Modified five step?

[LWW]

I have been detailing my on cars for about ten years, and I finally broke down and bought a new 2013 VW JETTA.

In the past I've been using a wash/clay/compound/polish/wax process.

With a new car I'm thinking the rubbing compound step is not needed.

I also have been unable to do any detail work for a couple of years, so I'm guessing my show car glaze and original NXT ... both probably five years or more old ... are probably toast by now, but my Gold Class wash should be good? All have been kept inside and never frozen.

After a good shaking they appear normal when a little is squeezed out, but I can't see what may have settled at the bottom.

Also I have some old Meg's Hot Rims, rubber cleaner, NXT interior protectant etcetera.

I don't mind replacing anything that's too old ... but if it's not I'll keep it.

All knowledgable replies are appreciated in advance.

[LWW]

Re: Modified five step?

I didn't mention, the color is "CANDY WHITE" but is a non metallic clear coated color.

Again, thanks in advance.

[C8N]

Re: Modified five step?

Someone mentioned to me Iron X should be used on a new car.
What does this do? Remove iron deposits from the paint?
Is there a Meguiar's equivalent to this and at what point in the 5 step process should this be used?

[Meticulous-Detail]

Re: Modified five step?

If everything is 5 yrs old, I would toss everything but the soap. If you don't want to toss, then give everything a good shakin and do a test spot. White is all about getting the paint clean. I would pick up some IronX, Trix, Decon gel............etc and get all the iron particles off before clay, this will make claying easier. Then clay, then polish (Megs UP), then top with a sealant (M21), then top with a nuba (optional for looks). If you don't have major swirls no need to compound. I would stay away from rubbing compound (Turtle Wax Tin). There are much better compound products out there, go with Megs UC.

Megs just came out with White Wax which is an all in one product for lighter colored cars, this might work well for a quick detail.

[Murr1525]

Re: Modified five step?

I wouldnt say 5 year old things will be bad.. If you shake them and get a good cream coming out, should be fine.

As far as the actual detailing, there are always options. For a quick detail, I always like:

1. Wash
2. Clay as needed
3. ColorX or other cleaner/wax
4. Wax

You may be able to get a little better, esp if dark colored, with something like:

1. Wash
2. Clay as needed
3. Clean/Polish - Ult. Polish
4. Wax
5. Wax

And then either way, you cna use something like Ult. Quick Wax after future washes.

New cars are often shipped by rail, and parked in lots beside highways, so can get a lot of rail/brake/rust dust landing on the car. So the IronX and similar products work to safely dissolve/loosen the iron, rather than it staining the paint (more visible on white), or dragging it around on your pads.

IronX was what I tried so far, and is pretty simple, and if you are just doing your car, a regular sized bottle will last a while. I gave a light spray everwhere, looked for any pink to turn up, and added another spray or two where I saw some.

As mentioned, you would use those kind of products before claying.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Modified five step?

If your products have been stored indoors for 5 years odds are they're all still perfectly viable. But if you have the original version of NXT you might want to consider upgrading to our new Ultimate Wax as it will last quite a bit longer, look brighter and crisper on your white car, and is a breeze to use.

Old school rubbing compounds are generally not a good thing to use on modern clear coat paint as they tend to haze them very badly. If you feel you need to do some swirl removal then a much more modern approach with Ultimate Compound is a far better choice. Further, Ultimate Polish or M205 will do more for gloss and clarity on this paint than good ol' #7 Show Car Glaze will.

As for the Iron-X, it's made by CarPro and it's excellent stuff (if you can get past the really horrid smell!!). It's safe to use on all surfaces and will break down any iron deposits that exist on the paint. It's usually used in the wash process (either before or after) and it presents a color change from clear to a deep purple as it reacts with the iron particles embedded in the paint. On a white car it's very telling. Meguiar's does not have an equivalent product.

[Murr1525]

Re: Modified five step?

Yeah, thats a good point... the Nxt 2.0 or the Ult. Wax are a lot better than the original Nxt, and I like the new Surpreme Shine or Natural Shine a lot more than the Nxt Tech protectant (I havent used the Ultimate Protectant).

Oh, and the IronX, etc type things are esp great on wheels, just try to keep it off your brakes I think.

[LWW]

Re: Modified five step?

Thanks all.

I bought some NXT 2.0, Ultimate Compound and Ultimate Polish and a clay bar kit.

Hoping my QD and other spray products are all still good.