TOO many products - total confusion

[BeachDude]

I've been reading a number of threads and while the advice is good - its starting to get confusing.

Then I take a trip down to the local Canadian Tire and the number of products is double what it used to be. THEN if I visit a NAPA or other automotive store - they have all these cream colored containers of Meguiar's with a whole number system on them!!!

Sure I'd love to try a few of them, but at $15 or more dollars a bottle I just don’t have the time or money to invest in a detailing system of trial and error.

So trial and error aside, I just got my car repainted - it spent 3 weeks in the shop getting striped, wet sanded and baked. It looks like a million dollars and I'd like to keep it that way.

The 3 month mark is here and its time to get serious about waxing again. THe paint has cured and I miss spending several hours touching my car's surface (GRIN).

Suggestions?

My concerns? Summer = bugs, tar Winter = salt, sand. Otherwise there are the usual stone chips (GRRRRRR) and light scratches (double grrrr). For the record I tried scratch-x before and never found it did anything. Oh and I've never tried clay either.

Help.

[orionz06]

well, with the new finish, you shouldnt need to clay, nor should there be a need to scratch x or anything else...maybe a cleaner if ya like...how does it look? under different light? if it were me, id just wax the heck out of it

[rusty bumper]

If your car has just been repainted, then I would suggest....


Enriches gloss and color with machine or hand application. No matter how you choose to apply it, Meguiar’s Speed Glaze is a shortcut that cleans, polishes and protects in one simple step. You will quickly remove light scratches, stains and environmental contaminants. Speed Glaze is safe and effective on any kind of paint finish, including clear coats. It ensures that a deep, beautiful shine is just minutes away. Made For Professionals

[Mike Phillips]

Re: TOO many products - total confusion

Originally posted by BeachDude

Suggestions?

My concerns? Summer = bugs, tar Winter = salt, sand. Otherwise there are the usual stone chips (GRRRRRR) and light scratches (double grrrr). For the record I tried scratch-x before and never found it did anything. Oh and I've never tried clay either.

Help.

Time to step up to a dual action polisher, some M80 Speed Glaze and a wax of your choice. For maintaining, you need to get a Grit Guard, some premium quality washing and drying tools, and a premium quality car wash.

The above is just a few important tools that will enable to to maintain and show off your car's new finish.

[alanceperson]

If your car has been out in weather for 3 months i would clay after washing. To get what micro dirt off you cant see.

[Pschrink]

Congrats on the new paint job. If you are getting tiny scratches already I suggest you focus on your washing technique. Use a quality wash formula, the suds will be like shaving creme with say nxt car wash and also provide noticable lubrication/slickness to help safely carry dirt and grit off the paint. Only use a deep pile wash mit or wash towels. Regular sponges are a no-no, they hold grit on their surface and are hard to clean. Your wash mit/towel should be laundered after every use. Never let a wash mit/rag touch your paint after doing wheels or if you drop it on the ground. Same for your drying and buffing towels. If you drop one, get a fresh one.

As for the ScratchX, it does work but you have to concentrate on one area like about a square 6" and use a rough cotton terry while applying pressure. Rub from multiple angles and do multiple applications of ScratchX. I had a 6-7" scratch in my hood that is totally gone now that took 5 applications of ScratchX and dedicated rubbing. Remember that ScratchX is a mild abrasive and you are working without a machine. Be patient and determined. Unless the scratch is deep enough to hang your fingernail in it will come out.

[BeachDude]

clay + M80 ... what about NXT products?

I see the merrit in claying the car before any other surface wax/polishing etc. How long does the clay last? Guess I've always been unwilling to clay - just have horrible images of something hard moving across my paint leaving scratches. Even if you wash your car good before claying - how do you know your clay isn't tracking sand or something else you can't see across your paint?

This M80 speed glazy - is it the final step or do I still need to apply a wax? I never considered it before now.

So I clay - then M80 - then what?

[jfelbab]

Clay, #80 Speed Glaze then wax. I'd suggest NXT Tech Wax.

[rusty bumper]

Re: clay + M80 ... what about NXT products?

Originally posted by BeachDude
Even if you wash your car good before claying - how do you know your clay isn't tracking sand or something else you can't see across your paint?

If there are particles that small making scratches, then #80 should take them out.

Be sure to look at your your clay before kneading it again.....If you see anything gritty looking then remove it from the clay.

Even if you did cause minor scratches while claying, I'd rather have that than to leave contamination on the paint. But try to use a different (or older) piece of clay on the lower parts just to be safe, since that's where you can pick up some large grit.

[rusty bumper]

Re: clay + M80 ... what about NXT products?

Originally posted by BeachDude
How long does the clay last?

This is from my own observations, but when your clay starts to turn dirty looking, or excessive clay is starting to stick to your fingers then it's time to change it.