hey guys, i currently own a SGM IS350 and was about to detail it. Ill be using maguires NXT generation car wash, clay bar, and meguiars' 3 step (paint cleaner, polish, and wax). Do you guys have any recommendations on which applicators I should use to apply these products, i.e any specific brand of microfibers or cloth? Thanks in advance.

 

The 3 step from Megs really isnt abrasive, so you'll be filling more than removing imperfections. Therefore, be careful what clay bar you use and your technique. It will be easy to marr the paint and hard to remove using that 3 step system and doing things by hand. As for which applicators to use, there are several out there, from microfiber to foam. I prefer foam for paint stuff. Here are a bunch of different kinds, http://www.autogeek.net/apbrus.html

 

Interesting, I am new at detailing, this is actually going to be my first detailing job, so thanks for your comments. Which clay bar would you recommend...I was thinking of going with meguiars smooth surface clay kit...do you think this will go well with the meguiars 3 step? Any other comments/suggestions are appreciated.

 

Megs Smooth Surface Clay Kit is what I used before deciding that the Professional Mild version was the best replacement for me. Its a great starter kit for any person wanting to enter the detailing world . The 3-step process thing gets a lot of praise over at MOL so I don't think you can go wrong with that either.

For the question of applicators, I only use foam. I have only 2 MF applicators and those are reserved for Prima Banana Gloss, which is very watery and doesn't work well with a foam app.

 

I havent used that clay bar, so I cant comment on it. But I would recommend a mild bar. The Mothers yellow and Sonus green are both pretty mild, as is the Pinnacle Poly clay.

 

I like the Meguiar's "Smooth Surface" clay kit. It is mild and comes with everything you need and a very nice Microfiber towel too.

The three step process does work well but I'd offer this suggestion for even better looking results. Substitute the third step, the carnauba wax, with NXT Tech Wax 2.0. The NXT wax is a more reflective synthetic sealant. It is more glossy than the carnauba and lasts longer. It also contains their newest hydrophobic technology to make washing and drying easier. It makes minor swirls disappear as well. It doesn't remove them but effectively fills/masks them for a month or so. By hand, you are limited as to what you can do to remove swirls and scratches so hiding them is a good alternative.

 

The ccs hand applicators are really nice imo

http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/wamiandappa.html