I just got my car back from a repaint job. The guy said to wait a month before I wash the car. Is that necessary? If it is, what do I do in the meantime? Just let the new paint get dirty? It's already started to get dirty. Thoughts? Thanks.

 

Don't quote me on this, but I always thought it was fine to wash a freshly painted car basically right when you get it back. Waxes/sealants are a no-no though.

 

I think the theory is that you don't want to grind stuff into the paint until it's cured. My car is going in for paint in a few days and I think my plan is to rinse the car but not actually wash it. I'm not positive yet though.

 

I would wait about a week..Then wash it , but def. dont wax or polish it for about a month or 2...

 

Washing the car is fine, but you cannot wax/seal a car before 30-60 days. When my '02 got tagged, I had to wait 60 days before I could even clay it.

 

I just got my Max out of the shop about 2 1/2 months ago. They gave it back to me clean and told me that washing was fine after about a week. I would recommend using a good car washing soap so as not to leave small scratches. They also said to wait 2 - 3 months depending on the weather, Warm/hot dry weather will cure the paint faster

 

I asked the shop again. They said to definitely not wax the car, wait a month. As far washing, they recommend just washing it with water. I might just use a wet rag to do it. He did say I could soap, but it has to be some sort of very mild soap, I think he said something like dish washing soap. I'm going to just use a wet rag for now.

 

Def dontn use dish soap..it will strip the wax off your car...just use very little regular soap and warm water, you will be fine...good luck

 

DONT wash your car with just a wet rag, you will do more harm than good. There is a purpose for using car wash soap, it makes the surface slick so when you move dirt off of the car, it will not scratch. When using just water on a dirty surface, all you are doing is rubbing dirt into your finish. Car wash soaps are mild soaps, they have very little cleaning power at all, its mostly just lube. On the other hand dish washing soap is a lot harsher, and would not reccommend it. Some people will use Dawn on their car when it is very dirty, but they use it to strip the wax off of it because it is so strong. Not to insult the person that painted your car, but he's full of it. Use meguiar's gold class or similar and a lambswool mitt and you'll be fine, dont use anything other than this.

 

Ok, thanks guys. Glad I didn't wash the car yet.

 

The difference between water/dishsoap/whatever, and car shampoo is that they aren't really designed to lubricate, which is a big thing for me. I love the ("cheap") blue Zymol stuff and #00 is good too.

 

YES, a rag is definitely a bad idea. Especially on fresh paint you want tons of lubrication and water. Just use car soap and water with a chenille wash pad and BE GENTLE.