Detailing questions answered here!

[tradosaurus]

Shouldn't this entire thread be labeled "Zaino questions answered here"?

[Icefsh]

Was a little ignorant about detailing when I first got my Camaro. Anyway I just bought car wash on sale and bought Turtle Ice products. Have used the synthetic polish about 3 times. Have light swirl marks, probably from a used micro fiber towel. Have learn alot from reading these threads (thanks everyone). I now want to use a clay bar and something to remove swirl marks. Do I have to buy the PC orbital or can I do this by hand. Shall I ditch the Turtle Ice products and go with the Zaino? Have about $75 invested already.

[Moose]

No apology necessary.

For polishing with stripes, I generally follow as closely to the edge as possible without going over the edges.

Ed

Originally Posted by madddoggrobb

Not sure if this has been asked yet and I apologize if it has.

I have the black matte stripes (decal stripes, not painted on). When I go to wax my car or Zaino it can I go over these or do i need to go around them? If I need to go around them what the best way to take care of the stripes!?

Thanks in advance!

[Moose]

You DO NOT need to invest in Zaino.

The "light swirls" can be "hidden/removed" by hand as well. I know Meguires and Mothers offer products to address this issue which can be used in conjunction with your Turtle Wax Ice.

You'll want to look into high quality towels for drying and polish removal. I believe this is whats causing your "light swirls". I ONLY use microfiber for interior detailing.

Ed

Originally Posted by Icefsh

Was a little ignorant about detailing when I first got my Camaro. Anyway I just bought car wash on sale and bought Turtle Ice products. Have used the synthetic polish about 3 times. Have light swirl marks, probably from a used micro fiber towel. Have learn alot from reading these threads (thanks everyone). I now want to use a clay bar and something to remove swirl marks. Do I have to buy the PC orbital or can I do this by hand. Shall I ditch the Turtle Ice products and go with the Zaino? Have about $75 invested already.

[Icefsh]

Thanks Moose! What kind of drying towels are best? Would be nice to keep my car swirl free.

[Moose]

Originally Posted by Icefsh

Thanks Moose! What kind of drying towels are best? Would be nice to keep my car swirl free.

Currently, I think the "blonde towels" offered by Zaino are some of the best. Some have made comments on their ability to absorb water, but I believe if you wash them prior to the first use, they'll work just fine.

Ed

[madddoggrobb]

Originally Posted by Moose

No apology necessary.

For polishing with stripes, I generally follow as closely to the edge as possible without going over the edges.

Ed

Thanks Moose!

[montej23]

Ok so I waxed my car now a few tims but today when I was washing it I noticed some circle scratches where I would have waxed. I am flipping out it s a brand new car and has swirl marks can anyone help me please

[Michael_Js]

I just bought a Cable Porter orbital polisher - the one recommended by Moose in this thread. I used it today for the first time and was wondering if you could give a quick tutorial for dummies - never used one before. I used it to remove Zaino polish, not apply it.

If there's a thread on this, sorry, i didn't see it.

Thanks!
Michael J.

[shooter713]

Moose, thanks for taking the time to answer these questions. Helpful to someone who's never had to learn how to wash the proper way!

I am really geared towards Zaino's products, both on your recommendation and also the reading I've done elsewhere. Turns out, actually coordinating what Zaino products you need with the products you can get OTC is a bit tough.

Would you mind posting a grand summary of all the products one needs to maintain both the exterior and the interior of their sexy new Camaro? (My main concern is avoiding any spiderwebbing/swirls (from what I've read, that's related more to the wash fabric type and method), but I'd also like to make sure it's properly protected (I live in MI and may winter in AZ). So for instance:

-Zaino Show Car Kit + 2 'blonde' towels
-2 sheepskin mitts from ______
-etc...

Just trying to get my own kit together, so I don't have to use Zaino's actual kits unless it makes sense, which I really don't know if it does or not, so I'm going to depend on you, haha.

Thanks!

[Moose]

Originally Posted by shooter713

Moose, thanks for taking the time to answer these questions. Helpful to someone who's never had to learn how to wash the proper way!

I am really geared towards Zaino's products, both on your recommendation and also the reading I've done elsewhere. Turns out, actually coordinating what Zaino products you need with the products you can get OTC is a bit tough.

Would you mind posting a grand summary of all the products one needs to maintain both the exterior and the interior of their sexy new Camaro? (My main concern is avoiding any spiderwebbing/swirls (from what I've read, that's related more to the wash fabric type and method), but I'd also like to make sure it's properly protected (I live in MI and may winter in AZ). So for instance:

-Zaino Show Car Kit + 2 'blonde' towels
-2 sheepskin mitts from ______
-etc...

Just trying to get my own kit together, so I don't have to use Zaino's actual kits unless it makes sense, which I really don't know if it does or not, so I'm going to depend on you, haha.

Thanks!

Well, I'm looking at Zaino's site while pondering your question.

Zaino's Z-Kit I is a very good kit to start with. It has everything you need, and the quantities will last you an entire season. The only addition would be to order an additional bottle or two of the car wash.

Also, if you have leather, I highly recommend Z-9 leather cleaner, and Z-10 leather conditioner.

For drying and polish removal, I'd suggest the "blonde towels". A 3-pk would be the minimum (2 for drying/1 for polish removal), but I'd recommend ordering 2 3-pks.

I use sheepskin wash mitts for washing, which can be found at better automotive stores.

Some "over the counter" products I've also used in detailing are;

Turtle Wax Ice Total Interior (for dash/inner door/etc., maintenance)
Armor All (spray not gel) for tires
* Some opinions are not favorable towards A.A., but its always worked well for me*
Stoners Invisible Glass (not aerosol can-use spray bottle)
Stoners Tarminator

If I think of more, I'll let you know, but that covers the basics.

Ed

[shooter713]

Originally Posted by Moose

Well, I'm looking at Zaino's site while pondering your question.

Zaino's Z-Kit I is a very good kit to start with. It has everything you need, and the quantities will last you an entire season. The only addition would be to order an additional bottle or two of the car wash.

Also, if you have leather, I highly recommend Z-9 leather cleaner, and Z-10 leather conditioner.

For drying and polish removal, I'd suggest the "blonde towels". A 3-pk would be the minimum (2 for drying/1 for polish removal), but I'd recommend ordering 2 3-pks.

I use sheepskin wash mitts for washing, which can be found at better automotive stores.

Some "over the counter" products I've also used in detailing are;

Turtle Wax Ice Total Interior (for dash/inner door/etc., maintenance)
Armor All (spray not gel) for tires
* Some opinions are not favorable towards A.A., but its always worked well for me*
Stoners Invisible Glass (not aerosol can-use spray bottle)
Stoners Tarminator

If I think of more, I'll let you know, but that covers the basics.

Ed

Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for. I am really excited to give my car her first bath... I've been putting it off because I'm actually kind of afraid to hurt her. I think between whatever instructions that are included and this thread, I should be OK. Any last minute pointers?

PS: +297 points for such a quick response! Thanks again!

[Moose]

Originally Posted by shooter713

Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for. I am really excited to give my car her first bath... I've been putting it off because I'm actually kind of afraid to hurt her. I think between whatever instructions that are included and this thread, I should be OK. Any last minute pointers?

PS: +297 points for such a quick response! Thanks again!

A few pointers;

- Use Zaino sparingly. Dampen applicator with water - a dime sized dollop is generally enough for each body panel.

- Apply Zaino in a "front to back" method for hood, roof, trunklid
"top to bottom" method for doors, fenders, bumpers

[shooter713]

Originally Posted by Moose

- Use Zaino sparingly. Dampen applicator with water - a dime sized dollop is generally enough for each body panel.

I assume this is in regards to the polish? (This further assumes that the car is wash in a traditional fashion, with a bucket of soap diluted with water)

- Apply Zaino in a "front to back" method for hood, roof, trunklid; "top to bottom" method for doors, fenders, bumpers

For doors/fenders/bumpers, each full panel at once or split it midway up the door/fender/bumper?