Detailing questions answered here!

[Matt'sSS]

Also... I have a CGM that should have basically flawless paint (doing prep myself & clay) so which Zaino wax products would I need? Just the Z2 or also the Z5? How does that work, start with a base of Z2, and alternate layers with Z5 or what? Two layers of Z2 then a layer of Z5 using ZFX? (I'm considering just doing one layer every week for a while to give it plenty of cure time & wouldn't need the ZFX)

My wife's car is a black '03 sedan with 7 years of cheap gas station car washes and Oregon mineral water spots deep in the paint. I tried using Turtle Wax Ice liquid clay bar with a big orbital buffer (sold when we moved) on it once, and it barely did anything at all. What would I need to get that out back to a good finish? The paint looks good mostly, but the water spots (even on the glass) and swirl marks really take away from how good it could look. Would Z-AIO do the trick or would I need to use a multi step process like what Meguiars offers? I think I'm going to have to pick up an orbital buffer to make any real progress on this one.

I really like the Zaino applicator pads (esp at only $2.50 ea) and 100% cotton borderless towels (not so much at $25 for 3, any good less costly alternatives?) and claybar (even if my maro doesn't need it, which goin from CA to S FL I'm sure will, my wife's car does badly) but I'm not so sure on the products.

I've read of the problems people have been having in the hot humid weather (and I'm in S FL), and it sounds like more than one are having the problem with less than great support (my one call to Zaino with questions I was VERY unimpressed). But I do like the idea of a product designed to basically stack on top itself over time for a deeper finish and better protection. Are there any Mothers (Reflections of FX series?) or Meguiars (NXT or Gold Class?) that work the same? I'd also really like to be able to use one wax with a good result, instead of having to use / alternate between two different ones (Z2 & Z5) if avoidable.

Thank you!

[Tanner]

This is great information. My question is relative to using a random orbital buffer. I have the Porter Cable model and I'm wondering if you would use one. I have all the different levels of harder to the very soft polishing pads. I noticed there has not been any mention of using these types of buffers in this thread yet.

[Angelo@Autopia]

Hope this is what you were looking for :

The engineers at Porter Cable have taken their best-selling, dual-action polisher, the 7424, and made it into a super-polisher! The new Porter Cable 7424XP incorporates a beefed-up, 4.5 amp, motor, a wider speed range, improved ergonomics and a heftier on/off switch. While each change is small, the net result is a wonderfully well-balanced, comfortable-to-use polisher that now has the power to tackle virtually any detailing task. What hasn't changed is the random, swirl-free polishing action that will not scratch or burn the paint or clear coat and the field-proven mechanism that has earned the reputation of being bulletproof.



Tech Note: Technically, this polisher is classified as an orbital polisher. It is designed to safely apply polish and wax in a manner similar to hand application. It minutes, it creates a mirror-like finish and shine that would otherwise take hours of hand labor. It will not create swirls or remove your car's clear coat finish.
The pad does not rotate in the conventional sense, it oscillates. This "jiggling" occurs at such a high rate that the eye can not see any pad movement. This is normal. This is the way the polisher is designed to work. This polisher is not designed for heavy compounding and may not fully remove scratches, deep swirls or paint imperfections. But with the New Meguiars M105 Compound and Meguiars M205 you can remove alot more then you could before.
This is the stock machine as it comes from Porter Cable. It has one medium density white pad which is permanently attached to a backing plate. The single white pad supplied with the polisher may be sufficient for the week-end enthusiast but its not enough flexibility for the serious detailer nor does it allow you to use any of our hook and loop backed accessory pads.

Orbital polishers trade safety for ultimate paint cutting ability. Since the pads oscillate (jiggle) rather than rotate, dual action machines may not be able to abrade away enough of the top clear coat to completely remove deep swirls, defects and scratches. That said, orbital polishers will always produce better results than could be achieved by hand.

On the plus side, the random, oscillating motion of orbital polishers makes these machines very safe for novice users. It is virtually impossible to damage the paint or clear coat with an orbital polisher.

[Tanner]

Yep, that's the model I have. I figure we should not have any deep swirls with new paint and since I'm a novice at this, I guess this is what I'll use.

[SRVFAN]

Originally Posted by SRFnSNO

For cleaning windows. Windex using News paper
Rain-X using News Paper.

I have heard paper tows leave lint and have oils in them.
I have been using news paper over the last Well Lot of years. Forget where I heard about the News Paper. But have has good success with the News paper.

Any Pro's or Con's on the news paper?

As a homemaker for well, lets just say.... a lot of years... I've been cleaning my bathroom mirrors with Windex (because of hairspray & stuff like that) & newspapers for years.... NO streaks!!

So, I tried that process on my car windshield & other car windows EXCEPT... I only use water (no Windex) & newspaper.

I also clean my house's windows that way too! (I used to do make ready on new homes... cleaned a lot of windows this way!!)

It's awesome...no streaks.

[Matt'sSS]

/ignored :(

*crawls back in cave*

[Moose]

Originally Posted by Matt'sSS

/ignored :(

*crawls back in cave*

PM sent

[Moose]

Originally Posted by quickc

Ed, I took delivery of a 2010 Camaro a few weeks ago.. Paint is Red Jewel Tin Coat. A local detail shop says I should have them put a paint sealer on soon. What are your thoughts about doing this?

quickc

Personally, I'd take the money the dealer would charge for this and invest in good detailing products, ie; Mothers, Meguires, or Zaino. Provided you have the time to do it yourself.

[Moose]

Originally Posted by Optimus Prime

Wow Ed, this thread is awesome! Much appreciated. Just one quick question. I've noticed you recommend Zaino, with good reason from all I've heard about it. But a buddy of mine who owns a local auto shop recommended the Turtle Wax ICE car polish, said it did an amazing job. So I picked it up, along with the ICE car wash. What do you think of that line?

There are many good products available, and Turtle Wax Ice is good. But IMO, Zaino offers the best durability.

If you like the results, and can keep the car washed/waxed regularly, Turtle Wax Ice is fine.

[Moose]

I'll check back in when possible.

[martman]

Hi Guys

I just got the car (love it). When I zaino the paint what do I do with the black rally stripes that the dealer installed. I suppose I don't wax them. Do you use anything on them. They are flat in finish.

[Heliwrench]

Originally Posted by martman

Hi Guys

I just got the car (love it). When I zaino the paint what do I do with the black rally stripes that the dealer installed. I suppose I don't wax them. Do you use anything on them. They are flat in finish.

From another thread:

You're going love Zaino especially on all those decals. Zaino Show
Car Polish works great on all vinyl decals. It is non-abrasive, leaves
no white residue or wax buildup and actually makes the decals last
longer. It's UV40 protectant will keep the decals from shrinking, fading and drying out. Plus it will make the decals look like they have a clear coat over them. Try it on all the decals you'll love it.

NOTE: For Flat Black or Matte Decals.

Try a test spot on the Flat Black decals and see if you like the look.
It will make the decals have a slight gloss to them.. It boils down to a
matter of personal preference.

[Jeanius]

Originally Posted by Moose

* It is recommened by Zaino that you do no more than 3 coats within 24 hrs.

* Make sure and use a good quality towel for drying/polish removal.

3 Coats total or 3 coats of each Z2/Z5

[Heliwrench]

Originally Posted by Jeanius

3 Coats total or 3 coats of each Z2/Z5

3 coats TOTAL. I've also heard this includes Z8.

My routine on black for instance is one day:
Z-5
Z-5
Z-2

Then the next day I'll Z-8 It.