[MY340i]

Just collected my 340i from the bodyshop today, they've done a fantastic job repairing the rear bumper.

Car definitely needs a wash but not sure how long I should wait before giving it one?

[muniz_ri]

Originally Posted by Barsj111

Just collected my 340i from the bodyshop today, they've done a fantastic job repairing the rear bumper.

Car definitely needs a wash but not sure how long I should wait before giving it one?

I would call the shop and ask just to be certain.

[Techno 9000]

Typically the new paint is still soft. Leave it as long as you can, say two to three weeks and even then be careful for the next few weeks if you really care about avoiding introducing unwanted swirls etc.
I take it you care since you are asking.

[Pizzaeatingking]

After mine had some paintwork I was called and asked if I wanted the car back or wait till the next day after they'd washed it. I took it back that day and washed it a few days later without issue.

I'd check with the body shop who painted it but I wouldn't expect the need to wait too long tbh.

[ian332isport]

I’m not sure you really have to wait with modern paints. Back in the good old days you had to wait for all the thinners to evaporate out of the paint. Modern paints that cure through chemical reaction with a hardener (much like epoxy glue), don’t really have this requirement.

[SteveChester]

I'd leave it a couple of weeks just to make sure.

[Alscoob]

Depends on the paint used but modern day paints are baked in the oven to cure.

Bodyshop I used would always wash the cars prior to customer pick up to get all the dust / machine polish residue off. Yes painted cars are polished to give a depth of shine otherwise it's just a high surface gloss sheen.

So on that basis would suggest it's safe to wash. If you're worried wash the rest of the car as normal and be extra careful with the rear bumper.

[DarCol]

As others have alluded to, once the paint has been baked and usually polished by the bodyshop before you collect it, it will be hard enough to be washed.

It's less about when you wash it and more about how you wash it in my opinion.

If it were me I would definitely be more than happy to wash 24 hours after collection.

[MY340i]

Thanks all - sounds good. Will give it a light wash next week

[LineBacker]

Originally Posted by Techno 9000

Typically the new paint is still soft. Leave it as long as you can, say two to three weeks and even then be careful for the next few weeks if you really care about avoiding introducing unwanted swirls etc.
I take it you care since you are asking.

This!