Auto body repair & detailing: color sanding new paint, buffing, color sanding

Question
what happens if you color sand and buff a car the day after you paint it? I was told to wait three weeks for paint to breath. what does that mean?

Answer
Hi Robert,

It really depends on the grade of paint you use. Typically I recommend Lacquers and Enamels to sit for about three weeks prior to color sanding and buffing. However, if it's a Urethane or Base-coat/Clear-coat finish it is best to color sand and buff the next day. If you wait too long with these types of finishes it makes the buffing job much harder to do if it's over say 3 days because the finish gets too hard. I hope this helps.