How to use rubbing compound on fresh paint? *new question*
 

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so I applied some rubbing compond on the newly painted part of the bumper after waiting 5 days. now that spot looks "dull", but its more smooth than before. I think i already applied enough clear coat (~3 layers) and the 3M rubbing compond says "clear coat safe". Any idea how I can make the part "shrine" again?


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does anyone know how long do i have to wait after a fresh paint job to use rubbing compound? the spray can says wait 48 hours, is it enough? this is just for some small area that been spray painted to cover the scratches btw.

Whever I do a spray paint job I always spray it, let is dry a day, wet sand it, then polish it smooth.

If you just got body work done, you shouldn't wax it for at least a month. I've seen people try to wax a hood a day after it got repainted and it took the paint right off. It probably depends on how long the paint has had to cure. Rubbing compound is a lot more abrasive than wax, so....

more like 3 months

thats what i was thinking. I shaved my trunk a year and a half ago and still havent waxed it. better safe than sorry.

Guys, he is talking about rubbing compound and polishes, not wax. The only reason not to use a wax or a sealant on the paint is because the clear will not cure properly. That is what the 3 months is about. When you have body work done they polish it before you get is back, and if they didn't your paint would look like garbage. So, to say you have to wait 3 months to polish is not right at all. As long as you use a body shop safe polish you can go to town on it right now.

I use Poorboy's Polishes and I know Mequiars and 3M both make body shop safe polishes and compounds.

thanks danase for clearing that up. rubbing compound is not the same thing as wax. :) and yeah, i got some 3m ones, i'll try it out to see how it goes.

No problem-o. Just seems there is so many misconceptions about paint and paint care. I try to clear up things as much as possible.

You want to wait till the paint is dry. Just make sure the compound does not contain any silicone (most compounds don't). As far as waxing goes wait for about 90 days before you wax. In the mean time apply a pure polish for temporary protection.

whats the difference between compounds that contain silicone and the ones that dont.

MeguiarsEM what can I use on the car before the three months for wax?

bump for new question:
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so I applied some rubbing compond on the newly painted part of the bumper after waiting 5 days. now that spot looks "dull", but its more smooth than before. I think i already applied enough clear coat (~3 layers) and the 3M rubbing compond says "clear coat safe". Any idea how I can make the part "shrine" again?

Use a less aggressive polish. Step down to something really light abrassive and that should do the trick.