Help Me Fine Tune My Selection

[imported_FX35]

Here's what I've decided on thus far. I would appreciate any feedback to help me finalize my selection.



1. Wash: NXT Car Wash.



2. Clay: Clay Magic is in the lead. I'm also considering Meg's Smooth Surface Clay, but I haven't found much info on it here.



3. Clean (when needed): P21S GEPC, Pinnacle PCL, or possibly Meg's DCPC. I'm leaning more toward either the P21S or the Pinnacle. My car is very new, and it has a clear coat; I only want a light cleaner.



4. Polish: Meg's #7 or Meg's #81. I really like the idea of #7, which sounds like a great product for adding wetness. I know it can be hard to work with, but I read Mike Philips's article, which aleviated this concern. However, Mike also suggests that #7 is better for single-stage finishes. So which one is better for clearcoat? I've also considered RMG, but for some reason I'm not persuaded by what I've read about it.



5. Seal: NXT paste. NXT spray used as a booster, and NXT Speed Detail for touching up.



6. Top: Meg's #26. This is a possible step. I'm not certain that I'll do this, but I've heard great things about #26 over NXT.



I've also considered AIO, but I'm not certain where it would belong in this process. Some people seem to use it primarily as a cleaner. As a cleaner, how does it compare to GEPC, PLC, and DCPC? Should or could AIO be followed by another pure polish, like #7?



Lastly, I've been reading that NXT has mild cleaners in it. Those who use AIO under NXT don't seem worried about it, as the NXT is providing the primary protection. But will the NXT cleaners diminish the effect of a pure polish like #7 or #81? It was one of the phone techs at Meguiar's who told me to use #7 with the NXT wax. Perhaps #21 would be better than NXT?



Thanks all!

 

[Accumulator]

FX35- I'll toss out my $0.02 regarding your choices.



1) I'd go with Gold Class wash instead, IIRC the NXT is kinda harsh and most people like the GC.



2) I'm a big fan of Sonus clay but if you want OTC I'd go with ClayMagic. I've heard fewer gripes about it than about the Meg's clays.



3) I wouldn't worry about products being mildly abrasive, but the choices you listed are all pretty good. Note that the PCL leaves a little something behind, and so does the P21S GEPC. I myself prefer the PCL, but I've only used the older version of it that was, IIRC, a little stronger than today's PCL.



4) I never got anything out of using a Meguiar's glaze/"pure polish" on *excellent condition* b/c paint after having already used PCL. I wouldn't bother using these over AIO. If you want to use one, I would use something other than #7 on b/c, expecially if it's in good condition, but again, I doubt you'll really get much for your trouble. I prefer #3 and #5 myself, the #5 is incredibly user-friendly; the #3 looks a *little* better but man is that splitting hairs. So between your choices here, I'd go with the #81, but don't expect too much (it'll depend on the condition of your paint, the better it is the less you'll get out of the polish).



5-6/AIO) The AIO would be a substitute for the PCL/GEPC. It's not all *that* different, but it leaves a very little protection behind (think of it as a very good cleaner wax) instead of the oils/fillers that the others leave behind. It won't hide any light marring the way the others will. You won't go wrong with either route and IMO the AIO is a very good product to have on hand anyhow.



If you go with NXT you might like how it looks on its own, or you might prefer how it looks with the #26 (probably deeper/richer).



I don't think the cleaners in NXT are all that potent, I doubt that they'll cause any problems but then I've never used the stuff either. I do wonder if they'll affect the stuff that PCL/GEPC leave behind I'm confident NXT over AIO will work fine.



Gee, much as I liked using PCL (wasn't much impressed with GEPC), I could easily talk myself into voting for the AIO instead :nixweiss This is sorta a "coke/pepsi (PCL/GEPC)...or wait, should I order a 7-Up (AIO) instead?" None of the choices is wrong and again, AIO is simply great stuff to have on hand...



The Meg's stuff is make to work together, so no worries about using a pure polish before one of their LSPs. Yeah, IMO the #21 would be better than NXT, especially as you don't seem to need the hiding that NXT can provide. NXT isn't exactly known for its durability



Decisions, decisions...I could argue any of these, in any direction.



Simple is good though...I'd just wash, clay, use one of the paint cleaners and then one of the LSPs (though *I* would buy some Collinite instead of the Meguiar's stuff).

 

[BigAl3]

3. Clean (when needed): P21S GEPC, Pinnacle PCL, or possibly Meg's DCPC. I'm leaning more toward either the P21S or the Pinnacle. My car is very new, and it has a clear coat; I only want a light cleaner.

i would also get #80 if you're going to get #83 (both are the recommended cleaner/polishes with the pc). if you have light/medium scratches #80 should take care of them, and remember to start with the least aggressive product first (do a test spot as car makes differ)...