Automotive Care & Detailing Discussions on washing, waxing, polishing, detailing, cleaning and maintaining the beauty of your Lexus.

a couple of questions

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Old 04-28-08, 12:42 PM
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MrBruin09
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Default a couple of questions

Hey Guys,
I'm really a novice when it comes to detailing so I'm hoping a couple of people can answer some questions for me.

When do you know if you need to polish your car?

Also, I went to the store and they offer like 5 different waxes, and I have no idea which one to get? Are they all about the same?

thanks!
Old 04-28-08, 12:52 PM
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eyezack87
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What do you mean by polish? Do you mean getting out the swirls and whatnot? Are you confusing it with claybarring by any chance?

For polishing, I do a light polish usually once a month with a light cutting pad and a light polish (LC white + FP II). That usually does it for me

For claybar, I do it every 6 months or so. Depends on how rough the paint feels when I slide my hand across it.

For the waxes, you can never go wrong with Meguiars NXT 2.0 as an OTC product
Old 04-28-08, 12:52 PM
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The Detail Dude
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Hi Adam,
Polishing your car is just the tip of the iceberg. First, you should start with a sandwich bag over your hand and lightly rub your fingertips across the clean surface. If it feels like sandpaper or even a little rough....you'll need to use a clay bar. Don't let that discourage you! It's a lot easier than it sounds.

After you go through the clay bar process, it is a good idea to polish the surface. Polishing can provide a deeper clean, in some cases, and remove light scratches, light swirls, minor imperfections, and even some light oxidation. While polishing you are also removing older wax deposits and other elements. This is a good idea especially before you apply a wax or a sealant.

All waxes are not the same in most cases. Some have high concentrated silicones or oils, others focus on high carnauba content. What you have to decide is...how often do you want to apply something?
Old 04-28-08, 01:03 PM
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MrBruin09
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thanks for the feedback guys...I would want a wax that could stay on my car the longest without being reapplied monthly...basically I'm very indolent when it comes detailing !
Old 04-28-08, 01:13 PM
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The Detail Dude
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I wouldn't say that.....you would just rather enjoy it more on the road than detailing it! I would recommend a Sealant. It sounds like you are looking more for a protection factor than anything else. Now, if you choose a sealant...it will give you a super nice "glass like" finish. If you want a wax, I would go with one that has a sealant property in it. Take a look around on my website and let me know if I have anything that is of interest to you. You'll get the CL discount.
Old 04-28-08, 02:04 PM
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well do..and I appreciate it!
Old 04-28-08, 02:29 PM
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MrBruin09
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Just a follow up, Lexus cars come with clear coat correct?
Old 04-28-08, 02:57 PM
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Armand
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Yes they do
Old 04-28-08, 04:38 PM
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kickin8
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if you want longlasting results...go with sealant...

the best OTC product (for the price) is NXT 2.0.....
Old 05-02-08, 09:22 AM
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MrBruin09
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Guys,
just a quick follow up..what does everyone use to clean their wood interiors in their cars?
thanks!
Old 05-02-08, 12:05 PM
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tm510
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A damp microfibre cloth. And a dry one to follow it up.
Old 05-02-08, 01:24 PM
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Originally Posted by tm510
A damp microfibre cloth. And a dry one to follow it up.
great thank you!
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Quick Reply: a couple of questions



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