyway since 6 weeks from the day I got the car back would be the first day of spring (March 21), and the car doesn't wanna come out before that anyhow.

But maybe I'll start the Zaino process before that... depends if we get a decent Saturday here in the Windy City before March 21.
But I'm not expecting it... stupid Chicago weather.

I guess claying would be out of the question too then?

Hmm, have always washed, clayed, Zainoed the next day.

Well I got a buddy redoing his paint and is looking forward to using the zaino products but more clarification on this would help.

Freshly painted cars don't need to be clayed. Any contaminants on the car's surface were stripped off when the body shop stripped the old paint. I wouldn't think you would need to wash with Dawn either because there is no wax to strip off, but it wouldn't hurt, so might as well.

I had my spoiler re-painted last year, so I had ask Sal Zanio when I can reapply the Z. His response was to wait a week, then it would be fine.

You should be able to wash it and clay it if you want but you shouldn't really need to clay unless there is some overspray on the paint that needs to be removed.

Unless the panels were baked, and it sounds like they weren't, then you have to wait at least 30 days before putting anything on the paint that will seal it and prevent off gasing. That includes all waxes and anything with a silicone in it.

A body shop safe glaze would be fine if you want something to add some shine but other than that don't apply anything. Seriously, we are not talking about a long time here and not a lot is going to happen to your paint over this time. Would rather just play it safe.

Thanks, I'll pass this info on.

It all depends on the type of paint applied. If it contained an accelerator you probably can wait about a month. What you have to realize is that the paint must dry from the inside out and that the medium used to apply the solids must dissipate. Years ago I used to paint with nitrocellulose lacquer and I waited about six weeks before polishing and waxing. Wax seals the surface, and therefore prevents the paint surface from "venting". Today's paint products are much better but also are more dangerous to apply. Some accelerators will fry your brain at the worst if applied without protection.
You should ask the shop that painted your ride for recommendations. One more thing. Do not use dishwashing liquid on your car. Use only products designed for automotive paint finishes.