The weather is beautiful in Cajun country, and that always makes me want to wash my cars and uh, do some other stuff we won't go in to here. When I walk outside in a few minutes, I fully expect to smell freshly mown grass with a tinge of car wax odor. Yes, it's that nice out! :)

Since I replace my vehicles every 10 year or so, I forget what to do to seal, and protect the new paint. My arsenal of car care products need throwing away and starting afresh. Does anyone have a favorite ritual and list of products for good paint care?

My goal is:

*Wash the car and dry it without creating swirls or scratches

*Remove or hide any micro swirls

*Seal the paint and protect from sun

*Buff/polish (by hand) for the best shine without killing my wife. :whistling:

Is that the right order?

Did I skip anything?

What are some good products and tools for each step?

:liebe011:

Your routine isn't that far off

1) Wash using the 2 bucket method (1 for soap, 1 for rinse water) use a soft sheepskin washmitt, dry car with a WW MF (waffle weave microfiber)

2) Clay your car. This should be done alteast every 6 months, to remove IFO (industrial fall out) and other contaminants.

3) Clean and polish your paint.

4) Apply a quality LSP (last step product)

Removing polish and LSPs should be done with a quality MF.

You can find many quality OTC products at your local aout parts store.

For soap use the one of your liking. This does not mean using DAWN or another dish washing liquid, they are for dishes and should be left in the kitchen.

Clay kits are available from Claymagic, Meguiar's and Mothers. remember to use plenty of lube. Cut your clay in half, this way if you drop it you still have a clean piece to use. Because if you drop your clay THROW IT AWAY, you do not want to take the chance that you will pick up something and damage you paint. Also knead he clay so that you are workking with a clean section.

Polishes and cleaners are tougher because what you will use is depending on the condition of your paint. A good OTC system is the Meg's deep crystal system.
Many of the Meguiar's consumer quite well, ones that are made for use by hand are. ScratchX, Meg's #9 (mirror glaze line - beige bottle) and ColorX.

For sealants Mothers Synwax & Meguiar's NXT (it do some lite cleaning and some filling). for waxes Meg's #26, Some like Gold class, and S100 (available at many Harley shops)

I supplied you with many of the basics if you wish to get deeper, please feel free to join me and other enthusists and detailing professionals at www.detailcity.org
I'm jaybs95 there.

Happy detailing
"J"

This post has been edited by shininguy: Mar 5 2006, 12:33 PM

If you want the BEST available..................... go with Zaino Bro. Products. I started using their
products in 1998. I used aprox 25 to 30 products before Zaino (and I have picture to prove
it). From German exclusive products to Mothers and all Meguiars local products. From
Synthetic to Carnuba. From Teflon to dust repelent products. You name it!

Zaino products are not Carnuba based products, therefore they offer a better and longer
protection. The main problem w/ Zaino is the multi-step process which is not for everyone.
They have a bunch of followers, like religious fanatics. It is amazing how they still providing
their products w/o any mayor advertising, just by customer referrals, auto fan forums, and their
website. All this w/o losing their original customer services which is A+ regardless if you are
just buying one or the entire 8 product kit. I don't know if Sal Zaino (owner) continue his
owner habits, but I remember receiving a call from him in 1998 just to explain to me some
differences between his product and others. At that time when I placed my order he
remembered my name (I always used my name in all the forums I participate), and he
remembered a comment I made in an F-Body website about all the 20+ products I had used
until that point. After using his products the way they were supposed to be used (by several
steps w/ more than one product) there was no question in my mind that it was definitely the best
of the best. Unfortunately, I am not getting younger and my job status changed leaving me with
little time to spend on things like this.

Again, Zaino is not for everyone. Even though is one of the easiest to apply and remove, still it
is a very tedious process. But at the end it worth it!

If you want a Carnuba based product....................the best is Malms (another Website
purchase only product). Expensive? **** yes, but you get what you pay for.

If you want an inexpensive product that you can find at any local store.................. my
suggestion is either Meguiars NXT or their pro line products. Another decent one is 3M.
These days w/ 4 kids and a demanding job and wife........................ I go for the best locally
available, quickest to apply and remove, inexpensive, and w/ a decent protection and
shine............that is way I am using the NXT Spray line. When my two sons reach their teen
years, then I will go back to Zaino (I hope that by then both of them would not mind helping
their old man.

At the same time, here is another way rationalizing this ........................ Zaino might take more
time, but its protection and looks last about 3-4 times longer than any product you can buy at
PepBoys or AutoZone. Soooooooooo maybe the 3-4 hr process is not that bad after
all............................ My car is Silver Blue so I may stay w/ Maguiars for now, but Zaino,
Malms and Klasse show their shine huge differences compared to other products on cars w/ Dark colors. If your car is Black
and you are in good shape and have the time................. go w/ Zaino.

Other PRO looking result alternatives are Malms, Klasse or
P21S. Zaino or Klasse if you want synthetic or if you prefer Carnuba use either Malms or
P21S. Then if you are not in the need of that super look, just a decent shine and protection w/o expending too much $$$ and time......... then use Maguiars NXT line.

IMO Zymol and Mothers product are good but overhyped.


Goo luck!

This post has been edited by JCMoya: Mar 4 2006, 12:26 PM

The finest of products will not acheive their potential, if the paint is not properly prepared. You wax or sealant is merely the icing on the cake.

PREP IS EVERYTHING

"J"

moved to a new forum

That is why it is so tedious. Again my car color is a clear one (silver blue) and I bought this car
just 4 weeks ago, garaged, w/o any acid rain, w/o any overspray problems, therefore there is
not much need for clay bar. (Even though according to Zaino, all cars even brand new factory
paint has airborne contaminants). I never used the Clay Bar on my 98 Firebird and it use to
look like a ShowCar. I stop detailing that car 2 years ago (new job, new wife and more kids je
je je je), but if ever decided to make that car look the same way it used to....it would be a big
mistake not to use the clay bar first.

IMO (I have pictures to prove it) on a new car (less than 3 months) w/o any paint problems
(overspray, water spots, bird droppings marks, etc etc. etc.) you just need a good washing
process to prevent adding light scratches, good washing materials like 100% cotton towels, and
a good polishing product line. In Zainos case you need to use at least 3 products (ZFX Flash
Cure Accelerator Additive, Z-2 PRO Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes, and Z-6
Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray.).

Of course they are going to push for the Claybar, Carwash liq, and others but they IMO are not
really necessary if you don't have any paint problem.

Here Zainos system and application instructions:

ZAINO APPLICATION TIPS


1. Because Zaino Show Car Polish is optically perfect (99.9%) The
optimum results are achieved by using over wax free paint.

2. If you are looking for the ultimate paint surface preparation. Use
Zaino Z-18 ClayBar first or skip to Step 3.

Zaino Z-18 ClayBay was designed to remove airborne contaminants,
paint overspray, water spots, rail dust, industrial fallout, diesel fuel
& catalytic converter residue and any other bonded surface contaminants
from paint. All cars even brand new factory paint has airborne
contaminants... Here's the deal. The non-abrasive Z-18 ClayBar will remove
any surface contaminants from the paint finish and not hurt the
clear-coat. The ClayBar will get that paint finish smooth as glass. Now
remember waterspots, bird droppings and bug guts if left on the
paint finish for any length of time. Will etch into the paint finish.
The ClayBar will also remove any store bought waxes....

I recommend you use my car wash (Z-7) as a lubricant for the ClayBar.
Just make sure to keep the surface area lubricated while using the ClayBar.
Use 1/2 capful of Z-7 Car Wash to 12 ounces of water. I use a spray bottle
for the mix. Shake it up and spray the area to be Clayed. Just make sure
to keep the surface area lubricated while using the ClayBar.

3. I would definitely recommend you remove the wax buildup on your
paint. Just use Liquid Dawn(hand dishwashing liquid) as a car wash. It
has a high alkaline content which cuts right thru carnauba wax,
paraffin, silicone oils, etc. This will get your paint finish squeeky
clean and wax free.

I don't advise making a habit of washing your car with Dawn. But for
this scenario it's fine. High alkaline products like Dawn are tough on
polishes. It will never harm the paint finish though. A car wash is made
specifically to clean without removing durable polishes. ALSO, Make sure
you remove any water spots, before you apply my products. Because Zaino
has no abrasives or harsh solvents it will not remove water spots or
stains. Z-18 ClayBar is great for removing any paint surface contaminants.
Re-wash the entire vehicle with Z-7 Car Wash immediately after the ClayBar
Cleaning Process.

4. The basic products you will need are Z-1 or the new ZFX, Z-2, Z-5(optional,
but highly
recommended for swirls and especially on darker colors), Z-6 and Z-7.
If you are going to use the NEW ZFX flash cure system, then skip step 5 and read
the ZFX
instructions below..

5. Start with Z-1 Polish Lok as per directions. Z-1 does not need to
dry. Remember do not wipe off the Z-1 Polish Lok. Apply Z-5 or Z-2
directly over the Z-1. Z-5 is the Hot ticket for a swirl free, flawless
paint finish. Usually one to three coats will accomplish that.

6. Let Z-5 or Z-2 polish dry at least one hour. Please NOTE: Zaino Show
Car Polish works best at 60 degrees or higher. However, it can be
applied down to temperatures of 45 degrees. It just will take much, much
longer to dry. As much as two to three hours drying time is required if
the temperature is 50 degrees or below. Also, If the humidity is high.
Longer drying time is necessary. Humidity is a killer on the drying time
of Z-2 or Z-5. The moisture in the air hinders drying
time up to four times longer than normal. Sorry, but I can't help this.
When you try to remove Z-2 or Z-5 when it is still wet. All you're
accomplishing is moving it around. Kinda like reapplying it. Also you
need to use a LARGE White 100% Bath size towel (please refer to my Tips
& Tricks sheet on my web site for the proper towels to use) to remove
Z-2 or Z-5. Smaller towels will not work efficiently.

To test if Z-2 or Z-5 is dry and ready to be removed. Wipe your finger
on a hazed section. It should immediately come off and leave a crytal
clear finish. If it smears, it is still wet. You can leave Z-2 or Z-5 on
for hours or overnight if you desire. When it is not humid Z-2 will take
anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to dry. Depending on how heavy you
applied it. I have applied Z-2 in the Arizona sun and it dried in
approx. 3 to 5 minutes. I have also applied it in 38 degree temperature
and it took about 2 to 3 hours to dry. Be patient. It's worth it.
Different situations affect drying times. Also, remember you have Z-1
and Z-5 both on the car. That is two products that have to dry at one
time. Takes longer. Z-2 or Z-5 does not contain any oils and once it's
dry will never ever look smeary or feel greasy. If you remove Z-2 or Z-5
before it is thoroughly dry and get any smears. Just wipe down the car
with a damp cotton towel. This will remove any smears. Don't use Z-6
until you wipe the car down. If you'd like call me and I'll help you out
with more info!

7. After removal of Zaino Z-2 or Z-5. You should wait 24 hours if the
outside temperature is under 70 degrees and 6 hours if over 70 degrees,
before applying the next coat of Z-5 or Z-2.

8. Use Z-6 "Gloss Enhancer" spray as per directions, between each and
every coat of Z-5 or Z-2. It really helps give a three dimensional look.
It's antistatic properties will reduce dust and dirt pickup by 60%. Z-6
can be used immediately after removing Z-2 or Z-5 or right before
applying the next coat of Z-2 or Z-5. Most of my customers prefer to use
Z-6 both, before and after Z-2 or Z-5 for that extra gloss boost.

9. You can switch to Z-2 as soon as you are happy with the way the paint
finish looks. Example, no more swirls, scratches etc. It's up to you.
Z-2 has higher optical properties than Z-5. You can go from Z-2 to Z-5
and then back to Z-2 as often as you want. Z-2 and Z-5 are 100%
compatible and interchangeable. You should always end with Z-2 as the
last coat because of its higher optics.

10. The number of coats of Z-2 or Z-5 is up to you. When you reach the
level of enhancement you like, normal maintenence with Z-7 Car Wash and
Z-6 "Gloss Enhancer" spray is all that's necessary. Naturally apply a
coat of Z-2 or Z-5 whenever you feel it is required.

NOTE: One application of Zaino Z-2 or Z-5 will outlast anything in the
industry and is all you'll ever need for an average vehicle. However,
Multiple coats will achieve an even deeper, wetter-looking, ultra high
gloss. Plus higher paint protection. It's up to you....You be the
judge...

ALWAYS use only 100% Cotton towels. They must be Made in USA. Brand name
(Cannon or Fieldcrest) large white bath size towels. See my web site,
for the real truth on cotton towels and which ones to use.


ZFX™ Instructions

When used as directed, Zaino Bros' ZFX™ Show Car Polish accelerator
enables Zaino Show Car Polish to cure instantly and increases
durability. This exclusive product allows you to create a “Show Car
Finish” in a day and gives your car months of lasting protection.

This kit contains a 2ml vial of ZFX™ Show Car Polish accelerator mix and
four mixing bottles. The vial contains enough ZFX™ to prepare 16 ounces
of polish.

Pour one to two ounces of Show Car Polish (Z-2, Z-3 or Z-5) into a 2
ounce ZFX mixing bottle. For each ounce of polish, add 4 to 5 drops of
ZFX™ (no more than 10 drops for two full ounces), screw the cap back on,
and shake vigorously for 60 to 90 seconds.

ZFX™ enabled polish must be applied to a clean car. Follow these easy
steps:

1. Apply Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFX™ with a 100% terry cloth
applicator. Use the polish sparingly. A small amount goes a long way,
and you will be applying multiple coats.
2. Squirt a dime size dab of polish on your applicator and rub it into
your paint using back and forth hand motions.
3. Allow the polish the haze (dry) for 30 minutes.
4. Buff off the Show Car Polish residue with a high quality, 100% cotton
detailing towel.


You're now ready to apply your next coat of Zaino Show Car Polish
enabled with ZFX™. There's no need to wait. Simply follow steps 1
through 4 again. Use a fresh buffing towel with each coat. Apply no
more than three coats of Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFX™ in a 24
hour period. fro optimum results use enable ZFX withing 6 hours of
mixing

When you are finished polishing, wash mixing bottle inside and out with
a heavy concentration of liquid dishwashing detergen and rinse
thoroughlyt. The ZFX™ mixing bottles cannot be reused if the polish
remains in the bottle for more than 12 hours. After 12 hours, it is not
possible to remove the ZFX™ accelerator from the mixing bottles. Throw
the mixing bottle and any unused polish contents away after 12 hours.

Call me and I'll give you some more tips on your specific situation.



Thank You,
Sal Zaino
(732)833-8800
http://www.zainobros.com

I wish I could have waited for some replies this AM! I didn't guess too great, but it was not a total disaster either. Here's what I ended up buying this AM.

A) Meg's Deep Crystal car wash soap
B ) MF wash mitts
C) 12"x16" MF drying cloths
D) Meg's Gold Class clear coat wax
E) MF wax applicators
F) 100% cotton T-shirt wax polishing cloths
G) Brush with 10" handle (nice and soft) for pre-cleaning wheels, tires, rocker panels

We actually used the stuff <pant, pant>, and here's how it grades out:

A Good, but nothing special
B Excellent
C Poor! Do not dry well at all (what was I thinking?)
D Very easy on and off, but results are so-so
E Excellent
F Very good
G Excellent!

I'll get me some clay and clay it next time. I will use the MF cloths for glass and interior and probably get me some chammy's.

Tell you guys what: Rebb and his crew need to be congratulated. While washing and waxing, my wife and I could not find a single flaw in the paint, and we looked critically at every square inch! :trophy:

Thanks for all the nice replies, and I will be trying your suggestions on items C, D, and G!

This post has been edited by bobad: Mar 5 2006, 09:37 AM

I am glad to see that you can quote Sal, I know many individuals that enjoy using Sal's products.
I believe that the original question wash more of a how too, and product recomendation.

The processes that I mentioned are ones that are generally accepted by many enthusists and detailing professionals, and do have there merit.

Easiest way to tell if your car needs claying is the "plastic baggie" test. put your hand in a plastic baggie and run it over the panel. If you feel bumps or see rust dots then it is time to clay the car. Yes, I do agree with Sal that even a brand new car should be clayed.

Polishes and swirl removers will remove the marring that is introduced during the course of time from regular cleaning (yes it happens, even when you are careful).

As I mentioned earlier use high quality MF cloths. An easy well to tell if a towel will mar your paint is a CD test. Take the towel that you are going to use and wipe it across a CD (an old one or a bad blank is fine) if it leaves marks on the CD, there is an excellent chance that it will do the same to your paint.

HTH
"J"

For washing I would "highly" recommend the Mr. Clean AutoDry system. That's all I'll use now. Guaranteed drying with NO water spots (letting it air dry). The final rinse is filtered water that filters out all the contaminents that cause spots. Works as advertised; like a champ on my Ebony Black LX - absolutely no spots.

Mr. Clean AutoDry

Glad to hear that the car came out great, do you have any pictures?

"J"

Went out and looked at it this AM, and it has a coat of pollen on it from all the pine and oak trees that are budding out. I can actually write in the pollen! I think I'll go write "Pine trees burn in ****!" :D

Not only that, but cat tracks across the hood, up the windshield, and on the roof.

Now I remember why I quit taking immaculate care of my last car. What's the use?

Instead of going for show car looks, I think I need to go for maximum protection.

Hey shininguy, what do you think of the big, fluffy MF dusters? Do you think they would cause micro scratches if I use it brush the pollen off? I know dust would scratch, but I'm thinking the pollen is real soft.

Thanks,,,

Are you talking about a CA car duster?
I have found that they will mar the finish.

I don't want to discuss :cat:. Lets just say fluffy has walked on my finish more than I care to mention.

For removing pollen I use Poorboy's spray & wipe (it's a waterless wash) and a soft MF

"J"

Dunno. Threw the package away. Looks like long twisted chenille strands, but they're micro fiber.

I'll try the PB spray and wipe. Sounds real easy and safe.

Thanks,,,

for pollen and light dust i use a swiffer lol is that a bad idea
i do have a ca carduster but i like to use it to pick up ashes on the interior so...

I think most auto detail nuts are just that,nuts!They spend WAY too much time on a losing battle.All those botique products(Zaino,Griots,etc) are WAY overhyped for what t