Ok, I get rear ended a few weeks ago. I just got my xB back from the body shop with a brand new rear hatch and bumper. Of course, these parts had to be painted. I was just wondering if I should take any sort of precautions while the paint is still new. I think I've heard you shouldn't wash or wax freshly painted parts for a certain period; is this true? The guy at the body shop had already left when I went to pick up my car, or else I would have asked him.

What about audio systems? Subs mainly. I have seen some people's cars with audio systems so strong they make the paint blister on the bodywork. I know I'm probably being overcautious, but I unplugged my factory Bazooka because it butts right up against the inside of the hatch and I don't want to risk the vibration possibly screwing up the brand new paint. Am I just being crazy or should I go ahead and leave it off for a few weeks while the paint sets? Thanks

umm you should probably not get hit again, that might mess it up

only hand wash your car for about a month. i am assuming that they basecoat/clearcoated you car, therefore there is no need for "wax" just use a "polish" wax has abrasives and will eventually wear out your clearcoat. waxing is for single stage paints like lacquers and enamals. as far as the bodywork cracking from the sound system, that is do to poor bodywork. also your hatch is new, so it should have no filler on it. hope this helps

Thanks for the tip, Will.

Thanks autopainter! I wasn't planning to wax it or anything, I was just curious to see if there was anything I should watch out for. Just because I'm typically overcautious, I'm planning to leave my sub unplugged for at least a week or two. Thanks again!

yup~ using a polish for the newly painted area is the safest method to protect that area until if fully cures. Of course, the rest of the car can be waxed without problem :D

How long does that usually take, curing that is? The car is clean now, and I don't plan to mess with it as far as washing or anything for a while.

I was told 30 days before polish or wax after my new paint

..And he said it would be fine to hand wash, no detergent, but car wash products are fine.

..And he said it would be fine to hand wash, no detergent, but car wash products are fine.

you should never use a detergent ( like dish soap) to wash your car. the detergents in the soap actually remove any wax or polish that you have applied and will dull you finish over time. a car wash soap is your best bet. and 30 days is the norm for a paint to fully cure.

also...after you hand wash it make sure to get the water off asap with a shammy or similar type of drying towel to prevent water spotting on the new finish.

Thanks to everyone for all the tips. Does anyone have any thoughts about the subwoofer thing, or am I just being crazy?

I don't have any thoughts on it, but you are crazy

I'll show you crazy... :D

yay, i wouldnt worry at all about the subs. your hatch is new, there should be no body filler on it. the filler is what is cuasing the paint problem on the cars youve seen. if the body filler is too thick it will crack from vibrations and split the paint. this is caused by not properly repairing the car. you should use as little filler as possible. lazy bodymen use too much filler. hope this helps

this is what i'm talkintg about kevin

Thanks again, autopainter!

Will....helpful as always.

you're welcome