New Xterra (at least to me new)

[allamricn]

I just bought a 2002 Silver Xterra SE/SC and the paint seems to be in great condition, but since I am new to detailing, I want to start things right.

My question is, since I have been looking at all the posts about different waxes, clay barring, etc, I really dont' know where to begin. I really dont' feel any rough spots or bumps that would indicate needing to clay first, but I can also tell that the finish has not been waxed in a while either.

Do I start with using the Cleaner/Wax first & then NXT or can I go straight to using NXT since I believe the paint to be in good shape?

Thanks for the help?

P.S. How does NXT Trim Spray work on the exterior trim (gray color on the Xterra)?

[Don]

If you want to keep things very simple, a bottle of Megs Cleaner Wax and a bottle of NXT should be fine.

I WOULD put a coat of two of cleaner wax on before the NXT. You might be surprised at how much "hidden" dirt & crud could be on your paint...no matter how clean it might seem to be.

[allamricn]

Thank you for the response

Quick question though... After I apply one to two coats of cleaner wax, how long do I let that sit before applying the NXT? I was going to tape the Xterra off Friday night after I wash it (figure its easier than scrubbing dried wax off the trim), then start first thing Saturday morning. If I apply a coat or two of Cleaner/Wax, then how long do I wait until I can apply the NXT? Plus, I may have to drive Saturday afternoon, so the truck maybe exposed to the elements. I assume if I drive it after the Cleaner/Wax, but before the NXT, I should wash it again, right?

[mopar]

nxt tech protectant is awsome on exterior trim and has lasted longer then my gold class trim detailer and also is very good on tires has also out lasted my endurance.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by allamricn
Thank you for the response

Quick question though... After I apply one to two coats of cleaner wax, how long do I let that sit before applying the NXT? I was going to tape the Xterra off Friday night after I wash it (figure its easier than scrubbing dried wax off the trim), then start first thing Saturday morning. If I apply a coat or two of Cleaner/Wax, then how long do I wait until I can apply the NXT? Plus, I may have to drive Saturday afternoon, so the truck maybe exposed to the elements. I assume if I drive it after the Cleaner/Wax, but before the NXT, I should wash it again, right?

I agree with what Don said about using a cleaner/wax first, (or a dedicated paint cleaner), you would be surprised at how much dirt and other contaminants can build up on the surface and in the microscopic surface imperfections that your eyes cannot see.

For your question on drying time, after you apply the cleaner/wax, allow it to dry to a haze and then remove. There is no benefit to letting it dry for extended periods of time.

As far as which cleaner/wax to use, instead of two coats of Meguiar's Cleaner/Wax, (part number A-1216 in the maroon bottle), you could go with the ColorX which offers much better cleaning action than the Meguiar's Cleaner/wax.

Here's an example of the cleaning/restoring ability of ColorX,

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...s=&threadid=88

After you remove the Cleaner/wax, if you have time, go right to the Tech Wax. Allow to dry for 10-15 minutes and then remove.

As for your question about applying Tech Wax later after you have been driving the car, you will need to use common sense for this application. If the weather is good, i.e. it doesn't rain, then you can probably get away with using a quick detailer over the finish first and then applying Tech Wax.

If you have any doubt at all as to whether the finish is clean or not, then you should probably wash the car before applying any further coats of wax.

Two thin coats of Tech Wax would be optimum.

Also, if you would rather use a dedicated paint cleaner to clean the paint instead of a cleaner/wax, you can use any of these paint cleaners,


ScratchX

Clear Coat Body Scrub Paint Cleaner

Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

Medallion Premium Paint Cleaner

Hope this helps and post some pictures of your results!

Mike

[rusty bumper]

Re: New Xterra (at least to me new)

Originally posted by allamricn


My question is, since I have been looking at all the posts about different waxes, clay barring, etc, I really dont' know where to begin. I really dont' feel any rough spots or bumps that would indicate needing to clay first, but I can also tell that the finish has not been waxed in a while either.

Hi allamricn,
I just used Meguiar's Quik Clay System Saturday, and I was amazed at how it cleaned the finish & made it so smooth.

Just to add to the above responses, if it were me, I would at least clay the horozontal surfaces of your car...It paves the way for the cleaners to do their job.

Course, a cleaner will remove contaminates too...It's just that I enjoyed seeing the effects of claying on a car's finish.

[allamricn]

Sorry, another quick question, I have to go out and get some applicators and MF towels before I undertake this... any advice on applicators? and how many should I go through if I do the cleaner/wax and then the NXT?

Thanks so much!

[Mark McGuire]

I used the clay bar for the first time in my life sunday. All I can say is UNBELIEVABLE. I have a white truck and to look at it you would say it did nothing. I have been using the DC 1 2 3 system for awhile. I used the hood, on one side I clayed and then used the paint cleaner. on the other side I used the DC painter cleaner only, in the middle I just washed. I then had my wife come out and run her hand over each area and rate them 1 2 3. She picked them. She said the clayed side was so smooth it had to be number one. then she thought the side I used the DC paint cleaner on was smooth, just was not as smooth although it did shine. So now I am a clay nut. I want a G100a and all the goodies, and my vehicles to be the best looking in the city of Asheville. I guess you can say I am a McGuire Meguiars nut.
Thanks Mark

[rusty bumper]

Meguiars makes a great foam applicator for hand use...I would use 1 for the cleaner, and 1 for the wax. If the cleaner pad gets dirty, it can be washed with Dawn, rinsed and reused right away...Just squeeze it out with a towel to remove excess water.

You can find them at most auto & discount stores.

If the foam pad doesn't clean well enough, then you could try a terry pad for more bite.

[rusty bumper]

Originally posted by Mark McGuire
I used the clay bar for the first time in my life sunday. All I can say is UNBELIEVABLE. I have a white truck and to look at it you would say it did nothing. I have been using the DC 1 2 3 system for awhile. I used the hood, on one side I clayed and then used the paint cleaner. on the other side I used the DC painter cleaner only, in the middle I just washed. I then had my wife come out and run her hand over each area and rate them 1 2 3. She picked them. She said the clayed side was so smooth it had to be number one. then she thought the side I used the DC paint cleaner on was smooth, just was not as smooth although it did shine. So now I am a clay nut. I want a G100a and all the goodies, and my vehicles to be the best looking in the city of Asheville. I guess you can say I am a McGuire Meguiars nut.
Thanks Mark

Hi Mark,
Check this out: http://www.showcargarage.com/forum/s...p?threadid=856

Sorry for the highjack allamricn.

[Bri9801]

As Rusty said Meg's makes a great foam applicator but I would get more then two.....their cheap enough. I think you can get a 2 pack at WalMart for 1.98. The reason I would get a few is if I drop one on the ground it doesn't touch the car again.

[rusty bumper]

Originally posted by Bri9801
As Rusty said Meg's makes a great foam applicator but I would get more then two.....their cheap enough. I think you can get a 2 pack at WalMart for 1.98. The reason I would get a few is if I drop one on the ground it doesn't touch the car again.

Good point...I must have a dozen or so!...

[allamricn]

Well, I had my first experience with clay, cleaner/wax and NXT

All in all, I think the paint was pretty good, but I did like the clay.

Cleaner wax, used thin coat, came off great with MF towels, but towel and applicator wasn't that dirty.

NXT? I think it looks great, hard to tell with the silver paint as opposed to a darker color, but it left the finish slippery.

I am going to go pick up the NXT spray booster so I can use it after I was, but between NXT applications.

Thanks for all the advice...

[Bri9801]

Good job allamricn


but.....I'm sorry I gotta do it

[allamricn]

I'll try my best to get the digital camera out tomorrow when there's some sunlight to show off the results... sorry