wax

[carcareGAL]

I have the Nxt 2.0 and the new gold carnauba, both in the box.
Vehicle #2 is white and 13 years old. I've managed to get it clean, and most of the scratches off. I then put on NXT 2.0 wax. Ok, honestly, I could see just a tiny difference in the area I did and the rest of it. I've read where people put on layers of wax. (oh, this vehicle does sit out and does get snow/salt on it). I don't know also, how many times I can do this, as its really a lot of work. I would like to know if I can put another layer of wax on it. Should I use the gold stuff instead? I can maybe do this again right before winter hits, nope.

Also, where does touching up with paint fit into the procedure? I wondered if maybe I should of done it before I waxed the area?

Also, how long do you wait before you buff the wax off? Reason I ask, is I start on another area (get the bugs off), and I kinda forgot, so it seemed to be a bit harder to get the wax off. Thought maybe if I had a timer I could at least check it.

[ca2kjet]

Re: wax

I have the Nxt 2.0 and the new gold carnauba, both in the box.
Vehicle #2 is white and 13 years old. I've managed to get it clean, and most of the scratches off. I then put on NXT 2.0 wax. Ok, honestly, I could see just a tiny difference in the area I did and the rest of it. I've read where people put on layers of wax. (oh, this vehicle does sit out and does get snow/salt on it). I don't know also, how many times I can do this, as its really a lot of work. I would like to know if I can put another layer of wax on it. Should I use the gold stuff instead? I can maybe do this again right before winter hits, nope.

One layer is good but at most I would do two. If you want really good protection, stick with NXT 2.0. It's much more of a sealant and will last longer. I personally use NXT 2.0 to maintain my black truck.

Also, where does touching up with paint fit into the procedure? I wondered if maybe I should of done it before I waxed the area?

You only need touchup paint if the paint has been completely removed down to the primer or even the metal/plastic. It all depends really. Also, if you do add paint and clearcoat, it's best to give each it's own time to cure before anything is done to it.

Also, how long do you wait before you buff the wax off? Reason I ask, is I start on another area (get the bugs off), and I kinda forgot, so it seemed to be a bit harder to get the wax off. Thought maybe if I had a timer I could at least check it.

Only a very thin amount of wax is needed on the surface. The wait time depends on many factors, whether it's applied in the sun, the surface temps, the humidity. The best way to know for sure is a swipe test. This is simply running your finger over a spot and seeing if it wipes right off or smears. If it wipes right off, it's dry.

[Shawn T.]

Re: wax

Since you have a white car, it will be very hard to discern any real difference in the section with swirls and the one without swirls. White paint does a great job of hiding swirls. In fact, I would mainly use a cleaner/wax such as A-12 Cleaner Wax (maroon bottle), M66 Quick Detailer, Colorx, D151 Paint Reconditioning Cream and then top that with a different wax. For the topper you could use either NXT 2.0 or Gold Class Carnauba Plus. This will give you a very nice shine on your white car.

You have to use the swipe test when determining when to wipe off wax. You can go ahead and put on another layer if you would like. Two thin coats are recommended to provide the most even coverage.

[akimel]

Re: wax

Welcome CarCareGal!

You might find this article helpful: Your Daily Driver: A Simple Wash & Wax Regimen.

The challenge is to figure out a detailing regimen that is workable for you and then to stick to it.

NXT will provide you the best and most long-lasting protection of Meguiar's consumer-line waxes. During the non-winter months, you might strive to re-wax every 2-3 months.

A coat of NXT typically takes 15-30 minutes to set-up and haze before buffing off, depending on temperature and humidity. Be sure to put it on thin. A thick coat takes longer to dry, can cause streaking problems, and simply wastes product. A thin coat is optimal. Check our this article by Michael Stoops.

[carcareGAL]

Re: wax

thanks everyone. I will put two coats of nxt on the white vehicle. But, I guess what I need to really know, is how long before you put the next coat on? I did one side one day and the other side the next, as the vehicle was very dirty, and I wanted to do a very good job. (plus my arm was tired).

If I wait a day in betweens, do I need to wash it down before I put the wax on?
Guess, I am not sure one the time part. I can probably put a coat of wax on in the morning, then come back and do it again in the afternoon. Just not sure how much elbow grease my arm can take.

Maybe I should ask for one of those electric buffers for my next birthday?

[ca2kjet]

Re: wax

A few hours between coats should be fine. If you wait until the next day, the only thing I'd do is mist a quick detailer spray on it and remove any extra dust and stuff that has landed on the car.

When it comes to apply wax it should be pretty painless. Use an applicator pad (I think one comes with NXT 2.0), put some wax on it, and gently wipe down the car. Shouldn't need to use any pressure and it will glide on. Once dry simply wipe it down.

This will show you how much wax and what it should look like. It may be a bit harder to see on a white car though.

[Murr1525]

Re: wax

But, I guess what I need to really know, is how long before you put the next coat on? I did one side one day and the other side the next, as the vehicle was very dirty, and I wanted to do a very good job. (plus my arm was tired).

At the simplest, you would apply the wax, let dry, remove it, wait 15 minutes, then apply, let dry, and remove.

If I wait a day in betweens, do I need to wash it down before I put the wax on?

If it is dusty, you would want to at least QD the area you will be working in.

[akimel]

Re: wax

Gal, it sounds like you may be working too hard! You don't need to rub the wax in very hard. You're not polishing the paint. You just need to apply a thin coat of wax, wait for it to haze, and then wipe off. Waxing is the easy part. Be sure to read the article by Michael Stoops in cited in my preceding comment.

You ask how long to wait before applying a second coat of NXT. The optimal time suggested by Meguiar's is 12 hours. A lot of us will wax our car in the late afternoon or early evening and then apply the second coat the next morning. But professional detailers can't wait that long: often they will only wait 30-60 minutes and then apply the second coat. So don't sweat it. Just do what you can do. And have fun!

Do you need to wash the car again before the second coat? Only if dirt has gotten onto the car. You don't want to wax a dirty car. Is it garaged or sitting outside? If the latter, you might want to pick up a bottle of Ultimate Quik Detailer and wipe off the dust with a microfiber towel. Use your best judgment.

Another trick to consider: Pick up a bottle of Ultimate Quik Wax. After you wash your car, spray the car with it. It's easy as quick detailing: you simply wipe on and wipe off. UQW will support, maintain, and boost the NXT you have previously applied. It makes waxing a real pleasure. And you can apply it to plastic and metal trim, too! I suspect that there are a lot of people out there who have come to rely almost exclusively on Ultimate Quik Wax.

[carcareGAL]

Re: wax

ok, got it! thanks so much! I guess I think I have to 'work' twice as hard as a guy, because I'm just not as strong. I did not buy the ultimate quik wax, as I wanted to put what I consider 'wax' on it. So, I will send someone out to pick up the uqw and the uqd. I had read about them, but I honestly did not think they were really 'wax'. I still think of wax, as the car under the trees and my dad putting it on, then buffing it off all by hand. Then when I bought my own car, they told me NOT to wax it. So, I got away from that.
Thanks again, I know its a day-off for most, so thank you for the quick replies.

Right now, I am painting an area that was damaged, when the other vehicle we own, um, met up with this one. Happy to say, it looks pretty good for a girl doing it!!!

[carcareGAL]

Re: wax

oh, I have those two, they came in the box's.
PS...thanks for making the NXT all purple, its very pretty!
(I do realize men won't care, but I do buy based on color most of the time!)
my tools are pink. now, I wish my palm sander and router were pink or purple).
If Meguiars would make the lines in diff colors, I could ask one of my kids to bring say "green' bottle for the glass, brown for interior and leather, and then the black bottle for tires! thanks again!

[Murr1525]

Re: wax

A polish and wax are just like hand lotion, no need to work them hard.

The UQW will be great for you after future washes.

Yeah, polish/wax technology has come a ways from the 70's and 80's.... and much like now, most people probably werent using them quite right.

This may help you too:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43582

[carcareGAL]

Re: wax

wow, great video. I love these videos that show how to do this.

your right, its not pressure for the wax, but it was pressure a bit to get the spots/scratches and other imperfections I was doing. I was doing both, just at diff areas. so my arm was getting tired.

I just put the gold class carnauba plus on one door panel. It has the nxt on it from yesterday. Honestly, its a bit shinier, but not by much. Will try a 2nd coat of nxt to the door panel next to it, next. (in betweens the paint work)

[akimel]

Re: wax

Grasshopper, you are now on your way! Have fun!

Here's a video that shows how easy it is to use Ultimate Quik Wax: