Slightly confused as to order of products

[Detalnewb]

OK, so I'm planning a full detail on my truck soon. I've been reading on #21 recently, because I'm getting a small container of it along with some other Meguiar's supplies

So it's kind of a no-brainer to this point...
1) Wash
2) Clay
3) Polish (#83 and/or #80)

4) here's where I'm having problems. I was under the impression that it would be 4) sealant and 5) wax, but there was this post:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=10151.

TheFiveO said he put NXT then the sealant.

Mike showed this picturewhich sounds like it was the only LSP applied... (which, BTW, looks FREAKING SWEET Mike!)



Sooooo.... Question 1:
Wash, clay, polish, sealant, wax
or
Wash clay polish, seal OR wax
???

Question 2:
I don't always get two nice days (or "kitchen passes") in a row to do a reapplication of a product. 2 coats at once or just let it be so with one coat?

Sorry for all the questions lately... I just got my truck and it's the first thing I'm proud to detail. Now, I'm thinking of asking random people if I can detail their cars lol

[domobrien]

Different Companies refer to their LSP (Last Step Products) as different things. Meguiars uses waxs and sealent interchangebly. Meaning that products such as #21 and NXT perform the same job for all intents and purposes.

So you should find the best combination for your car and personal preference and stick to it. As for layering LSP well all this does is ensure an even coating of you "wax" so if time is an issue then one careful application is fine and because of the quality of Megs products will still look superior to anything else (IMHO)

Good luck, and post pics

Dom

[domobrien]

Dont forget you might want to use a cleaner of sorts depending on swirls etc anywhere from DC1 through 9, 80, 83 etc

[Mike Phillips]

Basically you want to follow the 5-Step Paint Care Cycle, that is,

Wash
Clay
Clean - This would be where you would use M83 and/or M83 and M80
Protect - Choose a wax NXT Tech Wax or M21, or M26, or Gold Class etc.


The Five O is a friend of mine and when he posted his write-up he was still in the learning and experimenting stages using the Meguiar's system, I think now days you'll find he applies his waxes at a slower speed setting and probably uses one wax or the other but probably not both in a single detailing session. Nothing wrong with this, but there's probably no benefit as NXT and M21 are different, but also similar products.

The key is to do your prep work correctly and after that any quality wax or paint protectant will simply take your results to a higher level plus lock in your hard work while adding a protective layer on the paint.

[Detalnewb]

Thanks dom and Mike. I've got clay, gold class and NXT wash, my PC and 26. I've got some 83, 80, 21 and some new pads coming from Rick at ADS ( )

Some other produts (sealants) I've used say it's best to do 2 immediate coats just to ensure complete coverage. Would 21 / NXT / 26 work the same way?

Thanks

[Murr1525]

Yes, 2 coats of wax/sealant is best. However, it it is good to wait at least 20 minutes in between coats, so the first layer can set up. It is best to wait 12 hours, but not all of us can do that, so try for at least 20 minutes.