Paul, my friend, this one is all yours!

 

This has turned out to be a good post... Ive gotten a lot of good info.

It seems as if I will have to wait a bit before putting a good coat of Wax on

Thanks for all the help

 

My dealer has a great guy that washes Corvettes and even uses a clean bucket!

 

I agree with Talon 90. It takes a couple months for the clear coat to harden. I would wait just to be sure.

 

OK, what would be the consequence of applying a protective polymer type of "wax", like Meguiars NXT, to a new Corvette factory paint job?

Has anyone actually seen some sort of problem emerge? Could you describe what you saw?

 

This question comes up from time to time. I am by no means an expert, however, I haven't seen anyone damage a C6 surface because they waxed it "too early". Plus, I think there's actually two issues here. The technical "curing" time may not be related to whether waxing will hurt it. I gotta believe that if you could, GM would say so since they own the warranty. As I recall from my museum delivery I watched the guy waxing cars that were going into the museum for next day delivery. If it concerns you, I'd wait. If not, I think you'll be fine. Just my .02 cents worth, good luck and enjoy!

 

Or wax it.

 

But uses the wash mitt he just used on the muddy 4 x 4 or uses a stiff bristle brush.

 

GM is not concerned about surface treatments as the vast majority of cars built are delivered to dealerships, the majority of those cars are purchased for dealer stock. The reality is that most will sit on lots exposed to the elements and be fully cured long before anyone brings them home.

The owners manual has simple guidelines for finish care, notice they do not recommend but rather acknowledge that it may be necessary from time to time. They also offer caution against using any type of abrasive wax or polish on the surface:

Regarding not waiting, the only possible "damage" are fine scratches or swirls that could occur, will they, not necessarily. The paint will continue to cross link over time until it is fully cured.

The sealants like Zaino and Rejex contain no abrasives so they will not scratch or swirl the clear it is the rag or method of application that can do minor surface damage. The polish or sealant itself will simply retard the curing process further.

The NCM does not "wax" they simply spray on a C-Magic detail spray which is the equivalent of a Z6 gloss enhancer from Zaino or a Meguiars quick detail spray.

The clear coat that is on the Corvette is actually one of the hardest in the industry and is very resistant to damage from the sun and the elements. The hardness however contributes to the surface brittleness which is what contributes to micro swirls and scratches. There are however always minor peaks and valleys that prevent that wet like shine that we've become accustomed to when adding a Zaino, Rejex or other surface treatment. These treatments fill in these minor imperfections and allow a better light reflection and "gloss".

 

The vast majority of today's wax's, Meguiars, Mothers, Zymol, Zaino, etc. are all non-abrasive, some synthetic, and will not harm the clear coat. Although the C-Magic applyed at the NCM is a detailer, it still has a wax component, enhancers and bonding agents. They (GM) don't have a problem with applying this product to the new paint.

There are folks that polish their car at the museum right after delivery. Some wait a day or two, some wait a month. I haven't heard or read from anyone that said their paint (clear) was scratched or damaged because it was waxed to early.

Here's what the folks at the NCM told me. "We suggest not to wax for 30 days, but if you use a non abrasive, clear coat safe, wax or polish it's okay to wax it. Don't be overly aggresive (high speed buffer, etc) and use a good product."

Most car's, whether NCM or dealer delivered, have been exposed for nearly 3 weeks.

~AL~

 

Just a minor correction to your statement above that

They (GM) don't have a problem with applying this product to the new paint.

The NCM is not in any way affiliated with General Motors. They are an independant not for profit orgainzation.

 

Picked my car up at the museum and they told me they had put a coat of C-Magic detailing spray on it. Also informed me that I could wax it with C-Magic wax as soon as I got it home - and I did!! Looks TERRIFIC.