Ok i have read a bunch and think im ready to do it to my truck but wanna make sure im doing it in the right process, see steps 4 and 5. By the way its a yellow f150.

1. Wash (meguiars)
2. Dry (Absorber,Chamois)
3. Clay (meguiars clay kit spray with quick detail) and yes it definatly needs it
4. Then wash and dry entire truck again. Right????
5. Kit also came with Cleaner wax. Does this come after the clay and does it or can it take the place of a polish???? Not too sure but its going to if i dont get any responses.
6. Wax (mequiars NXT tech wax) Realisticly how many coats, truck is never garaged.
all will be applied by hand with terry applicator and be removed with microfiber towels.
If any one wants to add something please do soon cause imma start working on this tommorow morning but will check back for new ideas or steps. Also wanna know if any of this can be done with a orbital buffer??thanks for all the help so far.

 

I have a question:
I like to use the Meguair's 3 step system (paint cleaner, polish, wax) after clay bar cleaning my truck. Unfortunately, it's been about a year or so since I did all this, and I can't recall if I dried the truck after washing it with dish soap (to remove tar/bugs/old wax) before clay baring. Can someone remind me? It seems intuitive to prevent water spots, but then it seems like a waste if I'm just going to spray clay lube all over it immediately after.

 

I don't think it is necessary to wash again after you clay as long as you are wiping the spray with a clean towel. If you have NXT wax then I would suggest waxing with NXT, wait 8-12 hours and wax again with NXT or carnuba wax. I don't think you would need the cleaner wax if you are claying it but I am no expert.

Hopefully RP will chime in with his suggestions.

Kevin

 

Wash
Clay
Wash again to remove any residue
Paint Cleaner
Polish
Tech Wax (watch your drying time)
Carnuba - 1 or 2 coats

 

But is it necessary to dry the truck after you wash it before clay baring it?

 

it is a good idea to dry it prior to claying to prevent water spots.. unless you are the worlds fastest clayer, or it is 35 degress outside .. some of that water is going to dry prior to you getting to that area to clay it .,. better safe than sorry, plus why create more work for yourself.


as for number of coats .. 2 coats of NXT will work well and ensure even coverage just make sure you give it enough time to cure, given the temp and humidity conditions.

go over the top with a carnuba if you want, Meg's # 26, or Mothers Pure Carnuba are two of my preferences.

 

Good to go. Thanks

 

I agree. Plus, drying can and will help remove some problem drips and/or grit that may be suspended in the drips. In short, it'll keep your clay clean and help to prevent a problem in the long run. In short, dry the vehicle.

I'm not sold on washing the vehicle after claying -- I suppose there are instances where it may be helpful -- because, the way I see it, I'm going to be utilizing a much more abrasive action by 'polishing' for problem removal than that of clay. It's a personal preference I suppose...



Very good advice in my opinion. I'm steering more and more away from the whole "wait 24-hours (or whatever) between coats of NXT..." argument. I just don't see the gain -- especially when even the folks at Meguiar's tend to concur that the second coat really doesn't add 'all that much' to the mix -- it's more ensuring an even coat and that everything is protected.

In short, I believe the law of diminishing returns really kicks in hard and quick with most synthetics.

The carnauba, in my honest opinion, adds a different look though... while it may only be a minimal amount of protection relative to the synthetic, I believe it's a VERY good step to take -- albeit, not a must.

RP

 

Thanks guys. Truck came out real good.