2004 Grand Prix

[russell336]

Here are some pictures of a 2004 Grand Prix I worked on this weekend. It was a easy process as there were really no blemishes in the paint, just a few places that had some minor marring, easily removed by claying.
Here was the process I followed:
1) Wash and Dry
2) Quick wipedown and vacuum of interior
3) Clayed
4) Body Shop Professional Swirl Free Polish using a PC and polishing pad on setting five and removed with microfiber towel
5) One Coat of NXT wax using PC and polsihing pad on setting three and removed with microfiber towel
6) One Coat of Hi-Tech Yellow Wax using PC on setting three and removed with microfiber towel
Total time was about six hours.
I do not have any befores as it was cold (42 Degrees) and I wanted to get it (and me) into the garage where it was a little warmer.
Here are the afters, not the best as it was cloudy out but it still looked good.






I do have a quick question in regards to steps 5 and 6.
Was applying the second coat of wax a waste of time? I let the NXT set up for about 30 mins before applying the Hi-Tech wax but was that enough time? I know most here say wait at least 24 hours in between coats but I don't have that option when detailing someone else's car.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by russell336


I do have a quick question in regards to steps 5 and 6.
Was applying the second coat of wax a waste of time? I let the NXT set up for about 30 mins before applying the Hi-Tech wax but was that enough time? I know most here say wait at least 24 hours in between coats but I don't have that option when detailing someone else's car.

Looks good Gary,

As to your question on steps 5 and 6 and the amount of time to wait between coats. Here's something I wrote in a related question about applying two coats of NXT Tech wax but it also applies to a second application of any wax.

The idea behind waiting to apply a second coating is to allow a window of time to pass, to insure that all of the polymers have fully set-up. Anytime you introduce water or other liquids to the surface before the polymers have fully set-up you risk disrupting the polymers.

Some people cannot wait, or do not want to wait this long before applying a second coat, I know many times I don't have the luxury of time to wait until the next day to apply a second coat. If you are in this position, then it's completely fine to apply a second coat sooner. The 12 hour window of time is just a best case scenario for those people that want the maximum results possible. It's like giving the benefit of doubt to the process.


Don't worry about it. Two applications of wax are better than one application of wax as it insures uniform appearance and uniform coverage over the entire surface.

Good job by the way!

Mike