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Newbie - What to buy - A little overwhelmed

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  • #1

    Newbie - What to buy - A little overwhelmed

    First off I want to say that these forums are AWESOME.
    Mike, if you read this, thanks for all the posts, I've learned a ton.
    I've been wanting to start taking care of my cars myself, and these boards have really inspired me.

    I have a white '06 VW Passat, which hasn't been waxed yet.
    My wife drives a dark gray/blue '03 VW Passat wagon. We just bought it, so no clue how the previous owner took care of it. It has some definite swirl marks in the paint.
    Both are outside 24/7. We live in NC, not near the coast & we don't get much snow.

    I'll also be applying everything by hand.

    Alright, I kinda got it figured out of what I should get, but there seem to be so many Meguiar's products that do the same thing, and I'm a little overwhelmed.
    Please let me know your suggestions/comments.

    I'll divide it up into the 5 steps:

    1-Wash
    Which should I get?
    -NXT Gen Car Wash
    -Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo
    -Deep Crystal Car Wash
    What's the best way to apply?

    2-Cleaning/Surface Prep
    I'm planning on getting
    -Smooth Surface Clay Kit
    Should I get
    -    ScratchX
    or
    -Deep Crystal System Paint Cleaner
    or both? if so, why?

    3-Polish
    Ok, I have no idea what to get here, & am not really sure how this differs from step 2.
    Any further explaination & recommendations would be appreciated.

    4-Protecting
    I really like what I've heard about the NXT Gen Tech Wax.
    I'm thinking about getting this & then using Gold Class Clear Coat Car Wax on top.
    Other suggestions? Is this a good idea?

    5-Maintaining
    I'm planning on getting:
    -NXT Gen Spray Wax
    -NXT Gen Speed Detailer (when the Quik Detailer from the clay kit runs out)
    Other suggestions?

    What else do I need to get?
    -which applicators? (High Tech App. Pad or Even Coat App)
    -which cloths? (Ultra Plush Super Terry or Supreme Shine Microfiber)
    -anything else?

    How many times can you use an applicator? cloths?

    I've been told to get a nice hose nozzle too? Any suggestions?

    How often should I do each step?

    I know I'm asking a lot, but any help would be appreciated.
    "All the sweetest winds they blow across the South." - Ryan Adams
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Newbie - What to buy - A little overwhelmed

    Since you're not aware as to what a pure polish is or when to use it, the first thing you want to do is to spend some time reading the below thread, it will explain most of your product/process questions.


    Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle
    (Posted in the The Information Station)


    As for which products to use,

    Step 1 Washing
    Gold Class is our top shelf car wash, NXT is more sudsy, if you like lots of suds get the NXT, if suds are not important and you want the best get Gold Class


    Step 2 Cleaning
    If you have swirls, get ScratchX, but understand you don't just apply it and wipe it off, it take time and energy to remove swirls and scratches out of a clear coat finish.

    Read this,

    ScratchX works when the correct technique is used to apply it, often times when it's not working it has to do with the technique or the paint is too hard to work on by hand, or the scratch is too deep to safely remove.

    Try reading through these threads for lots of in-depth information and success stories.

    Not very happy with ScratchX


    And the follow-up...

    ScratchX Works! - I Stand Corrected


    Step 3 Polishing
    See the 5-Step Paint Care Cycle
    Nutshell Version: Applying a pure polish to a finish in excellent condition and that is a medium to dark color will help to bring out the color of the paint and add gloss. This is an optional step.


    Step 4 Protecting
    Get both, try both, see which one you like the best. If you only want to try one, start with the NXT Tech Wax.


    Step 5 Maintaining
    All of our quick detailers and spray-on waxes work great when used correctly and applied to the correct condition paint.




    Your other questions...

    How many times can you use an applicator? cloths?
    Lots. This should be your last worry. Focus on removing defects, that's the hard part. Wash your applicators and towels after use and store in a clean, dry place.

    I've been told to get a nice hose nozzle too? Any suggestions?
    We'll let someone else chime in.


    How often should I do each step?
    The way you tell what you need to do is to wash your car and then evaluate the condition of the paint by feeling it with your clean hand and looking at it in good light. If the finish feels rough, clay it. If the finish doesn't look good, use a paint cleaner on it and then polish and wax.

    Repeat as often as necessary or to meet your expectations. How you store your car, park it during use and wash it will determine how well the finish holds up, or how fast it goes down hill.

    I know I'm asking a lot, but any help would be appreciated.
    You can usually get better answers if you ask fewer question in a single post, just a friendly tip from years of answering questions.

    Here's another great read,

    Suggested products for taking care of a new car!
    Mike Phillips
    760-515-0444
    showcargarage@gmail.com
    "Find something you like and use it often"

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    • #3
      Re: Newbie - What to buy - A little overwhelmed

      This should help guide you



      Edit: Link removed -Mike

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      • #4
        Re: Newbie - What to buy - A little overwhelmed

        Thanks for the help guys.
        Mike, I'll definitely read those posts.
        Abrasive, I'll watch that video too.

        Sorry for all the questions in one post, I just had so many & didn't know where to start.

        There's just so much info to digest. It's like drinking out of a fire hose.

        Thanks again for all your help guys.
        "All the sweetest winds they blow across the South." - Ryan Adams

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: Newbie - What to buy - A little overwhelmed

          Originally posted by Abrasive1 View Post
          This should help guide you

          Edit: Link removed - Mike
          By far my favorite short video lol. Ive seen this soo many times already I pretty much have it memorized. When Im bored at work guess what I'll watch? lol
          2005 Toyota Camry LE Phantom Grey Pearl
          2001 Toyota Corolla LE Silverstream Opalescent
          1996 Lexus ES300 Ruby Pearl

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: Newbie - What to buy - A little overwhelmed

            intresting very intresting
            alberto gorin
            known as gorin002

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