Best coating to apply to fresh paint?

[Mr.Jimbo]

Hello all,

I'm about to receive my E46 M3 back from the paint shop with a shiny new full respray. Very happy about this, but obviously want to keep my new (fairly pricey) paint looking tip-top.

I've previously used Autoglym HD wax on the car since I got it, with good results, however I find that after 6 months or so it gets duller and shows the swirl marks again, and applying is a PITA when you have to clay, polish and then wax. So I'm thinking Ceramic coating.

What would you recommend? I've used Carbon Collective stuff before but only on wheels, and likewise Gtechniq. The car is being trailered back to where I keep it in the garage, so fairly confident it'll be in the best condition to do it and stay that way.

The bodyshop wanted £200+VAT to apply a ceramic coating which I thought felt a bit steep. On fresh paint, without needing a polish etc I'm fairly happy to DIY.

[Summit_Detailing]

Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light or C1 are super easy to use for a DIYer.

I'd check with the bodyshop as to how long they recommend waiting before applying a coating, most will say 3-4 weeks from previous experience.

Also make sure you look over the paint with a light source as it is fairly likely that the bodyshop finish will need some tweaking to get it to an acceptable standard prior to coating.

Cheers,

Chris

[Chris32345]

Nothing for at least the first month usually

If you have another car better to avoid using it for a few weeks to let paint harden fully

[Mr.Jimbo]

Thanks both, without knowing what the body shop would use, is there any benefit in having them do it? Access to better stuff?

I already asked the manager and he said it would be ready for coating straight away, and to be fair the car was painted nearly a month ago, it’s just been in reassembly and waiting on some trim parts.

Will look into the crystal serum stuff