How long to wax after a new paint job? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Peyton300TD · #1 10-17-2003, 10:49 AM

So yea i just got my car back from the body shop with new paint on the hood and fenders because of the collision.

The guy there said wait 6 months to wax! I was shocked! He also said I can wash straight away using soap and water.

In your opinion, what's best for the health of the paint regarding washing and waxing? How long should I wait?

Eric

placo1 · #2 10-17-2003, 12:57 PM

Several manufacturers produce protectants which can be used on freshly painted surfaces. Look for a product which specifically states it is safe for fresh paint.

If you choose to stay away from any protectant then be sure to wash the car soon after a rainy day. Also remove any bird droppings and bug splatters using a Microfiber and water spray. Don't use a quick detailer as many contain silicones and waxes which may be harmful to fresh paint.

Car looks really nice BTW, glad you decided to keep it.

Pete Geither · #3 10-17-2003, 01:33 PM

Don't be in a rush to wax it as the clear needs a while to fully cure, especially in colder weather. Placo had very good advice about keeping the crap off it though. Bird droppings can be a killer on fresh paint. Love your wagon.

Peyton300TD · #4 10-17-2003, 02:38 PM

Thanks guys. I appreciate your compliments. It is reinforcing especially during times when you question whether it is smart to continue putting money into an old and monetarily worthless car.

I take it then, washing is just fine?

Eric

suginami · #5 10-17-2003, 08:14 PM

Washing would be fine.

I would take advantage of the helpful guys at Meguiars:

www.meguiars.com

They have a 1-800 number, and could talk about products that you can use on your paint.

BenzOnline · #6 10-21-2003, 04:18 PM

Funny I posted the same exact thing a few weeks ago and barely got a reply

......................I did the same with my 126 about 2 months ago. The rain water is losing its "bead strength" slowly and I have never waxed it yet.

Peyton300TD · #7 10-21-2003, 06:27 PM

that's a GORGEOUS 126. love the color!

usually you have to be careful how you craft your subject line in order to get more respones.

nice car

BenzOnline · #8 10-21-2003, 10:40 PM

thanks! Wish she was black though

///alpinepower · #9 10-22-2003, 11:19 AM

I highly recommend Glasurit for anybody getting a respray....I've had a 1987 300TD, 1994 190E, and a 1998 E36 M3 resprayed over the past 3 years and my results have varied....The bodyshop that did the 2 mercedes did good work, but it is failing on the Red 190E...

The white M3 is showing no signs of needing wax after 6 months. I tend to be more hands-off, but polish and wax when necessary.

dmorrison · #10 10-22-2003, 12:17 PM

Eric

Glad you decided to keep the car. I love the looks of the 123 wagon. I hope to get mine on the road soon. My "every 9 months" FAA training was completed last night and looking at your pictures is remotivating me to get the AC and dash rebuild complete. Your car really looks great.

I would find out what paint and or clearcoat was used on the car. Go to the site online and find out their recomendations. It used to be that with a car painting you waited 6 months befor touching the paint. But that was with laquer. Which is a paint that really never completely dries. I had an accident on my wagon and the Mercedes body shop put a "new" paint on the fender. Imron. Now if I want any work on that area I will have to have the Imron removed. Imron is great, the paint has a lifetime guarentee. It use on a lot of aircraft. But not many shops us it anymore due to the EPA requirements.
Again find out what the manufacture wants.

A side note. Raleigh? A college student? That wouldn't be my alma mater NC State, class of 76, Meteorology? Is Sadlacks still across from the bell tower? A small sandwich shop that I loved! I knew it was there in 84 when I was through Raleigh.

The car looks great.

Dave

Peyton300TD · #11 10-22-2003, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dmorrison
A side note. Raleigh? A college student? That wouldn't be my alma mater NC State, class of 76, Meteorology? Is Sadlacks still across from the bell tower? A small sandwich shop that I loved! I knew it was there in 84 when I was through Raleigh.

The car looks great.

Dave

Dave, thanks for your compliments. I really appreciate it as it is reinforcing with my decision to keep the car. Now and then I have doubts and druel over a 1995 w124 diesel, but I AM very attached to my wagon.

Are you training to be a commercial airline pilot?

Actually the paint on the hood and fender were a lacquer paint before they repainted it. I guess the car was in a wreck back in 1986 and they used lacquer to repaint it. You can see it still looked good (check out my picture on my signature). But it was a diff shade of black and oxidized pretty fast.

I didn't actually go to NC State, raleigh is my waiting room for my job really. My parents have a house here and I grew up here. So I'm bumming food and shelter from them until my job is settled. Which will probably be SF, CA.

As for sadlacks, yea it is still here and quite popular! I don't think they've made any improvements on it since you were last here in 84. It still looks out of the 70's. Tons of people there usually, especially on a nice day. And you've got the whole array of people- college students to hippies to lunch break downtown workers. I think people would freak if that place had to go.

Thanks again and i look forward to seeing pictures of your cars.

Eric

dmorrison · #12 10-26-2003, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Are you training to be a commercial airline pilot?

Why yes I am.

I'm practicing in the left seat of the Aircraft on the left ( an MD-80).

When I'm finally a REAL Airline Pilot, I'll be in the left seat in the one on the right ( a 777). Which I actually could fly now, but I would have to commute to either New York or Miami.

Dave

PS Sorry for the tongue in cheek humor. I've been a Captain for American Airlines for the last 13 years