I tryed out the 1st step of the "Mequiars 3 Step Method", and was wondering how long I should keep the 1st step on (the cleaner). I put it on and it seemed like it dryed fast so I took it off, it only sat up there for 10 min. Is this long enough? I know that the cleaner is supposed to clean all the oxidation and blemishes, but is it supposed to take all of it off, or is the polish supposed to take off the rest? Also, is alright that I did the first step today, and do the next steps Friday? I just want to get it right this time so next time it won't take so long. Also, there are some copper looking spots on the car from the rain, will these come off with the cleaner or polish? Thanks

 

I am not a fan of three step cleaner products unless only used one time (not over and over) as the first two steps introduce the paint to abrasives that it might not even need, but to answer your question, the first two steps do not have to stay on the paint any time at all, you can just remove them wet if you like but let the last step have time to dry on the surface.

 

agree with you on some points kev...tho I belive that the step one is more of a "chemical" cleaner vs. an abrasive cleaner...and the step two is a very mild "abrasive" polish...but I do agree should only be done steps 1 & 2 couple times a year max...unless maybe the Z is going 4 wheelin'!
johanna - try doing all together...or at least 1 & 3 or 2 & 3....both 1 & 2 will leave your finish with out any "protection"...and I'd even skip 3 and use your NXT instead...unless your dead set on using a carnuba (#3) instead of the polymer (NXT)...1 & or 2 should remove your "copper" spots...

 

NXT polymer blows, but it goes on nice and easy. As far as carnuba, I would have to agree with mrZeee in that a meguiar's carnuba won't last very long. Apparently it has alot of solvents (so you have to wax more often and buy more meguiar's).

As far as Carnuba, I am pleasantly surprised by P21S. Goes on easy, comes off easy. Nice deep shine. It's 30 bucks, but you hardly use any. I don't see myself buying another jar of that for a couple years.

If the copper spots are bad enough, the cleaner/polish might not get them. If i remember correctly, those meguiar's products aren't to abrasive.

Edit: Oh I forgot to add that you don't really wanna try step 1 without step 3 because the cleaners are powerful enough to take other layers of wax off your car leaving it unprotected. Good luck with steps 2 and 3!