Not to beat a dead horse.... NXT cleaning, My observations

Don M · 07-15-04, 11:23

I have heard from every corner that NXT has cleaners. Some insist that there are abrasives in NXT, others assert that the cleaners in NXT are chemical. Even Mike makes the statement that NXT has "specialized" cleaners.

What I have to say comes from my personal observations while using NXT

I have applied NXT as part of a 'system,' and separately as a 'reseal' or touchup on a finish that had already been cleaned, polished and sealed.

In both cases, there are times where NXT has shown a definite lack of cleaning ability.

During a full 3-step (clean/polish/seal) detail, sometimes there are small "dots" of polish that appear when missed residual polish (or polish dust) is gathered by the buffing pad and left on the surface almost like a dot of sap. I had noticed that even with the PC, NXT will not remove this blot, but a quick wipe with a dry cloth or even a cloth with a small amount of polish (even #7) will easily wipe it away.

When I'm applying a fresh coat of NXT to a car that I have previously (within a few weeks or months) done a complete 3-step, I've seen small dots of tar (about as big as this asterisk *) that were missed during the wash, refuse to even budge despite multiple passes of the PC with an NXT dampened pad. Yet when I use a simple polish (or even if I'm applying #16 instead of NXT during a reseal) these 'dots' wipe away like they were dust.

I'm starting to believe that any cleaning (at the level of being seen by the naked eye) that occurs during the use of NXT is strictly a function of the application material, and even then the cleaning properties of the applicator material is diminished a bit by the lubricity of NXT.

Just to clarify how I apply NXT, I use a polishing pad on the PC at a setting of "4." After applying the NXT to the pad, I work an individual panel until the NXT is an even coating, a clear 'haze' that has the "patterns" of the PC application (sometimes I work it until it's barely visible on the paint). I really doubt that the lack of visible cleaning by NXT is a result of not working the product enough.

Has anyone else noticed similar occurrences?

Dave Holmes · 07-16-04, 03:14

I have noticed pretty much the same as you. I have done a simple test on my clear coated rims using a terry applicator w/NXT on one, and a wet terry applicator on another. I actually believe the wet applicator was more effective on brake dust than the NXT'd applicator. This test may not be very scientific, but it does verify *my* observations of NXT's lack of cleaning ability to *me*. I did a 3rd rim with a terry applicator and #20, and not surprisingly the #20 is actually a very effective cleaner. As for durability, the #20 and NXT both lasted equally before I redid my rims out of habit (approx 4 weeks). Both still had plenty of life left. They both really cut down on brake dust, and made future cleanings nothing more than a wipe with car wash shampoo.

I have been having outstanding results with NXT, and will continue to use it. I think a lot of the negative hype results from Meguiars being the big dog on the block, and people's desire to knock them down. I consistently get outstanding results with Meg's, and can source them locally for a fair price.

Dave