Evaluate my technique (layering)

[vizier]

I just got a new set of mirrors for my Stang painted and installed. I think they look a lot nicer than the plastic clunkers that came stock.

So anyways when I got her back from the shop, it was covered in dust from the garage! This gave me the perfect excuse to spend all Saturday morning detailing the car.

Normally I prep with ultimate compound, then use the nxt gen 2.0. Since it was just dust on the car, I decided to "prep" by using ultimate detailer to clean off the surface dust. Then I used the ultimate quik spray wax. This worked very well, but it was so easy I went ahead and did another coat of the quick spray wax.

That whole process took less than an hour and even though the car looked amazing I felt like I had cheated because I used the spray wax. So I went ahead an put coat of the Nxt Gen 2.0 (not the spray) to seal everything in place.

Here are my results. I did all of this by hand. Meguiar's products speak for themselves.

[Murr1525]

Re: Evaluate my technique (layering)

My only comment is you should not need Ultimate Compound every time you detail. If you are adding that many swirls, something is wrong.

You should look into something like SwirlX for the regular detailing.

And if the mirrors were just painted and still curing, UQD and UQW are not for fresh paint. Best to leave them unsealed for at least 30 days.

[vizier]

Re: Evaluate my technique (layering)

My only comment is you should not need Ultimate Compound every time you detail. If you are adding that many swirls, something is wrong.

You should look into something like SwirlX for the regular detailing.

And if the mirrors were just painted and still curing, UQD and UQW are not for fresh paint. Best to leave them unsealed for at least 30 days.

I only regularly use the ultimate compound on my "Problem areas" specifically the rear bumper. For some reason that panel is very prone to swirls and scratches (minor of course). The rest of the car looks the way you see it in the photo.

[artdiefenbach]

Re: Evaluate my technique (layering)

Your car finish really looks terrific. Way to go. I'm glad to hear you only use the UC on problem areas and not the whole car. It's a paint cleaner, so it should only be used when you have swirls that need to be removed.

I'd be nervous about cleaning the whole car with UQD given that you said it was "covered in dust." I think you took a big risk of scratching the paint. I think you really should have given the car a proper wash. No risk there. I think the best use for UQD for touch-ups. I just don't think it was intended as a car wash in a bottle.

Then the two coats of UQW was a total waste of time because the NXT Tech wax removed what you just did.

The sequence I would have recommended in your case is:
1. Wash with any of Meguiar's car wash products
2. Wax with NXT Tech Wax or Gold Class Carnauba Wax (or better yet base coat of Tech Wax followed the next day with a top coat of Gold Class Wax)
2. Finish up with a wipe down of Ultimate Quik Wax

I really love the Quik Wax as a finish after every wash. I used to follow the wash with UQ Detailer, but the UQ Wax really gives that just waxed finish and shine. I cheat a bit and just put UQW on the hood and trunk because they are the most noticeable.