Clay New Paint

[Volrus]

My wife's vehicle is in the body shop having the front end repaired (minor accident). The front bumper and front quarter panels will be painted. Can I clay it when I get it back this week or do I have to let the paint cure for a while?

[OCDetails]

You shouldn't need to clay the new paint. Claying is only for when there are other contaminants on the paint. The rest of the car may have overspray on it, but your new paint should be pretty smooth. At any rate, you should ask the body shop how long to wait before polishing or waxing the new paint. They are the ones who know best what their process was in doing the work, so their word is the only one you should be looking for. Some say 30 days and some say 90 days before waxing. Listen to them and don't wax before the time is up. If something goes wrong with their body work then you don't want them to be able to blame you for waxing too soon.

[Pb]

I always clay and polish pretty soon after body work. There is usually some overspray somewhere. You can clay and polish without hurting the paint. But waxing fresh paint can "clog it up" and prevent the paint from breathing and releasing it's chemicals or whatever. Ask your body shop if they cured the paint in a heated booth. If the paint is cured you can wax pretty soon.

[Volrus]

Originally Posted by Pb

I always clay and polish pretty soon after body work. There is usually some overspray somewhere. You can clay and polish without hurting the paint. But waxing fresh paint can "clog it up" and prevent the paint from breathing and releasing it's chemicals or whatever. Ask your body shop if they cured the paint in a heated booth. If the paint is cured you can wax pretty soon.

Thanks, I wasn't going to clay the new paint, just the old paint where there may (and likely) will be some overspray.

[dwmmatt23]

yea its a good idea to clay after any kind of touch up or paints, chances are theres something thats shouldnt be there