First, I'd like to thank all on this forum for all the info on keeping the TSX looking pristine. My next major detail is this weekend and there will be some firsts. I am going to do this between Friday evening and Saturday morning and am just looking for some helpful hints...

Friday will include washing, drying and interior. Saturday will be polish and wax..

Friday Evening
I have the washing/drying process down (thanks Excel, Hawhyen and others... )

#1. Going to use the Woolite idea (on the seats) for the first time and I think from other posts I've read I have it down. Any suggestions otherwise for a first timer?

#2. Going to use Lexol conditioner for the first time and will just follow the directions on the bottle. Maybe will cut it back just a little until I am comfortable with it

#3. Applying 303 for the first time. I've read to apply it to a towel (assuming MF) and wipe down dash. How "wet" do I get the towel with the 303? Also will be applying to rubber trim (doors, hood, trunk, sunroof).
Going to do a thorough vacuuming of interior before #1, 2 & 3

#4. Going to use Mothers Mag & Aluminum polish on tailpipes and door kick plates (not sure what else to call them). Will this polish be safe for the kick plates?

Saturday Morning
#5. Not going to clay this time around, just paint cleaner. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this will remove the old wax.

#6. Going to polish for the first time this weekend. I do not have an orbital polisher (yet) and will be trying it by hand. Any tips for this step?

#7. Apply wax.

#8. Take a nap


I am using Meguiar's products (Gold Class Cleaner & Polish and NXT Gen Tech Wax) and may "upgrade" after this stuff runs out. Any suggestions?

I will get pics up, probably Sunday as that is suppose to be a nice day (rain Saturday afternoon).

Thanks in advance,
Craig

 

Craig, let us know how it turns out .... Apply 303 using a terry covered applicator, inexpensive, available locally and reusable. Then wipe/buff with a MF towel. As far as product upgrade, revisit some of the threads regarding waxes and products of choice, do a little research on the product that interests you and go from there.

 

Looks like you have a CGP TSX. I have the NHB, and LOVE the way the NXT (Paste) looks on it.

Having said that, I just ordered a new bottle of Collinite 845IW. IMO, the NXT looks great, but here in Arizona, the look last about three days due to the extreme heat/sun. The Collinite 845 looks as good, and lasts.

For the 303, just get a couple of sprays on your applicaotr, wipe it on, and when the app feels a bit dry, or you don't see the product on your dash/trim, put on a couple of more sprays. It's not rocket science.

For the nap, I reccomend setting the AC a little cooler, closing the blinds, and then using a nice MF pillow case treated with a bit of Lexol, for that "new car smell" while you sleep. OK, kidding. Please don't put Lexol on your pillow.

I can see the next thread - "Anyone know how to get Lexol out of cheek, ear skin?"

 

Maybe next weekend. Didn't wash it Friday and it rained most of the day today.
Will wash it tomorrow, but the detail will be moved to next week.

 

i don't know if you use rainx for the windows but instead of rainx, try regular car wax, aply and treat as you would the paint on the car IMO it works even better and lasts longer then Rain x...oh yea and no over spray.....thats the only thing i can think of other then that the process you have provided looks good, good jub

 

I am able to get it done this weekend. Been too busy the last month...
But I do have a couple questions.....again.

I think I might clay it, hit way too many bugs going to my girlfriend's place. But would I go straight from clay to polish, or should I use paint cleaner after I clay? The reason I ask is you can't hit every little spot with the clay and I want to make sure I have a good surface to polish.

I am thinking about putting a second coat of wax on. I've read that the way to do this is to apply wax, let it dry, apply second layer on top of dried layer. Is this correct?

I am going to wax my wheels as well, but will my Meg's All Wheel Cleaner remove this wax the next time I use it?

I will definitely get some pics up. Thank for any input.

 

See bold comments!

 

Polish is only necessary if your attempting swirl and/or scratch removals. Otherwise a paint cleaner will clean the paint of any existing protection, allowing for proper wax and more importantly, sealant bonding. Waxes tend to "float' on the surface whereas sealants (polymers/acrylics in particular) will actually bond.
I do want to do swirl/scratch removal. I have nothing too major, just those fine scratches that don't hurt anything, just get on your nerves a little. Would doing the clay and paint cleaning be too much?

Best to wait 24 hrs. This allows waxes to breathe and release some of their distillates. Sealants will require time to actually bond.
That's about what I heard. Do you ever put two coats of wax on? I guess it could be kinda pointless for me, my one coat of NXT has lasted over 3 months with little maintenance using the Quick Detail Spray.

More then likely!
Thanks, I may still do it, just hold off on the wheel cleaner for a while

Thanks for info Patrick, helpful as always. BTW the Saf-T-Scrub is the best thing I've ever used to remove the bugs and shit from my bumper, mirrors and hood front.

 

I have a larger one now available.....

 

Claying and cleaning arent going to remove scratches/swirls.

I knew that, what I meant was would both claying and using a paint cleaner be too much before I polish?

 

I'd clay definately - as far as cleaner goes though (and others might differ) but i think its too much polishing will remove the oxidation and most surface defects anways.

 

No, Apply first layer, let haze then remove. Apply second layer only after all of the dry sealant from the first layer has been removed.

 

Polishing will accomplish what a paint cleanser will........Theres no sense in doing both.........
Claying/polishing ok
Claying/cleansing, ok.
Claying, cleansing, polishing, not recommended.....Its not going to damage anything, its just not a necessary step.....

 

Alright,
Thanks guys thats all I needed to know.
I hope this weekend stays nice enough for me to do it.

 

Here are some pics from the detail..

Washed, Clayed, Polish & Wax
I also 303'd the dash (and similar material on doors), Woolite the seats and doors and the used Lexol Conditioner (sorry no pics of interior). Thanks for all the advice, I now have the cleanest car in Charlotte




More photos here:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33629

 

Have you tried waxing your windows especially the windshield? if done right it has the same affect as rainx but lasts twice as long...

 

I haven't (and am a little afraid to I guess) I just use Stoner's and am extremely happy with the results

 

why would you be afraid to? just curious...anyways the car looks good
and where do you get 303 from? I've been looking for it and can't find it anywhere....

 

A marine store should have it. Also pool/spa supply stores.

303 has a website that has a dealersearch that works really well. Just google "303 products".
Just make sure you get the 303 Aerospace Protectant (the website will actually distunguish what products are sold where)

 

Ace Hardware

 

Here........303, among other things....