winter prep

[Akoiso]

Hi, to all this is my first post and I just wanted to say THANKS first and foremost I just recently registered but have been lurking the site and trying to read as much as I can.

I wanted to prep my car for the winter months ahead, so the other day I decided to wash, clay, color x and nxt 2.0 my car. So it looks like we'll have a few more days of good weather and I'm thinking of doing it all over again, and this time I want to make sure I do it right.

Now, I'm using a DA with a green (for color x), gray for (nxt2.0) pads. When applying the color x how long does it take for color x to break down? And is this a product that I can put on with a few passes of the DA and buff right off, or should I wait to let it dry? And the same question for the Nxt2.0 as well.

Another question, if I wanted to put a second layer of NXT 2.0 how long should I wait, before applying that second layer?

Finally, since I'll be doing this a second time, should I now wash>clay>DC cleaner>color x> nxt2.0 or can I just wash>colorx>nxt2.0?

Thanks in advance

[jfelbab]

Re: winter prep

If you already have done a complete detail I'd just suggest a wash and a second coat of NXT 2.0 followed by a pure carnauba the following day. Something like #16 if you can still find it or #26. This combo lasts me 6 months easily through our Wisconsin winters.

I can see no reason to go backward to the beginning unless you are not happy with the polishing results of your first detail.

ColorX is a cleaner/wax and as such is supposed to haze, IMO. Since you seem to be using it as a fine polish/swirl remover I suspect it wouldn't make much difference if you remove it before it hazes. All of the wax/sealant containing products are supposed to haze before removal I believe.

Seems like the common knowledge is to let sealants like NXT cure for around 12 hours before applying a second coat. You can reapply it immediately if you don't have that time but from my experience it seems to perform better if you wait a day.

Oh yes, welcome to the forum.

[akimel]

Re: winter prep

Akoiso, sounds like you've already done a fine job. Your car is set. As noted by jfelbab, no need to start over again. There's certainly no need to clay and clean the paint so soon.

Just wash the car and apply a second coat of NXT. Build on what you have already done. When March/April rolls around, you'll be ready, more than ready, I daresay, to do the full detail again.

I do not have any experience with topping NXT with #26, but it seems to me that if durability is the concern, then staying with NXT is the best way to go. But I acquiesce to the opinions of the experienced detailers.