can you guys (THE EXPERTS) recommend me a wax system

[truereligion]

I have a dark blue car. It has swirl marks. I am looking for both shine and durability since my car gets dusty so much. I do not have lots of money to spend on products or tons of time either so i preferably don't want like six steps(college student). I would like to be able to get the products over the counter at most auto stores. What products/ steps would you guys reccomend that would be best for me? ( I will also be doing all of this by hand)

[LastDetail]

Dude, if you find this miracle product let me know.

Seriously though, if you are looking for OTC I would recommend going with good 'ol Megs NXT, reasonable durability, has some slight filling capabilities and can be applied by hand. Clay your car and top it with some NXT and you will get a pretty good looking car on the cheap and ability to apply by hand.

I know kung-fu

[the other pc]

I’d go with LastDetail’s prescription but I’d also suggest getting some ScratchX if you want to go after the swirls. Squeeze that step in between the clay and NXT Tech Wax.

Since you’ll be doing it by hand removing swirls will be a real workout. Take it in small sections, no need to do the whole car at one time.


PC.

[truereligion]

is the spray nxt wax as good as the liquid. its about half the price

[velobard]

Originally Posted by truereligion

is the spray nxt wax as good as the liquid. its about half the price

No. It's just a "booster wax" meant to extend the life of the liquid or paste version of NXT. I've used NXT and thought it was pretty decent other than maybe durability, but I didn't particularly care for the spray wax version.

[BigAl3]

as last detail & the other pc pointed out, nxt would be a good choice along with some scratchx. also, you may want to get the megs deep crystal paint cleaner (very mild compared to the scratchx, use scratchx for the bigger defects), it will do a good job cleaning up the paint...

wash
clay
deep crystal paint cleaner and/or scratchx (for spot scratches, though you can do the whole car with it)
nxt

another alternative would be (it will combine a few steps in one)

wash
clay
colorx
nxt *optional*

here's an excellent example of what colorx & nxt can do, check out post #13 (cheetah)---> http://autopia.org/forum/car-detaili...ght=colorx+nxt

[wannafbody]

get Mothers Reflections/ FX spray wax. Easy and inexpensive combo.

[icall]

Find a good quality detailer to remove the swirls.($150-$300 depending on location and severity of swirls) Request a sealant application(Should last for 4-6 months). Read the how to in washing your car weekly/biweekly with a two bucket approach and sheepskin washmitt(my choice. Many other wash tools, but just easiest for me). Apply no pressure with a good shampoo(I love the Meguiar's Gold-Cheap and suddsy). Just let the weight of your hand glide over the car(not in circular motions). Rinse well and dry with waffle weave towel.

With the proper technique, your washes won't create new swirls. Sheepskin mitts are $5-$10 and should last you 4-6 months as well. Same with wash. $10 for a gallon(or half gallon, I forget) Waffle Weaves were I think $22 for the biggies(I use two to dry. One for most and 2nd for the 2nd sweep) Upkeep is cheap. Getting to a good clean and clear surface is the key.

I've gotten washes and dries down to 45 minutes. I'm a little stupid cause I like to clean the entire inside of the rim(still have new car syndrome) so without this part probably 30 mins. When I'm done, people ask what kind of wax I use. I applied 3 coats of Klasse SG almost 2 months ago and it still looks like I just applied it after each wash and dry.