NXT - prep work required on (almost) new car?

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Evan0111

New member
Recently became the owner of a 2003 Mercedes CLK 500 in Alabaster white, former manager's car, approx 3500 miles. I gather it's been regularly waxed at the dealership, using I have no idea what, beads well, nicely reflective, but not quite as good as on delivery (of course).



I've been thinking of applying NXT (by hand), and have bought both the tech wax and ColorX for surface prep. Having read quite a few NXT threads here before beginning, however, I'm wondering whether that's an appropriate combination for paint that's in very good condition: smooth to the touch, no glaring surface imperfections (that I can detect, anyway).



So would an initial application of ColorX be overkill? I understand that NXT doesn't do as well applied over an existing wax finish ... so what's your take?
 
THIS IS SIMPLE......give your car a good wash then clay the entire car then put on a coat of NXT wait a day of 2 then wash and NXT again sit back and ADMIRE Color X is not needed if you say the car looks good I say clay to get all the crap that you dont see off the top of your paint.
 
ALAN81 said:
THIS IS SIMPLE......give your car a good wash then clay the entire car then put on a coat of NXT wait a day of 2 then wash and NXT again sit back and ADMIRE Color X is not needed if you say the car looks good I say clay to get all the crap that you dont see off the top of your paint.
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If you are looking for an easy fix......He's right :xyxthumbs
 
I agree. I purchased a new car this year and applied NXT. It didn't last very long.



I later found that I had rail dust, etc. all over the new car. After I washed, clayed, and used paint cleaner to get the paint squeaky clean, the NXT not only applied and wiped off easier, it lasted much, much longer.



I've used ColorX on two older cars and topped with NXT and they turned out great! However, I wouldn't use ColorX on a new car finish.
 
ALAN81 said:
THIS IS SIMPLE......give your car a good wash then clay the entire car then put on a coat of NXT wait a day of 2 then wash and NXT again sit back and ADMIRE Color X is not needed if you say the car looks good I say clay to get all the crap that you dont see off the top of your paint.
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question : will meguiar's CRYSTAL CLEAR CAR WASH remove the first layer of NXT if i use it to wash the car then apply a second layer of NXT?



thanks.
 
It shouldn't be any problem using Meg's DC car wash. There is an NXT car wash that you may want to use, but I would think any car wash would be mild enough for you not to worry about it striping off your first layer of NXT between applications.



Just don't use Dawn or other harsh dishwashing detergent! The folks promoting that for car washing – Jeesh!
 
I would still use the Color-X. With all the crap that can be on a brand new car, it wouldn't hurt to go one extra step. A good wash, clay, then Color-X followed by NXT. You're really not adding that much time & effort.
 
OK, interesting diversity of opinions, thanks. For those who say not to use ColorX on a new finish, any particular reason why? I had gathered that it's a good, fairly strong cleaner wax, saw a couple of comparisons to AIO; so why wouldn't you? Any chance of somehow damaging the almost-new finish?



If it's too strong or otherwise inadvisable, assuming I clay first (may as well, tho paint feels very smooth already), what hand-applied cleaner/polish would work well to prep surface for NXT?
 
Color-X is stronger than the maroon cleaner wax in the consumer line, but not as strong as say, DACP plus it has protective abilities





From Mike Phillips:
Mike Phillips said:
ColorX is a strong cleaner/wax. As a Meguiar's product, this means it cleans, polishes and protects in one step.



ColorX can be used by hand or with an orbital polisher. I'll check to see if we also say it can be used with a rotary buffer, my guess is yes it can.



Mike
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Taken from this this post
 
Don,



Thanks, I had read that thread before, which prompted my question. As I understand it, ColorX will clean/polish the paint, without being too aggressive, which sounds to me like a good start for an NXT application.



just wondering why others would suggest skipping the cleaner/polish step and going directly to NXT after clay.
 
Evan0111,



I'm sorry if Alan81, Terry, and I gave you the wrong impression that you shouldn't use ColorX on a new car.



Instead of saying, "I wouldn't use ColorX on a new car finish", I should have worded it "I don't think there would be a need to use ColorX on a new car finish".



From what I understand, ColorX was designed more as a one-step approach for neglected and oxidized/dead paint removal in order to bring out the true color in the paint. Something you would most likely encounter on an older car finish that you’re trying to accomplish with minimal steps. If your car is new, I doubt very much you have much, if any, oxidation and would think your goal may be to simply use a cleaner to remove any remaining contaminants or dealer applied waxes remaining on the finish after claying the car.



Meguiar's teaches a good philosophy of "Using the least aggressive product/process first" Without seeing pictures of the cars finish, it's difficult to recommend a specific cleaner. However, in my case, since my new car finish was in great shape, I used Deep Crystal #1 as my cleaner as it is Meguiar's least aggressive cleaner. I'm sure I'll be using ColorX, SFP, DACP in the future on this car's finish, but only as the paint surface requires a more aggressive approach (removal of swirls, scratches, etc.).



That being said, you can't go wrong with ColorX. I don't believe it has any abrasives and only uses chemicals for cleaning. It is more aggressive (stronger) than DC #1, but it is still considered mild in the overall scheme of paint cleaners.



As I posted earlier, I've used NXT after individual steps (cleaner and polish/glaze) and also after applying ColorX and both resulted in very nice outcomes.



I think the points above are what Alan81 and Terry were trying to communicate as well.



I hope this helps :)
 
fiberrich,



thanks for the insight, much appreciated. Seems like ColorX may be a bit more aggressive than I need for new paint ... maybe the DC 1 is a better choice.



appreciate your patience with a noob!
 
Again . . .



That being said, you can't go wrong with ColorX. I don't believe it has any abrasives and only uses chemicals for cleaning. It is more aggressive (stronger) than DC #1, but it is still considered mild in the overall scheme of paint cleaners.



As I posted earlier, I've used NXT after individual steps (cleaner and polish/glaze) and also after applying ColorX and both resulted in very nice outcomes.
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You're welcome! Have fun detailing your new car!
 
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