New paint and wax

[jsandidge]

I've read that new paint needs some time to fully cure and outgas before first application of wax. How long should I wait, and anyone have suggestions on which wax to use?

[nvr2old]

You should give the new paint at least a month before applying wax..2 would be better. Mother's #7 Show Glaze is a great way to keep a shine but it will still let your paint breathe. Mother's products are really good. They make a Carnuba wax that works nicely when the time comes. Both products at all auto parts stores.

[jsandidge]

Thank you very much. I will wait. I thought Carnuba would be the way to go.

[Nessism]

Griots Garage One-Step Sealant and Wolfgang Concours Series WG-3000 are both excellent. They last longer than wax and protect well.

Glaze provided a high gloss finish that's devoid of protection agents. It's typically applied after buffing to bring out the shine just before delivery of a paint job to a customer.

[nvr2old]

I found Meguiars #7 Show Car Glaze. Is that what you meant?
https://www.autogeek.net/meg7showcarg.html

Lol..my bad..yes. Meguiars, not Mother's for both products. Sheesh..been using them for years you'd think I'd know the brand. Mother's waxes and polishes are actually good products, too, but the #7 Show Car Glaze is perfect for pre-waxing.

[Nessism]

Do either of those products stand up to an small gas spill better than wax?


Some Suzuki gas tanks from the 1960s don’t have the tube that protects the gas cap from gas sloshing around while you are riding. So they are more prone to weep a little gas than later designs. I use regular wax, but it could be worth switching to protect that gas tank paint.

I don't know for a fact but suspect they do. But even at that, nothing will protect your paint from a gasoline spill beyond a short time.

[nvr2old]

If the paint on your tank is a urethane with a hardener, you'll have no problem with gas spills. Gas will take wax off for sure, but the paint should be protected if it was catalyzed when it was sprayed. If it is a spray can job with no hardener in it, then gas will eat it alive unless it has a 2K clear coat or a single stage paint, again, with a hardener.

[jsandidge]

I did have an issue with gas on catalyzed clear on my 850. The shape of the tank has a recess around the fill hole that the cap sets in. I filled the tank (apparently a little too full) and came straight home. I put the bike on the centerstand in direct sun. As the tank heated, a small amount of gas "burped" out. A couple hours passed before I noticed the gas pooled in the recess. It melted the clear, but not the base color.

[nvr2old]

That's highly unusual. Did the gas get under the clear and cause it to lift..or was it just sitting there and it ate it's way through into the base coat..? If there is an exposed paint edge at the filler opening gas and/or fumes can get under the paint and cause it to lift, but I've never seen catalyzed, fully cured paint break down like that. Was it really hot out..? Today's gas is so corrosive, it might have just proved too much for it. Still very strange.

[jsandidge]

No, didn't get under it. I used JB weld around the filler neck after painting. It was really hot. The paint was probably only about 4-5 months old.

[nvr2old]

Boy, you did everything right. The heat is the only thing I can think that would do that..otherwise it's a mystery to me.

[wacky941]

This is what I use


We use it on our planes and it works great. I ordered some from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Aero-Cosmetics-Waterless-Aircraft-Motorcycle/dp/B00X04JRMU/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2KIOMC43WYN1X&keywords=aero+cosmetics+wash+wax+all&qid=1554047716&s=gateway&sprefix=aero+cosmetics%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1

The first time I saw this stuff being used was when I used to enter one of my cars into the AutoRama every year. In the beginning, I would use all the normal waxes and polishes that were supposed to be great but, it seems like I was always repeating the same process and it was a major pain in the butt. This stuff is way easier to use.

It applies very easily and is removed very easy plus, it doesn't leave a residue.
Another nice thing about it is that after you've used it a couple times, all you have to do is take a damp cloth and simply wipe your bike off and your bike is clean and shiny again without even using a water hose, a bucket, soap or a scrubber. If you want to, you can also just use the spray bottle that comes with it, spray some onto one of the micro mesh rags that come with it and use that to wipe it down.
It's really great stuff!

I use it on my motorcycle and my cars, I can't say enough good about it.