Help/Opinions on this Combo...

[FLAccord]

Hi guys, noob to the board. Looking for opinions or tips on making my combo better. Also wondering if I need anything before ultimate spray wax. I'm caring after my wife's car and my car. They are a Red 2006 Suzuki & a Silver 2007 Honda. I've been away from taking care of paint for like 8yrs b/c the cars I've had were junk. On my wife's car we bought it new and have only been doing Liquid Glass 2x/yr (started using that in the late 90's on my Vette). I've been experimenting with all the new stuff on the market. Heres what I came up with:

Clay Bar

Swirl X

#7 polish

Ultimate Spray wax

Do I need a sealant between #7 and the spray wax? The schedule I'd like to stick with is do the Clary bar, swirl X and #7 every 6 months and use the Ultimate spray wax after each wash which is every month.

[ziggo99]

Re: Help/Opinions on this Combo...

Yes, I would throw in NXT 2.0 wax in between #7 polish and UQW. Also, noting that you're in Tampa, you may want to look for #5 polish, which works better in high humid areas than #7 does.

[FLAccord]

Re: Help/Opinions on this Combo...

I'm pretty happy with the #7, but I guess I could try the #5 next time around.



As for the sealnt. I was eyeing more of the #20 & #21. Will either of those work? How do they compare to NXT 2.0?

[Murr1525]

Re: Help/Opinions on this Combo...

Yes, a spray was isnt meant to replace an actual coat of wax.

AN yes, you would want to apply the regular wax when you detail, then after in between washes, use the spray wax.

You may also find that using a cleaner/wax and then Nxt will let you get in a quicker detail inbetween if you feel like it.

Dont get confused between waxes and sealants, they do the same thing. Just pick either Nxt 2.0 or #21 2.0, and have fun.

#20 is actually a bit of a cleaner/wax.

[gjohn28]

Re: Help/Opinions on this Combo...

I'm pretty happy with the #7, but I guess I could try the #5 next time around.



As for the sealnt. I was eyeing more of the #20 & #21. Will either of those work? How do they compare to NXT 2.0?

#20 and #21 are both great products and will work quite well as your LSP. Some like to use NXT on top of 20 or 21. It's really a matter of personal preference.

As Murr said, 20 does have some cleaning ability and is said to have very good durability, but is not hydrophobic. I recently tried it and was really impressed with how easy it was to apply and wipe off, as well as the gloss and slickness it imparted to the paint. I then topped it with another LSP for a little extra protection for the winter.

You really can't go wrong with any of the three.

[FLAccord]

Re: Help/Opinions on this Combo...

Ok, so I'm looking for #21.... up keep with Ultimate Spray Wax.

[FLAccord]

Re: Help/Opinions on this Combo...

so what is the difference between #21 & NXT 2.0? Is one more potent/longer lasting?

[Andy M.]

Re: Help/Opinions on this Combo...

so what is the difference between #21 & NXT 2.0? Is one more potent/longer lasting?

M21 and NXT are essentially the same product. M21 is made to withstand heat build up from using a rotary buffer to apply the wax.

Andy

[FLAccord]

Re: Help/Opinions on this Combo...

Interesting. So as far as hand applied Liquid sealants goes... NXT 2.0 is as good as it's gonna get? On other forums folks say that the #7 polish glaze has oils, and some sealants don't go over it well. Is that true? If so I take it NXT 2.0 will be fine going on after the #7?

[searle]

Re: Help/Opinions on this Combo...

... On other forums folks say that the #7 polish glaze has oils, and some sealants don't go over it well. Is that true?

I assume you mean other manufacturer's forums? It is possible that mixing and matching might have some minor problem. But, Meguiar's is absolutely clear that their products can be used together. I always use #7 polish after a complete surface prep in spring and fall, and then top with #26 carnuba in spring (for summer) and top with NXT2.0 in fall (for winter protection).

You will be delighted with the result.

[FLAccord]

Re: Help/Opinions on this Combo...

Sweet. So I can use NXT 2.0 after using #7. I'll be doing the whole from A to Z twice per year also, and up keeping with the Ult Spray Wax after each wash 1x/month.
FYI, nice finish on the XRS. That looks sharp. Is my 6 months combo overkill or missing anyting? Want to make sure I'm on target..

Wash
Clay bar
Wash
SwirlX (if needed)
#7 Polish/glaze
NXT 2.0

Up keeping with the USW. I can't think of a better combo/schedule.

[Murr1525]

Re: Help/Opinions on this Combo...

Wash - Good, 2 buckets, etc.
Clay bar - Good
Wash - Not needed
SwirlX (if needed) - Likely needed after 6 months
#7 Polish/glaze - Optional, will probably look a little nicer if you do, more so on the red.
NXT 2.0 - 2 thin coats are best.

[searle]

Re: Help/Opinions on this Combo...

FLAccord:
I do almost what you listed, twice-per-year, except I dont re-wash after claying.
- I top #7 with NXT20 then #26 in the spring for summer (I like #26's depth)
- I top #7 with NXT2.0 (2 coats) in the fall for winter (I need the NXT2.0 protection)

During the summer months I wash and then usually monthly top-up the real wax (1 coat),
- if I wash every few weeks I usually just top-up with spray wax

works great.

[FLAccord]

Re: Help/Opinions on this Combo...

Good deal. So no need to wash after clay bar. That saves time. So looks like I'm pretty much on target. I picked up some #26 today just to experiment with. So I have NXT 2.0 and #26 to play with.