New Car: Polishing & Some Other Questions

[darthkir]

Hi guys,

I just bought a new car last 2 weeks and some Meguiar's item to start with. My question is;

1. Does it need polishing? Can I just skip the polish step or still require to polish?

2. Should i use the Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner for surface prep on a new car? Or claying alone is enough?

3. Later if I should re-wax, must i polish as well?

4. What should i use on the headlamp to protect it?

Thanks in advance.

[Murr1525]

Re: New Car: Polishing & Some Other Questions

A good plan would be:

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Cleaner/Wax
4. Wax

You can gently wax the headlamps as well.

[darthkir]

Re: New Car: Polishing & Some Other Questions

Thanks!

What is the most suitable wax for a hot & humid climate?

[Murr1525]

Re: New Car: Polishing & Some Other Questions

Nxt 2.0 is advertised as the best protecting Meguiars makes.

There are many other members from your area though, maybe they will have other ideas. Its a pretty rough environment either way.

[darthkir]

Re: New Car: Polishing & Some Other Questions

Ok. When u mentioned "cleaner/wax" is Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner suitable?

[Murr1525]

Re: New Car: Polishing & Some Other Questions

You could, though to get the recomended 2 coats of wax, you would have to do:

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Clean - Deep Crystal Cleaner
4. Wax - Nxt, etc
5. Wax - Nxt, etc

Just an extra step.

[darthkir]

Re: New Car: Polishing & Some Other Questions

i would like to know, if after applying deep crystal paint cleaner i want to polish, will polishing remove the paint cleaner?

[Murr1525]

Re: New Car: Polishing & Some Other Questions

No, something that is just a paint cleaner like the DCPC will not leave anything behind on the paint.

Now, something like SwirlX, which is a cleaner/polish, would leave polishing oils behind. Or a cleaner/wax would leave polish and wax behind.

[darthkir]

Re: New Car: Polishing & Some Other Questions

Thanks!

I'm still trying to understand the role of polishing. Its the polish that gives the glossy wet look right (assuming that the surface has been cleaned and prepped properly)? While the wax/sealant will protect the look?

So if i skipped the polishing, will my car have that wet look?

Sorry for the so many questions.

[searle]

Re: New Car: Polishing & Some Other Questions

"polish" (or "glaze") in Meguiars terminology is often used to describe a product which has conditioning oils which help give that deep wet-look - although this effect is more enhanced on dark black or red cars and less on white or light cars, and is less noticeable on clear-coat paints.

you can wash and then touch-up (boost or refresh) an existing wax with a spray wax every week or so, and actually re-wax every month or 2 or 3. you typically dont need to clay or cleaner or glaze more than twice a year (say in a full detail each spring and fall).

whenever you use clay or cleaner, you might as well use polish - *OR* use a cleaner+polish like SwirlX *OR* a polish/wax like new GoldCrown2.0 *OR* a combination cleaner+polish+wax like ColorX. Personally, to reduce steps, I wash+clay+SwirlX+NXT2.0 for my spring and fall details, and just NXT2.0 for the monthly re-wax.

If I am bored and just "spending-time" I will often add M07-polish (to my red paint) before the wax since it seems (to me) to add more wet-look.

[Murr1525]

Re: New Car: Polishing & Some Other Questions

Well, it gets tough because different companies use different terms, and 'old time' detailers use different terms... Obviously, we try to stick with Meguiars terms on here.

So basicaly, in Meguiars terms, cleaning will remove dirt from the pores/imperfections, and depending on the product, remove swirls, scratches.

However, to get the best glossy look, the surface has to be as smooth as possible. So a polish will use oils to fill in these imperfections and pores to help the gloss. Obviously it is just a temporary fill, and you wax over it to help it last a little longer.

The polishing oils will also help keep the paint from drying out, and try to keep it 'healthy'.

Now, if you can skip it or not is up to you. Some colors show more imperfections easily, like dark colors. You'd be best off trying one panel one way, one the other way, and see how it looks to you.

As far as just keeping the paint healthy, you dont need to polish everytime for that.