southernsc

Meguiars NXT. its cheap, realy easy to find, real easy to put on and take off, smells great and its adds alot of shine and depth.

lkirchner

There is a fairly long thread on www.autopia.org regarding NXT. People complain about its durability but I have used it on my non black cars and have enjoyed great results. However, I have always followed the application with my old stanby Meguiar's #16.

superpats

Ikirchner you say non-black cars is NXT not good for black vehicles??

yESman

I use P21S on lighter metallics like my Millenium Silver (I have tried about 3 dozen waxes).
P21S is easy to apply/remove and beats any carnauba I have found on silver.

and

Pinnacle Souveran on dark colors.
Souveran give a nice wet glow, very liquid look. It's also easy to work with.

As I get more experienced I discount durability since I find most carnaubas have the same durability give or take a week. Also, I enjoy waxing my car so I don't mind. With quality Lexus paint and good maintenance the newer waxes like P21S and Souveran are quickly applied.

lkirchner

No, NXT is good on black as well but I prefer other waxes on black. Just a matter of preference

superpats

what do you prefer on black?

lkirchner

I start with Menzerna Final Polish followed by Meguiar's # 16. If I have any swirls, which are almost impossible to avoid, I will use Menzerna Intense polish, then Menzerna Final Polish and finally Meg's #16. The one black car that I own is a LS 430 that typically only needs the Final Polish and #16 since the paint is rather soft but easier to work with. The other black car is a SL 55 with the ceramiclear paint that is as hard as nails and a real bear to work with. That one almost always needs the Intense Polish, Final Polish and #16. Keep in mind I am an "Obsessive Detailer" and I might go just a little over board.

superpats

And you do this all by hand? I actually enjoy spending hours on detailing my 00 black ES, can't wait for some nice weather up here in the Northeast to do some serious detailing. Where can I find Menzerna?

superpats

Just read this and answered my own question. I'm definately going to buy a p/c 7424 and was wondering what I need for pads. Do you apply the Menzerna intensive polish with the white polishing pads and then use a separate white pad for final polish then use a red finishing pad for Meguiars #16? Would I need the black glazing pads at any time?? Guitarman if your reading this form what i've read the portar cable's lowest rpm is 2500 what is the proper rpm for applying a polish and then a wax??

96sc3

iTrader: (1)

so which one will give a black car super wet shiny reflective look?

lkirchner

You are correct; I use a Porter Cable to work the Menzerna. I apply and remove the #16 by hand; good old waw on wax off method. I am using pads that I bought from Griot's Garage and they work well for both of the Menzerna's. Check out www.autopia.org for an exhaustive discussion on pads. I purchased my Menzerna from Premium Auto care, www.premiumautocare.com; great people to work with and competitive pricing.

superpats

Thanks for the links Lou

HarrierAWD

I use Zymol cleaner wax and 3M cleaner wax based on Consumer Reports test results. They tested 25 or so waxes a few years ago.

Both products are rated very good in gloss (no wax got the excellent grade.) And both are rated excellent in scratching/hazing. The 3M is rated excellent for its cleaning ability (no other wax comes close) so I use it on the front end and the lower portion. Zymol is average in cleaning but lasts longer than 3M, so I use it on the rest of the vehicle.

Since it's garage-kept and I get covered parking at work, I've been very lazy and just waxed the front end and the hood. I'll try to keep up the ritual to take care of my ride.

engin_ear

iTrader: (1)

Zaino, baby. Nothing sticks to it. Never seen anything like it. Lasts long too. I stopped using anything with wax in it for that reason - collects dust & dirt.

superpats

I know I'm going to get the old "this thread is useless w/out pix" but I have to share with you my delight with the Menzerna products. Yesterday I washed & clayed my car then I used Menzerna Intesive polish followed by Final polish ll, then used Menzerna Finishing touch glaze followed by the Menzerna FMJ let me tell you this stuff is awesome. So easy to work with and remove and really leaves the car with that "wet look". This was all applied using the P/C 7424 which I just got from Premium Auto Care. I ran out of daylight last night so I plan on sealing it up w/#16 later this afternoon. So far I've gotten lots of compliments today from co-workers. My boss now wants to drop his Jag off this weekend so I can detail it for him. But i've got other plans. My thanks to Dan the Guitarman for his insight and to Ikirchner for sharing his opinions and to all at the CL detailing forum. Peace out, "D"