How to get the BEST Liquid Look? Most Depth on a Black car?

[Weekend Detailer]

Good day,

This is my first post and I want to first thank Meguiars for having this forum and caring for their customers and cars. I am new to detailing, but through the use of your forum I have learned quite a lot within the past few months.

I recently got into detailing after having my car detailed by a professional around 2-3 months ago. I paid an arm and a leg to have it detailed and my bumper wet sanded to remove some bug marks and dings , but little did I know that the end result of the wet sanding was the same as the start. Not only does my bumper look the same as before, but I ended up with a large bill and sanding marks that they did not remove. (I learned about wet sanding through the Meguiar's Training Video) It was that same day where I took the initiative to learn more on detailing and do some of the work on my own.

I have a 2002 Nissan Altima "Super Black", and I recently have gone "CAR CRAZY" with the way the car looks. From the paint to the interior, and the engine compartment as well. In 2 months time I have purchased the following Meguiar's products and am hoping to use them in their fullest potential (with everyone's help and suggestions of course).

- Scratch X
- #6 Cleaner Wax
- Swirl Remover 2.0
- #26 Hi-Tech Liquid Carnauba Wax
- #20 Polymer Sealant
- NXT Tech Wax (Liquid)
- #7 Show Car Glaze
- Meguiar's Plastic Care
- NXT Spray Wax
- Quik Detailer
- #34 Final Inspection and Detailing Overspray Clay
- #40 Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner
- Meguiars Medallion Premium Paint Cleaner
- Meguiar's Gold Class Shampoo & Conditioner
- Meguiar's Slide Lock Detail Brush
- Gold Class Endurance High Glass Tire Gel
- Meguiar's Interior Quik Detailer
- Meguiar's Super Degreaser Concentrate
- Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate
- Meguiar's Gold Class Bug & Tar Remover
- Meguiar's Ultimate Wipe
- Meguiar's Heavy Duty Carpet and Interior Cleaner
- 7424 PC Dual-Action Polisher
- Meguiar's 6.5 Soft Buffing pads (Cutting, Polishing, Finishing pads)
- Meguiar's Supershine Microfiber
- Meguiar's Grit Guard and Bucket
- Microfiber Quik Detail Pad
- #21 Synthetic Sealant (Just got it today. Can't wait to try it out)
- Meguiar's Chenille Wash Pad, Body and Wheel Brushes
- etc...etc. (and the list goes on and on.)


My question is: I am looking to receive the deepest and richest color, along with an extreme "liquid" look on the car. I think the NXT and #26 is a great combo, and recently (last weekend) I tried the following:

- Wash
- Clay
- Scratch X
- Cleaner Wax
- Swirl Remover
- NXT Tech Wax
- And #20 Polymer Sealant

Its been raining in South Florida for weeks and so I didn't get to see the finish in direct sunlight. I had a nice "wet" look under the overcast clouds at sunset, but when I got to work the next day and parked my car next to my friends in the garage (who has the same exact car, color, and year as mine) I noticed he had his paint looking darker and richer black. He uses the Gold Class Liquid wax and he too is car crazy. I immediately thought what I did wrong to get this result.

Is there a "super" combo I can try to achieve the "perfect look" that I am trying to reach (ex. Mercedes-Black), or has the years parking on the roof top exposed to rain and sun affected the depth of my paint. Also I must admit that I only wash my car ever other week and waxed every so few months when I first purchased my car. BUT NOW, it's more like wash every week and wax every week or so. I know it's sick, but I have fun and I love seeing the results of your products.

I have so many more questions, but I am sure with your help I'll bring my car back to its original shine. I want to thank you again for the support you've provided to others and the information I have learned through the use of your forum. You guys are great and keep up the good work.

~ Julius

[Mike Phillips]

Re: How to get the BEST Liquid Look? Most Depth on a Black car?

Originally posted by Weekend Detailer
Good day,

This is my first post and I want to first thank Meguiar's for having this forum and caring for their customers and cars.
~ Julius

Hi Julius,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

To get the deepest, darkest, wettest looking finish, you need to first remove as many of the above surface and below surface defects as possible. It sounds like you've already done this so you're off to a good start.

Next you want to use a pure polish to gorge the paint with rich polishing oils and then apply two thin coats of wax to seal the finish and also increase gloss and clarity.

Here's the list and order of product you tried,

Originally posted by Weekend Detailer

My question is: I am looking to receive the deepest and richest color, along with an extreme "liquid" look on the car. I think the NXT and #26 is a great combo, and recently (last weekend) I tried the following:

- Wash
- Clay
- Scratch X
- Cleaner Wax
- Swirl Remover
- NXT Tech Wax
- And #20 Polymer Sealant

~ Julius

M20 is a Polymer Sealant and a good one at that, but it doesn't usually leave the finish looking as deep and dark and swirl free as NXT Tech Wax, Gold Class Wax, or M26 Hi Tech Yellow Wax.

If you really want to make your black Altima as rich in color and high in gloss as possible, then after washing it, try using a pure polish like the M07 Show Car Glaze, or the M09 Swirl Remover 2.0 followed by two thin coats of one of the above waxes.

Apply, work in and then wipe off the Show Car Glaze using a soft, clean microfiber and then apply two thin coats of one of the above mentioned waxes and let each wax dry till it swipes clear before removing.

How to tell when a Meguiar's wax is ready to remove - The Swipe Test

This should result in your car's finish reaching its maximum potential.

[gb387]

You have a collection of great products...

Different waxes will give you different looks as you noticed with NXT vs Gold Class. It is hard to say your car will look the best with this combo of products everyone prefers a different look. There are tons of variables on the look of your vehicles paint with what products you use/how you apply and remove them and so on.

My current favorite combo on my black truck is #80/#81?NXT Tech Wax (2 coats). This is after a year of trial with different products.

This is the combo I have used in the photo below, I have now replaced #9 with #80.

1. Wash w/ Gold Class Soap
2. Clay w/Meguiars Clay and Last Touch
3. Wash w/ Gold Class Soap
4. #9 2.0 Swirl remover
5. #81 Hand Polish
6. NXT Tech Wax (2 Coats)



I think with the selection of products you have you should find the combo you like best. You have a good collection going and it will only get bigger.

[Weekend Detailer]

Thanks GB387,

I'm loving your Ford . With the reflections and shine, I'll have to try 2 coats of NXT next time. I never tried #81, but have inquired on this product as well as #80 and #83. I was hoping that putting a Glaze before NXT would help with the "wet" look I am looking for. Maybe in time I'll get #81 and try it out for myself. In the mean time I have #7 and and I still need to try that before the two coats of NXT. Better yet, I just got #21 today and am looking forward to trying that with a top of NXT as suggested.

I definitely will take photos from now on to update this thread on my results.

Another question, which Glaze has more oils, #3, #7 or #80? I heard that #80 has some abrasives and probably would help with my swirl removal. But when it comes to producing the wet look, which would be better among the "GLAZES", or is it even necessary when using NXT or #21?

~ Julius

[2000]

I agree with what gb387 said and his supplys, however I have switched to #21 over nxt. heres why, nxt has a alittle better look but at a higher maintence cost. I love the depth and gloss of #21 and it's look seems more stable after several washes. The higher up the look ladder you go, the father you fall. I think #21 is "very" close to nxt in looks, but just alittle different.
as for #81, if you have #7 I would at least wait till the bottles empty before you get #81. I would say the same look, but #81 is alittle easier to work with IMO.
heres black with #80, #81 and #21

[TKDDAD]

Originally posted by gb387
You have a collection of great products...

Different waxes will give you different looks as you noticed with NXT vs Gold Class. It is hard to say your car will look the best with this combo of products everyone prefers a different look. There are tons of variables on the look of your vehicles paint with what products you use/how you apply and remove them and so on.

My current favorite combo on my black truck is #80/#81?NXT Tech Wax (2 coats). This is after a year of trial with different products.

This is the combo I have used in the photo below, I have now replaced #9 with #80.

1. Wash w/ Gold Class Soap
2. Clay w/Meguiars Clay and Last Touch
3. Wash w/ Gold Class Soap
4. #9 2.0 Swirl remover
5. #81 Hand Polish
6. NXT Tech Wax (2 Coats)



I think with the selection of products you have you should find the combo you like best. You have a good collection going and it will only get bigger.

gb387, how often to you go through the process you listed above ?...just curious if it's a once a month thing etc...thanks for the advice on black....I have a new black car as well and will be working toward that "wet" look over the next few weeks and will post when I'm there....not before

[05PhillyStang]

Re: Re: How to get the BEST Liquid Look? Most Depth on a Black car?

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
If you really want to make your black Altima as rich in color and high in gloss as possible, then after washing it, try using a pure polish like the M07 Show Car Glaze, or the M09 Swirl Remover 2.0 followed by two thin coats of one of the above waxes.

Mike - When you mention the above quote, are you saying that both products listed are pure polishes? I'm probably mis-reading the quote because I thought #9 was a cleaner/polish, hence "swirl remover." Or are you saying use a pure polish (#7) OR a product like #9? The quote makes it seem as if 7 and 9 were interchangeable to some degree.

Sorry for the questions, I just want to make sure I have thorough understanding of the Meg's Professional Line before I start buying those tan bottles. Thanks

[Bama]

Guys, I am not a Ford man but that is a sweet Ford.

[Rob66]

Hi Julius

Welcome to MOL.

My car is solid black and I have been using #7 Show Car Glaze followed by NXT, see pic below:



The other thing that you may like to try is Color X. Its the Megs product that i am most impressed with, removes light scratches and leaves a super gloss finish as in this pic:



Good luck and i hope that rain stops, i'm in Naples in a couple of weeks (where i bought the Color X funnily enough)

Rob

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Re: Re: How to get the BEST Liquid Look? Most Depth on a Black car?

Originally posted by 05PhillyStang
Mike - When you mention the above quote, are you saying that both products listed are pure polishes? I'm probably mis-reading the quote because I thought #9 was a cleaner/polish, hence "swirl remover." Or are you saying use a pure polish (#7) OR a product like #9? The quote makes it seem as if 7 and 9 were interchangeable to some degree.

Sorry for the questions, I just want to make sure I have thorough understanding of the Meg's Professional Line before I start buying those tan bottles. Thanks

I meant your second interpretation, that is you can use a pure polish like the #7 Show Car Glaze, or a cleaner/polish like the #9 Swirl Remover 2.0. The reason for the recommendation is because the #9 is a very light cleaner/polish especially when applied by hand, yet it's still very rich in polishing oils that it will produce a very deep, wet look to black paint and other dark colors. I just wanted to list some options in case others reading this already have one product or another.

Many times when I post replies, it's not only to answer a forum member's specific question, but it's also to look forward, or think forward and take into account that in the future many other members and even more lurkers will read a thread to gather information for their project. Thus the idea behind including different options. In keeping with this idea, for anyone reading this, in place of the #7 Show Car Glaze you could also use the Deep Crystal Polish as it's also a pure polish and readily available at most auto parts stores.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Here is my suggestion for creating a liquid look. I would use Meguiar's Quik Clay to clean the paint of contaminents. Then I would use Meg's #80 Speed Glaze. Follow this with 2 coats of #81 Hand Polish. Seal with Meg's #21 Synthetic Sealant and top with 2 coat of NXT Paste Wax.

Of course using a G100 Polisher also adds tremendously to this gloss. Here is a link you may be interested in...

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6422

I have found that the above gives an incredible liqiud look to dark colors. If you want a little richer look, use the #26 on top of the #21. If you want a more brighter look, use #20 topped with NXT Paste Wax or Liquid version.

Here is my own truck:





Tim

[gb387]

Originally posted by TKDDAD
gb387, how often to you go through the process you listed above ?...just curious if it's a once a month thing etc...thanks for the advice on black....I have a new black car as well and will be working toward that "wet" look over the next few weeks and will post when I'm there....not before

I do the full #80/#81/NXT 3-4 times a year inbetween I will just do a coat of NXT.

[toyotacamry99]

hey 2hotford sir.

looking at that pic.

[Weekend Detailer]

1 Week after the detail. Happy Independance Day




Heres a photo one week later after 7 days of rain and a quick wash. Some of the smoothness remains, but not nearly as smooth as the first few days. Maybe the paint took a beating after days of hard rain. As you can see, I just finished washing the car and you can see raindrops beginning to fall on the hood. I actually put the Spray Wax on the hood for the first time and I just learned that spraying the wax on the microfiber applicator is just as hard (if not harder) than putting the liquid version of NXT. It seemed harder to remove than the liquid version. Maybe cause of the humidity? Or maybe it's just me and that I applied the product the wrong way.

Should anyone have any comments or recommendations on how to use the NXT Spray Wax, I would like to hear from you. Thanks again. I'll send more photos later this day.


Happy Independance Day All!!!

[Mike Phillips]

Re: 1 Week after the detail. Happy Independance Day

Originally posted by Weekend Detailer
Should anyone have any comments or recommendations on how to use the NXT Spray Wax, I would like to hear from you. Thanks again. I'll send more photos later this day.

Getting good results with Meguiar's' spray waxes is all about technique, here's a primer on using either of our two spray waxes with some links to a couple of tutorials with pictures.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Correctly Applying and Removing a Spray Wax

Technique will make, or break your results, as well as a little experience learning how to apply a Meguiar's Spray Wax correctly. Check out these tutorials I wrote on using NXT Spray Wax.

Note: The same techniques apply to using Meguiar's Quik Wax.

In most cases, the trick to making this easy and getting good results is to apply the spray wax to an applicator, or a folded microfiber, and then use one of these items to apply the wax you your car's finish. The goal is to apply a thin coat quickly, then remove it after you have applied a thin coating to the entire car. Once you have dampened one side of whatever it is you choose to apply the spray wax with, you will find applying the spray wax goes fairly quickly and the dampened applicator helps to apply a uniform coating. Also, by spraying the spray wax onto the applicator you avoid spraying the wax into cracks, crevices and body seams.

Using the new Even Coat Microfiber Applicator to apply NXT Spray Wax

How to Get Great Results Using Meguiar's Spray Waxes

Remember...

"A little technique goes a long way"

Spraying a Spray Wax onto the applicator instead of the body panel helps to prevent spraying wax into body seams, emblems, cracks and crevices



Once you have dampened whatever you choose to apply the wax with, you will find applying and spreading an uniform coating over the entire car quick and easy





After applying a thin coating and allowing it to dry to a white haze, simply remove the wax using a premium quality microfiber polishing cloth such as Meguiar's Supreme Shine Microfiber or Meguiar's Ultra Plush Super Terry Cloth Towel

Meguiar's Supreme Shine Microfiber
Ultra Plush Super Terry