What Order?

[zsoap]

Hey Guys this is my first post even though I've been visiting the site for about a month now (love it!). Here's my question, I have an '03 black CTS and I want to know in what order will I get the best shine?

1- wash
2- clay
3- cleaner wax
4- polish
5- carnuba wax
6- NXT

or should I do NXT after the polish and finish with the carnuba?
I already have the best shine in my neighborhood but I still think I can make it better. Any input would be appreciated.

[Murr1525]

Hi,

I think the cleaner wax in your 3rd step could throw off the ability of the polish. I would expect a paint cleaner, not cleaner wax to be the better product in that step. As far as wax, I believe I have seen some people using Carnuba over the Nxt. But you will have to experiment, and see what looks best to your eye.

[Mike Phillips]

Here's the basic order of steps to follow,


Washing
Before detailing your car, first do an extremely good job of washing it. Remove all the dirt from all the nooks and crannies. This prevents any small abrasive dirt particle from entering into the machine polishing process and potentially instilling a swirl. Get the Car Sparkling Clean to start with and everything will be downhill after that.

Claying
After that clay the car, at least the horizontal surfaces. Again, do a good job of claying to insure you remove all above surface contaminants. The level of gloss you can achieve from your car's finish is mostly determined by how smooth you can make your paint. Claying will make your car's finish as smooth as glass.

Cleaning
Cleaning is different than washing. Cleaning is removing both above surface defects like oxidation and below surface defects like swirls, scratches, etchings, and dirt that has embedded itself under the surface. Choose the appropriate paint cleaner for the condition of your car's finish and your application process. If you're unsure of which paint cleaner or cleaner/polish is right for your car, describe your car and if possible post a picture and we'll be glad to make some recommendations.


Polishing
Polishing after removing the defects is typically using a pure polish that is non-abrasive to restore brilliant high gloss and deep, dark reflections. This is an optional step and one best used on medium to dark colored car.

Protecting
This is where you apply your choice of wax or paint protectant. Adding a layer or two of wax creates a sacrificial-barrier on your car's paint to protect it and also add shine and gloss. Generally, two thin coats will insure even coverage with a uniform appearance.

Maintaining
Maintaining is the use of products like a quick detailer or a spray wax to maintain that "Just detailed look" in-between regular washings, and the regular application of a normal coat of wax.

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The product catagories you listed will work, basically you're using the cleaner/wax as a paint cleaner.

What do you have for a Carnauba wax?

Mike

[zsoap]

My carnuba is actually Mother's. My fiance gave it to me for me for my birthday last year along with a detail kit. I've always preffered Meguires products but I guess the guy at the store suggested Mothers. I purchased and used NXT last summer and loved it. I drive a black Cadillac CTS but do not have a digital camera at this time. When I get one I'll be sure to post pics. Thanks for the quick reply.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by zsoap
My Carnauba is actually Mother's.

Most people would apply the Mother's Carnauba Wax as their LSP, (Last Step Product), over the coat of NXT.

Mike

[zsoap]

Thanks for the help. One more question though. After i've buffed off the wax should I polish the car right away with a polishing pad or wait the 12 hours for the paint to cure? Sorry if these sound like silly questions but I'm learning.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by zsoap
Thanks for the help. One more question though. After I've buffed off the wax should I polish the car right away with a polishing pad or wait the 12 hours for the paint to cure? Sorry if these sound like silly questions but I'm learning.

Typically, in a best-case-scenario, you would remove the first coat of wax and let the polymers fully set-up before disrupting them, this means touch them, (more and more wiping), or applying a second coat of another product. In the real world, most of us apply our second coat with in a half hour or so of removing the first coat.

[zsoap]

Well I tried the order suggested and have to say I dissagree. My shine was better before I topped it off with the carnuba wax. So I went back the next day and put a coat of NXT on and now my car looks awesome again. Thanks for all the advise but I guess sometimes you have to experiment to find your personal preferance.

[Murr1525]

Absolutely right,

Everyones eye, and what they want to achieve is different.