New to detailing.... 2010 MX-5

[wintermute01]

Hey,

I am the proud owner of a 2010 Black Mazda MX-5 and new to "detailing". I have had the car for about a month now and this has been my weekly routine:

1. Wash the car: 2 bucket system, Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash, soft mit.
2. Dry with a waffle weave microfiber cloth.
3. Clean the wheels with a very soft wheel brush and soap and water, rinse.
4. Apply a Black Magic Tire Wet to the tires to keep them nice and dark.
5. Wipe down the interior, then clean with Meguiar's Quick Interior Detailer.
6. Vacuum.
7. Apply Ultimate Quick Detailer to the exterior (overkill i guess, but it really makes the car shiny and glassy looking).
8. RainX the exterior windows.

I'd like to Wax the car now, but I have a few questions...

Do I need to remove the wax currently on the car before I proceed? If so What should I use. The paint's in really good shape, but thanks to Florida weather and rain (it's a daily driver kept outside) I am getting some very light water spotting that won't wash off).

I have NXT 2.0 on hand to wax the car... will a foam applicator be better than a microfiber applicator?

How often should I apply a protectent to the exterior plastic/rubber components?

Thanks for the help.

WM01

[Murr1525]

Re: New to detailing.... 2010 MX-5

1-4 You may prefer to do your wheels/tires/wheel wells first, wash the car, then dress.

7. Not overkill at all.

Q.

1. Probably no wax on the car. If it were me, I would want to do this:
1 - Wash
2 - Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit
3 - ColorX
4 - Nxt 2.0

2. I like the foam applicators better myself. Have to buy them online usually.

3. Whenever you like. A good one like Ultimate Protectant should last a few washes, if the plastic likes a dressing. Some don't, never know till you try. Also, UQW can be used after washing, and can be applied over plastic trim as well.