New paint...how long before waxing?
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 130
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New paint...how long before waxing?
OK all you painters, here's a question for ya
I had my bike painted 1 month ago. My painter advised me to wait 3 months until I waxed it. Is it really necessary to wait this long? Does it take that long for the paint to completely 'cure/harden/whatever'? I know absolutely nothing about paint so please enlighten me.
Thanks
I had my bike painted 1 month ago. My painter advised me to wait 3 months until I waxed it. Is it really necessary to wait this long? Does it take that long for the paint to completely 'cure/harden/whatever'? I know absolutely nothing about paint so please enlighten me.
Thanks
Banned Camp
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, SC
RE: New paint...how long before waxing?
I'm not a painter, but I had my bike painted. I was told the same thing about waxing. I just took his word for it and followed his directions. I've heard the "3 month rule" a few times, so I'm guessing that it must be true. You have the right idea, though, of asking other painters. They're the best source for this type of advice. I just thought I would add my .02 worth.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 793
Likes: 23
From: AZ
RE: New paint...how long before waxing?
Very good question for the person who painted it.
If it was you then good question for the Forum.
Sorry I donj't have an answer but will monitor the thread I may need one.
Thanks
[8D]
Saint
If it was you then good question for the Forum.
Sorry I donj't have an answer but will monitor the thread I may need one.
Thanks
[8D]
Saint
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Augusta, GA
RE: New paint...how long before waxing?
New paint is dry when you pick up your bike (or parts) it however, is not cured. Depending on the type clear used, the number of coats, and the application technique, it could concievably take 3 months to cure.
If you get your car painted, it gets 2 color coats, 2 clearcoats, a quick baking in the oven, and out the door. According to the paint manufacturers, this takes up to 30 days to fully cure.
Now paint a bike, 2 to 3 color coats, now graphics or 2 tone, this could add from 2 up to 10 or more coats of color. What about candy or pearl colors, after all, it is going to be called a custom paint job. This could add even more coats. Now the clear, 3 or 4 coats, oh, you don't want to feel any graphic or pinstripe lines, so sand it and clear it 3 or 4 more coats.
The average motorcycle has more than double the film build of the average car, so how long do I tell my customers to wait before waxing.....................usually 90 days, this way I know that paint is fully cured before applying a wax that will seal in the remaining solvents causing pre-mature paint failure.
Listen to your painter, he's only trying to make sure your paint job lasts a long time.
If you get your car painted, it gets 2 color coats, 2 clearcoats, a quick baking in the oven, and out the door. According to the paint manufacturers, this takes up to 30 days to fully cure.
Now paint a bike, 2 to 3 color coats, now graphics or 2 tone, this could add from 2 up to 10 or more coats of color. What about candy or pearl colors, after all, it is going to be called a custom paint job. This could add even more coats. Now the clear, 3 or 4 coats, oh, you don't want to feel any graphic or pinstripe lines, so sand it and clear it 3 or 4 more coats.
The average motorcycle has more than double the film build of the average car, so how long do I tell my customers to wait before waxing.....................usually 90 days, this way I know that paint is fully cured before applying a wax that will seal in the remaining solvents causing pre-mature paint failure.
Listen to your painter, he's only trying to make sure your paint job lasts a long time.
RE: New paint...how long before waxing?
I love this stuff....
The paint cures pretty quick if its not covered. In the olden days (like 1990) it took 30 days for the paint to "cure".
Now today with paints, catalysts, sealers and the like, it depends on the painter and how quickly he put all the gunk on. With the time pressures on getting "extra" coats on as soon as possible, yes it can take 90 days or longer to cure. Personally I would wait 6 months. use the best shampoos for the paint and just wait.
I like it when the painter wants to get more curing before the next step (coat/graphics/detail etc.) I believe you get a better job, but it takes alot longer. WTH - get 5 bikes and dont worry.
...gene
The paint cures pretty quick if its not covered. In the olden days (like 1990) it took 30 days for the paint to "cure".
Now today with paints, catalysts, sealers and the like, it depends on the painter and how quickly he put all the gunk on. With the time pressures on getting "extra" coats on as soon as possible, yes it can take 90 days or longer to cure. Personally I would wait 6 months. use the best shampoos for the paint and just wait.
I like it when the painter wants to get more curing before the next step (coat/graphics/detail etc.) I believe you get a better job, but it takes alot longer. WTH - get 5 bikes and dont worry.
...gene
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 631
Likes: 6
From: Indiana
RE: New paint...how long before waxing?
My tins are getting painted now and I was wondering this myself. Guess I'll wait until December to throw wax on it.
I would assume it's ok to use detail spray on it in the meantime?
I would assume it's ok to use detail spray on it in the meantime?
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 976
Likes: 1
From:
RE: New paint...how long before waxing?
It's no poop that your should wait as long as the painter recommend! Paint will expand and contract over and over for quite awhile and is softest near the metal.. Waxing too soon will seal all the fine pours too soon and will cause very fine cracks in the clear coat.. If your painter used any addittives such as hardners, fish eye retarders then he will know best..
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