You should wait at least 90 days before polishing a new car's paint. The primary reason is that modern paint finishes require a curing period. While the paint is baked at the factory, it continues to release solvents and fully harden over several weeks under real-world conditions. Polishing too soon can micromarry the soft, uncured clear coat, compromising its long-term durability and gloss.
The most critical factor is the paint curing process. After the car leaves the factory, environmental factors like temperature and humidity continue to affect the paint. Here’s a quick reference based on common scenarios:
| Scenario | Recommended Wait Time | Key Rationale |
|---|
| Standard Factory Paint | 60 - 90 days | Allows for complete outgassing and hardening of the clear coat. |
| Car painted at a body shop | 30 - 60 days | Refinish paints may have different chemical compositions and curing times. |
| Vehicle stored in hot, sunny climate | Can reduce to 30-45 days | Heat accelerates the curing process. |
| Vehicle in cold, humid climate | May need 90-120 days | Cold and moisture significantly slow down the curing. |
| Ceramic Coating Application | Must be polished immediately before | Polishing is a required prep step for coating adhesion, but the paint must be fully cured first. |
Before you even think about polishing, give the dealer-applied wax or sealant time to degrade. Many dealerships apply a cheap protective sealant during pre-delivery preparation. You'll want this to wear off so your polish can work directly on the paint. A good rule of thumb is to wash the car 2-3 times to remove this temporary layer. The best way to confirm the paint is ready is by performing a bag test. Place a small plastic sandwich bag over your hand and gently glide it over the paint surface. If it feels sticky or tacky, the paint is still off-gassing and is not ready for polishing. Waiting ensures your efforts result in a deep, lasting shine instead of causing irreversible damage.
