Detailing questions answered here!

[crzycicada]

Thanks Moose!

Adamvol,
I actually used two blond towels when drying. When one would do exactly as you said; getting soaked and leaving streaks behind (even after wringing them out), I just grabbed another one and stuck the wet one in the dryer. Once this one got soaked and it was time to grab another to dry with, the one in the dryer was done. Removing the nozzle off the hose is an awesome tip too!

Like you, I have some scratches in the clear coat so I plan on adding another coat or two of Z-5 some point soon to see if that'll help. Z-6 is awfully liquid so I'm curious how it cakes up on you.

[snapperkid]

Myself, I like the Maguire's synthetic wax applied with a new damp to wrung out wet microfiber cloth. Let dry and buff and keep buffing with a new or clean
micro fiber cloth. You'll find excellent results.

Hard water spots on your glass?? Get a bowl of warm water and add a little lime remover (lime-away). Dip a clean rag and scrub the glass. Hard spots will go away.

Snap

[jtellez]

Ed,

Just got my Zaino kit this weekend. Got a few quick questions.

What brand sheepskin mitts or chenille mitts do you recommend? The advance auto parts and autozone near me don't have much of a selection. I ended up getting 2 Mirage Microfiber Chenille wash mitts.

Also, I got the 3 blonde towels from Zaino. Do you think 2 will be enough to dry and remove polish, or will I need all 3? I'm thinking about ordering another pack, because I went to Macy's and couldn't find any soft, white, 100% cotton towels made in America.

Finally, I plan on doing a "practice run" of Zaino on my Black 2000 Grand Prix GT. Can I reuse my mitts/towels on my Camaro, or should I use a fresh batch?

Thanks for all the help!

[adamvol]

I think I was spraying too much Z6 on the car. It was drying...

[Moose]

Originally Posted by adamvol

Ed,

I noticed a few swirl marks when I bought the car. They seem to be getting worse. I did wash the towels like you suggested.

Letting the water run over the car helped a lot. However, I still have the swirl marks after drying. How many towels do you use when you dry?

I'm going to try and polish again this week. Black is such a pain. I love it thought.

Thanks,
Adam

Adam,

Black is TOUGH! In drying, I'm currently using a larger size bath towel, and I only need one. AFter rinsing, I fold the towel in half, lay it on the surface, and pull it towards me, using no pressure, and this removes 95% of the water.

Ed

[THE BUDMAN]

Hi Ed, What would recommend on the quantity of Z6 to use one the car between polishing applications? Thanks for your help!

[Moose]

Originally Posted by THE BUDMAN

Hi Ed, What would recommend on the quantity of Z6 to use one the car between polishing applications? Thanks for your help!

I've used Z-6 numerous times between coats of polish, ie; at car shows, etc., and generally I go by the rule of "1 spray per body panel".

Just like the polish, you want to use a minimal amount of Z-6. I lightly mist a panel, and use very, very, minimal pressure in wiping.

I hope that answered your question? Please let me know if you neeed further help.

Ed

[THE BUDMAN]

Thanks Ed for all the information. Much appreciated!

[camaro99]

Anyone use a leaf blower to dry their car?

[Moose]

Originally Posted by THE BUDMAN

Thanks Ed for all the information. Much appreciated!

I'm very happy to do it.

Originally Posted by camaro99

Anyone use a leaf blower to dry their car?

Tried it once. Alot of people do use one though. I prefer the old fashioned way.

[Wild Bill]

Originally Posted by camaro99

Anyone use a leaf blower to dry their car?

The dryer works. Make sure that you are clear of any flying debris that might scratch your car. You'll still need about the same time as hand drying. I like Mcguire's Water magnet towels.

I have yet to try Moose's method of removing the noozle from the hose. I bought some brass quick couplers. If I get a chance, I'll see how it works.

[Mason44]

Originally Posted by Moose

"Avoiding swirls" ;

First "tip" - the more you touch the paint surface, re; washing, polishing, etc., the more opportunities for swirls, etc.

* ALWAYS rinse the car very well prior to washing
* ALWAYS use a clean wash mitt (sheepskin or chenile)
* ALWAYS use the proper towels for drying/polish removal (I like the "blond" towels offered by Zaino)
* ALWAYS use a good quality applicator for applying polish

* Follow the directions provided by Zaino for application and removal of Zaino
(top to bottom on sides/front to back on top body panels)
(you should not apply much pressure applying/removing polish)

* DRYING after washing
- remove spray nozzle on hose and let water sheet away during rinsing
- fold towel in half, lay on paint surface, and pull towards you, using NO pressure

* NEVER use a spray detailer if too much dust/dirt has accumulated on paint surface
* NEVER wash/dry in direct sunlight or during high temps.

Stripes;

* TAKE your time
* When washing, move sponge along edges, never across
* When applying polish, never go over edges - apply along edges

I hope those tips will be of some help. If not, please let me know.

Ed

Ok I got a quick few questions for you Ed.

1) As you said up above, ALWAYS rinse the car very well prior to washing. Ok what do you find the best method is for doing this? Like do you just spray it off or do you use some other step in there to get more dirt off? Because I'm thinking the more dirt you get off during this step the less dirt that is moving across the surface of the car and thus less chance of swirl marks or fine scratches.

2) Have you ever used a foam gun to try and lift the dirt off of the surface of the car before washing and if so what did you think of the results?

Thanks again Ed for the help.
Mason

[Moose]

Originally Posted by Mason44

Ok I got a quick few questions for you Ed.

1) As you said up above, ALWAYS rinse the car very well prior to washing. Ok what do you find the best method is for doing this? Like do you just spray it off or do you use some other step in there to get more dirt off? Because I'm thinking the more dirt you get off during this step the less dirt that is moving across the surface of the car and thus less chance of swirl marks or fine scratches.

2) Have you ever used a foam gun to try and lift the dirt off of the surface of the car before washing and if so what did you think of the results?

Thanks again Ed for the help.
Mason

Mason,

I've never used a foam gun.

I've found that just using the hose with the nozzle still attached works well enough to rinse the car prior to washing. For wheelwells, the undercarriage, etc., I will use a stonger spray though.

I've just thoroughly soaked the paint surface, while its cool and out of the sun, if possible, and never had any problems.

Ed

[adamvol]

Moose....You ARE the man....