To clay bar or not?

I've read about a lot of the higher end sealants, as well. The ones that stood out from the pack were wolfgangs, pinnacle, chemical bros jet seal, Klasse (acrylic sealer), and black fire wet diamond. Most ran about $40 a bottle plus shipping. Klasse was a little cheaper, but I've read it can be more difficult to remove.

 

I put another coat of Meg's 21 on today. After 2 washes with dawn, three trips through the car wash, and about a month of daily driving, it was still beading like crazy. I washed it with dawn one more time today before applying the sealer. I've been waiting for the Collinite top coat to wear off before putting on the sealer. Figured it's gotta be gone by now, but who knows. Anyway, it's shiny again like I was hoping. Going to try to get two more coats of the 21 on this next week. Then hopefully I'll be done until spring, although I might coat it again before the first snow.

Here's another thread that may be of interest.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-thoughts-on-expensive-wax.381224/

 

I read through the last few pages briefly. I have the meguires clay bar kit that I'm gonna use on the truck (hopefully this weekend or tonight after I wash it). After the clay bar I was gonna wipe the truck down with a damp micro fiber cloth to rid it of any dried lube. Which is more beneficial to use afterward, wax or sealant? The truck is a 2008, I bought it used in 2012 and I'm almost positive it has never been clay barred before. I dont' have a wax or sealant yet, was gonna try and pick one up at the auto part store. I looked on line and autozone has the NXT wax in stock. I'm not looking for anything crazy, just something to give it a nice shine since my black sand pearl paint is so hard to keep black and clean here in the desert.

 

I've done hours and hours of research about waxes and sealants in the last month or so. Based on what you say you are looking for, I'm thinking a sealant might be best for you. Better longevity than a wax and it will look great too. Many over the counter labeled "waxes" are actually sealants nowadays anyway because the manufactures know most consumer level customers won't know the difference (and know they will be more than satisfied with a sealant). It sounds like Meguires Ultimate Liquid Wax is their most durable over the counter sealant right now (~$23). It will not stain trim and I've heard it looks good on black. It's applied differently than what might seem familiar. Apply by hand, then wipe off about 3-5 minutes later. I've read that it does not dry (and should not dry like a "wax"). If it does dry, removal can be more difficult but you can then hit it with a little detail spray to help wipe it off. I don't think that will be necessary if you apply thinly and then remove in the recommended time. Lots of people getting great results. It is recommended to do one panel at a time (apply to one door, then another, then wipe off the first, etc). The NXT is a close second and a little cheaper (~$18). With NXT, you can apply to the whole vehicle and then remove (but it WILL stain trim). I think you'd be happy with either of those.

I don't know how dirty the truck is, but I'd recommend a second wash after claying just to be on the safe side (as opposed to just wiping off the lube), especially due to the black color of the truck (easily swirled). If you're on water restriction- sure, dampen your cloth with lube and wipe it clean. Do what ya can.

Wax gives more of a "wet" look, sealer gives more of a glassy/shiny look. Sealant will hold up much better in summer heat. There is also an ultimate spray wax ($7)- you can use it to spot clean, clear of dust, and after washes to help maintain the sealant coat.

I think you'll be amazed at what a clay session and sealant coat does for your truck. Good luck!

 

Ultimate Wax application video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RWE1s3dEHNk

 

Thanks for the tips! Couldn't find the ultimate liquid wax but did find NXT. I washed it and dried it. Now it's in the garage and I have half of it clay barred. Taking a break to cook and eat dinner then back at it. After that I'm gonna wax it (either tonight depending on how I feel or first thing in the morning). Running my along the clay barred sections vs the non clay barred, I can tell a huge difference! There's no texture like feel to the clay barred side, just smooth as glass. Glad to finally be doing this and looking forward to taking pictures of it when finished.

 

Nice! Yeah claying makes a huge difference. Ive now done vehicles for three other family members, in addition to my own. I just get so excited about the difference it makes. And then with the sealer- it really makes them pop! I just put a sample bottle in the mail for my cousin to try on his 1974 BMW'02. I just want him to see the transformation. I think you're gonna like the NXT. It's very similar to the #21 that I use, but the #21 is formulated to work with a rotary buffer (pro-grade vs consumer grade). I'm going to try the Ultimate Liquid next- if I don't like it, I'll probably change to the NXT. So, I'm looking forward to hearing about your experience.

 

How'd it go with the claying and NXT?

 

It went well. It was time consuming but worth it. I think in November or sometime when it's cooler I'll do it again and polish and then wax. I'm happy with the results though. I can see the pearl in my black sand pearl paint again, lol. The quality of picture is low since it was on my phone.

 

Looks great. I've been reading more about the Meg's Ultimate Liquid today. Put a coat on my tailgate just to try it out (on top of the #21). Wow does it shine. Tempted to do the whole truck, but I want to find out if it's ok to put it on top of the 21. It seemed to work well enough on the tailgate- in fact, it worked very well...

 

Any of you tried Turtle Wax Ice liquid wax?

 

Ya, it's supposed to be one of the best waxes out there now, I use it and have had great results. I like it because it doesn't leave residue streaks like other waxes do

 

Im gonna try it. Heard it works great on plastic trim too.

 

Painted plastic yes. Not sure about unpainted plastic. Might be another product out there for that.

 

I've been using the Megs ultimate liquid wax (awesome stuff- polymer sealer) and I use the turtle wax ice spray wax after every wash. The spray wax has great shine and it extends the life of the ultimate. I'm really liking the combo.

Keep in mind (maybe you knew this already) the ice is a polymer sealer. Sealers have about a 12-24 hour cure time in which you're not gonna want to get it wet if possible.

 

Is it alright to: Wash, Clay Bar, Wash, then use ULW? Or do I need to use an actual wax as another step? Am I risking anything using ULW as my top coat?

 

Nope it's perfectly fine to use ULW as a top coat. Some layer a wax over sealant for extra pop.

 

Thanks!