My Clubman was built about a month ago. Is there any reason not to wash and wax it immediately? Does the paint need a chance to "cure," or is that pretty much done by now?

I would like to get it coated before Iowa's bug population make their own patina on the bonnet.

 

You're good. Body shop paint needs about 30 days to fully cure before you seal in any of the gasses that are trying to escape. But factory paint is well baked on the line and has plenty of time to cure on the way over. Wax on.

 

Just remember...
"wax on...
wax off."

 

Thanks for the reassurance, MissLindsey

 

Is that like "Clap on, clap off: The Clapper"?

 

Bahahaha It's a reference to the original Karate Kid movie. (good times)

 

What are you going to use for the wash/polish/wax oldsbear? I'm going to do mine as soon as the weather clears up here, and I'm probably going to start using Prima products for the first time.

 

meguires, and mothers make great products! meguires ranks number one if im not mistaken. i have been using there products for years. the colors stay deep with a wet look. and you can pick em up anywhere!
also the factory paint on your mini is heat cured at the factory, so you can put wax on anytime you like.
If you had it painted at a body shop that has a spray bake booth, you would be fine to wax it rite away. if however you had a shop without a bake booth, then you would need at least 60-90 days for all the gasses to escape and the paint to cure.
My booth is not a bake booth, but here in AZ I spray it, and leave it out in the sun for an hour. It makes a huge difference.
Have you considered a clear bra? they work great, and are pretty reasonable.
Congrats on the new mini!

 

I use Zaino and Prima - both work great and last forever (ok, at least 6 months).

 

I hear many great things about Prima, but it's pricey and you have to order it online (i.e., no instant gratification). I've used Meguire's before with excellent results!

 

I am starting out with MINI Express Wax, from the dealership. On my 2007 MCS I used MINI Autowachs, which worked great, with water beading on it for months. However, the parts guy didn't have it in his catalog this time around.

 

I did consider it, but the 07 MCS did well on our roads without it, so I didn't go that way.

 

Six months is pretty close to forever these days (and months), MissLindsey

 

Six months is pretty close to forever these days (and months), MissLindsey I have used Meguiars before, but not these brands.

 

I always get my cars treated with the PPS system. It is essentially a teflon coating applied to the car at a high temperature. It costs around $300.00 and lasts about 2 yrs I would say. During this time you never need to wax, your car ALWAYS looks shiny, and washing it is much easier. (Most stuff just comes off with the hose-- no need for a brush)

That is just my two cents. I used to spend money on different waxes and polymers and I have tried many things... teflon on my car makes me smile.

 

Ok, here's my 2 cents:

I asked my MA this past weekend about waxing, she said that (my car at least) was waxed prior to delivery, so no problem waxing your car right after it's been built...

Also, I'm super OCD about keeping my car clean, and this one is really going to test me, so I've been researching the detailing posts and I've decided to go with the Prima products. Yes, they are more $$ up front, but I think it'll even out in the long run, having to use less product over time to keep the car shiny. And the reviews from NAM members have all been super positive, so I'm gonna go for it!

Chimera, keep me posted on how the Prima is working for you, and I'll report back on my findings as well!

 

Oh, and - I have a clear bra, too. Lewis takes a lot of hits and it seems worth the (steep - $650) price to me. When we had a warm day and I actually washed him by hand outside (hard to believe, it's snowing) I noticed that the clearbra had taken a few good hits. It was completed destroyed in a few places but the paint was fine - I'm sure those would have been chunks of missing paint. I may have to replace sections of the bra, but I'd rather do that than repaint (again).