Metallic Silver cars

[radlin]

Hello from a chilly Wiltshire, UK.

I'm a neewby to meguiarsonline so please bare with me. I could though do with some advice.

After reading about 'flaming' or posting to cause arguments I do wish to say that this is not my intention at all and my content is my opinion only.

I've always been almost to the point of obsesive with my cars, always wanting them to look there best, even the older ones. I started using Meguiars around 6 months ago, switching from Autoglym as I found their products seemed to had lost their durability.

I treated my Red Saab Aero to claying and the Meguiars 1,2,3 process and was 'blown' with the results and really impressed with the durability, almost to the degree of being disappointed at times as my car cleaning regime didn't need the same time spent on it.

Recently bought a Chrysler 300c in met Silver and so was obviously keen to get the same outstanding results as my Red Saab. Upto this weekend after an initial 1,2,3 process and a couple of further waxes with the Carnuaba wax, was a little disappointed with the finish. It was shiney enough (to the normal person), but to me the met silver just lost it's 'pop.' I read several posts on 'what wax is best' and saw that some people were saying that Tech 2 (in their opinion) was better on lighter cars, so after buying some over the weekend, did another 1,2,3 but swapped the Canuaba with the Tech 2 and 'hey presto' - wow. The difference I feel is the Carnuaba leaves a 'warm gloss' where the Tech 2 leaves more of a 'gloss' preserving the metallic finish/flake. Another comment is that the Canuaba is obviously brown in coulour so could this coat a slight brown tint?

Now I get to the 'obssesive' bit - I'm happy with the wax finish but was reading about the detailing. Effectively I need something to use in between waxes and preserve the shine. I would also be interested in knowing how a wet look can be obtained (although I may just be searching for something that isn't there). Also something perhaps that can be used on all exterior surfaces instead of having this for this and that for that (for use in between 'deep cleans').

I source my products locally which I think are the normal range, not the professional so would need to stick to the same range.

Also bought the Meguiars Tire Gel and interior detailer and sorry, but have to say the Autoglym products seem better - or maybe its me.

Can anyone offer any advice about a met silver car? and perhaps anyone comment about the Tire Gel and Interior Detailer?

[rapport25]

Re: Metallic Silver cars

Hi Radlin,

And welcome to MOL!!!

Please see my thread. http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/sho...t=48113&page=3

Hth's Rappy.

[radlin]

Re: Metallic Silver cars

Hi Rapport25 and thanks for your reply to my post.

So you like the 'Ultimate Detailer' for light cars?

I've read allot about the 'worth' of waxing allot and the general consensus is that much beyond 2 or 3 coats is a waste, hence my question relating to Detailers.

With the waxes I found that the Carnuaba produces a 'warm' feel (but took the bling out of my met silver) and the Tech 2 a 'clearer' shine. Have you experienced the same with the detailers. If I don't get it right I guess I'd have to go through the whole 1,2,3 process again and I'm still recovering from yesterday's!!

Do you know of anything that produces what I can only describe as the 'wet look produced by an interior 'silicone' cleaner?

Thanks

[rapport25]

Re: Metallic Silver cars

Hi Radlin,

We share a similar story. I was a big fan of Autoglym. Not any more. I use 99% of Meguairs products.

The only problem in the UK we have to pay alot more.

If I was going to buy a detailer it would be the ultimate. You get a lot more for your money than the nxt speed detailer. I nearly always purchase my Meguiars product on line along with the occasional visit to Halfords. You cant beat the 3 for 2 offers.

As for wax top up. The ultimate spray wax is great!!!

If I was going to complete a detail. I would seal the paint with Nxt tech wax 2.0 as this is a sealant not a wax. Apply 2 very fine coats.

Leave to set for 12 hrs then apply a wax. The step 3 is Meguiars entry level wax. So I would go for Gold Class Plus. Or use your step 3 on top. Again 2 very thin coats.

In between washes use a speed detailer to freshen up the paint. And after a wash use the spray wax to keep the wax topped up.

As you have already applied nxt. Top it with you step 3.

I have not purchased any interior Meguiars products yet.

Hth's,

Rappy

[radlin]

Re: Metallic Silver cars

Hi Rappy, fantastic, thank you.

I'm interested in what you say about the tech wax being a sealer rather than a finisher wax. I also had it in mind to buy the tech detailer (seeing as I've used the tech wax), but will need to think again. I was also going to try the step 3 (Carnuaba) on top to see, but I'm a little affraid that it may again take the 'bling' from the metallic. Have you used the Gold Class wax v's the Liquid Gold wax and do you think I'd notice the difference between either of those and my Carnuaba (Step 3)?

Allot of posts seem to suggest 'try it and choose what you feel delivers the best results for your personal taste' but short of buying the entire Meguiars range (and trying to hide the Halford's receipts from the misses) I would rather seek the advice and get it right first time.

Do you apply the detailer to all surfaces i.e. chrome, black rubber/plastic etc. or is it just for paintwork?

Also, do you find the Ultimate Detailer delivers a 'wet look?' I feel the carnuaba gave a more 'wet look' but as I say, think it diminished the overall look of the metallic.

I may though be looking for a result that just isn't obtainable, don't know if it's just my Virgo (perfectionist) trait or too much time on my hands at the weekend.

Sorry for all the questions, by the way Halford's have 20% of popular car cleaning stuff which I found included the Meguiars range.

Radlin

[rapport25]

Re: Metallic Silver cars

For some people a sealant will do a perfectly good job. But not for me I have ODD obsessvie detailing disorder!!!. If you want to make your paint pop use a wax on top .

When did you last detail the car? I have tried/used the new Gold Class plus Carnuaba. Not availble in the UK yet as a stand alone product. I had to buy the paint restoration kit to get this wax.

Go ahead and try the step 3.

But please note with any products you use the prep is the most important part. I have machine polished my car so It will always get a higher finish than applying by hand also the step 1 is very mild paint cleaner. I have Ultimate Compound/Scracth X 2.0/Swirl X/and DC01 which I rarely use. Its a great paint cleaner but does very little to correct swirls or scratches.

You can apply the detailer to all surfaces i.e. chrome, black rubber/plastic/windows etc... no problems the same with the ultimate spray wax as it will not stain the trim.

Detailer sprays do offer a wet look. I find the ultimate detailer the best.

At the moment on line Halfords offer 3 for 2.

Hth's Rappy.

Any more questions then please ask.

If you have 3 Saturdays spare you could always pop up to Derbyshire. For some hints and tips.

[radlin]

Re: Metallic Silver cars

Thanks Rappy,

I think, I'll apply a bit of the Carnuaba I have to half the bonnet and prap's a door panel and see (won't be too much hassle to remove and reapply the Tech wax again). If I see any difference may 'splash out' on some GC Liquid Wax, I'll also pick up a bottle of the Ultimate as you suggest and give it a go.

Gutted with Halfords online as you say. Just checked and the Meguiars stuff is included. Bought three products yesterday, so've been ripped off!! Shall be complaining as when you actually think about it postage needs to be paid (or maybe this is on top - don't know).

Did the car yesterday, (got brused hands now from doing the inside of the alloys - you know scrapping the knukles on the brake disks etc) so with a wash next weekend with the NXT shampoo I have should be ok to try the carnuaba or GC

Thanks for the offer of some tips.

[mongo]

Re: Metallic Silver cars

Nice car .

Buy a DA first of all.
1. then use it Ultimate compound with a Meguiars at speed of 5.
2. M205 at speed of 3 or with a finishing pad
3. M21v2 finishing pad speed of 3

use Detailer line Shampoo plus then use M135 detailer if wanted to boost durability and shine using that combo should last 6 months

Ultimate compound could be elimated so every six months use M205 then could use.
1. M205 same as above except speed of 5
2. Ultimate Polish speed of 3 with finishing Pad
3. M21 finsihing pad speed of 3

there is your six month routine

[rapport25]

Re: Metallic Silver cars

Sounds like a plan Radlin,

Half and half is a good idea on the bonnet. Also apply to one of the doors So you will have a great comparison from horizontal and vertical.

I would give the car a good wash apply as mentioned above. Leave for 24 hrs and see what you think.

Then you could always top the bonnet with ultimate detailer 24 hrs later and see what you think.

Again its personal choice

With ref to Halfords I reserved online and collected at the store. Its an online offer only.

When working on alloys its far easier to take them off.

Hth's Rappy.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Metallic Silver cars

Hi Radlin, and welcome to MOL!

When it comes to choosing a wax/sealant, the choice is very, very personal as we all perceive things a bit differently, we all like different things, and we all have our own level of expectation. There seems to be a general consensus that carnauba waxes, as a group, tend to impart a deeper, wetter look to paint while synthetics tend to be brighter and crisper, sometimes bordering on looking like the paint is wrapped in plastic. If you take this further, colors that because of their nature tend to look "deep and wet" such as reds and blacks will then benefit the most from application of a carnauba wax. Lighter colors, like silver and white, just don't exhibit that same sense of depth and wetness that darker colors can, so often using a synthetic that gives that bright, crisp look works better on them. It helps them to "pop" more. Now, keep in mind that this is all very broad generalizing on this topic, but it sure explains what you saw, and what you liked, on your red Saab versus silver Chrysler.

Our new generation of SMAT (super micro abrasive technology) cleaners and polishes can do wonders to enhance the clarity of the paint even on brand new cars. M205 or Ultimate Polish, especially when applied by D/A or rotary, are fantastic for this and will bring out the ultimate gloss and pop to any paint. Apply a synthetic like NXT 2.0 after that and you've suddenly got the shiniest silver car in town.

Between regular wax applications, M135 or Ultimate Quik Wax can do wonders to keep that bright, crisp shine at a very high level.

[rapport25]

Re: Metallic Silver cars

Hi Radlin, and welcome to MOL!

When it comes to choosing a wax/sealant, the choice is very, very personal as we all perceive things a bit differently, we all like different things, and we all have our own level of expectation. There seems to be a general consensus that carnauba waxes, as a group, tend to impart a deeper, wetter look to paint while synthetics tend to be brighter and crisper, sometimes bordering on looking like the paint is wrapped in plastic. If you take this further, colors that because of their nature tend to look "deep and wet" such as reds and blacks will then benefit the most from application of a carnauba wax. Lighter colors, like silver and white, just don't exhibit that same sense of depth and wetness that darker colors can, so often using a synthetic that gives that bright, crisp look works better on them. It helps them to "pop" more. Now, keep in mind that this is all very broad generalizing on this topic, but it sure explains what you saw, and what you liked, on your red Saab versus silver Chrysler.

Our new generation of SMAT (super micro abrasive technology) cleaners and polishes can do wonders to enhance the clarity of the paint even on brand new cars. M205 or Ultimate Polish, especially when applied by D/A or rotary, are fantastic for this and will bring out the ultimate gloss and pop to any paint. Apply a synthetic like NXT 2.0 after that and you've suddenly got the shiniest silver car in town.

Between regular wax applications, M135 or Ultimate Quik Wax can do wonders to keep that bright, crisp shine at a very high level.

As usual Mr Stoops has come along with some great advise .

[radlin]

Re: Metallic Silver cars

Hi Michael and thanks fo the info. I wonder though whether I'm starting to get confused. I presumed that the detailer would effectively retain looks until the next waxing, but you suggest Ultimate Quick Wax, am I confusing detailers purpose?

Also do I remember seeing an NXT or Tech Quick wax? and if so which of the three would be better?

I guess therefore that Liquid Gold Class wax would take the 'bling' out of the metallic like the Stage 3 Canuaba wax I used did?

[radlin]

Re: Metallic Silver cars

Thanks Rappy,

Think I'll give it a go at the weekend. The story with the alloys is that the 300c as you probably know is a big old thing and when recently having the balancing weights put on the inside (can't stand seeing weights on the rims of nice alloys - and as I understand there's little reason to do so) Kwik Fit ended up having to put it on a ramp as they couldn't find proper places to jack it up with a trolley jack. I don't have a jack other than the one that comes as standard and wouldn't be comfortable with it jacked up for any amount of time. It was a rather 'painful' task though, reaching in and around the disks and calipers, worth it in the end though - well to me anyway!

[Murr1525]

Re: Metallic Silver cars

I wonder though whether I'm starting to get confused.

Probably

I presumed that the detailer would effectively retain looks until the next waxing, but you suggest Ultimate Quick Wax, am I confusing detailers purpose?

The Ultimate Quick Detailer will help keep the looks. The Ultimate Quick Wax will help keep the looks even better.

Also do I remember seeing an NXT or Tech Quick wax? and if so which of the three would be better?

The UQW would be the only spray wax I would want to use...

I guess therefore that Liquid Gold Class wax would take the 'bling' out of the metallic like the Stage 3 Canuaba wax I used did?

The Gold Class, #26, and Step 3 Wax would all be related, you could say.

And the Nxt, #21, and Ultimate Wax would be related.

[rapport25]

Re: Metallic Silver cars

Hi Radlin,

As I said in a previous post its personal choice. You may prefer nxt topped with your step 3. Or you may prefer the look of just nxt. As Michael said lighter colours seem more suited to nxt silver/ white etc..

If you dont want to go out any buy any more products try what you have.

Hth's Rappy.