New Car Questions

[e320]

Hello all

First post to the forum, but I have been doing lots of reading - great information and lots of help!

Here is my current situation. I have a new car with black paint. It has some fine spider marks (from dealer prep...). I have used the Zaino products (ZFX, Z5, Z6) and while they are easy to apply and look great to me, I am intrugued by the discussions here on NXT (especially around the depth of color vs just being reflective). Also, the Z5 'polish' has not correctd the fine spider marks like I though it would (and as promised...).

What would be the recommended procedure to follow using Meguiars products to clear up this issue? This would include everything from washing (I use the Meguiars car wash, though I did Dawn it to prep for the Zaino) or cleaning to get the Zaino off (it has about 3 coats), a product to handle the spider marks (colorX?, scratchX?, do I need to use a PC or can I get good results by hand?), and then the application of NXT. Any thoughts/input is much appreciated!

[jfelbab]

After washing you will need to remove the old Zaino. You can use 50/50 isopropyl alcohol and water, Prepsol or a cleaner like MPPC.

After cleaning I'd suggest polishing with something like Swirl Free Polish #82 to remove your minor paint defects.

I'd follow up with NXT Tech Wax. Apply one coat very thin and apply the second coat 12-24 hours later. Keep the car dry for a few hours after applying NXT to allow the polymers to set up.

After each wash or two, I am now using NXT Booster Wax to maintain that just waxed look and feel.

[e320]

Thanks for your thoughts jfelbab. Why do you recommend the #82 vs the colorX? Can #82 be applied via hand, or do I need a PC? Thanks for your help.

[jfelbab]

Originally posted by e320
Thanks for your thoughts jfelbab. Why do you recommend the #82 vs the colorX? Can #82 be applied via hand, or do I need a PC? Thanks for your help.

Meguiar's recommends a rotary or PC for #82. I've been using my PC so long (since March of 95) I sometime take it for granted everyone does.

You will need a polish of some type to remove the swirls, If you are without a PC then you can use ColorX.

Removing swirls without a PC can be really difficult.

[e320]

Thanks for the help and ideas. I will give it a try by hand, then jump to the PC as a secondary option - I don't have one, and it seems like a slippery slope when buying one. I can see myself never leaving the garage, constantly waxing my car!

Thanks again.

[jfelbab]

Originally posted by e320
Thanks for the help and ideas. I will give it a try by hand, then jump to the PC as a secondary option - I don't have one, and it seems like a slippery slope when buying one. I can see myself never leaving the garage, constantly waxing my car!

Thanks again.

LOL. Yup, that's what happens. I can attest to the fact that the PC makes detailing 10 times faster than by hand. I now detail 10 times more cars than I did previously.

Seriously, you can definitely make your car look better with a PC than by hand. In hindsight, buying the PC was the best money I've ever spent on detailing products.

It starts slowly as you use the PC for the first few times. Then your friends and neighbors will see you using it and see the results. They will ask if you will detail their cars. Before you know it you have a second career.

[2000]

Originally posted by e320
I can see myself never leaving the garage, constantly waxing my car!

Thanks again.

actually you'll be out of the garage more because you'll be done so much quicker .

[fpalattao]

You will need a polish of some type to remove the swirls, If you are without a PC then you can use ColorX.

Would you recommend using colourX if his paint is still in good condition? I'm assuming it should still be okay considering it is a brand new car.

[DSG Man]

Whats the dif between #82 and 39 swirl remover?