do you still have to do all that claybar stuff before you apply NXT wax?

 

You don't have to, but if you want the best possible finish then it's a good idea. Claybar removes contaminants from the surface of the paint. There's no use in putting wax over a dirty paint job, right?

 

Take a look at this:
Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle
This forum has alot of excellent info!

 

NXT is a one-step cleaner-wax. In other words it cleans and shines in one-step. Members rave about the shine, but no one has commented about its cleaning ability.

Since you drive a white Z, I would like to know if NXT cleans, or does it leave blotches on the surface. Your comments appreciated.

 

David, I just bought a bottle of NXT (changing over from the Gold Class). Though I am not a fellow Pikes Peak, I can let you know of my findings. I haven't clay barred my car in almost a year, and don't plan to for this particular waxing.

Ryan

 

This is not correct.

I was just at Meguiar's headquarters yesterday for a detailing class, and I specifically asked if NXT is a cleaner wax. It is not.

NXT is ONLY a wax with no polish added. Similar to a pure carnauba wax, except it is polymer-based. For the best results you should at least prep the paint with claybar, and polish with a diminishing abrasive if you want to get swirls out.

If you want a one-step cleaner/wax, I recommend something like Meguiar's ColorX, which I just picked up for my girlfriend's civic.

http://www.meguiars.com/?liquid-car-waxes/COLORx

 

Thank you very much for the clarification.

 

Clay baring take about 20 extra minutes and is worth every second. Waxes are not designed to stick to anything but a clean surface and the risk of waxing over dirt and rubbing it over your paint is worth 20 minutes

Meguiar's makes a "cleaner polish" which will help clean, bu won't replace the clay bar. THey "clean" different things.

 

Hey guys, couldn't find on the Meguiar's website... but how do you apply this NXT stuff? Is it a "spray-on" or an "apply" kind of wax? Thanks!

 

After you prep the paint for NXT, (i.e. claybar and possibly abrasive polish) they have 3 kinds of NXT -

spray wax... fastest to apply but not as much protection. I think this is a spray and wipe kind of application like windex or a quick detailer.

liquid wax... fast to apply and better protection. Apply, allow to dry, then wipe off.

paste wax... hardest to apply, no real advantage over liquid (personal preference only). Apply, allow to dry, then wipe off.

 

ive never clay my car before. could you tell me how to use it , to get best result.
how did you finish claying the car in 20min?????
i just think its way too hard to clay the whole car. with that dinky little claybar.

but im pretty sure its worth it tho'

 

Believe it or not, using a clay bar only takes about 20 minutes. Just use plenty of detailing spray and knead the clay bar often.

 

You are correct, it's worth it. Claybarring will leave the surface feeling as smooth as glass. It makes a difference when you start applying wax or washing and drying it.

It's pretty easy to do but the method may vary with the clay bar that you purchase. Some come with their own lubricant while others don't. If it doesn't come with a lubricant, you can make some by mixing a capful of car wash in 8-16 oz of water in a spray bottle.

Do not do this in the sun. If it's hot and dry you may need to wet or rinse major areas as you complete them. You don't want the soapy lubricant to dry on the car too long.


Start by kneading the claybar and spraying it to get it wet and loose. You don't want or need to use it in the "bar" shape.

I start from the top and work down. Spray a 1 ft square area of the roof. Rub the clay bar across the surface in back and forth motion. A soft but firm pressure is all you need. It should easily glide over the surface. If you rub it too hard, it can damage the surface. If it "sticks" to the paint, you need more lubricant on the area.

After you do the area, move on to the next adjacent 1 ft square. Before you start a new area, fold the claybar in half onto itself and knead it a little. This keeps a "clean" surface exposed as much as possible.

When you finish the car, wash it again with car wash. Pat dry with a towel then apply your wax. You'll be shocked and amazed at how smooth and slippery it will feel at that point.


The first time you do a car, it may take you an hour or more to get the feel and technique down. I can easily do a car in 20 to 30 minutes now.

Some good reference sources...
http://site.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=14

http://paintcare-n-detailing.com/

http://www.web-cars.com/detail/clay.php

 

I keep hearing about NXT on this site. In the latest consomer report comparisons it didn't do all that well. I bought Eagle 1 Nanowax which rated much better.

 

Yeah, I noticed that too. NXT ranked dead last in both categories.

 

so how often do you have to do this clay thing?
everytime you wax your car? or once in a while???

Thanks

 

It depends on how much crap is sticking to your paint.

The test is...after you wash your car, run your fingertips across the paint. Some people use a plastic baggy to put between their hand and the paint... not really necessary if your hand is clean.

If you feel little bumps all over the paint, it's time to clay.

If it feels smooth like glass, you don't need to.

I've only clayed once in a year and my paint is still smooth as glass. But I do not park it outside either at home or at work. If you park your car outside all the time, you might need to clay it every 3 to 4 months...

 

I clay my z every few months, before waxing. I don't really like Nxt. It always leaves wax boogers, so I went back to gold.

 

Claybar is something you want to do once every couple of years. It's IS mildly abrasive and is considered a "paint repair" technique, not a maintenance procedure that you want to do regularly.

You can do spot fixes as necessary to take care of things like bug remains, tree sap or other impurities on your paint.

 

I also was on the fence w/ clay bar, until I did my hood, SO smooth. The process is the VERY easy and results are well worth the extra step.

The claybar also works wonders on wheel lips