Detailing questions answered here! - Page 20 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Angelo@Autopia · 10-06-2009, 07:58 PM

It's not really recommended in my book but you can use Dawn to wash it before any polishing that has to be done or just wash it with your favorite car shampoo and then clay it and your ready to do what you want to do.

Moose · 10-07-2009, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtellez

Ed, is it necessary to dawn wash a new Camaro that hasn't been waxed/polished before or is it just "highly recommended"?

I like to use Dawn, even on new cars, and just a "second precaution" to remove any contaminants.

One new cars, I wash with Dawn, clay, and rewash.

Clay will do wonders with the paint too, so I highly recommend you doing it.

Ed

garcmol · 10-07-2009, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael_Js

Suggestions for a place to buy a decent priced random-orbital buffer?

Bought the Ryobi at Home Depot.

rcracer78 · 10-07-2009, 04:21 PM

Moose,

What's the best way to remove sap from the finish?

Thanks.

Moose · 10-07-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcracer78

Moose,

What's the best way to remove sap from the finish?

Thanks.

I always like to try a little polish first. If that doesn't work, 'Stoners Tarminator' has always worked for me.

Ed

rmpackers · 10-07-2009, 05:15 PM

Ed,
I waxed the entire car in August, should it be done again before the winter salt and grime? And the hood that was repainted on August 22nd, is it ok to wax it now, or wait a tad more? Also I have Meguirer's detailer, Turtle Ice wax, and Zaino CS on the whole thing. Should I "Dawn" it and start over? Thanks, you are the best!

Moose · 10-07-2009, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmpackers

Ed,
I waxed the entire car in August, should it be done again before the winter salt and grime? And the hood that was repainted on August 22nd, is it ok to wax it now, or wait a tad more? Also I have Meguirer's detailer, Turtle Ice wax, and Zaino CS on the whole thing. Should I "Dawn" it and start over? Thanks, you are the best!

What did you put on the car first? Zaino, Turtle Wax, ???

You're OK to do the hood.

I'm trying to recall, are you using Zaino? If you are, personally, I'd wash the car with Dawn to remove the Meguires and Turtle Wax., and then apply a coat of Z-2 or Z-5.

AS for how often to wax/polish, IMO theres no harm in doing it as often as you like. Zaino suggests every 6 mo. for daily drivers.

One coat is plenty to get you through the winter. But if possible, I'd add a second coat for added protection.

Ed

bloodymary · 10-08-2009, 05:01 AM

Hi Ed

Just got my car on the first of the month. I drove it down to CO from WI, washed with Dawn, clay bar (well, I tried...I think the car may have been too wet), then the Z-7. My intent was to go to Z-2 next, but by then my 2 year old was getting bored of washing her red wagon, so I had to call it quits. The car has been garaged for a few days and still looks perfect. Here come the questions: Can I pick up where I left off and just go ahead with a couple of coats of Z-2? When should I use Z-6? We are starting to get into some cold weather here (highs in the 50s at best). Any special considerations I should make because of the temperature? Thanks a TON for your help

Shaila

Moose · 10-08-2009, 09:24 AM

Hey Shaila!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloodymary

Hi Ed

Just got my car on the first of the month. I drove it down to CO from WI, washed with Dawn, clay bar (well, I tried...I think the car may have been too wet), then the Z-7. My intent was to go to Z-2 next, but by then my 2 year old was getting bored of washing her red wagon, so I had to call it quits. The car has been garaged for a few days and still looks perfect. Here come the questions: Can I pick up where I left off and just go ahead with a couple of coats of Z-2? When should I use Z-6? We are starting to get into some cold weather here (highs in the 50s at best). Any special considerations I should make because of the temperature? Thanks a TON for your help

Shaila

If you've washed the car with the Zaino car wash, and immediately parked it indoors, you should be OK. Look at the surface closley though. If you can see a fine layer of dust, I'd play it safe and wash it again.

Regarding Z-2 - the temp. is going to lengthen the drying time. Do you by chance have ZFX? This is used to quicken the drying of the polish. If not, its not a big deal. If you can leave the car parked, you can put a coat of Z-2 on, and leave it on overnight to ensure it dries completely. Remember to spread it very thinly (a dime sized dollpo is good per body panel).

Regarding Z-6 - I use this if I've been out for a short ride and haven't picked up any dirt/dust and want to give it a quick detailing. I also use it at shows. Some people will use it between applying coats of Z-2 (or Z-5) but I don't. Z-6 is a quick spray detailer for when you want to wipe down your car, but its not to be used as a replacement for a washing.

Please let me know if you have other questions. I'm very happy to help.

Ed

bloodymary · 10-08-2009, 10:46 PM

Thanks, Ed! I do have ZFX, any idea how much that will cut down on the drying time?

Shaila

PS.. my dog avatar (Homer) says hi to your dog avatar

Moose · 10-08-2009, 11:32 PM

Buddy (my Golden) says " HI HOMER!"

I mix 4 drops in 1 oz. of the clear bottle. With ZFX I've been able to let the coat "cure" for a minimum of 1/2 hr. before removal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloodymary

Thanks, Ed! I do have ZFX, any idea how much that will cut down on the drying time?

Shaila

PS.. my dog avatar (Homer) says hi to your dog avatar

the rich dude · 10-10-2009, 11:15 AM

Hey Ed, I've been using Zanio for the past year or so on my wifes Equinox and it really works AWESOME!

I'm not a total noob to car detialing but would like your opinion for my Camaro.

I'm getting a Black Camaro that will be garage kept and mostly only driven when its not raining.

For the ULTIMATE look and shine what would you do to the car?

I'm going to Dawn it and then clay bar it. I then plan on using a Porter Cable to remove any possible swirls or scratches from the dealership. Any recommendations on pads and product or proper use?

I use ZFX with my Zanio, is it still recommended to only do 3 coats per day?

Also do you use Z8 or Z6? I've never had great luck with Z8 but my cars have always been quite warm when applying it. Just buillding a new house and will finally have a garage to polish and work on my cars!!!

Thanks for your time!

garcmol · 10-10-2009, 07:23 PM

Ed,
I used the maguires clay kit today (clay, detailer's spray and wax cleaner) on the wife's gray metallic Vibe. Wow!!! I had doubts how well clay would work having never used it (or heard of it) before. It's 3 years old and, judging by the clay afterword, had a lot of grime, grit and whatever else could attach itself. Ran my hand over the finish and not a single bump. That is an amazing result. Finished off with maguire's gold wax and am real happy with it. Now that I know what I'm doing I have no fear when the Camaro arrives. Thanks a lot!!
Norm

ljustin293 · 10-11-2009, 07:13 PM

Moose,

The 2 oz. bottles to mix the ZFX, I have such a hard time getting them cleaned again after I use them..any advice?? or do you just throw them away?

10-07-2009, 05:15 PM	#272
rmpackers Ride this Chevy Drives: 2010 RJT RS Camaro Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 1,575	Ed, I waxed the entire car in August, should it be done again before the winter salt and grime? And the hood that was repainted on August 22nd, is it ok to wax it now, or wait a tad more? Also I have Meguirer's detailer, Turtle Ice wax, and Zaino CS on the whole thing. Should I "Dawn" it and start over? Thanks, you are the best! __________________ NFL OWNR I love the smell of new car in the morning!

10-08-2009, 05:01 AM	#274
bloodymary VIN: 2G1FT1EW1A9146556 Drives: see sig Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Broomfield, CO Posts: 52	Hi Ed Just got my car on the first of the month. I drove it down to CO from WI, washed with Dawn, clay bar (well, I tried...I think the car may have been too wet), then the Z-7. My intent was to go to Z-2 next, but by then my 2 year old was getting bored of washing her red wagon, so I had to call it quits. The car has been garaged for a few days and still looks perfect. Here come the questions: Can I pick up where I left off and just go ahead with a couple of coats of Z-2? When should I use Z-6? We are starting to get into some cold weather here (highs in the 50s at best). Any special considerations I should make because of the temperature? Thanks a TON for your help Shaila __________________ 2010 2SS/RS, MN6, Victory Red/Black Leather, Polished Wheels, VIN: 2G1FT1EW1A9146556

10-08-2009, 10:46 PM	#276
bloodymary VIN: 2G1FT1EW1A9146556 Drives: see sig Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Broomfield, CO Posts: 52	Thanks, Ed! I do have ZFX, any idea how much that will cut down on the drying time? Shaila PS.. my dog avatar (Homer) says hi to your dog avatar __________________ 2010 2SS/RS, MN6, Victory Red/Black Leather, Polished Wheels, VIN: 2G1FT1EW1A9146556

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10-06-2009, 07:58 PM	#267
Angelo@Autopia Drives: 2014 Ford Focus ST Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 939	It's not really recommended in my book but you can use Dawn to wash it before any polishing that has to be done or just wash it with your favorite car shampoo and then clay it and your ready to do what you want to do.

10-07-2009, 04:21 PM	#270
rcracer78 Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CA Posts: 211	Moose, What's the best way to remove sap from the finish? Thanks.

10-10-2009, 11:15 AM	#278
the rich dude Drives: Getting 2010 Camaro Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver Posts: 1,149	Hey Ed, I've been using Zanio for the past year or so on my wifes Equinox and it really works AWESOME! I'm not a total noob to car detialing but would like your opinion for my Camaro. I'm getting a Black Camaro that will be garage kept and mostly only driven when its not raining. For the ULTIMATE look and shine what would you do to the car? I'm going to Dawn it and then clay bar it. I then plan on using a Porter Cable to remove any possible swirls or scratches from the dealership. Any recommendations on pads and product or proper use? I use ZFX with my Zanio, is it still recommended to only do 3 coats per day? Also do you use Z8 or Z6? I've never had great luck with Z8 but my cars have always been quite warm when applying it. Just buillding a new house and will finally have a garage to polish and work on my cars!!! Thanks for your time!

10-10-2009, 07:23 PM	#279
garcmol Drives: 10 1LT SIM; 91 B4C sleeper Z Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ft. Mitchell, Alabama Posts: 7,198	Ed, I used the maguires clay kit today (clay, detailer's spray and wax cleaner) on the wife's gray metallic Vibe. Wow!!! I had doubts how well clay would work having never used it (or heard of it) before. It's 3 years old and, judging by the clay afterword, had a lot of grime, grit and whatever else could attach itself. Ran my hand over the finish and not a single bump. That is an amazing result. Finished off with maguire's gold wax and am real happy with it. Now that I know what I'm doing I have no fear when the Camaro arrives. Thanks a lot!! Norm

10-11-2009, 07:13 PM	#280
ljustin293 Drives: 2010 VR CAMARO 2SS/RS Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: GA Posts: 15,060 View My Garage	Moose, The 2 oz. bottles to mix the ZFX, I have such a hard time getting them cleaned again after I use them..any advice?? or do you just throw them away?