New car detailing

[varls]

Hi

In March I will be getting a new Jag XK in pearl grey which is a mid to dark grey colour.

I would appreciate advice on how to prepare a brand new car to maximize the quality of the finish and minimize swirls etc in the long term . Ive read the 5 point process but is it advisable to do this full process from new, in particular are the claying and polishing steps necessary or is it best to go straight to waxing?

With a new fairly dark paint what sort of wax would be best ?

Cheers

Varls

[roushstage2]

Re: New car detailing

The 5 Step Cycle is the way to go, brand new or 50 years old. Just keep looking around and reading. The Information Station has lots of information to be read.

As far as which wax, it really is kind of personal preference. I'm really liking NXT followed by Gold Class right now.

[MoJam]

Re: New car detailing

I would suggest claying a new car just to be safe. If it was transported uncovered by truck or train, I would. My new car had a few rail dust spots on it that only clay took off. The finish should be smooth as glass before polishing or waxing. If the finish is flawless(no scratches/swirls etc.) I would suggest NXT 2.0 wax topped with #26 wax.
Hope this helps.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: New car detailing

Ive read the 5 point process but is it advisable to do this full process from new, in particular are the claying and polishing steps necessary or is it best to go straight to waxing?

With a new fairly dark paint what sort of wax would be best ?

What Meguiar's teaches is to

Evaluate the surface with your eyes and your sense of touch

If don't see any swirls you don't need to use a paint cleaner.

If you don't feel any bonded contaminants on the surface then you don't need to clay the paint.

So wash the car or wipe the paint clean and then look at the paint in bright light like the sun and feel the horizontal surfaces with your clean hand. If you feel little bumps you need to clay, if you don't you can skip cleaning and claying and go straight to wax.

NXT is a great was and will make the paint look real glossy with a deep, wet shine.

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

[onawrxhigh]

Re: New car detailing

varls,

One of the first thing that you should do is not let the dealer prep the car before you take delivery. More than likely this will result in DISO(dealer installed swirl option). That mean they should not wash it or do any kind of paint sealing or waxing. Once you get it home wash with gold class/NXT car wash using the two bucket method w/a gritt guard in each bucket and a high quality wash mitt. After that clay the entire car to get the paint smooth as glass. You may think a new car does't need to be clayed but you will be very surprised after you clay it. When the car is transported you get all kinds of garbage on the car(rail dust, fall out). After claying polish/clean to remove swirls and apply your favorite wax. As for a wax for dark colors you can go with #21 or #26 as both are good on dark colors. Hope this helps some.

Andrew

[varls]

Re: New car detailing

Thanks Guys

Looks like the wife and kids will be sent to the in laws the weekend after the car arrives so the XK and I can have some quality time .

Cheers

[CAShine]

Re: New car detailing

Welcome to MOL. You choose which steps of the 5 by evaluating your paints finish. Any wax will do, but I highly recommend the NXT wax. Good luck and post pics when you are done

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: New car detailing

I agree. Look over the 5 step process and evaluate what your specific needs are and go from there. I personally started on the Meguiars journey using the Gold Class wax. However they are all great waxes.

to mol, congrates on your new arrival. Best of luck with it.
Don't forget some pics.

[WrightDetail]

Re: New car detailing

Make sure the paint has had 90 days to cure from being new - look at the made date on the plate inside the door and go 90 days past that.

The NXT Generation Wax makes it look like liquid glass

[pcmark]

Re: New car detailing

Folks usually assume that new cars will be pristine. However, between transport, the dealer, and the modification shop, the two front fenders and the hood on my vehicle were swirl central (oddly, but good, all other panels were flawless). So, look over the car, and if you're lucky, great, and if not, look at the bright side: You get to detail her for the first time!

[onawrxhigh]

Re: New car detailing

WrightDetail,

To my knowledge there is no need to wait 90 days for the paint to cure on a new vehicle. This is due to the fact that new vehicle paint is baked at the factory and is already fully cured and ready to detail.

Andrew

[yalerd]

Re: New car detailing

I would consider evaluating the paint condition, no need to work more if you don't need to.

First evaluate and see what it's need to be done. You can save money and time by evaluating the paint first.

Regarding the wax, like said before, it's all about personal preference, it's up to you to pick. I really like the new NXT 2.0 and #26

[varls]

Re: New car detailing

Thanks everyone , good info

Does anyone know if cars leave the factory with any wax/polish on or is it usually applied by the dealer ?

varls

[roushstage2]

Re: New car detailing

Usually dealer, but don't let them. It will add about 3 hours to your detail trying to fix their mistake.