"Durability": NXT 2.0 vs. Cleaner Wax

[wwally]

I have a metallic black car with clear coat and mostly used claying and then the Cleaner Wax, which has kept the surface immaculate. Though the car is garaged most of the time and I drive it only on the weekends, the Cleaner Wax has to be renewed every two to three months. I recently went to the NXT 2.0 because of the reports of greater durability. The water beading of this wax is fantastic and very obvious when washing the car--it is much easier to dry because the water pretty much rolls off (using Gold Class car wash and flooding the surface to rinse). But the NXT leaves an uneven surface--not streaked exactly, but uneven with apparent "cloudiness" in certain areas and differences in color. I am using a Flex DA with 8006 pads and one very thin coat, very evenly applied with overlapping strokes. In general, the clarity, brilliance and color are also better with the Cleaner Wax. By comparison, the NXT looks dull or cloudy and less translucent.

*How* much more durable is NXT than the Cleaner Wax? In months? And in *what* way does it provide better protection for the paint? The car is a 2008 BMW with Sapphire Black Metallic (and clear coat) and I find the paint very easily "damaged" (or etched) by water spots, bird droppings, etc. and these often require local attention with Scratch-X.

Thanks for any responses.

[the_invisible]

Re: "Durability": NXT 2.0 vs. Cleaner Wax

I will keep it short. NXT 2.0 is probably one of the most durable waxes Meguiar's currently makes. At $17, it is a high-end consumer wax. Actually, NXT 2.0 isn't really a wax. Rather, it is a synthetic sealant. It's labeling as a wax is merely a marketing strategy to target the product to a wider range of users who are not familiar with the technical terms associated with car care products.

The Deep Crystal Cleaner Wax, on the other hand, is possibly one of the cheapest waxes produced by Meguiar's. I just saw it at Walmart today for $4.99. The Meguiar's Cleaner Wax is a versatile product that cleans, polishes, and provides some light duty protection to the vehicle. It is arguably an all-in-one product. Meguiar's officially claims that this wax is tailored for someone who frequently waxes his/her car. That implies that this wax is not very durable.

It is hard to say how long a wax will last on your vehicle. The longevity a wax depends on the preparation of the surface. Assume that both waxes are applied correctly on a very well preapred surface, I would say that the Meguiar's Cleaner Wax is probably capable of offering protection for up to one month. It isn't surprising that NXT 2.0 would last up to 6 months on a car in ideal conditions, without the additional application of waxes in between washes.

Like you, I find traditional waxes better on darker cars. I used NXT 2.0 on my black car and the shine does not amaze me at all. At least not as much as M26 Yellow Hi-Tech Wax or Gold Class Wax. I applied NXT 2.0 on one of my car's black paint, and I discovered that the shine was better before the NXT 2.0 was applied. I applied it with the black Lake Country pad. People may disagree with my findings, but that's just a matter of perspective.

I, too, have a 2008 BMW. A 335i coupe to be exact. I find that it has a very durable paint coating. Due to my location, water etching is not a problem for me. Since you are presumably still using the initial release of ScratchX, that is the perfect product to remove etching on your vehicle. However, when you eventually run out your current supply of ScratchX, I suggest you try SwirlX to remove etching defects. Although ScratchX 2.0 is a replacement of SwirlX 1.0, it is also more aggressive. The key is to use the least aggressive product to remove etching. If the less aggressive product isn't working, move on to the more aggressive one. To give you an idea of the aggressiveness of the consumer products... here's a scale.

Most aggressive to least aggressive -->

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28407

[wwally]

Re: "Durability": NXT 2.0 vs. Cleaner Wax

Invisible-

Thanks for taking the time to write such a thorough reply. I already have Scratch X 2.0 and Swirl-X and use the former for local little problems (bird poop or other mystery spots) and Swirl-X after claying and to clean the whole paint before applying the "wax". I find the paint rather sensitive to defects (this is a 750i), particularly in comparison to my previous car, a light silver Mercedes, which seemed sort of bulletproof paintwise. Perhaps the black just makes the defects more visible. I'm inclined to use the NXT 2.0 just for the better protection (and ease of washing the car), particularly if I can get rid of the uneven look. More like murky. But I don't think it's ever going to look "crystal clear" with the NXT 2.0. It sounds if you use another, more conventional wax on your 335, for the appearance rather than durability. Is your car "Black" or "Sapphire Metallic Black"? I think the "plain" black would be even more difficult to maintain as the metallic quality of my car breaks up little scratches, etc.

Thanks again.
Wally

[the_invisible]

Re: "Durability": NXT 2.0 vs. Cleaner Wax

Hi Wally,

Nice car you have there! I am surprised that you find the paint on your vehicle sensitive to defects. But then, most black cars are. Removing etching and isolated defects using ScratchX 2.0 is a good idea. To remove more severe defects, you will find that ScratchX 2.0 combined with your Flex DA very effective. I love using ScratchX 2.0 using a Dual Action to remove deep isolated scratches.

At what speed do you operate SwirlX with your Flex Dual Action? My 335i has a Jet Black color, and I opted for this color because it can be as Deep as a Mirror if polished correctly!!! The shine is stunning with Meguiar's Yellow Hi-Tech Wax. My Daily Driver is also a non-metallic black. I managed to restore it this summer with some really aggressive pads and M105 and M205. For protection, I used NXT 2.0. I do find that the wax can look uneven. I am sure I applied it correctly.

Since you are detailing a $80,000 car, may I recommend you to try some other waxes that are more proportionate to the price range of your car? As we have both noticed, though NXT 2.0 has great durability, it simply doesn't offer the kind of lustre and shine, and eveness of traditional waxes. I am not saying the NXT 2.0 isn't a great product, I just believe a high end car should be treated with something more exclusive or non-conventional. You are correct that Metallic paint tends to hide a lot of defects. That's also the beauty of it.

[Tim Lingor]

Re: "Durability": NXT 2.0 vs. Cleaner Wax

Hey,

Technology has come a long way over recent year and the improvements in waxes and sealants are no exception. Meguiar's NXT 2.0 is Meguiar's longest lasting wax/sealant. It is a man made synthetic sealant that will darken your paint leaving a deep dark gloss.

However, if your paint is milky looking, it needs to be prepped properly first. Yes, you can make paint look deep and rich, but it will take some work. As already suggested, use a Meguiar's paint cleaning product. Here is a link that will help to get you started:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26009

Tim

[wwally]

Re: "Durability": NXT 2.0 vs. Cleaner Wax

Hi Wally,

Nice car you have there! I am surprised that you find the paint on your vehicle sensitive to defects. But then, most black cars are. Removing etching and isolated defects using ScratchX 2.0 is a good idea. To remove more severe defects, you will find that ScratchX 2.0 combined with your Flex DA very effective. I love using ScratchX 2.0 using a Dual Action to remove deep isolated scratches.

At what speed do you operate SwirlX with your Flex Dual Action? My 335i has a Jet Black color, and I opted for this color because it can be as Deep as a Mirror if polished correctly!!! The shine is stunning with Meguiar's Yellow Hi-Tech Wax. My Daily Driver is also a non-metallic black. I managed to restore it this summer with some really aggressive pads and M105 and M205. For protection, I used NXT 2.0. I do find that the wax can look uneven. I am sure I applied it correctly.

Since you are detailing a $80,000 car, may I recommend you to try some other waxes that are more proportionate to the price range of your car? As we have both noticed, though NXT 2.0 has great durability, it simply doesn't offer the kind of lustre and shine, and eveness of traditional waxes. I am not saying the NXT 2.0 isn't a great product, I just believe a high end car should be treated with something more exclusive or non-conventional. You are correct that Metallic paint tends to hide a lot of defects. That's also the beauty of it.

I use the Flex at speed 3 or 4 with the Swirl-X (8006 pad), speed 2 when applying the NXT 2.0 (9006 pad). This leaves a pretty much 100% defect-free surface. But, as you said, the paint has much more gloss and evenness before applying the NXT. I haven't had anything even remotely requiring a full Scratch-X treatment yet. I'm not using the NXT 2.0 for cost, just durability. If I had someone who could reliably do this work for me, I'd have it done more often and use a better-looking wax. I enjoy detailing the car but I don't always have the time. Any really careful detailers in the San Francisco East Bay area who'd like to work on a car regularly?

[wwally]

Re: "Durability": NXT 2.0 vs. Cleaner Wax

Hey,

Technology has come a long way over recent year and the improvements in waxes and sealants are no exception. Meguiar's NXT 2.0 is Meguiar's longest lasting wax/sealant. It is a man made synthetic sealant that will darken your paint leaving a deep dark gloss.

However, if your paint is milky looking, it needs to be prepped properly first. Yes, you can make paint look deep and rich, but it will take some work. As already suggested, use a Meguiar's paint cleaning product. Here is a link that will help to get you started:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26009

Tim

Hey Tim,

If you look at my post immediately above, it's not that the paint isn't in good condition, it's that the NXT 2.0 just doesn't have optimum optical qualities, at least to my eyes on this car. The NXT is milky, not the paint. Before the NXT goes on, the paint looks terrific. I've got to say that in about an hour outside there's usually enough dust on it that you probably can't even see what I'm talking about.

Thanks,
Wally

[Caress Detailing]

Re: "Durability": NXT 2.0 vs. Cleaner Wax

Hey Tim,

If you look at my post immediately above, it's not that the paint isn't in good condition, it's that the NXT 2.0 just doesn't have optimum optical qualities, at least to my eyes on this car. The NXT is milky, not the paint. Before the NXT goes on, the paint looks terrific. I've got to say that in about an hour outside there's usually enough dust on it that you probably can't even see what I'm talking about.

Thanks,
Wally

Well NXT 2.0 has to cure first in order to achieve it's optical clarity. Much like any other sealant from my experience. 3m Performance finish, Zaino, NXT 2.0, M21, M21 2.0, etc. etc. all look better after it's cured by the next day.

[Tim Lingor]

Re: "Durability": NXT 2.0 vs. Cleaner Wax

Well NXT 2.0 has to cure first in order to achieve it's optical clarity. Much like any other sealant from my experience. 3m Performance finish, Zaino, NXT 2.0, M21, M21 2.0, etc. etc. all look better after it's cured by the next day.

Exactly. NXT 2.0 is very optically clear and should not leave a milky look. If after it cures, and it still looks like that, something is not right. Can you do half the hood with NXT and leave the otherside unwaxed in order to take a picture? If you have a macro lens or a macro mode on your camera, perhaps we can see what is going on. Are all of the swirls removed? What happens after you wash it?

Usually on black, I prefer to use M26, but that is just my preference.

Tim

[Eddie6th]

Re: "Durability": NXT 2.0 vs. Cleaner Wax

I've always used DC3 due to availability mainly,and found it very good and long lasting.

Black car again.....managed to get NXTtechw2 and it literaly blew me away! And,I also disagree about it being mentioned as 'Flat' with no depth.

Feel sorry if people are not getting results with this product.It's the best I've tried yet.

[davey g-force]

Re: "Durability": NXT 2.0 vs. Cleaner Wax

I'm with you Eddie. I have a black car and have had nothing but brilliant results using NXT 2.0. No cloudiness or any of the problems described by the OP.

I am however now keen to try M26 or Gold Class after hearing everyone rave about their appearance on black vehicles!