I'm new and confused

[reddawg4325]

Geetings to all... I need some sound advice. I just bought a used black sebring, it's pretty nice but has many scratches and one big on on the back quarter panel which I have in a professional body shop and will be taken care of. My question that I have is
1) when to wax? since the back panel is being painted it sounds like I need to wait for awhile to do anything.
2) here is my plan once I can wax
a) wash with one of the remmended washes, maybe the gold class?
b) NXT Generation Tech Wax Paste 2.0 (what's the difference between the wax and the wax paste)?
c) Gold Class Carnuba Plus Paste Wax or M26 Hi Tech
but after reading maybe the Ultimate wax is what I should use. I want to do 2 coats of something and I'm starting to think maybe I should bag the NXT and just do 2 coats of the waxes I mentioned in c. I can use input from any of you guys , it sounds like you have a much better handle on this stuff rather than me guessing. There's so many products my head is swimming with info. Also what should I use to apply and wipe clean? Help me out here, thanks

[Murr1525]

Re: I'm new and confused

1) when to wax? since the back panel is being painted it sounds like I need to wait for awhile to do anything.

Yeah, most shops would want 30-90 days before waxing on a re-painted area.

So the rest you could do, just not that area. Even claying that area could be ok.

2) here is my plan once I can wax
a) wash with one of the remmended washes, maybe the gold class?

Can wash the whole thing regularly.. Gold class, two buckets, good towels, sponges, etc.

b) NXT Generation Tech Wax Paste 2.0 (what's the difference between the wax and the wax paste)?
c) Gold Class Carnuba Plus Paste Wax or M26 Hi Tech
but after reading maybe the Ultimate wax is what I should use. I want to do 2 coats of something and I'm starting to think maybe I should bag the NXT and just do 2 coats of the waxes I mentioned in c. I can use input from any of you guys , it sounds like you have a much better handle on this stuff rather than me guessing. There's so many products my head is swimming with info. Also what should I use to apply and wipe clean? Help me out here, thanks

Ok, so yeah...

Basically, you want a clean surface to work on. The cleaning steps are are clay and a paint cleaner. The clay remove things from the surface, and the pant cleaner removes things from the pores, imperfections in the paint. If strong enough, the cleaner can remove swirls/scratchs, etc.

If it were me, I would look at one of these:

Quick:
1. Wash - Gold Class soap, Grit Guard, good towels, sponges, etc.
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit
3. cleaner/wax - Either the Cleaner/Wax or ColorX
4. Wax - Nxt 2.0, Ult .wax, etc

Full:
1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Clean - you would look at SwirlX or Ult Polish as a mild cleaner and polish. Ult. Compound could be used for more severe defects.
4. Wax - Ult. Wax, Nxt 2.0, Gold Class ,etc
5. Wax - 2 thin coats are best.

[reddawg4325]

Re: I'm new and confused

OK, thanks for the input, do you think I should mix and match the two final waxes (NXT, then Ultimate ect) or do two of the same, I think that's where I'm struggling. I am going to order the proper pads/towels to work with as this seem to be key as well.. thanks

[Murr1525]

Re: I'm new and confused

You can do whatever you like with the waxes, nothing right or wrong.

Some people say it looks a bit different if you mix them... I never see anything and just do two of the same wax.

[reddawg4325]

Re: I'm new and confused

I think I'll do 2 coats of the same wax, now I know people have had great success with the Gold Class, but dont know anyone that has used the ultimate, maybe because it's newer. sounds like it might be better, but maybe someone on here knows which one would be the way to go

[Murr1525]

Re: I'm new and confused

The Ult. Wax is a little different to apply... but does seem durable, at least for me. I was not able to wash my car properly (so I didnt at all) for about 2 months, and only got to this weekend. It was still beading before the wash, and more after, though I put some UQW on after.

[reddawg4325]

Re: I'm new and confused

so it must be a little harder to apply? whats your take on the paste vs liquid? and thanks for all the advice I think I'm starting to get my hands around this thing

[Murr1525]

Re: I'm new and confused

I prefer liquid, but thats just up to you. No container to get dirt in, easy to get on pad...

I dont know if harder is the right word... but different. Almost goes on like butter or something, real thin and then fades, but then dries with a little residue. Some people have had to remove it very soon after applying to not get streaks. I tried one coat with little waiting, and one coat with a longer time, and both seemed ok. I think I might have gotten a couple streaks with the shorter time.

I would say Nxt 2.0 would be the most durable 'regular' wax, and Gold Class + is popular for people who like the carnuba waxes.