How long after new paint?

[nickgodfrey]

I have a regular customer with a Benz SUV that she bought in kinda rough shape. She's getting all the rust and dents fixed in a couple weeks, and then wants a full correction on it after that. My question is how long does that paint need to harden before I can go after it with compound, polish, etc.? And to make it more fun, it's black!

 

[shoeless89]

I THINK you can polish it pretty soon after repaint. Just can't seal or wax for a while. I've head varying answers, anything from a couple weeks to 90 days. I'm sure someone with more experience in this area will answer more confidently lol

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

My question is how long does that paint need to harden before I can go after it with compound, polish, etc.?

Usually 2-3 days after it's been painted you can start sanding and compounding. Depends upon the painter and how he mixes his paint, for example using a fast or slow drying reducer. (solvent). Also whether or not they bake the finish after painting.

Some production refinishing paints are made so they can be sanded and buffed the next day, but most shops would be waiting a few days before the sand and buff.

We sanded and buffed this Blazer about 7-8 days after being painted.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...wetsand-cut-buff-saturday-february-4th-4.html



Here's few articles on this topic,

Fresh Paint - But you can touch it...

Body Shop Safe Glaze on Fresh Paint - #7 Show Car Glaze

And to make it more fun, it's black!

Black isn't a color, it's a full time job. Since it's black, be sure to match your services to the type of customer you have, see this article,


A few tips on starting a part-time detailing business

 

[nickgodfrey]

Mike Phillips...always awesome!

I've done a solid one step for this customer before, and she knows she's got a lot of light scratches and swirls and hates it. I'm definitely going to go over different options and prices with her ahead of time.

It's good to know I don't have to wait months like I feared after the paint to get to this one!