NXT - prep work required for (almost) new paint?

[Evan0111]

Mike,

I recently became the owner of a 2003 Mercedes CLK 500 in Alabaster white, former manager's car, in service about a year, approx 3500 miles. I gather it's been regularly waxed at the dealership, using I have no idea what, beads well, nicely reflective, but not quite as good as on delivery 6 weeks ago (of course).

I've been thinking of applying NXT (by hand), and have bought both the tech wax and ColorX for surface prep. Having read quite a few NXT threads here before beginning, however, I'm wondering whether that's an appropriate combination for paint that's in very good condition: smooth to the touch, no glaring surface imperfections (that I can detect, anyway).

So would an initial application of ColorX be overkill? I understand that NXT doesn't do as well applied over an existing wax finish ...
if ColorX is too strong or otherwise inappropriate for an almost new finish, what would be a good choice to clean and prepare the surface for an application of NXT?

Thanks

[rusty bumper]

Hi Evan...Welcome to MOL!

I'll let Mike answer for himself, but I thought I'd give you my 2 cents worth.

I wouldn't hesitate to use ColorX on your paint. ColorX will only enhance the looks of the finish as well as helping to remove any contaminates that might be bonded to the surface.

Be sure to check the surface with your bare hand after washing & drying the car. The surface will have to be clayed if you feel any raised bumps...You can then followup with ColorX and NXT.

[George Wax]

Clay, Color X, NXT, is a winning combo in my book's new paint finish or neglected..I feel Color X to be more of a chemical cleaner in nature..

[PendragonZ]

I'll second the clay/colorx/nxt method. I've used this on my car and get comments all the time about how good it looks.