Should you really wait 90 days to wax??

[Concep"R"]

I just hate to drive the car unprotected...does anybody know for sure how long to wait before waxing the factory paint?

[Concep"R"]

Well I guess I'll answer my own question here. According to the tech dept at Meguiars, Yes they say to wait the 90 days before touching the car with any type wax. They said you may use a polish if you want...but no wax products.

[02mach1]

Originally posted by Concep"R"
Well I guess I'll answer my own question here. According to the tech dept at Meguiars, Yes they say to wait the 90 days before touching the car with any type wax. They said you may use a polish if you want...but no wax products.

That's the right way, wait 90 Days so wax don't damage new paint;)

[MOMach1]

ConcepR, if you don't mind me asking, where/how did you get that info from Meguiars. I read on the site, or in my new paint prescription that 30 days was sufficient if an undercoat of polish was used since paint finishes are now "baked" on.

I just spent 10 minutes trying to find it again on their site and can't find where I saved the new paint prescription (age, I know :rolleyes: ) but I'm sure I checked before I waited the 30 days from build date.

I guess since everything seems ok, it doesn't matter anyway but I would really like to know where the 90 came from

Thanks

[Concep"R"]

MOMach1, I called them directly. I have their 02 product Catalog and it lists the tech numbers for their Surface Care Specialists.

(800) 545-3321

If you find somthing different, please post.

[Vegas Mach1]

Don't wait. You'll create extra work for yourselves and possibly risk some paint damage.

[MOMach1]

Thanks for the number ConcepR

Ok, just to summarize after three calls and I've lost count of how many FAQ and tech sheets...

The ninety day wait period doesn't seem to be universally accepted and includes a safety margin. The problem seems to be that application of natural wax (canuba, etc) can interfere with the paint fully drying; however, the current paint process includes forced drying (sometimes called baking) that alleviates some of the concern. Again, I don't know any of this personally.

Polish seems to be universally acceptable and waxing over the polish is less of a concern (???). Some faqs recommended immediate protection since the prevention of environmental and chip damage outweighs the concern over paint drying.

This isn't meant to be authoritative, in a lot ways I'm more confused than ever. I thought, especially on the internet, I would find some scientific study that would answers the question but it all seems to be more opinion than anything else.

If you count from the build date I waited 30 days and did put on an undercoat of polish so I'm not concerned, personally, about the drying period.

Anyway, I'm not trying to argue with anyone. I've always polished and waxed early and I'm satisfied with Meguiars products so I am no longer worried that I damaged the paint (I am glad it was at least 30 days though). I guess reading back over this reply I probably just muddied the waters more :rolleyes:

[Walt]

With the amount of salt on the roads right now, it might be another 90 days until I dare take it out of the garage again.

[Concep"R"]

I am going to need some Claybar. A closer inspection after the first wash revealed some factory overspray. Micro brownish dots...uuhhhhh!!! Going to meet with the dealer bodyshop Mgr next week to decide when to do it and discuss paint care. They encouraged me to bring it in if I found any imperfections.

[Verk]

Originally posted by MOMach1
Thanks for the number ConcepR

Ok, just to summarize after three calls and I've lost count of how many FAQ and tech sheets...

The ninety day wait period doesn't seem to be universally accepted and includes a safety margin. The problem seems to be that application of natural wax (canuba, etc) can interfere with the paint fully drying; however, the current paint process includes forced drying (sometimes called baking) that alleviates some of the concern. Again, I don't know any of this personally.

Polish seems to be universally acceptable and waxing over the polish is less of a concern (???). Some faqs recommended immediate protection since the prevention of environmental and chip damage outweighs the concern over paint drying.

This isn't meant to be authoritative, in a lot ways I'm more confused than ever. I thought, especially on the internet, I would find some scientific study that would answers the question but it all seems to be more opinion than anything else.

If you count from the build date I waited 30 days and did put on an undercoat of polish so I'm not concerned, personally, about the drying period.

Anyway, I'm not trying to argue with anyone. I've always polished and waxed early and I'm satisfied with Meguiars products so I am no longer worried that I damaged the paint (I am glad it was at least 30 days though). I guess reading back over this reply I probably just muddied the waters more :rolleyes:

Agree with you completely! Its my understanding that current painting processes do not require a 3 month waiting period before waxing. I waxed my 97 Mustang Cobra, my 99 Corvette, and my 03 Mach 1 the day I brought them home. No problems!!

As a daily driver, I want protection on my paint as soon as possible and have had no problems with this approach. Everyone has their favorite wax....mine just happens to be Zaino.