Confused with products and steps. HELP!

[Garage Troll]

Re: Confused with products and steps. HELP!

You know, this just popped in my head. What about finding some M16. It's a carnauba but has a pretty decent longevity.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Confused with products and steps. HELP!

How often do you clay? As needed - maybe once a year unless the car is exposed to something unexpected

How often do you wax? Every couple of months, sometimes more. But since I work for Meguiar's I'm always playing with different waxes and sealants anyway.

How often do you wash? Again, as needed. Sometimes, because of the lack of rain and my routine use of UQD/M135 on the car, I can go 3 months without a full wash, but that's rare. I like to wash at least once a month unless we get some rain.

Your almost daily wipe down is with a 'quick detailer' spray? Yes, specifically Ultimate Quik Detailer/M135 and sometimes Last Touch. Lately I've been using Ultimate Wash & Wax Anywhere, too.

I know it will vary with weather and car conditions but I'm trying to get a rough schedule for my new Honda CR-Z (white). Also, is there any consensus on what works (carnauba, synthetic; liquid, paste) with white paint (or off-white 'pearl')?

We like to say that "frequent car care is easy car care". By that we mean that if you detail the vehicle to a very high level, and then spend a few minutes a day or every other day maintaining it, you can keep that high level for a long period of time. But if you do this high level detail and then just forget about it, you'll be doing another high level detail sooner than you might think. As for a good choice of wax/sealant on a pearl white car, you'll get a variety of responses based on personal preferences, but Ultimate Wax is a great choice. It's fully synthetic and offers a very bright and crisp shine on lighter colors, and it can make that pearl really pop, too. For max gloss, however, we'd suggest claying first if needed and then following with M205 prior to waxing. M205 can do wonders for increasing the gloss and clarity of the paint - great, great stuff!

[gabe]

Re: Confused with products and steps. HELP!

Thanks for all the advice guys! But do u guys know how responsive or delicate paint on a Lexus IS300 is?

[Bjkearns]

Re: Confused with products and steps. HELP!

questions like that cant be responded to without more information

what color car
what product
what pad
what speed

cant be helped if not enough information is provided...

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Confused with products and steps. HELP!

Thanks for all the advice guys! But do u guys know how responsive or delicate paint on a Lexus IS300 is?

The ones we've worked on have been pretty middle of the road and fairly easy to correct. That doesn't mean they're all like that though, so do yourself a huge favor and do that test spot first!

[ffboy]

Re: Confused with products and steps. HELP!

I say i'd start by simplifying things first. I say clay the car first, i find this step essential regardless of how new the car/paint is. i feel this step opens up a host of possibilities in terms of the beauty and overalthe l look and durability of the wax, plus it makes the wax easier to apply and remove. Since the paint is new, i would just go and use ever famous and versatile cleaner wax since it already cleans and polishes in 1 step, rather than immediately jumping to ultimate compound or ultimate polish or swirlX. Also your car being a bright color, you may not get the full benefits of a pure polish like M07 or deep crystal since those 2 work best on dark paint. Although i have tried M07 on silver and other light color 2 stage paint, not much increase in depth but it helped in the paint's overall clarity. the metallic flakes were even more visible. that's what i experienced, it may work for you nicely or be an unnecessary step.

So for me, Clay kit, cleaner wax, then Ultimate wax or NXT 2 or m21 synth sealant. And don't forget that very important ULtimate quik detailer and quik wax. Both are excellent products that extend the wax protection of your car.. You can use uqd almost on a daily basis, well that's what i do. I use it almost daily

[gabe]

Re: Confused with products and steps. HELP!

Thank you guys! lot of help! great to have a forum on it!