I had an accident a month or so ago and I got my 4Runner back today. They repaired and repainted the entire rear quarter panel. I was wondering if any of you guys knew how long it has to be before I can put wax on it...or if I even need to wait any period of time. Thanks.

 

After I had some parts repainted from an accident, they told me to park it in the sun for like 2-3 days just to let the paint bake/settle? If it's been over 4 or 5, I'd say go ahead and wax.

 

my dad's been painting cars for like thirty years and when we repainted my car he said to wait a good 2 weeks or so. but if you cant stand the urge i wouldnt use anything that has even a mild abrasive in it.

 

With todays fast cure urethanes, you don't have to wait a month or longer to wax. Waxing will 'seal' fresh paint and inhibit the solvents from escaping and slow or prevent the paint from totally curing. 2 weeks sounds about right, myself, I'd wait longer...it's shiney right?

 

Usually no wax for 30 days has been my experience

 

Yeah, the paint is shiny. It matches perfectly. But, the rest of the truck hasn't been waxed in over a year. I'll wait about 3 weeks, then go ahead and do it. Thanks.

 

This question has come up many times before here and on the Autopia site. I asked a body shop this question also that repaired my truck two years ago. The body shop, and the consenus of the people on Autopia said the paint is cured by the time you pick the car up from the shop, and can be waxed immediately. Thats why they use ovens. If it makes you feel better wait a week or so.

 

When I had a little paint work, my body shop said to wait 3 months. I've been told this at 3 different local shops.

 

Maybe I should call the dealership where it was done. Thanks again for all of your replies.

 

I'd wait at least a month. I was watching a street rod show on ESPN and the Mothers guy said to wait about 60-90 days because it take a while for that stuff to completely cure out. He said there are still "wet" solvents in the paint and they need to completely discipate before you do anything to it, or they will get trapped under the wax (not a good thing).