Detailing a new car

[veeedub]

Hi yall. I drive a white Acura ILX. The car is only a few months old, and I have a few questions regarding detailing. I have never owned a new car, so my definition of conditioning was just to wash every two weeks. That being said, I purchased a polisher. The Porter Cable 7424 because I heard it is very good for beginners. I also purchased Meguiars NXT wax, Meguiars Cleaner/liquid wax along with Meguiars polishing and finishing pads ( I didn't get any cutting pads because I assumed I did not need it because the car is new)

So my questions are.
Since my car is new, Do I use the Cleaner/liquid wax to polish first, then use the NXT wax? Or will it strip off the original factory coat. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing.
Or should I use a different polish/sealant before the NXT wax? I dont really see any needed paint corrections on my car.
Also, after waxing with the NXT, Should I use Meguiars ultimate quick detailer spray immediately after?
In between waxes with the NXT, when I use the Ultimate Quick Wax to maintain the car, do I also use the detailer?

Sorry for the 50 questions, but I would like to prolong/condition my car as long as possible!

[Murr1525]

Re: Detailing a new car

Hi yall. I drive a white Acura ILX. The car is only a few months old, and I have a few questions regarding detailing. I have never owned a new car, so my definition of conditioning was just to wash every two weeks. That being said, I purchased a polisher. The Porter Cable 7424 because I heard it is very good for beginners. I also purchased Meguiars NXT wax, Meguiars Cleaner/liquid wax along with Meguiars polishing and finishing pads ( I didn't get any cutting pads because I assumed I did not need it because the car is new)

OK. But will also be good to add the Meguiars Smooth Surface Clay kit. And I assume you mean Nxt 2.0?

So my questions are.
Since my car is new, Do I use the Cleaner/liquid wax to polish first, then use the NXT wax? Or will it strip off the original factory coat. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing.

Applying one coat of the Cleaner/Wax and then one of the NXT would be a good detail that covers all the steps.

The Cleaner/Wax is a very mild cleaner, so will not be removing much.

Or should I use a different polish/sealant before the NXT wax? I dont really see any needed paint corrections on my car.

There are options. Some people may like a stronger cleaner/wax like ColorX, then Wax. Or others will like the Ult. Polish then 2 coats of Wax.

Also, after waxing with the NXT, Should I use Meguiars ultimate quick detailer spray immediately after?

No. Best to let it sit and cure.

In between waxes with the NXT, when I use the Ultimate Quick Wax to maintain the car, do I also use the detailer?

No, just wash and then use the UQW after, or while doing a final drying wipe.

You should look into some of the classes at Meguiars HQ if you want to learn a lot, and get some hands on practice, though of course can ask anything here as well.

[Meticulous-Detail]

Re: Detailing a new car

Here is a good starting point.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...-Cycle-Updated!

There is no factory coat of wax. Dealerships use glazes with heavy fillers for new car prep which hide imperfections. The key to white paint is to get the paint very clean. Here is what I would do for white or silver:

Dawn wash-for the initial wash only, really get it squeaky clean , 2 bucket method to wash, leaf blower to dry, detail spray to aid in drying then evaluate paint
Irons X- if you notice tiny orange specs this is most likely iron particles from transport, Iron X works great on these tiny specs then evaluate
Clay-you want to clay the paint to get the remaing dirt and grit out of the paint. Your paint might look clean, but do the baggy test to see if you need to clay
Polish-Megs UP for added gloss and shine
Protection-NXT or Megs UPW or ULW , I would go with UPW, personal choice

No need for quick detailer after these steps, you can use it as clay lube, for spot cleaning, and a drying aid. Yes I would use UQX to maintain the NXT or UPW/ULW. For maintaining wash with favorite megs soap, dry using quick detailer as aid and then UQW to boost whatever wax you used.


Another option just use Megs white wax and top with NXT. Megs white wax is an AIO designed for light colored cars.

[Detailing by M]

Re: Detailing a new car

Opti - coat that bad boy!!!!

[veeedub]

Re: Detailing a new car

Thank you guys, this has helped me so much! I will look into the Megs white Wax and opticoating! I live in an area where the elements aren't too harsh on my vehicle so I probably wont opticoat? Also, what do you guys use for interior? My brother had leftover Armor all, but I heard that just adds a layer of oil to your stuff and causes it to age faster. I just want it protected and clean. The seats are leather!

[Murr1525]

Re: Detailing a new car

Well, you would tend to go with the Meguiars Leather Cleaner/Conditioner for seats.

You can use the Quick Interior Detailer for dusting... some people like to only use that. I like to use the Supreme Shine for an interior protectant, and then dust every so often with the QID, then re-dress after a while.

[Detailing by M]

Re: Detailing a new car

Throw away the Armor All or use it on your engine only. Nothing agaist them but there are much better products then AA.
Don't Opti Coat it. To many people are apply and using OC wrong so I'm pulling all of myrecommendationss for amateurs to use OC. I love Opti-Coat but let a pro install it if you want it.
M20 is my go to for a nice ploy-seal. Or the White Wax is an awesome product but not as long lasting as a synthetic.

[veeedub]

Re: Detailing a new car

Thanks! I went with UP, and NXT 2.0. I will condition the car with UQW as well!
Quick questions though. I usually use Meguiars Gold Class shampoo to wash, but I am currently almost out. My friend who was on leave, just went back to Germany and gave me his Megs Wash and Wax.
My questions are.. Will the Wash and Wax conflict with my NXT and UP? Like creating extra useless layers of wax?
Do I still use the UQW after using the W&W?
Should I use this Wash the day I use the NXT and UP?
Or don't even use it at all?
Sorry for the noobie questions, I just would like to get the best finish (:

[Murr1525]

Re: Detailing a new car

Not sure what you mean by condition with UQW? After future washes maybe?

I assume you mean the Ult. Wash and Wax (yellow bottle). No conflict, but a bit useless if going to follow up with the UQW.

I keep some on hand for a quick wash (like a spring rain... might not be an issue for you there...), but usually use the regular soap with UQW after.

[kiwiatlarge]

FWIW, I usually either use the Gold Class Wash (orange) followed by the Ultimate or GC spray wax.. (don't need the car perfectly dry) or just the Ultimate Wash (yellow) with a drying towel dry.. Just depends on time, mood, weather.. I tend to mainly just wash n wax my Daily Driver too.. Seems a waste of spray products to use them every wash for my work car.

[veeedub]

Re: Detailing a new car

Not sure what you mean by condition with UQW? After future washes maybe?

I assume you mean the Ult. Wash and Wax (yellow bottle). No conflict, but a bit useless if going to follow up with the UQW.

I keep some on hand for a quick wash (like a spring rain... might not be an issue for you there...), but usually use the regular soap with UQW after.

Oh oops! I did mean to say I would use UQW after future washes. Sorry my terminology is still in development (: Hmm that actually sounds good.

FWIW, I usually either use the Gold Class Wash (orange) followed by the Ultimate or GC spray wax.. (don't need the car perfectly dry) or just the Ultimate Wash (yellow) with a drying towel dry.. Just depends on time, mood, weather.. I tend to mainly just wash n wax my Daily Driver too.. Seems a waste of spray products to use them every wash for my work car.

Thanks! I hear that using the UW&W does not leave the car glossy like using Reg Gold Class and following up with UQW