Brand new paint, looking to keep it perfect...

[Justin Horne]

I posted this in aother forum, few replies, thought I'd try here too... Cut and paste, so you know..

Allright, in about a week, my car is going in for it's $4500 Corvette black, with cut and polish paint job... As you can likely tell, this is a big deal for me, and I can imagine it will look spectacualr.
Anyway, with brand new paint comes a swirl free base. Before, I've been using NXT tech wax and the Meg's applicator. I know how to wash a car the correct way (thanks to reading here.)
That said....
What specific thing should I use to wash with? I've got a good mit right now, but I'm just gonna buy something new for this, I figure there's no reason not too...
What wash solution? NXT wash, or something else?
Drying: Right now I'm using some autozone MFs, but it's about time to get better ones.. I was looking at the Meg's Water Magnet thing, any good?
Wax... I've heard that wax on young paint is very bad for about 3 months, so what should I put on to protect the paint? Some form of glaze?
Also, there's a Clear Bra going on the car.. Should that go on over whatever protectant, or not?


Ah, so many questions.. I tried searching, but when you want to find "New Paint," and 'New' is not included for being too short, you get a LOT of posts..

Thank you all!

[Murr1525]

well, the first important thing, new paint may not be swirl free, but we can hope.

Here are a few articles just in case you havent seen them:

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle

Step 1 Wash

Step 2 Clean

Step 3 Polish

Step 4 Protect

Step 5 Maintain

Suggested Products for Taking Care of a New Car

Now, on fresh paint, you will probably be told to let it cure for 60-90 days before waxing. During this time, #80 Speed Glaze is an excellent product to use, as it has a safe, protective polymer in it. It is not as durable as wax, but at least it is something.

After the curing time, you can go right ahead with the old wash/clay/clean/polish/wax procedure.

You will get best results using some sort of cleaner and polish before the wax step. If you are short on time, then either the Cleaner/Wax or ColorX are great one step products, then top with your Nxt, or any other pure wax.

Meguiars makes several good wash mitts, sponges, brushes..

To start off simply, I would probably go with Gold Class wash, unless you have a bit of hard water. Nxt Wash can help a little with that.

I love the Water Magnets. Be sure to get at least 3.

They will probably want the clear bra on over the paint iteself, no protectant. They may even wipe the area with alcohol beforehand to be sure.

[Accumulator]

Justin Horne- Heh heh, while you're hear at MOL you could order up some of that #5 I recommended

And yeah, it's not uncommon for shops to swirl up a brand new paintjob Unfortunate, but not uncommon.

[Mobilejoe]

I would follow what Murr said, my 2 cents would be is get a lambs wool washing mit and make sure you follow the wash bucket items that have been discribed on here ie:5 gallon bucket or two, Grit Guard and proper mix of soap. I say two buckets because of using the two bucket method if you choose that way to wash.

[Justin Horne]

Originally posted by Accumulator
Justin Horne- Heh heh, while you're hear at MOL you could order up some of that #5 I recommended

Heh heh....
And why would you rec #5? Kidding..
Cool to see the same person in two places.. who would have thought?
So yeah, I guess I'm pretty cleard up then..
Thanks all.

By the way, can I actually order 5 online? I must have missed it.. If not, I'll just call direct.

[jfelbab]

I'd spend a great deal of effort to avoid adding swirls. I'd use Gold Class or NXT wash with a sheepskin wash mitt. I change my mitts every three months. I dry with Water Magnets after sheeting off the water with the hose with nozzle removed. I dab the remaining water with the Magnets. Use the two bucket method with grit guards and rinse your mitt after each panel.

My favorite system is to wash, clay and then apply #80 with a PC. You can follow with #81 for extra wetness. THen I apply NXT Tech Wax (x2) 24 hours apart. I use the NXT Tech Booster Spray Wax after every other wash to maintain. Not only does this keep your car looking freshly detailed it also keeps the paint very slick so dirt doesn't bond. This makes it easier to keep clean and offers the advantage of less chances for swirls.

[Murr1525]

Whenever you order stuff, order from autodetailingsolutions.com

[Accumulator]

Originally posted by Justin Horne
By the way, can I actually order 5 online? I must have missed it.. If not, I'll just call direct...

Homepage of Meguiarsonline.com, lower left-hand corner IIRC.

And yeah, the critical thing is washing without marring the paint..