What should be done BEFORE using Ultimate Wax?

[three_jeeps]

I am detailing my vehicle that hasn't seen an exterior detailing in 8+years. Although it has been a 'daily driver' for the most part, it has been garage kept and washed with some regularity (once every couple of months). Recently I did a *through* washing and foaming with car wash detergent on a cool cloudy day, then followed with clay bar over entire car.

My plan is to use my DA polisher with Meguirs Ultimate Compound (UC) with a fine closed cell pad to take out any surface imperfections, and then follow with Ultimate Detailer (UD) (liquid wax).

My question is: is the UC + UD sufficient to achieve good results? or am I missing a step?

I am not a detailing fanatic, obsesses over the smallest of imperfections, or extremely critical of paint flaws, e.g. I am not interested in doing 'paint correction'. I want to minimize swirls and have a good shine/luster in the end (this is a silver car)

Thanks for any advice.

[Nick Winn]

Re: What should be done BEFORE using Ultimate Wax?

Hi three_jeeps,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online! I would suggest first taking a look at the below threads, and then, if you have more questions post away:

Meguiar's 5 Step Paint Care Cycle

D/A Polisher Basics with Meguiar's MT300

[three_jeeps]

Re: What should be done BEFORE using Ultimate Wax?

At this point, after reading the pointers and doing a bit more searching, I'll stick with my original plan and will be using Ultimate Compound with a light abrasive pad and finish with Ultimate Fast finish.

So some related questions
I used to use M103 (or was it M105) and then apply a couple of coats of natural Carnauba wax. (Mr Old school here). Assuming I apply UFF after compounding, does applying natural Carnauba wax over top add any protection? longevity?
Or would applying Carnauba after UCompound and then UFF make more sense? ( I think not because UFF is formulated to (more tightlt?) bond to the cleaned surface and not the Carnauba wax.

So much jargon and abstract descriptions make it really difficult to determine the best approach.....
Thanks
J

[Nick Winn]

Re: What should be done BEFORE using Ultimate Wax?

Most users incorporate a carnauba based product based on their opinion that carnauba based waxes provide a different look to the paint, i.e. gloss, wet look. If you feel the same, most would use Ultimate Fast Finish, and then apply a carnauba wax as their final LSP. It would not make a lot of sense to incorporate the use of a carnauba based wax for protection, since they are not the best at protecting.

[three_jeeps]

Re: What should be done BEFORE using Ultimate Wax?

Thanks...What product, in your opinion, would be best to apply after UFF to bring out the highest gloss or 'sparkle' of the paint? would it be 'better' than Carnauba wax? I am just after gloss here because I assume UFF offers the best protection/logevity
-J

[Nick Winn]

Re: What should be done BEFORE using Ultimate Wax?

If you really want the absolute best gloss, you really should be thinking what is the best approach to take prior to applying a protection. The preparation work, i.e. decontaminating, compound, polish, is what is going to provide the most dramatic results for gloss. With that said, our Ultimate Wax would be a good choice IMO.

[three_jeeps]

Re: What should be done BEFORE using Ultimate Wax?

That is exactly what I did. I finished compounding followed by polish (on most of the vehicle's panels). On my vehicle - metallic silver, the polishing enhanced things very little. Most improvement was by the ultimate compound. Next I'll apply the Ultimate Wax. Happy with the results thus far. Thanks for your advice.

[three_jeeps]

Re: What should be done BEFORE using Ultimate Wax?

As a final step before waxing, I want to make sure any remaining residue from the previous steps is removed from the finish. I could get some microfiber towels and rub down everything very well. Is there anything that can be done with the DA polishing machine? I am thinking a stiff pad with a terrycloth or micro fiber bonnet on it, at medium speeds, going over the entire vehicle. Thoughts?
thanks