Detailing a Solar Yellow Xterra Questions

[2004XT]

I have a few questions about trying to pull some more shine out of the paint on my truck. I have a Solar Yellow, 2004 Nissan Xterra. I currently use NXT products. What are some other polishes and waxes/sealers that would help detail Yellow Paint? The paint is in great shape and ready to detail.

Thanks in advance.

[Murr1525]

You have been using NXt wash and Nxt wax?

Have you ever used a clay bar, paint cleaner, or polish at all yet?

[2004XT]

I use the following.

Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo and Conditioner
Deep Crystal Polish
NXT Tech Wax

NXT Speed Detail

Clay barred about a month ago and then followed up with polish and NXT


I have not used any of the professional products and would like to be able to pull more out of the paint. If I can find a pic I will post it.

[MikeGT]

Instead of DC2, try #7

[Murr1525]

You will definately want to look into a paint cleaner. If you are working by hand, the Consumer Line paint cleaners are probably best.

Waxes and polishes can be used by hand from the Pro-Line.

1. Wash - Gold Class is good.

2. Clay - Clay as needed

3. Clean - Deep Crystal #1 is a good mild cleaner. It wont remove any swirls by hand, but it can get the dirt out of any pores.

4. Polish - DC#2 is good, but #7 is probably the polish with the best looks.

5. Wax - This is certainly a tough call. Nxt is good, #21 is good, Gold Class and #26 are probably more rich than glossy.

There is a nice article Mike wrote over on bettercarcare.com "Lesson from White Paint" that talks about the importance of paint cleaners on light paint. The pictures dont seem to work, but still an interesting read.

Also, Nxt seems to need a little more maintenance than maybe #21. Following up washes with Nxt Spray wax might give you a little diffeent look than the Detailer.

[2004XT]

Thanks guys. I have no problem spending time detailing my vehicles.

The only thing that was mentioned that I don't currently do is using a paint cleaner. I will pick up some paint cleaner. The paint is in great shape. It is parked inside at night and at work during the day, so it does not need claying that often.

Should I continue with NXT after #7 or use something else?

[jmakado]

Yes, you should use NXT after #7.
If you are working by hand and want to remove swirls or other imperfections use Scratch X. Works wonder by hand but sometimes multiple apps. are needed.

If you just want to clean the paint and are not worried about swirls then try DC1.
Use your DC2 or #7 after either of the above products and finish with 2 coats of NXT. The yellow should just jump out at you after that. I know, my girlfriend has the same car! Make sure you get some GC Plastic and Rubber for all the black plastic on these cars.

[Murr1525]

Make sure you dress any grey/black plastic. Putting some All-Season Dressing or GC Plastic and Rubber Dressing will bring out your paint as well.

[2004XT]

Already doing the plastic and tire dressing. There are no swirls on the paint. Religously washed by hand since day 1.

Maybe I should have explained in the first post that I am trying to see if I can get more shine and depth out of the paint.

I will give the #7 a try. THANKS

[Murr1525]

DC#1 and #7. A mild cleaner is still important. Clay and polish dont get the dirt out of the pores of the paint.

[OctaneGuy]

It's also over at ShowCarGarage.com
under Detailing Articles.....

Originally posted by Murr1525

There is a nice article Mike wrote over on bettercarcare.com "Lesson from White Paint" that talks about the importance of paint cleaners on light paint. The pictures dont seem to work, but still an interesting read.
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