I just bought the PC 7224xp with some accessories from autogeek. I consider myself a novice, but I do take care of my vehicles. I plan on using what I got in the "kit" for the first itme. If someone could take a look at my approach to this I wold appreciate it. My plan on my 2007 Maxima is to wash and then clay bar it first. Next use a grey foam pad and the Pinnacle XMT Fine Swirl Remover #2 and finish with a white pad and the Pinnacle XMT Carnauba Finishing Glaze.
Does this sound appropriate?
Should I then use a "wax" on the car?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Without diverging from your products and approach too much here is what I suggest...
#1 - Wash (avoid wash & wax products)
#2 - Clay
#3 - Inspect the vehicle for swirls and deeper defects such as RIDS
#4 - Based on #3, choose your polish & pad combination; use test spot(s) to validate the combination will produce results to your satisfaction.
Assuming you purchased the 7424XP Light Swirl Remover Kit....
#5 - You would likely use XMT#2 on a white or orange pad first. It's possible you may need to then follow-up with XMT #1 using white or grey. XMT#2 in my experience is not overly aggressive. If you get confused post pictures of any swirling after you complete step 3.
#6 - Apply XMT Carnauba Finishing Glaze with the white pad to deep clean; or grey for a very light cleaning. I recommend white since it is a 2007.
#7 - Top the surfaces with a spray wax; and then maintain the vehicle after every wash with this step.
Every 1-2 weeks you simply wash the vehicle, and after every 4th or 5th wash perform steps #6 and #7. You can apply #6 and #7 by hand since you are maintaining moreso than correcting.
If you want to maximize durability and minimize how many times you bring out the PC7424XP you will need another set of products. If you have other products in your inventory, or preferences for other brands and such.... provide them and I am sure you will receive more feedback. Something close to your approach above without breaking your wallet would be as follows:
Replace #6 with a cleaner/sealant such as Mother's Synwax FX or Meguiars ColorX.
Replace #7 with a finishing wax such as Megs #26 or Mother's Step #3 (both are Carnauba-based) and I know at least one of them come in both liquid and paste forms.