bumper re-finish

[danieldolin]

I just got my car back after having the front bumper and rear bumper guards re-finished. They fixed the damage the previous owner left for me and got rid of the holes that the dealership was nice enough to drill when they installed the license plate bracket. The dealers body shop did a great job and I am very happy with the work.

My only question is how long should I wait before applying wax to the fresh paint?

Thanks for the input...

Here are some before and after shots.

[ericinboca]

It depends - you really need to ask the body shop, but...

The issue with waxing an aftermarket paint job is with curing - the paint needs to be completly cured before wax goes on. In the factory, they usually cook the car to cure it, but that is not a great option aftermarket...so it comes down to what the paint manufacturer says for the paint used. Generally it is 30 - 90 days, though.

[danieldolin]

It depends - you really need to ask the body shop, but...

The issue with waxing an aftermarket paint job is with curing - the paint needs to be completly cured before wax goes on. In the factory, they usually cook the car to cure it, but that is not a great option aftermarket...so it comes down to what the paint manufacturer says for the paint used. Generally it is 30 - 90 days, though.

Thanks - I will contact the dealership on Monday and ask thier body shop guy how long... I meant to ask when I picked the car up but obviously forgot.

[stef]

I had body work done and paint matching, and they told me to wait at least a month before waxing. Washing is fine.

But it probably depends on what they had to do. I would definitely wait a month for any paint to cure completely, though.

Speaking of which, I should go wax it :)

Edited July 20, 2009 by stef

[danieldolin]

Thanks, I actually just ordered a bumper clearmask ar kit from clearmask.com that I am going to attempt to DIY after the paint has fully cured. The kit was only $130 with free shipping and free light guard kit included (which I needed b/c I am missing the film on my driver side headlight and I want to avoid cracked lights)... I figured it is not much of a price to pay if it ends up in the garbage and I get the light cover I needed. If it turns out good, I will order the fender and hood kit to match for the full front clear bra....

I will keep you posted in a few weeks of how the DIY instalation of the clear bumper goes...

[Jay H]

I wouldn't touch that paint for at least 30 days. It'll be pretty soft for that time period. Curing time also depends on the temperature, exposure to sun, etc.