Announcement

**LnkPrkSoldier** · Jun 6, 2005, 04:50 PM

1.) Any recommendations for wash? I was considering GC Shampoo and Conditioner, but it seems to be simply a matter of choice with most forum members...like everyone and their brother, I want the deep, wet look on the black paint, and I think the GC is said to be a bit more oily? Also, though the Mr. Clean is supposed to be spot free, I was going to buy some high-pile towels and go over it before my next step...people prefer microfiber over the towels? Either one better than the other when it comes to reducing/preventing swirls?

yea, wash is just preference. most people here use Gold class wash , as do i, and microfibers are preferred over towels. anything touching your paint is possible to produce swirls on your paint. to minimize the use of drying , take off the top of the hose so the water is flowing out without restriction. make sure the water isn't blasting out either. let the water go off the from the top and get more water to make it all sheet off. this process will remove at least 50% of the water.

2.) After the wash, I understand that I should then treat the paint before a shot of was is applied. Should I next apply Deep Crystal Polish? I think most favor using microfiber for the application/removal, correct?

yes, microfiber is preferred over everything else such as beach towels. but dual action polisher and the rotary buffer are both better. but microfiber is good and your choice of using microfiber is fine. but before this step, you should probably clay the car as new cars come with rail dust which is something that sits on the car when being transported by freight.

3.) After the polishing (or anything else you suggest), I was going to apply the wax. Again, is the type simply a matter of preference? I will try the NXT, but not sure if the paste or the liquid is optimum for new paint....I would favor the liquid, as it seems smoother to apply to me, but not sure if one is better than the other...so liquid or paste? Does one prevent swirls more than the other?
this is just preference between people. i prefer paste because i can easily apply it to the entire car and just wait for it to sit in ( about 25 minutes ) your choice between liquid or wax, there is no known difference as of yet. and there is no proof that one is better than the other at the moment.

4.) After the waxing, do most people use the quick detailer to finish it off, or is this not necessary? When I had my bike (750 Katana crotch-rocket), I always finished the waxing with some detailer and rubbed that baby until it was glass....seemed to remove any residue/wax left behind and gave me a very consistent shine...suggestions?

no need for the quick detailer. quick detailing is for use a few days after the wash when the car is needed to be cleaned after it has collected a layer of dust from driving . only thing you need to clean up the small spots is just a clean microfiber towel

5.) I plan to wash the truck every Sunday, but I was thinking I should wax it every 2 months, or more as needed...so after this waxing, I was simply going to wash it next week, then apply either quick detailer or the NXT spray wax...leaning toward the wax, but not sure on this one...was thinking the spray wax and just use the detailer to get out fingerprints or small spot touch-ups...does the booster wax leave a film? The stuff I used on my bike looked like water and rubbed on clear...and the longer I buffed, the better it looked...but no white residue on initial application...

the nxt spray wax should only be applied when the car is perfectly clean, its just a wax touch up. to get rid of the fingerprints and such, just use a quick detailer.

6.) I read that some of the NXT is said to stain trim, but what about black trim (not the big side panels...the regular 1-2" trim that is painted to match the rest of the vehicle) all the way around? I assume it would be fine on this, right?

if it is painted, then it is fine to apply the wax. and if any wax is put onto normal trim ( such as the plastic found the Honda Elements) it will leave a white stain. yes i do think it is fine , but to make this 100% sure, pictures would be helpful

7.) I have no idea what kind of rims these are except for the fact that they are aluminum...would like a mild cleaner to not risk damaging them...suggestions? Also, my step-bar looks coated...not chrome...more of a silver/grey and probably coated....what should I use on that?

im not sure about the step bar, but for the wheels i recommend Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner and it will need some agitation from a brush.

8.) For the windows, I was going with Meg's NXT glass cleaner...thought I read that I should NOT use on my instrument panel of headlights...clear lights in the front, so which cleaner is best for these areas? I think the PlasticX has abrasives in it, so rather not use that on neither the instrument panel nor the headlights/taillights...think the prep guys where I use to sell cars used the adhesive remover they had and it looked great...not sure what to use, so welcome all suggestions

the nxt glass cleaner is great for glass. it is amazing. but for the plastic i think plasticX should work fine unless you have a clear bra or something. im not too sure about plastic, i haven't done much research on this.

9.) I must confess--I am a 'black magic' fan...bought some new stuff (new since I've bought tire cleaner) with the built-in applicator...Meg's has something that provides an equally (if not better) shine than the wet look black magic stuff?

depends on how much of a shine you want. if you want something really high shine, then use the NXT insane shine. and do no, i repeat DO NOT use the wheel cleaner. i highly advise against. i have made another thread titled " it realy is black magic" read it and you'll see what happened to me

10.) What is good to clean my plastic chrome-looking grill? I was just going to wax it lightly, but perhaps there's something better to prevent damage down the road?

first i woudl advise that you should find out what the material is really made of.

anybody else that wants to confirm what i said should be good. i think most of my points are correct though. i could be wrong though. good luck with your car!

**Mike Phillips** · Jun 6, 2005, 06:03 PM

Re: Newbie Questions on Recommended Products for Black SUV

Originally posted by Terp
..first post, so you know the newbie questions are inevitable

I've read tons of threads, went through the 'how-to-guides,' and have done my research, but I would still like some input before I buy a bunch of stuff I don't need (or shouldn't use).

Hi Terp,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

Meguiar's is happy that you've placed your trust in our company to help you take care of your brand new 05 Ford Explorer!

LnkPrkSoldier did a pretty good job of answering your questions, I'll try to add a little more...

I'll be working with a new '05 Ford Explorer...black..."sparkle Silver Aluminum Rims"...thin strip of black, painted molding around the body...chrome-looking plastic grill and both bumpers are painted to match the paint, so not the dull black variety.

I'm also going to buy the Mr. Clean setup simply for the water filter and storage, but looking to replace the soap with some Megs.

Good luck with the Mr. Clean system, most people don't think the filters last long enough, especially with a larger vehicle. Let us know what you think after you've used it for a while.

1.) Any recommendations for wash? I was considering GC Shampoo and Conditioner, but it seems to be simply a matter of choice with most forum members...like everyone and their brother, I want the deep, wet look on the black paint, and I think the GC is said to be a bit more oily? Also, though the Mr. Clean is supposed to be spot free, I was going to buy some high-pile towels and go over it before my next step...people prefer microfiber over the towels? Either one better than the other when it comes to reducing/preventing swirls?

Both Gold Class and NXT Car Wash are great choices. Gold Class Wax is a polish/wax, it does contain rich polishing oils which will make your black paint look very clear, rich and reflective. Because the fibers of a microfiber polishing cloth are miniaturized, they are much more gentle to the finish, always choose a premium quality for your new black S.U.V.

You should also invest in a Grit Guard to help prevent instilling scratches when you wash.

2.) After the wash, I understand that I should then treat the paint before a shot of wax is applied. Should I next apply Deep Crystal Polish? I think most favor using microfiber for the application/removal, correct?

Even though it's brand new, it could have bonded contaminants, you might want to consider starting out by claying the car to be 100% absolutely sure the surface is clean and free of contaminants. Afterwards, you can move on to the polish followed by wax.

3.) After the polishing (or anything else you suggest), I was going to apply the wax. Again, is the type simply a matter of preference? I will try the NXT, but not sure if the paste or the liquid is optimum for new paint....I would favor the liquid, as it seems smoother to apply to me, but not sure if one is better than the other...so liquid or paste? Does one prevent swirls more than the other?

Whether to use a liquid or a paste is your personal preferences, the liquid tends to be easier to apply a thin coating and this will also help you to remove it. No Meguiar's wax instills swirls as all Meguiar's waxes are non-abrasive.

4.) After the waxing, do most people use the quick detailer to finish it off, or is this not necessary? When I had my bike (750 Katana crotch-rocket), I always finished the waxing with some detailer and rubbed that baby until it was glass....seemed to remove any residue/wax left behind and gave me a very consistent shine...suggestions?

You don't need to use a quick detailer after removing the wax, you can if you want, but you don't have to.

5.) I plan to wash the truck every Sunday, but I was thinking I should wax it every 2 months, or more as needed...so after this waxing, I was simply going to wash it next week, then apply either quick detailer or the NXT spray wax...leaning toward the wax, but not sure on this one...was thinking the spray wax and just use the detailer to get out fingerprints or small spot touch-ups...does the booster wax leave a film?

Yes, this is the wax that has dried to a whitish haze. You are supposed to wipe this off. It wipes off fast and easy.

[b] The stuff I used on my bike looked like water and rubbed on clear...and the longer I buffed, the better it looked...but no white residue on initial application...[/b

both our spray waxes have a thin, watery white look to them out of the bottle.

6.) I read that some of the NXT is said to stain trim, but what about black trim (not the big side panels...the regular 1-2" trim that is painted to match the rest of the vehicle) all the way around? I assume it would be fine on this, right?

Avoid getting wax on to plastic trim, especially pebble textured trim.

7.) I have no idea what kind of rims these are except for the fact that they are aluminum...would like a mild cleaner to not risk damaging them...suggestions? Also, my step-bar looks coated...not chrome...more of a silver/grey and probably coated or painted....what should I use on that? =

To be on the safe side, try Gold Class All Wheel Cleaner, or M36 Wheel Cleaner in our Professional Line.

8.) For the windows, I was going with Meg's NXT glass cleaner...thought I read that I should NOT use on my instrument panel or headlights...clear lights in the front, so which cleaner is best for these areas?

I've never heard of our Glass Cleaner harming non glass surfaces. The right product would be M10 Plastic Polish. Meguiar's also offers a plastic quick detailer, I use it all the time on my laptop screen, my glasses and to wipe off DVDs with a microfiber.

[quote][b]I think the PlastX has abrasives in it, so rather not use that on neither the instrument panel nor the headlights/taillights...think the prep guys where I use to sell cars used the adhesive remover they had and it looked great...not sure what to use, so welcome all suggestions

Check out the products in our Plastic Collection, everything you need except the PlastX. PlastX has a diminishing abrasive for removing scratches.

Meguiar's Plastic Products

9.) I must confess--I am a 'black magic' fan...bought some new stuff (new since I've bought tire cleaner) with the built-in applicator...Meg's has something that provides an equally (if not better) shine than the wet look black magic stuff?

Check out NXT Insane Shine,

10.) What is good to clean my plastic chrome-looking grill? I was just going to wax it lightly, but perhaps there's something better to prevent damage down the road?

The M1808 Clear Plastic Detailer for light cleaning, follow with a wax. Clear Plastic Detailer

Man, I am looking forward to taking care of the wife's truck...been awhile since I had a car to take car off, so I'm really looking forward to Sunday...hated to go with Black, as I had a hell of time with my Camaro in upstate NY in the spring, fall, winter, but it just looked too good (and the price was right) Any advice would be greatly appreciated...you guys kick major bootay.

I'll post some pics once I get this all worked out

[edit]....and I forgot to add that I'll be doing everything by hand...no power tools on the new paint, so says the warden

You're going to want to invest in a dual action polisher, take my word for it. It will take all the work out of applying and removing polishes and waxes.

**Terp** · Jun 10, 2005, 03:04 PM

Thanks for the prompt reply, guys...was going to post sooner, but had (and still having) problems uploading on my end for some reason...thanks to Mike for uploading the picture for me...here it goes:

Originally posted by LnkPrkSoldier

i prefer paste because i can easily apply it to the entire car and just wait for it to sit in ( about 25 minutes ).

I was going to apply the wax evenly over the entire car and let it sit in, too...is there a different technique with liquid? I only ask because you said you prefer paste because of this fact

Am I supposed to do smaller areas at a time with the liquid?

Originally posted by LnkPrkSoldier

no need for the quick detailer. quick detailing is for use a few days after the wash when the car is needed to be cleaned after it has collected a layer of dust from driving .

Yea, getting some serious dust on her...and pollen, too. I was thinking that I should never rub the QD or anything on the paint when there is dust and stuff on it, as this will cause swirling, no? If it needs a touch up with the QD, I planned on at least hosing it down and drying it before I apply it...or would a 'dust brush' be sufficient, followed by a shot of the quick detailer?

Originally posted by LnkPrkSoldier

if it is painted [the trim], then it is fine to apply the wax. and if any wax is put onto normal trim ( such as the plastic found the Honda Elements) it will leave a white stain. yes i do think it is fine , but to make this 100% sure, pictures would be helpful

Here's a picture I took when I got home (complete with dirt and all from the rain)

It's painted to match the paint, but it is plastic...assuming the NXT wax would be safe on it and shouldn't stain, but tell me what you think.

...don't have the image options above, so linked it instead...sorry.

**Murr1525** · Jun 10, 2005, 04:06 PM

As for applying paste vs liquid, there is no real difference. Both should be applied in a very thin coat, and left to haze. The only thing different is getting it onto your applicator. Make sure it is small amounts. I enjoy the paste version as well, seems like I get a thinner coat that way, but I am sure some folks say the other works better as well. Might just have to use one ,then the other. You'll be happy either way, just a matter of which you like working with.

As far as dust and pollen, it is really hard to say what is 'too much' dust to use QD on. Usualy, I just wash the car.. less of a risk for swirls that way, and the car is usualy dirty quick enough anyway. I dont think just a hose down would be sufficient to use the QD, as a lot of dust still gets left on. It is the soap that provides the lubricity to remove the dirt safely. And I have no expereince with the dusters, so I dont know how that would work.

That looks like it would be perfect for Nxt, no need to worry there. I also use Nxt over the fake chrome trim on my grill for the protection. Just avoid the black textured trim, looks like you might have some treads on the steps. There is also a Gold Class Trim protectant, that can be used on black trim. Could be something for the treads, etc.

**Terp** · Jun 10, 2005, 09:20 PM

Originally posted by Murr1525
As far as dust and pollen, it is really hard to say what is 'too much' dust to use QD on. Usualy, I just wash the car.. less of a risk for swirls that way, and the car is usualy dirty quick enough anyway. I dont think just a hose down would be sufficient to use the QD, as a lot of dust still gets left on. It is the soap that provides the lubricity to remove the dirt safely. And I have no expereince with the dusters, so I dont know how that would work.

Thanks, Murr...I'll wash it and forget about the duster

I was just thinking that the duster might not be the best for the clear coat...rather hose the dirt/pollen off than to rub it off with a duster, I guess...good call.

**Murr1525** · Jun 10, 2005, 09:40 PM

Good quality dusters do work, Meguiars even has a brand new one coming out. It is just that they are for dusting, not cleaning, and since my car is usualy out in the world a little, I think that is far past dusting. Since yours seems like a driver as well, I probably wouldnt chance it.

**Terp** · Jun 11, 2005, 05:25 PM

Okay, Meg's drained my wallet...got a ton of stuff in the garage ready for morning (It's like X-mas...got my toys...a 12-pack of Hefe Weizen...some brats for the grill...my insane shine)

I was reading the labels and came up with a couple more questions for you guys...

The All-Wheel Cleaner says not to leave it on for more than 15 seconds? I have a very soft brush I do rims with to agitate the brake dust free...planned on spraying them down with the cleaner and using the brush, then rinse, but this would take more than 15 seconds

...or spray them down, 15 seconds later rinse, then use some water and soap with the brush? What do you guys find works best?

Also, I bought the Step #1 and #2 Deep Crystal...given this is my first wax on it, I was going to use the #1, then the #2, then the NXT paste. I thought the polish is applied like wax...work my way around the car and by the time I finish the whole truck, the parts that I started on would be set for removal...the #1 and #2 sound like I just do a little at a time, not apply it to the whole truck at once before I remove it...correct? Would I do, say, the front fender/wheel well area, then remove...the door, then remove, etc?

In the future, I planned on just using the #1 and #2 when I wax...is this the best approach? Or should I use the #1 less frequently? What's a good schedule to maintain a good foundation for future waxing? I'll use the booster wax spray for weeks in-between waxing, too...

Other than that, I think I am set...I'll post some pics of my first cleaning (when the gallery lets me upload)...going to try and rival some of these awesome detail jobs I see on here...got beer, the Weber is ready, and I'm on a mission

Thanks again for all the advice, guys....

[edit] Okay, thought of one more looking at some pics...what about the door jams? I used to use my Formula 2001 or whatever on the inside...I assume the detailer might work well inside?

**Terp** · Jun 11, 2005, 06:10 PM

Last question, I promise...

I see some windows on here that look outstanding...like they are polished to a high gloss shine like the paint (or is it the paint reflecting on them?) Anyway, I got the NXT glass cleaner, but have read that some people use the speed detailer on the outside of their windows...suggestions? I'll look for the links of a few that had the dark, glossy looking windows that stood out as much as the paint...wondering what the secret it : )

**Murr1525** · Jun 11, 2005, 06:41 PM

hmm.. Fransi? I prefer darker my self...

And I wonder what the correct BAC is for detailing... but anyway

I spray and agitate the cleaner... I defianatley wash it off so it doesnt dry on the wheel.

Cleaners and Polishes are not supposed to dry, so doing one panel at a time, then wiping clean would be best. The DC#1 does wipe away ok if it does dry I have found, after I have left it on too long.

DC#1 and DC#2 are great to use every time, because they are both non-abrasive. A product like ScratchX would be used much more rarely, to either touch up spots, or for the whole car only when needed. I will mention I do enjoy using ColorX and then Nxt when I am in a bit of a hurry to cut out a step.

If you are refering to the painted parts of door jams? I use ColorX on the paint in there, it is a nice one step product for those 'interior' painted surfaces, like jams, trunk lips, etc. For plastics and hard surfaces, either the Nxt Tech Protectant, and/or the Interior detailer will be good.

Some people clay the windows, which I plan to do during my next claying, havent dont it before. It is supposed to help out, and then a nice cleaning with Meguiars Glass Cleaner.

**Terp** · Jun 17, 2005, 02:10 PM

Thanks for all the advice, guys...truck turned out better than I had hoped

I put some serious time into it (until my Hefe Wiezen was gone), but it sure paid off....will post some pictures once I can upload them...had problems in the past, but I'll give it another shot again...

PS....I was pleased with everything except Meg's "Ultra Plush Super Terry (two-Pack)"...are you supposed to wash them first? The first swipe with these things left a trail of fibers that were a beach to get off...I tried the second one in the pack....same thing...

**Terp** · Jun 17, 2005, 02:17 PM

Nope...no dice on the photos

I still get the following two errors on the page (they are hidden with black letters, so only see them when I run the cursor over the page...page just goes black after I submit them):

Warning: file_exists(): open_basedir restriction in effect. File(/path/to/php/headtags.htm) is not within the allowed path(s): (/home/httpd/vhosts/meguiarsonline.com/httpdocs:/tmp) in /home/httpd/vhosts/meguiarsonline.com/httpdocs/gallery/pp-inc.php on line 252

Fatal error: Allowed memory size of 8388608 bytes exhausted (tried to allocate 10368 bytes) in /home/httpd/vhosts/meguiarsonline.com/httpdocs/gallery/image-inc.php on line 81

I made Meg's a trusted site, checked for cookies, took my firewall down, etc, etc, etc....It's dead, Jim.

**Murr1525** · Jun 17, 2005, 07:53 PM

Glad to hear about your success...

I think most things made of cloth/fabric need a bit of a wash first.. towels, wash mits ,etc.

**LnkPrkSoldier** · Jun 17, 2005, 08:58 PM

thats good. try to just click browse and choose the picture and then upload it through there. mike will try to change it for you or i can do try also but i won't be able to edit your post. im glad to hear that you got good results. if you have any more questions, ill be glad to try and answer your questions. and i remember you asked about the glass, im not sure how they get it, maybe its just the angle in which the camera shot was taken. but for the cleaner, the best in my opinion is nxt glass cleaner

Announcement

Newbie Questions on Recommended Products for Black SUV

Newbie Questions on Recommended Products for Black SUV

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment