Newbie -- 98 Sienna - First Detail - need advice

[icepickjazz]

I'm a rookie who's never done any detailing. I have a white 1998 Toyota Sienna with some scratches, oxidation that I would like to improve it's looks. It's a daily driver not a show car. There's so much info not sure where to start. I want products that good value, easy to use ,and forgiving. I will learn on the van move to my other vehicles. Don't want an expensive investment.

Thinking about doing the following and need help with the gaps:
purchase a DA and use 5.5 pads
wash
Clay
Meg's UC -- which color foam pads?
Some polish -- ?? which color foam pads?
Wax -- Meg's NXT

What else?

Thanks for the help.

[CM8 6MT]

Megs NXT is a sealant, keep in mind they call it a wax, but your on the right track as far as using sealants with light colors.

Not from personal experience, but many here have had good luck with LC HydroTech pads, you might want to look into those.

Maybe someone who uses LC HT pads can chime in and give you the recomendations on which color goes with what product.

[spiralout462]

http://autogeek.commerce-search.net/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autogeek.net%2Flake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html

I like these pads. They are durable and get the job done for not alot of $$$.

Ultimate Compound= yellow,orange or white
Ultimate Polish= white or black

These are the Hydrotech pads that the above poster mentioned.
Lake Country Hydro-Tech 5 1/2 x 7/8 Inch Foam Pads 3 Pack - Your Choice! (http://autogeek.commerce-search.net/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autogeek.net%2Fhydro tech-low-profile-3pack.html)

Ultimate Compound= Cyan
Ultimate Polish= Tangerine

Of course a test spot is the only way for you to know which pad will work the best. It looks like a good plan you got. You'l definately have the shiniest mini van on the block!

[icepickjazz]

Megs NXT is a sealant, keep in mind they call it a wax, but your on the right track as far as using sealants with light colors.

Not from personal experience, but many here have had good luck with LC HydroTech pads, you might want to look into those.

Maybe someone who uses LC HT pads can chime in and give you the recomendations on which color goes with what product.
If I use the nxt sealant for the final step, any suggestions for the polish should I use for that step?

[icepickjazz]

any recommendations for for MF towels? Again looking for good performer but not a lot of cost.

thanks

[mwoolfso]

Icepick,

Since this is your first time around I suggest you go with Duragloss products rather than Megs in this instance; specifically an AIO since this is a daily driver. You won't get a significant amount of correction compared to a compound but you will definitely see an improvement in the paint finish when you are done.

- You will reduce DA-time by half with an AIO since only one pass is required
- Not that Megs is bad, but Duragloss tends to finish better and with less polishing oils that will need to be removed from the paint (prior to sealing/waxing)
- After 1-2 details you should be able to correct swirls better with the DA and begin to move from AIO products to pure compounds and polishes if you so desire; and once you spend some time with the paint you will see every defect and may have more questions.
- Not that this is a bad thing at all but Megs NXT has mild cleaners in it and since it is 100% synthetic it falls under the cleaner/sealant category. You also cannot layer NXT so durability will not be very long.

General Process

1- Wash/Strip
*2- Decontaminate with IronX
3- Clay (Megs or Mother's Clay system will do fine)
4- Duragloss 501/601 Combo (mix 4 parts 501 to 1 part 601 in a squeeze bottle)
5- IPA Wipedown (mix IsoPropyl Alcohol and water @ 10:1 in a spray bottle)
6- Megs NXT (white pads - have 2-3 ready because they will get filthy)
*7- Optimum Car Wax

Items with a "*" are optional. I really included them to give you a broader overview of what else can be done. Based on the above you will need to acquire:

1. DA Polisher with pads
2. Clay Bar and Clay Lubricant
3. MF towels
4. MF applicator pad
5. Squeeze bottle (for Duragloss mixture)
6. Spray bottle (for IPA)
7. Duragloss 501 & Duragloss 601
8. Megs NXT
*9. Optimum Car Wax
*10. IronX

If you want to stick with Megs and not venture to Duragloss at this time then go with Megs ColorX as it is considered an AIO.

[icepickjazz]

Icepick,
Not that this is a bad thing at all but Megs NXT has mild cleaners in it and since it is 100% synthetic it falls under the cleaner/sealant category. You also cannot layer NXT so durability will not be very long.

If you want to stick with Megs and not venture to Duragloss at this time then go with Megs ColorX as it is considered an AIO. Since duragloss is an AIO should I use a white pad with it too?

Only reason I suggested NXT was due to the fact I had some laying around because I have used it to wax my 30' Fiberglass Travel trailer a couple of times a year.



There's a lot to consider. Long term plan is to do my 2004 Red Ford Explorer which is in fair condition and then maintain my wife's 2013 Mazda CX-5 (grey). Wife's car is in good shape. Figure the explorer would follow same steps and products as the Sienna. Wife's car probably doesn't need all those steps especially the compounds. Besides clay what would you recommend specifically for the 2013 Mazda?

Thanks

[mwoolfso]

Since duragloss is an AIO should I use a white pad with it too?

Only reason I suggested NXT was due to the fact I had some laying around because I have used it to wax my 30' Fiberglass Travel trailer a couple of times a year.

There's a lot to consider. Long term plan is to do my 2004 Red Ford Explorer which is in fair condition and then maintain my wife's 2013 Mazda CX-5 (grey). Wife's car is in good shape. Figure the explorer would follow same steps and products as the Sienna. Wife's car probably doesn't need all those steps especially the compounds. Besides clay what would you recommend specifically for the 2013 Mazda?

Thanks

White pad (polishing pad) will be perfect. Stick with White as a starting point for each panel. Sometimes Orange followed with White will be necessary on some panels and over time you will know when to start with orange. The science and product knowledge only gets you so far and the approach above is safe.

I would use the same approach above with the Mazda as well; assuming the paint condition is similar. Remember, use a test spot to lock-in the process, pressure amount and passes you will use.

[CWallace]

Also look into XMT360... That's what fueled my first details, customers were very happy and I got my feet wet polishing... Most people aren't paying for paint correction, when they get a detail.. some wouldn't even really notice a difference if u did a two step without pointing it out to them.... U will probably get more of a wow factor with a super clean interior since that's where they spend most of their time and shiny tires!! Unless this person knows what a swirl actually is!

[mwoolfso]

Also look into XMT360... That's what fueled my first details, customers were very happy and I got my feet wet polishing... Most people aren't paying for paint correction, when they get a detail.. some wouldn't even really notice a difference if u did a two step without pointing it out to them.... U will probably get more of a wow factor with a super clean interior since that's where they spend most of their time and shiny tires!! Unless this person knows what a swirl actually is!

CW, I didn't mention XMT 360 because it wouldn't be feasible to layer Megs NXT on top of it. I do agree with your comments on XMT 360 though and I have 8 oz. or so left on my 2-yro bottle.

XMT360 would replace NXT and Duragloss in the approach I illustrated.

[icepickjazz]

CW, I didn't mention XMT 360 because it wouldn't be feasible to layer Megs NXT on top of it. I do agree with your comments on XMT 360 though and I have 8 oz. or so left on my 2-yro bottle.

XMT360 would replace NXT and Duragloss in the approach I illustrated.Which do you like better? XMT or the Duragloss? Only mentioned NXT because I have some laying around. Are those the only 2 AIOs you would recommend for a beginner?

[CWallace]

Which do you like better? XMT or the Duragloss? Only mentioned NXT because I have some laying around. Are those the only 2 AIOs you would recommend for a beginner?

No Black Fire total polish and seal is good too.... I use duragloss 501/601/105 on my truck topped with Collonite 845... Duragloss 501 is great especially on light colored vehicles, and it offers great protection, but i believe u have to let it cure before topping it if u dont use 601!!!... Ive got 2 bottles of xmt 360 i got last year off BOGO.. ill continue to use it on my customers cars topped with DP Max Wax

[icepickjazz]

Which of these AIOs offer the best cleaning? correction? Since an AIO was suggested I have been doing a lot of reading and Duragloss, XMT, Megs 151 come up a lot.

[icepickjazz]

Thanks to all those who have replied. I decided to order both duragloss 501/601/optimum prescription and the xmt 360 to see how each works. I will eventually post some before and after pics.

[icepickjazz]

Icepick,
- Not that this is a bad thing at all but Megs NXT has mild cleaners in it and since it is 100% synthetic it falls under the cleaner/sealant category. You also cannot layer NXT so durability will not be very long.


What is an nxt alternative?