There's too many variables to give a definitive answer.
Enamel? Single-stage? Clear-coated? Metallic? Hot weather? Humid? Was the paint properly mixed with a hardener? Sprayed with HVLP or standard gun? Urethane enamel? Baked finish? Done in a heated spray booth? You get the idea.
I won't wax a fresh paint job until after I polish it. I won't polish until I can rub a hidden spot with polish and get NO paint transfer on a clean cloth. I won't do the polish step until I test a hidden area with a stiff plastic spatula for "hardness". The spatula should not leave a mark IN the paint but should transfer plastic to the hardened painted surface (any mark in the paint can be removed when you do the polishing stage).
I usually figure a minimum of three weeks but that's here in Tucson in the summertime with the car kept in the shade. A little less if the car is driven, more if the weather is cold or rainy.
Last edited by Mike D; 02-28-2009 at 11:28 AM.
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