Applying NXT wax w/G100 more effective than by hand?

[evo77]

Planning to finally tackle my car with my brand new G100 this weekend and I was going to purchase a 8006 pad to apply NXT wax but I'm wondering if this method offers anymore effectiveness (in terms of gloss or durability) than by applying by hand?

If not I can just save $11 on the 8006 pad and apply the wax by hand.

[matt colvin]

The 8006 is a polishing pad. This would be used with a cleaner (ex. DC 1), a cleaner polish(ex. 80), or a cleaner wax (ex. ColorX). For Nxt, you'll want to use the 9006 finishing pad.

[evo77]

Sorry, I meant 9006. Too many numbers from my head.

[Murr1525]

You will be able to apply the product thinner, quicker. So there could be some cost saving. 10 bucks worth, probably not. And it would be easier to remove by hand.

The real extra gloss comes from removing by machine with a bonnet over a pad. You would need a clean, dedicated 7006 or 8006 pad, and some MF bonnets. Put the bonnets over the pad, and remove the wax. I think speed setting 3 or something. Do not flip the bonnet over, it will get the pad dirty. Just use a second or third bonnet, then wash them all afterwards.

[Guiser]

Murr1525,

I believe wax removal is done at a speed setting of 5 using a 7006 or 8006 pad covered by a bonnet (7006 preferred because it is doesn't give as much). Just remember the rule, 5-3-5.

5 - apply cleaner (such as #80)
3 - apply wax
5 - remove wax

- Ben

[Mike Phillips]

It's easy to see that there's been a lot of reading going on!

As for applying wax by machine versus your hand. The two most important benefits of machine application are effectiveness and end-results

Because a machine never gets tired and your hand and your arm does, the machine is more effective at thoroughly applying a wax over the surface and pushing a wax into all of the microscopic hills and valleys.

If the goal or end-result is to apply a thin uniform layer of wax over each square inch of paint, then the machine wins against the hand every time because it's oscillating action is so consistent and because the machine doesn't get tired, it is better able to apply a thin, even coating of wax over the entire surface more efficiently than your hand.

The other great benefit of working by machine is that it takes most of the work out of it. It also enables the average person to turn out more professional results versus working by hand.

The question of,

"Is it better to work by hand or machine?"

comes up at almost every class we teach here on Saturdays and the answer is always yes, and the answer is always backed up by live demonstrations usually on cars with the worst looking paint.

Yes you can apply your wax by hand and if you focus on the task at hand you can do a professional job, this is done day-in and day-out all around the world. But if you already have the tool, you might consider working by machine to apply your wax, most people when given the option here at Meguiar's reach for the machine, even for the simplest of jobs and that's applying your wax or LSP.

[evo77]

Ok Ok...I'll buy the 9006 pad.

Thanks Mike for the response.

[pcfxer]

What if your hand doesn't get tired?

I'm not bragging or anything, but after waxing 100+ cars in 3.5-4 months you adjust

"Yes you can apply your wax by hand and if you focus on the task at hand" I'm calling out your pun Mike!

[Newport Viper]

Why not wax by hand? Because you can get finger prints from pushing to hard on soft paint!

[Guiser]

[96greencivic]

I used a 9006 to put on some NXT and I've never covered a car so quickly and with such uniformity. B/c it was uniform and thin, it was really easy to get off.

Machine wins hands down for me.

[rascal]

It's even easier to remove the NXT w/ the G100.

[pcfxer]

Those marks are also from unclean equipment and/or an unclean environment. I'm not being stubborn, in fact I'm waiting for my PC in the mail, but thou shalt not underestimate the results of a hand application.

Obviously, and from the many makeovers and 'swirl' repair pictures on this forum-the PC wins hands down. That said, I have come very close to PC-like results with my own brawn.

[soss]

This is a good post, glad i found it. I was under the impression that wax should be done by hand...for unknown reasons. I'm definately going to use my g100 for nxt application this weekend. Usually i fear putting on two coats because of the time involved and when im available. But with this new information, im definately going to be putting two coats on.