Bad to compound repainted cars?

So, someone told me that you are not supposed to compound with high speed buff on repainted cars. Is that true? If so, why is that?

I know that you do not want to touch the paint for few days after it has been painted.

Thank you!

-tom

Repainted cars usually have more mils of paint and clear than factory paint jobs. This allows you to remove more material without damaging the finish.

In fact, many bodyshops include the buffing process to correct problems that arise after the painting process. There is a bodyshop-safe product line (no silicone polymers) of polishes and compounds that are designed for bodyshop use.

As for the cure time for paint, it depends on the paint. Traditional paint systems usually cure from the outside in and require a safe 30 days before any sealers are applied to avoid inhibiting the cure process. While uv and heat lights accelerate the curing process, aftermarket paint can not achieve the same quick cure that factory ovens enjoy because the OEM dips, paints and bakes vehicles before anything else is installed, so intense heat can be used without fear of damage. However, once the glass and interior stuff is installed, high bake ovens are out of the question. So, spot heat and downdraft booths provide the best aftermarket alternative.

Good rule of thumb: wait for a month until the paint cures (exhausts during the drying process) before waxing or dealing with any protectant.

Newer paint systems vary in time required, but bodyshops still embrace the traditional 30-days. You can handwash it with bodyshop-safe carwash in the interim.

Hope this helps...

-STEVE

Thanks for the great advice.

So, as long as I'm outside the 30 day window, then we should be cool.

Now, what happens if you unknowingly buffed a car that didn't completely cure?

Would "unremovable" swirl marks be one of the symptoms? BTW, it's black.

-tom

Not likely. All swirlmarks can be removed. Depending on the skill level of the detailer holding the buffer or sandpaper, it should be a relatively easy fix.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

-STEVE

If the car has left the body shop, then you should be fine to buff. Almost all cars painted at a good body shop will have some buffing done after the paint job. This comes from sanding any runs, dust, or other particles that may have gotten on the paint. The main thing is don't apply your sealer product for a while. The problem comes from sealing the paint and by doing this the paint can't dry properly. Just think of it as you normally seal the elements and bad things out but now your sealing wet paint in. Hope this helps.

If a car has been buffed shortly after painting it shouldn't have swirls. Although the paint will be softer you should be able to remove them. Just keep in mind if the paint job was done by a sorry painter who didn't use fine enough sand paper you may be seeing sanding marks. See if the marks your seeing are on the clear or if they are buried.

Do not want to get two entirely different issues confused.

You can compound a new paint job right after it dries.

You can polish a new paint job with about 18 hours after it is applied.

You should wait 60 to 90 days to put wax or any product with silicone on it to allow all solvent to evaporate, even though the paint may have been applied in a heated spray booth.

This information comes from Akzo-Sikkens one of the leading European automotive paint companies.

Regards

The answer depends on the quality of the paint job; materials, process and technique.

I would avoid buffing the franchise "El Cheapo" paint jobs at all costs. Usually, the vehicle is taped, scuffed, primed, shot and baked. In some cases, the vehicle is not even primed. I've seen this type of paint job delaminate and have sections fly off the vehicle while cleaning it with a self-service spray wand. Moreover, compounding can be a nightmare due in part to the poor quality of the paint.

Curing time also varies depending on the type of paint and drying method.

If you are not an experienced detailer, I would rely on the services of a qualified professional to make a well-informed decision.

I've seen an "El Cheapo" paint job where the car wasn't even washed before painting. Only the windows and headlights were masked; the taillight lenses were removed, and the reflector and bulbs inside were painted along with the car, then the lenses reinstalled. It looked like someone used house paint and a roller.