New Daily Driver-

[Snafu]

First I'd like to thank you all for sharing the wealth of knowledge on this great forum. I just found it a few days ago and have lots to soak in. I've been washing and waxing cars my own cars for 35 years and see there more to it than I have applied. Last week I bought a Maxda Tribute, Dark Titanium metalic/clearcoat with the usual pastic/abs/ ?? cladding and bumpers. I'd like to keep this daily driver looking better, longer, than my last- I'll do my time but don't require profection. After searching it sounds like a NXT tec wax for the painted/clearcoat and Meguiar's NXT Generation Protectant for the cladding ect may be any easy approach.

May I ask what your product of choice for the first go around would be ?

One more ? - Do you guy's tape off the cladding/bumpers
when waxing and/or appling protectent ?

Best Regards
Snafu

[scrub]

Welcome.. The NXTs will be a great start. What kind of time are you willing to spend?? If that time is more than "just a coat of wax" time frame you might try a few other inexpensive products.

What I have in mind would be the Deep Crystal Paint Scrub (step 1) and Paint polish (step 2) before the wax step. The products are sold local and retail for under $5 each.

Another product for you to research/ try would be clay bar..

That should keep you busy for a while and give you outstanding results. Better than just waxing.

As for taping yes when using the PC. Not normally when applying be hand. I use the 3M green painters tape.

Good luck and keep us posted with questions and progress!

[Snafu]

scrup- thanks for the reply- I dropped $95.00 on misc
@ pep boys today- will order a few micro waffle towels
I couldn't find. My lowes does not carry the PC 7336/7424
so I'll order one - I'm catching on to the detailing terms,
products ect but there are sooo many choices and with each an opinion. I'm looking to compromise- if there is such a thing.
Choose as few products as possible to do obtain an expectable
result. Ya think NXT protectent will fill my needs for bumper, cladding, tires, window trim,
ect ? Other suggestions ?

Regards
Snafu

[fiberrich]

Welcome to MOL!

I would agree with scrub. For the best results, you want to do more than just apply a wax. In keeping your car looking it's best, it's more in the prep process (cleaning, polishing) than just applying a wax.


Step 1: Wash
I would start by washing with NXT Tech Wash or Gold Class car shampoo. After drying, inspect the surface by rubbing the clean surface with your hand. Does the surface feel smooth or do you feel roughness?


Step 2: Cleaning/surface prep
After inspecting the finish and if you feel contaminants you will need to clay the car. Even if it is a new car, there could be rail dust, industrial fallout, and other contaminants on the paints finish that you'll want to remove. This will make your finish as smooth as glass.

I would then use DC #1 to remove any remaining dealer applied waxes or other foreign material to ensure a clean surface.


Step 3: Polish
Apply DC #2 This is a pure polish which is great for darker color cars to add gloss and will give your finish a "wet" look.


Step: 4 Protect
Instead of DC#3 (carnauba wax) I would use the NXT Tech Wax. It provides an incredible look and is easy to apply and remove.


Step 5: Maintenance
I would wash the car weekly with a good car wash shampoo (NXT or Gold Class). Use NXT spray booster wax after the wash when you want to give your car a "just waxed look".
I would also purchase some Quick Detailer for removing light dust, fingerprints, etc. in between washings.

You probably only need to do the complete process above 2 - 4 times a year depending on your environment, cars usage, garaged or left outside, etc. You can wax as much as you want in between your major detail sessions.

Products Needed:
NXT Wash
DC #1 Cleaner
DC#2 Polish
NXT Tech Wax
NXT Protectant
NXT Spray Booster Wax
Quick Detailer

That's seven products, but for the best results in keeping your car looking great this would be the minimum in the consumer line to get you started.

Also, if you are thinking of purchasing a PC, then this will help speed up your detailing sessions tremendously and you won't be aching as bad when you're done

To answer your question regarding NXT Tech Protectant - Yes, you can use this on all interior/exterior vinyl, plastic, rubber. Great stuff!

This will give you a great introduction and start with the Meguiar's line of products. Once the detailing bug hits you, you'll want more out of your products and can look into the Meguiar's professional line of products.

Be sure to check back in and let us know how your results turned out!

[scrub]

I was going to say nice reply Mike P. then checked name block. So great write up fiberrich!!

As for the NXT protectant. I'm stuck on #40 right now. Just got a gallon last week.

Snafu you're well on your way with the supplies you purchased. I didn't want to give you a big detailed list (no pun on detailing!!) of exotic products to buy if
a. You weren't that interested in to many products
b. Didn't want to spend the time
c. Didn't want to spend the cash!

As for laying out the cash... I deatil cars for other folks to feed my habit so not too much out of my pocket.

I agree with the products listed by fiberrich.

Consumer line is great even with the pc. After you get the hang of things you'll look to the Mirror Glaze Pro stuff. That will really set your ride apart from the crowd. But for now babysteps. You'll love using the PC. It's big fun and a big time saver.. When I'm done with my cars I'm like "Who's next!"

Good luck and keep the questions coming!! As a side note we LOVE before and after pics!!!!! The pics help tell the story.

[2000]

just as a option, you could use #38 on the outside trim, instead of the nxt tech protectant. #38 trim and tire gel last alittle longer than the nxt in outside conditions. however nxt tech protectant seems to richen up the color of my trim so I do like the looks better. If you don't mind treating the trim with every wash, go with the nxt. if you want to skip it every other wash or so, go with the #38.

[Snafu]

Folks- thanks for the assistance. For the first time I got to spend a little time and bonded with the new vehicle today. Just got it last Sunday so this was the first hands on. I knew I didn't have enough time for 3+ steps today so it just got a NXT wash. I
was pleasantly surprised to see the water shed nicely, leaving me to believe there is some wax on it. The finish seams very smooth to the touch so apparently it didn't hang at the dealer long enough to catch much fallout. I thoroughly looked it over for scratches or blemishes to report back to the Stealer. I
found three concerns. Two being cosmetic. One, you can help with, one maybe not. I found a light orange 1/4"rd spot on the roof. It wouldn't budge with a good soap/micro rub and I left it.
Appears to be deep in the finish- smooth and deep. Perhaps the
DC#1 cleaner will extract it? The second problem is what looks
like a piece of dirt caught between the layers of the windshield.
Have you ever seen/heard of this? It's small but Murphy's Law
applies. It had to be smack-dab in middle of the driver's view.
It's going to bug me -- Ya think it's worth a w.s. replacement?
I'm sure the dealer would replace it. Should I risk more problems
or just learn to live with it ?? Although I'm sure they have fewer problems with windshield replacement now than they did 20+ years ago. Looking forward to getting a PC in the near future
and attack with DC1,DC2,NXT. but this beast has so much plastic
and roof racks to avoid there will be plenty of hand work. Taping must be the key to this issue. Again I thank you all.

Regards
Snafu

[scrub]

The light orange found was a slight discoloration?? Any problems I would present to the dealer.
Is this a new Tribute or new to you?? If brand new, the dealer should make your buying experience flawless. I'd get the new windshield!!

Good luck and let us know what's going on! Don't forget the pics. Keep firing away the questions too.