clos561 said:whats clay bar?
CTGrey02 said:I prefer to use Meguires NXT wax, although it needs to be applied often. No matter which wax you use, be sure to clay bar the car before you toss some wax on it.
mazdadude said:You can clay if you want, but that really depends on the surface, and how neglegted/contaminated it is.
An improper / bad clay job can ruin your finish worse than just waxing over it.
I usually try something like the brands mentioned, and try without clay. If you are unhappy, then try some clay.
If I am not happy with wax, then I try a cleaner then wax, if not happy then I will use a clay bar, then wax, if I am still not happy, then I will use some polish compound, then wax.
Keep Zooming
CTGrey02 said:I've never seen an improper claying job.
I think I remember reading on one the of the websites that sell detailing products that synthetic waxes (silicone based) last longer than natural waxes, but I might be wrong (stoned)CTGrey02 said:I've never seen an improper claying job. Wash the car, clay it according to the instructions (keeping the surface wet with detailer isn't difficult). Wipe it down again with a microfiber cloth then wax it with what ever you feel comfortable with. The car should feel smooth as glass when your done barring it. If you don't think it'll make a difference. Try this.. Clay a portion of your hood, just half of it. Leave the other half alone and have your wife, gf, "life partner" who -ever, come out and run the back of their hand across both sides of the hood and see if they notice a difference. One's going to feel powdery, the other is gonna feel smooth and ice. And that's before wax. You'll do the whole car after that. Set aside a good couple of hours if your going to do this.
Now to answer who asked how often I apply it? Short answer is as often as I need it. I barely drove my car last year and literally didn't have the time to constantly detail it (it still looks mint however due to lack of use) and I think in 6,000 miles I NXT'd it twice. The silicone based wax just doesn't last as long as the Carnuba stuff they make their gold class out of. What it also doesn't do however is leave black plastic parts white if you happen to rub wax into those accidently, which is why I like it. The black plastic you can clean up again with some baby oil on a Qtip if you happened to get any wax on it though.
Dim said:I think I remember reading on one the of the websites that sell detailing products that synthetic waxes (silicone based) last longer than natural waxes, but I might be wrong (stoned)