How long should you wait before applying first coat of wax on a new car?

 

There's no reason to wait. You can apply a coat of wax/sealant when you get it home and the sooner, the better. Check out this thread about initial care for a new vehicle.

 

About as long as it takes for the hood to cool off after you get it home from the dealer!

 

Thanks guys!

 

I just picked up a new car as well (WDP though I'm not entirely sure it matters), and have spent a little time reading through here. My previous car got one helping of turtle (or whatever wax was on the shelf) at the local store once a year. Nearly all of the rest is brand new to me.

I'm not looking for anything insanely complex. Trying to follow the Zaino 35+ step process is making me bug eyed. Based on the information I've picked up here and elsewhere I think I can boil it all down to the following steps:


1. Lube and clay
2. use some sort of paint cleaner
3. use some sort of polish
4. use some sort of carnuba/poly liquid wax

Plugging brands into that is currently where I'm at. There are so many, all with slightly different/odd names. I see Excel's name on here enough that I would love to work through his site if possible, but am very open to suggestions as well. Number 4 for me will probably wind up being Four Star Ultimate Paint Protection
since there have been some positive comments on it.

Thoughts on specific brands/products to plug into the other three categories?

 

Nykor, UPP is a good choice as a last step product. You may find Optimum Poli-Seal (PS) of interest also. It's a all in one product that will clean, correct minor blemishes and a sealant to protect your paint. Send a PM to Exceldetail and he'll be more than happy to assist you.

 

If it's brand new no reason to do more than #1 and #4

Unless there are some dealer induced scrathes you'd like to get rid of right away

(Wash first )

 

I wouldnt even consider using a clay (Unless it was an ultralight clay) without polishing. You can polish without claying, but not vice versa. Claying, more often then not, will/may leave some micromarring, necessitating polishing. And with dealer prep, you never know what you got!

 

A light clay is all that he should need on the new paint finish, polish would probably not be necessary, but if you like to touch your car why not, or if he received the "dealer induced swirl option" then perhaps some swirl removal, but this is a WDP car so its very forgiving. Then a couple light coats of paint protection and your good to go!. I would use something that is easy for you to get ahold of and that works well, So I would vote for Meg's products. Readily available, not to expensive and just as good as the boutique stuff.

 

I'll say it again, if you clay, you should polish. Yes, the color is forgiving, until its in just the right light.........Its an hr's worth of work, that could save you from having to do it all over again.

 

I like to touch my car so I typically apply a polish, its very quick and easy like you say, and will remove any residue from the clay process, just cuz it looks so good, just dont stop there make sure to apply paint protectant

 

Well said.......