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Beginning detailer needs advice

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  • Beginning detailer needs advice

    I'm new to detailing and am amazed at what everyone has accomplished using Meguiar's products. I first detailed my wife's blue Accord last May using Deep Crystal step #1, #2 and NXT (only 1 coat) all by hand. I'm getting ready to do another detailing before the winter and had a few questions. I'm planning on claying the car, so do I need to re-wash the car afterwards or can I just start applying cleaner/polish? Also, how should I prep the car for a 2nd coat of NXT? I live in an apartment complex and have to either park the car in a carport or a non-covered space. I'm expecting the car will get dusty from sitting for 12+ hours. Would a simple rinse work or should I use a Quick Detailer? I'm also thinking about investing in a quality car cover. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

    Thanks,
    Keith

  • #2
    Washing after claying is completely optional, you can just go to your cleaner/polish. I would use QD before applying the 2nd layer of NXT to make sure you have a clean surface.

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by travisdecpn
      Washing after claying is completely optional, you can just go to your cleaner/polish. I would use QD before applying the 2nd layer of NXT to make sure you have a clean surface.


      I dry my car as I clay. I use FI for the lubricant and wipe it as I go to leave a clean finish for cleaning and polishing. No need to wash again in my opinion.

      Good luck!



      Chris
      Chris

      "Once a Meguiar's user...always a Meguiar's user!"

      1994 Accord

      Comment


      • #4
        Hi there, Thanks for posting...



        That's how I do it too.

        One other thing I do is to use QD after polishing with the PC to remove any product dust buildup before I apply my wax/sealant.

        Good luck!

        Comment


        • #5
          Here is a post on NXT cure time... it talks a little about the 12 hours or so. http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...&threadid=1603

          I have both washed and not washed after claying... now that I have a black colored vehicle I always was after clay just to make sure I got every last bit of grime off as not to add any easy to see scratches and also to remove the QD I get all over everything.
          Brandon

          2007 Black Chevy Avalanche

          My Albums: Avalanche
          Meguiars Online Acronyms - Meguiars Product List....

          Comment


          • #6
            Thanks for the advice everyone! I really appreciate it. Since I don't have a PC, I'll be applying everything by hand. Hopefully I can scrap up some $ to get one soon...maybe if there's another promotion. From the other posts on the forum, it seems pretty easy to use. What type of things does someone just starting to use a PC need to worry about?

            Comment


            • #7
              I don't know if "worry about" would be the proper phrase. Honestly, it would be pretty tough to really screw anything up using the PC. My suggestions would be to find a old beater car or even a painted car panel from a junkyard and experiment like crazy on it. Get use to using the machine. The best way to learn how to use it is to practice, at least from my point of view. My First Detail w/the PC went great, as you can see by my results.

              As long as you use the right products (nothing more aggressive than #83 according to Meguiar's) and use the right pads ( Meguiar's W-8006 foam polishing pad & Meguiar's W-9006 foam finishing pad ) you should be fine. Only places to worry about are body lines and high points.

              Good luck!

              Chris
              Chris

              "Once a Meguiar's user...always a Meguiar's user!"

              1994 Accord

              Comment


              • #8
                to Meguiar's Online!

                Like everybody else said, washing after claying the car's finish is completely optional.. I don't do it but some people in the forums do.. This ensures that the dirt is completely gone before applying the cleaner step of the process. QD'ing the car before the 2nd coat of NXT would be great.. You don't want to wash the car again because this would disturb the polymers that are trying to set up..

                Hope this helps..

                P.S. Post pics when you're done!
                2011 Car Crazy Showcase SEMA Team

                Comment


                • #9
                  I'll try the methods mentioned. Thanks for all the help! Good to know that there are others willing to help out a beginner like myself. Will try and post some pictures when I finally get a chance to detail my wife's car.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by kty10
                    I'll try the methods mentioned. Thanks for all the help! Good to know that there are others willing to help out a beginner like myself. Will try and post some pictures when I finally get a chance to detail my wife's car.
                    You're welcome! Glad to be of service! If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask.
                    2011 Car Crazy Showcase SEMA Team

                    Comment

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