Getting Ready to use Essentials Kit questions

[Deeve]

Hello all,

I am expecting to get my essentials kit in the mail here any day and I have a couple of process questions. I will be using a PC polisher.

I have a new black car with some nice water marks and swirls that the dealer put on for me (for free!) I know I will also be using the clay, NXT wash and wax.
First question, what order do I use the product. I think I will be using the clay first, then would I use the Speed Glaze or the Cleaner/Polish? I will be finishing up with the NXT wax.

My second question is, between what steps do I need to wash the car and which ones should I just move on to the next product.

Third question is my car is a Mach 1 Mustang with a flat black painted spoiler on the back and some flat black sticker type stripes on the hood. Should/can I just wax those with the NXT or not? Would I also end up getting those nice white wax lines along the edge of the sticker where is meets the paint?? How would I get rid of those of I do get them?

Thanks,

Dave

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Getting Ready to use Essentials Kit questions

Originally posted by Deeve
First question, what order do I use the product. I think I will be using the clay first, then would I use the Speed Glaze or the Cleaner/Polish? I will be finishing up with the NXT wax.

Here is the correct order to your procedures,

• 1. Wash
  2. Evaluate
  3. Clay
  4. Apply Cleaner/polish - Use the least aggressive product to get the job done.
  5. Apply wax

My second question is, between what steps do I need to wash the car and which ones should I just move on to the next product.

None. Some people opt to wash their car after the claying step but you don't have to. Just clay the car and then wipe off any remaining quick detailer with a microfiber or 100% cotton terry cloth towel.

Third question is my car is a Mach 1 Mustang with a flat black painted spoiler on the back and some flat black sticker type stripes on the hood. Should/can I just wax those with the NXT or not? Would I also end up getting those nice white wax lines along the edge of the sticker where is meets the paint?? How would I get rid of those of I do get them?

Thanks,

Dave

Avoid applying wax to the flat black decals and try to stay away from the very edge of the decals if possible. If you do get wax on the decals or along the side of the decals, simply wipe this wax off gently with a microfiber polishing cloth.

Mike

[Deeve]

Thanks Mike,

I am new, obviously , So the Speed Glaze is more agressive than the Cleaner Polish?

Dave

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Deeve
Thanks Mike,

I am new, obviously , So the Speed Glaze is more aggressive than the Cleaner Polish?

Dave

Hi Deeve,

No. The #83 Dual Action Cleaner Polish is quite a bit more aggressive than the #80 Speed Glaze. If you follow the philosophy of,

"Always use the least aggressive product to get the job done"

Then you would start with a washed and clayed panel, then using the #80 Speed Glaze on a clean W-8006 foam polishing pad on the 5.0 setting with the dual action polisher, apply the polish to a section about 16 inches square for 3-5 minutes using a slow arm speed and about 3-5 pounds of downward pressure on the head of the polisher. Afterwards, remove the remaining residue and inspect. Compare the polished area to the unpolished area.

If your results look good, repeat this process over the entire car. If your paint still has swirls and scratches the test the #83 in that area repeating the above process and then inspecting your results.

Two things.

1. If the #83 doesn't remove the defects then it's likely you will need to use a rotary buffer, learn to live with them, or take it to a professional.

2. If the #83 remove the defects, or improves them to an acceptable point, then re-polish the area with the #80 Speed Glaze and then after apply and remove the #80 Speed Glaze, move on to the Protection Step and apply your wax.

Best of luck and have fun!

Mike

[DSG Man]

Mach 1 hood stripe

I have an 03 Mach1. All I use on the strip is a quik detailer like product. Same thing on the rear spoiler, although I did apply a polish to the spoiler last fall with no ill effects.

[Deeve]

Thank you both!! The REALLY gives me a good game plan. I'll keep you posted on how everything goes.


So to clarify how I look at a product...do the numbers (80+83) mean how aggressive something is....the higher the number the more aggressive?

Dave

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Deeve
Thank you both!! The REALLY gives me a good game plan. I'll keep you posted on how everything goes.


So to clarify how I look at a product...do the numbers (80+83) mean how aggressive something is....the higher the number the more aggressive?

Dave

Hi Dave,

The numbers #83 and #80 are just Reference Numbers. The are quick reference numbers to identify products. They do not signify a products aggressiveness. There is a relative scale on the front label with a red arrow that gives you an way to measure one product against another as far as how aggressive the product is.

Mike

[Mike Phillips]

On this particular Mach 1 which also has a decal on the hood, I tested and applied some NXT Generation Tech Wax




with a foam applicator pad using very thin coats, working the product in well and then removing with a clean, soft microfiber polishing cloths and it gave the decal a rich, new look.


Here's the thread,

Tech Wax on Vinyl graphics?

Here's a picture of the car,



Mike

[Deeve]

Here is a link to the results! Not too bad for my first time. I think in the summer I'll do the whole process again and make it look even nicer.

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=32259#post32259

Thanks to all who helped!


Dave