Skip DC#2 on car?

[GKW]

Hi, I am new to the whole car detailing and I just bought the NXT Tech Wax and detailing spray.

Paint conditions:
-White Paint (overall OK condition)
-Paint on top of spoiler is losing its color (there are min. to no shine on top of the spoiler)
-some hairline cracks and rock chips on the very front of the hood and bumper
-some hairline cracks on the rear bumper


So far this is what I did:
-Wash
-Clay
-Wash
-2 coats of wax 12 hrs apart (I think this approved me being a car-crazy )

Then I found this great site.

Now, after all reading some useful info on this site. I am wondering since the color of my car is white, should I skip the Polishing (step 2)?

So i will be only doing this the next time I wax again:
-Wash
-Clay if needed
-Paint Cleaner (step 1)
-2 coats of wax w/ NXT Tech Wax

Or should I replace the Paint Cleaner (step 1) with ColorX?

BTW, I never knew about claying and the paint surface feel so smooth after I clay and wax it, I love it.

Sorry for the long post!
Thanks for any advises in advance!

GKW

[Murr1525]

Well, white cars dont show the results of polishing as easily. But this doesnt mean that polishing isnt working.

Based on the condition of your paint, it sounds as if a fair amount of polishing oils would be helpfull, esp to try and save the paint on the spoiler.

ColorX and DC#2 are both good products. If you are planning to use DC#1, then definately follow up with DC#2. However, remember that DC#1 is a chemical only cleaner, and wont be able to remove swirls. ColorX or ScrtachX will be needed for that.

[gb387]

Welcome to MOL!

I agree with Murr1525... I use to have a white S10 and always polished, it was hard to see but it did improve the look slightly. Knowing the polish was benefiting the paint itself more so than giving a better look on white I always felt it was worth the time.

[GKW]

Thanks for the advises!

I probably will do the polishing too then. Since I am doing the all 3 step, I assume I will be better off with ScatchX, right? And when should I appy it?

Also, will those car wash that washes and 'carruba' (spelling?) wax take off my current wax? I got one of those and don't know if I should use it.

Thanks!
GKW

[aaron33]

I would put DC#2 every 6 months. The reason being the oils in it prevent the clear from getting hairline cracks. It's non-abrasive, so it won't thin your clear.

For your next detail:
1) Wash
2) Clay
3) Wash
4) DC#1 paint cleaner
5) DC#2 polish
6) NXT

Only 1 layer of NXT is required. I'll tell you why in a minute.

The next week:
1) Wash
2) NXT

Then the following weeks:
1) Wash

After a month or 2, do a:
1) Wash
2) NXT

Then after 1/2 a year or depending on the amount of contamination, you can do the 6 steps at the top again.

As you can see, the NXT is constantly being renewed every few weeks, so there is no need to layer them.

Those carnauba shampoos probably are supposed to have carnauba on them, but I don't think they will give any protection. No point paying extra for them. But if you have a bottle there, it shouldn't damage NXT.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by aaron33
I would put DC#2 every 6 months. The reason being the oils in it prevent the clear from getting hairline cracks. It's non-abrasive, so it won't thin your clear.

You need to be careful when making statements like this, if paint is going to crack, it's going to crack, there is probably nothing that will prevent that from happening as that would likely be something wrong with the paint.

For your next detail:
1) Wash
2) Clay
3) Wash
4) DC#1 paint cleaner
5) DC#2 polish
6) NXT

Only 1 layer of NXT is required. I'll tell you why in a minute.

The next week:
1) Wash
2) NXT

Then the following weeks:
1) Wash

After a month or 2, do a:
1) Wash
2) NXT

Then after 1/2 a year or depending on the amount of contamination, you can do the 6 steps at the top again.

As you can see, the NXT is constantly being renewed every few weeks, so there is no need to layer them.

This is partly true in that washing and waxing often insures that you always have a layer of protection on the paint as opposed to nothing. More important is to understand that wax, or any paint protectant, is designed to wear away, that's how it protects your paint, it wears away so your paint doesn't. Then, you re-apply more wax, (or a paint protectant), for future a protection.

It's easier to re-apply wax, over and over again to maintain the finish then it is to re-apply paint.

As far as applying more than one coating of wax in any one detailing session you can do this and here is why, (focus on the word... insures)

"Two thin coats insures a uniform appearance, and maximum protection over the entire surface"

You don't have to apply to thin coats, especially if you do a really good job of apply the first coat, then allowing it to fully dry before removing it.

But if you want to insure that you have the maximum appearance and protection capable of your choice of wax, then two thin coats will tend to do a better job than on coat.

Those Carnauba shampoos probably are supposed to have Carnauba on them, but I don't think they will give any protection. No point paying extra for them. But if you have a bottle there, it shouldn't damage NXT.

Meguiar's used to offer a Wash 'N Wax in our Professional Detailer Line that I particularly liked, however I would say that most car washes with a supposedly built-in wax are no better than using a premium car wash and periodically applying a real coat of wax.

[aaron33]

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
You need to be careful when making statements like this, if paint is going to crack, it's going to crack, there is probably nothing that will prevent that from happening as that would likely be something wrong with the paint.

Ahh.. yes. I realise my mistake of making such a sweeping statement. I was recalling my experience where clear that was maintained with oils from a polish was less "brittle". My apologies to my statement that implied that pure polishes could save a cracking clear.