5 Step process, so whats next?

[99jag]

I did the 5 step process on my 06 GTO.

Wash - Gold CLass Wash

Clay - Smooth Surface Clay

Clean - Deep Crystal #1

Polish - Deep Crystal #2, or #7 Show Car Glaze. DC#2 is easier to use, #7 is trickier, but looks a little better.

Wax - #21 Synthetic Sealant. Remember 2 thin coats is best.

What is the best maintenance routine to keep it looking great? When do you have to do the 5 steps again?

[gb387]

Re: 5 Step process, so whats next?

Well, you want to wash with a quality wash once dry then I like to follow up with a detailer, there are several in Meguiars line but the common ones are NXT Generation Speed Detailer(this one will give you a little more gloss) or Quik Detailer (Trigger) either of these will help eliminate water spots and give a final wipe down.

You may also want to apply a spray wax a few times in between a traditional wax, or when ever you want that freshly waxed look. There are two in Meguiars line, Quik Wax and NXT Generation Spray Wax

When applying or using any of the above products you want to use quality towels!

Does that give you an idea?

[Ryan L.]

Re: 5 Step process, so whats next?

I would wash it weekly, using a high quality soap like Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner, using a good wash mitt, like a Natural Sheepskin or Microfiber one. Use a good washing technique, 2 Bucket Method and good drying towels like a Water Magnet Drying Towel or a Microfiber Super Suede Drying Towel.

I would use a Spray Wax, such as NXT Generation Spray Wax every weekend after washing. If that is too time consuming you could use something like NXT Generation Speed Detailer.

Keep a good coat of wax on it and your should be set...

EDIT: GB387 beat me to it, sorry for the double info, my bad...

[99jag]

Re: 5 Step process, so whats next?

Thanks, so that covers the maintenance, when should a full step process be done again? Once a year, twice a year?? Do I have to do the whole process again before I apply polish/wax again?

[HagFan]

Re: 5 Step process, so whats next?

I'm in kind of the same boat. I did the same, although, since my car was brand new I went from clay to glaze to #21. For the next wax I may use up some of my Meg's Cleaner/Wax and then #21. I'll have to see how it feels and looks.

Next up is my wife's silver Camry. Looking good for this week end for the 5-step.

In keeping up with two daily drivers, I anticipate the best I'll do is clay twice a year and wax 3-4 times a year. I used to only use cleaner wax about 3 times a year and that was that. Now I've go the DAP, clay, polish, glaze and #21... no to mention about as many products for the interior.

[99jag]

Re: 5 Step process, so whats next?

Been gone for a few years, but still have the 06 GTO, still looks great. Is the listed above 5 step still valid? I still have all the products.

Thanks in advance.

[Murr1525]

Re: 5 Step process, so whats next?

If you stil have the products, then yeah. Some new ones for when you are ready to replace things, or use them up.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: 5 Step process, so whats next?

Been gone for a few years, but still have the 06 GTO, still looks great. Is the listed above 5 step still valid? I still have all the products.

Thanks in advance.

Nice revival of your own post!!!

Yes, the 5 Step is still valid, although some of the players have (potentially) changed. Since you first posted this back in '07 we've introduced Ultimate Compound in our consumer line, which is derived from M105 in our Mirror Glaze Pro Line, also introduced after you started this thread. We also have Ultimate Polish in our consumer line, derived from M205 in the Mirror Glaze line.

Having said that, if you've still got a mix of products that worked well for you, then there's no reason for them not to now. Stick with them if you're comfortable with them, provided you have enough left to work with.

As for the age old question "when do I have to repeat the full 5 Step process?", the answer is a definitive "It all depends". You only need to do what the paint needs. If you've done an outstanding job of washing and drying and maintaining the paint between those sessions, then you might be able to get away with just waxing every 3 months or so for a couple of years. If your vehicle has been exposed to some nasty fallout, you might need to clay but not need to do any below surface defect removal (paint cleaner to remove swirls, etc).

What you should do is evaluate the finish after every wash. Look at it closely in direct sunlight; feel it with your bare hands or with the plastic baggie test. If it needs some attention to correct an isolated issue, handle it. If it's starting to show signs of overall defects like widespread swirls, then it's time for a full, though light duty, paint correction. It's up to you decide what it needs, when it needs it, and how much you're willing to do to get it up to your expectations.

[BlackScreaminMachine]

Re: 5 Step process, so whats next?

What I can add and this is how I see it for me.

1) DO I see any imperfections in the paint/clear? Such as swirls, scratches, marring, RDS or whatever. IF yes, and IF I want to correct, then you start from the beginning.

2) OR deciding correction is not needed but I want as clean of a surface as possible. I will lightly clay or go more aggressive if needed. The build a wax layer.

3) If correction was done, then I work on rebuilding my protective layers and maintain.

This is very long explaination made short but thats how I look at it. Mike explained it very well so I mean not much I cannot touch upon but I deal with this every season when it comes to dealing with my cars.

My Trans Am need so very little as it's new space is so awesome when it comes to storage.

[99jag]

Re: 5 Step process, so whats next?

I still have all the products and just started the 5 step process. This time I am doing a section at a time so not to get overwhelmed. So I did the hood and one front fender this past weekend. Looks great, still very happy with the products. People who are not really familiar with this high level of detailing, they are amazed at the feel of the sections that have been done. Mirror like feel. Still love the products.

[Murr1525]

Re: 5 Step process, so whats next?

Use up what you got, then try the new ones next...

[99jag]

Re: 5 Step process, so whats next?

So a friend of mine wants to do a 5 step process, so what products would you recommend if one was buying today with all current products. Car is a suv highlander, color pale green about 4 years old.

[Murr1525]

Re: 5 Step process, so whats next?

How much effort, paint correction are we looking for?

[99jag]

Re: 5 Step process, so whats next?

Paint is in very good shape for the age of the car, so more of protection and looks then correction.

[Murr1525]

Re: 5 Step process, so whats next?

I would consider:

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. ColorX
4. Wax - Nxt 2.0 or Ult. Wax

or:

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Clean/Polish - Ult. Polish
4. Wax - Nxt 2.0 or Ult. Wax
5. Wax - 2nd thin coat

And then something like Ultimate Quick Wax for after future washes.