Newbie products questions

[zeque]

Hi all! I'm very glad to say that I've found a local shop that sells meguiar's products
I've bought the smooth surface clay kit and wanted to know if the little bottle of cleaner wax it's similar to Deep Crystal Step 2 (Polish) ? My idea is to clay and then remove little swirls that the car has, would be DP 2 better for this than the cleaner wax?
Also should I use Foam Applicator Pad(yellow one) to apply any of those products?? or just normal cotton??(I can't get cotton towels)

Another question is that I saw the NXT Speed Detail and I would like to know if someone can explain me what is it for? it's similar to the Ultimate Quick Detailer??

Last question, I know this is a personal choice, but what do you prefer Hot Shine High Gloss Tire Spray or NXT Generation® Insane Shine® Tire Spray ? which would give a better look and which one more durability??
Thanks and sorry for asking this newbie questions, bye

[akimel]

Re: Newbie products questions

Hi, Zeque. Please don't be shy about asking askings. There's a lot of us newbs here on MOL, and we need to help each other.

May I suggest that the first thing you might want to do is to read these two articles: Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle
and What are the differences between Meguiar's waxes? They will help you to understand Meguiar's terminology and the different uses of Meguiar's products.

For example, you mention Deep Crystal Polish (DC2). This is a nonabrasive pure polish. It does not remove swirls or scratches. It is applied to a prepped surface to add gloss to the finish.

Cleaner Wax is an all-in-one product (AIO). It will lightly clean your paint surface, removing contaminants and previous layers or wax, and leave behind a layer of wax protection. It's a great product to use to maintain a car that is driven regularly and is exposed to the elements every day (daily driver). But it is not strong enough to remove swirls and scratches. If that is what you want to do, you will need to get one of Meguiar's stronger cleaner-polishes. Meguiar's has just released a new line of cleaner-polishes (SwirlX, ScratchX 2.0, and Ultimate Compound). You might want to contact Meguiar's to see if they will ever be available in Argentina.

I hope this helps to get you started. Detailing is great fun! And keep asking your questions.

Cheers,
Al

[gjohn28]

Re: Newbie products questions

Strongly recommend you read through the links akimel provided. They will help get you started and probably prompt more questions, but that's OK.

NXT Speed Detailer and Ultimate Quik Detailer are similar in that they are both mist and wipe detailing sprays used to remove contaminants, dust, etc. and enhance shine in between or immediately after washing. However, UQD has hydrophobic polymers that help repel water and add protection to your finish. Both products work very well. Just depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

Unfortunately, I have no experience with Hot Shine Tire spray or Insane Shine. I'm sure others on the forum will chime in. I use ASD.

[zeque]

Re: Newbie products questions

THanks , reading the DP2 now I understand that will not remove the swirls but I will try to get one product for this , I already have ScratchX so I will try it.

Now, what should I use to apply the DP2?? the foam pad or cotton? bye...

[Mike Pennington]

Re: Newbie products questions

Great information that is being shared here, however, let me clarify one point.

Cleaner-Wax will remove very very light swirls, scratches, oxidation etc. from a paint surface while adding gloss and protection. It is a great product if you do not have the time to do mutliple steps or the desire to do multiple steps.

Keep in mind, if they are more severe you will certainly need to move to one our dedicated products as mentioned above.

As far as application goes for DC2... A foam applicator or a small 100% cotton terry will work just fine for you. Remember, when using DC2, apply thin coats and there is no need to let it dry/set up. Remove it immediately using a microfiber towel.

Mike

[akimel]

Re: Newbie products questions

Cleaner-Wax will remove very very light swirls, scratches, oxidation etc. from a paint surface while adding gloss and protection.

Thanks for the correction, Mike.

[gjohn28]

Re: Newbie products questions

Another option to consider if you prefer an AIO approach and your swirls are a little more than very, very light is ColorX. It's more aggressive than A12 for removing swirls and really finishes quite nicely. It is the go-to AIO product for a lot of forum member's daily drivers. I use it on my two black daily drivers as part of a bi-monthly maintenance detail.

Whatever products/steps you decide, do a small test spot first to make sure you get the results you want.

[zeque]

Re: Newbie products questions

I didn't know that the cleaner wax was an AIO, I would like to do steps but thanks anyway, also cause I can get here the ColorX so another product for the future

[akimel]

Re: Newbie products questions

If you want to do steps, consider the following:

1) Wash the car.

2) Clay the paint.

3) Apply Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner (DC1) or SwirlX.

4) Apply Deep Crystal Paint Polish (DC2).

5) Apply wax/sealant of your choice.

[zeque]

Re: Newbie products questions

for wax I've the NXT 2.0 paste wax, used it before and love it
as I don't have a PC or rotary I will check what to use to remove swirls by hand, I've been reading the threads abouth hand + scratchX

[3Fitty]

Re: Newbie products questions

Zeque,

With regards to your second question about what to use on your tires... I've run the gamut in Meg's line up and always come back to the Gold Class Endurance High Gloss Gel. For me, it seems to last the longest and gives it a really wet, glossy shine.

I know some don't like that look so they opt for something else, but I enjoy that look so Endurance High Gloss is the right choice for me.

I've tried the Hot tire shine, the NXT insane shine (not a fan), Hyper Dressing, All Season Dressing, #40 and Endurance High Gloss. I've also tried tire products from other companies and still prefer the High Gloss.

[zeque]

Re: Newbie products questions

Thanks all! now from what I see not too much detailers use the DP system, what would be another choice instead of DP2??
the DP2 has oils that will fill the swirls or it's just to return color to the car?
bye

[akimel]

Re: Newbie products questions

Thanks all! now from what I see not too much detailers use the DP system, what would be another choice instead of DP2??
the DP2 has oils that will fill the swirls or it's just to return color to the car?
bye

Zeque, what precisely is DP2? I presume it is a Detailer's Pride product, but it would be helpful if you could identify the product by name.

Regarding "fillers," check out this thread: Question about #80 - Does it contain heavy fillers?

[zeque]

Re: Newbie products questions

Zeque, what precisely is DP2? I presume it is a Detailer's Pride product, but it would be helpful if you could identify the product by name.

Regarding "fillers," check out this thread: Question about #80 - Does it contain heavy fillers?

Sorry I meant DC2

by the way, my car is black

[zeque]

Re: Newbie products questions

I wanted to add that the car it has excellent colour, doesn't need to return it back, just want to eliminate the little swirls and protect the car, sorry if I mess with very newbie and confusing questions