Detail first or after

[DonCo]

My wife's car has several dents in the bumper, enough to require a replacement. Also 2 of the plastic covers are fading and one of them has clear coat failure. Was thinking of detailing - as in compounding, polishing (as it has swirl marks etc) before I took it in for the work. I was thinking of doing all the car except leave the 2 panels and bumper untouched. Should I do this or wait until after the body work?

[Atticus808]

wait until after just incase the body shop puts any scratches in the paint

[allenk4]

Correct the paint after the body shop, but make sure it is very clean when you drop it off, they tend to treat it better

Print a couple of " Do Not Wash" signs and place them.in the car, so they don't abuse your paint by washing it

[Mizzoutiger]

after...so only do once vice twice (before & after) for likely adtl scratches/micro-marring they'll make when do the work