I'm going to try out NXT over the weekend, after a Dawn wash/claybar/NXT wash as recommended elsewhere on this board.

I've got 2 questions though. First, how much dawn should I use, and at what concentration? I've the original formula Dawn, Walmart, .$.98

Secondly, more than a few people recommend on Autopia recommend against using Dawn before anything other than Zaino, claiming that it eats the clearcoat (although stipulated after multiple Dawn washes). Even though I'm pretty sure Zainobros.com says it won't, I'm now unsure. Does anyone know if Dawn is simply too abrasive or alkaline or whatever to use on a clearcoat for non-Zaino use? What is it about Zaino that might allow its use. Additionally, any personal evaluations of Dawn/not Zaino is appreciated.

Thanks

im also wondering the same thing/

Out of the gazillion posts and actual ppl that I have read about using Dawn on their vehicles, never once have I read that the Dawn did anything to hurt the car. Dawn is not strong enough to harm the paint finish. You don't have to let it sit on. Just washing normal with a good sudsy mixture will be all you need. If you have a couple of applications of polish or wax on, you may need to wash it a couple of times with Dawn to ensure you are getting the polish or wax off.

I am confused about the same thing as well and decided, the last time I washed/waxed my car, to wash the car first with dishwasher soap and then went over it again with carwash soap. Not sure if I actually accomplished anything by doing that.

Also, I believe I read on autopia that most polishes remove the existing layer of wax, so if that's the case, seems there wouldn't be a need to use Dawn, would there?

Mark D.

I'm going to try out NXT over the weekend, after a Dawn wash/claybar/NXT wash as recommended elsewhere on this board.

I've got 2 questions though. First, how much dawn should I use, and at what concentration? I've the original formula Dawn, Walmart, .$.98

Secondly, more than a few people recommend on Autopia recommend against using Dawn before anything other than Zaino, claiming that it eats the clearcoat (although stipulated after multiple Dawn washes). Even though I'm pretty sure Zainobros.com says it won't, I'm now unsure. Does anyone know if Dawn is simply too abrasive or alkaline or whatever to use on a clearcoat for non-Zaino use? What is it about Zaino that might allow its use. Additionally, any personal evaluations of Dawn/not Zaino is appreciated.

Thanks

The paint naturally has oils in it. Dawn is a degreaser/soap. Overuse of dawn on paint will dry out the oils found naturally in paint which causes fading of the color and eventual cracking of the clear coat. If you use dawn, only do so if you are trying to strip off old waxes or prepare for an initial coat.


***EDIT*** Almost forgot, I used to use NXT Tech Wax before I switched over to Crystal Guard. NXT is good stuff, my only recommendation is that you don't put too much on. Thin coats will work just fine. No need to put on a 2nd coat because your paint can only hold so much on it. So as long as you get it all in one shot, there isn't a need for a 2nd coat.. reapply about once a month. ***EDIT***

I guess one natural follow-up question to this thead: If we don't use Dawn to prep the car, is there really any noticeable harm in failing to strip off the old wax? And I'm assuming car wash soaps don't do an effective job removing wax?

I guess one natural follow-up question to this thead: If we don't use Dawn to prep the car, is there really any noticeable harm in failing to strip off the old wax? And I'm assuming car wash soaps don't do an effective job removing wax?

Car wash soap is not supposed to remove wax. It's made not to be harsh on your finish. So if you wash with just car wash soap, it is safe for your finish/wax. I highly suggest cleaning off any old wax/polish before putting on the NXT. NXT is a poly based product and works best when it has a chance to bind to the paint and not the wax on top of the paint. I hope that makes sense.

There isn't any noticble 'harm' to be done, you'll just have to reapply the NXT tech wax more often than if you fully stipped off all the old wax. I would save yourself some more work later and just strip off all your old wax now.

Also, I believe I read on autopia that most polishes remove the existing layer of wax, so if that's the case, seems there wouldn't be a need to use Dawn, would there?

Yes that is true. But not for all. Zaino layers itself.