[JoeCamaro444]

So, I’m about to make the switch from washing, and waxing once a year with paste wax, to NexGen ceramic spray. My question is, can I use my Meguire’s wash and wax liquid, to wash the car, before applying the NexGen ceramic spray, or will that be an issue? Should I only use a liquid car wash without wax in it, where I’m then going to wipe on the NexGen ceramic spray? Thank you in advance.

[DonM]

Strictly speaking, you should use a 'pure' soap and not a wash & wax, but personally, I think the possible bonding issues that MIGHT be created by the W&W would be minimal, especially if you're using the ceramic spray regularly.

[Curr]

If you're going to change up coatings on the car, you should probably do a strip was with Dawn or such first. Then use their product line for sealant, protectant, topper, etc.

As far as maintenance washes in between, any of the gentle soaps from the big names in detailing will probably suffice. Adam's, etc.

[DriftR]

You want any coatings removed from the paint and you want the paint brought to it's best condition. Best to wash with a dish detergent, then CLAY BAR for sure, clear coat compound if needed, then wipe down with 70% alcohol before applying coating.

[22SS1LE]

FYI thats not a coating. Thats justa sealant and probably last 3months max. You dont need to do any special prep for this like you would with a proper ceramic coating as its not going to last to long.
Whatever you do dont listen to anyone who says use Dawn. That does absolutely nothing except strip your rubbers and trim of oils and degrades them faster. It DOES NOT remove waxes or sealants as a strip wash; All it does is adds its sheeting properties that its built to do that is why car paint will look like protection is gone. Its just masking it
If you want to use it just apply it after every wash as a drying aid.
There are alot better products out there that will last longer and still just a spray that takes 15min and no special prep. DIY DetailCeramic Gloss, DIY Detail Quick beads, Armour detail Ceramic sealant, Apex Surface BC3

A true coating is something like DIY Detail 3,5,8 year, Apex BC1 or BC7, Gtechniq CSL, Carpro Cquartz UK.

[beowulf556]

Grab a claybar towel they are awesome

[Evergreen6]

No, using your Meguiar's wash and wax will not be a problem. It contains minimal wax anyway.

As others have suggested, anytime you are applying product to paint, you want the surface to be very clean. The recommendation to do a quick claying after your wash, but before applying waxes, is a good one. Not just for good surface prep, but for your own sanity and enjoyment while applying and removing your wax/coating product of choice. A rough surface with embedded bits of tar and other contaminants makes wiping/removing the wax not very fun, and harder to do. You want the wax to come off easily with as little wiping as possible, smoothly, and leave a perfectly smooth and bright finish. Claying is one of the easiest surface preps to ensure that.

[dpevans]

They have marketed the spray on ceramics really well if people think they are anything close to pro ceramic products. If you really want decent protection and long lasting gloss do a proper wash, tar remover, iron decon, clay, another wash, at a min one step correction better yet a two step, then wipe down with ISOprop and apply self ceramic like Gtech CSL and top with Exo v5. That will give you a good 3 years of protection but I have found no matter how careful you are you need a correction every two years. This doesn't break the bank for a daily driver. As people have said spray on last a few months.

[Evergreen6]

Ceramic spray-ons do only last a few months, but that's better than days or a week or two for a typical carnauba paste or synthetic wax.

Griot's 3-in-1 Ceramic spray is one of the better and more economical ones. Some of us don't need perfect paint all the time but do like to keep the surface clean and protected, and that spray does exactly that. I can't imagine investing the time and steps for corrections so often. I never want to cut my clear coat if I don't have to.

Spray-on isn't anywhere near as good as a professionally applied ceramic coating -- but it doesn't always need to be.

[fj5gtx]

I like tec582 ceramic detail spray, a gallon is about $40. Goes on everything (paint, glass, plastic, rubber) and protects for a few weeks. Quick to apply, a little goes a long way, and looks as good as anything else shine wise. Mostly I just use ONR and follow with tec582. If I use a rinse wash, then push the water off with a leaf blower and then tec582.

[JoeCamaro444]

Thank you to everyone that replied! Much appreciated. Multiple people had good info on this. I’m going to stay away from using any non car washes, such as Dawn, etc…especially where I have vinyl stripes on my Camaro. I will, however, use a car wash without any wax in it, just to help the NexGen spray adhere and bond a bit better, although I understand that isn’t anything like a true, professional ceramic coating, that’s applied after a proper paint correction. My car is always garaged, except for weekly short weekend cruises in clear weather. I’m just hoping this stuff keeps it looking great for a few months each year, in the Spring/Summer, mostly. Thank you!

[22SS1LE]

Looking at nexgen they say to ONLY use on a dry surface.
So cant use it as a drying aid which really makes things alot easier as you can add protection every time you wash your car if you like.
Also dont ever dry a car with water only. That is an easy way to cause scratches in the paint as water doesnt offer any lubrication. Always use some kind of drying aid for lubrication for the towel. Like a detail spray or most of the ceramic sprays I listed above can be used as drying aids.

[JoeCamaro444]

Originally Posted by 22SS1LE

Looking at nexgen they say to ONLY use on a dry surface.
So cant use it as a drying aid which really makes things alot easier as you can add protection every time you wash your car if you like.
Also dont ever dry a car with water only. That is an easy way to cause scratches in the paint as water doesnt offer any lubrication. Always use some kind of drying aid for lubrication for the towel. Like a detail spray or most of the ceramic sprays I listed above can be used as drying aids.

Thank you for the tips! I’ve been reading everything I can on NexGen ceramic spray, and learning a lot about the do’s and don’t’s…I’m not a professional detailer by any means, but I’m a lifelong, self certified car nut, so I know a good deal about car cleaning and maintenance…but as things change, I know I can always learn more. Thanks, again!

[GHarris]

Go to the McKees 37.com you tube site. Nick Rutter does an excellent job of illustrating how the various products work. They also sell many major brands along with the house brand that is excellent in its own right.