Detailing questions answered here!

[Moose]

Hi!

The first thing that came to my attention was your comment about using a random-orbital buffer. If you're going to be using Zaino, I would recommend you polishing by hand. The reason being, you'll waster alot of Zaino using a buffer to apply it.

You seem to be on the right path to creating a nice shine for your Camaro. I'd follow a similar procedure;

- Wash with dawn
- Clay
- Rewash and dry
- Examine finish; if swirls are present, 1 coat of Z-5. If needed, add a 2nd coat of Z-5.
- Finish with a coat of Z-2

As for Z-6/Z-8, I prefer Z-6. It provides a nice shine, and is easier to use than Z-8.

As for the number of coats per day, 3 is tha maximunm. You can always add another coat the following day or as necessary.

Ed

Originally Posted by the rich dude

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!

[Moose]

Originally Posted by garcmol

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

Glad to see you're happy with the results Norm!

[Moose]

Originally Posted by ljustin293

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?

When I'm finished, I add a drop of Dawn to the bottle, add some water, shake vigorously, and rinse. I then add a damp paper towel, "wadded" so that I can fit it through the opening, and wipe off any excess polish. Allow to air dry with cap off.

Also, squirt water through the cap to ensure no clogging.

Remember to never allow Zaino to sit in the bottle for more than 24 hrs.! If you do, throw them out.

Ed

[the rich dude]

Thanks Moose

I was only thinking of using a orbital polisher just with a swirl removing compound to make the paint absolutely perfect and then go to hand applying a coat of Z5 and 2 coats of Z2. Thanks again for comfirming what I was thinking

[locomaro]

Hi Ed. I've just finished reading all of the posts on this thread and have noted some of your great tips for keeping my black camaro in tip-top shape. Based upon your advice & reviews from others, I plan on switching to Zaino products for future washing/waxing/detailing. Here is my question/dilemma. I got my car in early September & before I had a chance to apply my first coat of wax, the car got rained on--which resulted in water spots. I used a solution of distilled water & vinegar & thought I got all of the spots removed. I have since applied two coats of Turtle Wax Ice, hoping that would get me through the winter (my car will be a daily driver). I noticed recently that I missed some of the water spots in a few places. Will I be OK to wait until the spring to start over with the Zaino & do the whole wash/clay/wax process---or will I be in trouble if I wait that long? Part of my issue is the temp here in Nebraska is averaging 40-45 for a high & I'm just not sure I will have anymore warm weather opportunities this season to do the whole Zaino process properly. :( Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Moose]

Hi!

There's absolutely NO problem with waiting for better weather to Zaino. You got the important part covered for now, re; paint protection.

The water spots, etc., can be addressed in the Spring/warmer weather.

When the time comes to use your Zaino, you can either drop me a line, or, follow the basics below;

1. Wash with Dawn to remove old wax/polish
2. Clay/address water spots
3. Begin Zaino application


Ed

Originally Posted by locomaro

Hi Ed. I've just finished reading all of the posts on this thread and have noted some of your great tips for keeping my black camaro in tip-top shape. Based upon your advice & reviews from others, I plan on switching to Zaino products for future washing/waxing/detailing. Here is my question/dilemma. I got my car in early September & before I had a chance to apply my first coat of wax, the car got rained on--which resulted in water spots. I used a solution of distilled water & vinegar & thought I got all of the spots removed. I have since applied two coats of Turtle Wax Ice, hoping that would get me through the winter (my car will be a daily driver). I noticed recently that I missed some of the water spots in a few places. Will I be OK to wait until the spring to start over with the Zaino & do the whole wash/clay/wax process---or will I be in trouble if I wait that long? Part of my issue is the temp here in Nebraska is averaging 40-45 for a high & I'm just not sure I will have anymore warm weather opportunities this season to do the whole Zaino process properly. :( Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

[locomaro]

Fantastic! I'm so relieved to know I can wait until spring. Thanks for easing my mind!

One other quick question. I have a detailing spray called 'Final Detail' I've been using after each wash to optimize the shine. (The product also has some wax in it.) Is it a good idea to continue using this spray after washing throughout the winter months----or is it best to avoid all wax/detail products when it's cold? (FYI, our garage is not heated, so there really won't be any 'warm' location to apply it). Just want to do everything I can to protect my paint until spring!!

[Moose]

Originally Posted by locomaro

Fantastic! I'm so relieved to know I can wait until spring. Thanks for easing my mind!

One other quick question. I have a detailing spray called 'Final Detail' I've been using after each wash to optimize the shine. (The product also has some wax in it.) Is it a good idea to continue using this spray after washing throughout the winter months----or is it best to avoid all wax/detail products when it's cold? (FYI, our garage is not heated, so there really won't be any 'warm' location to apply it). Just want to do everything I can to protect my paint until spring!!

Go ahead and use the detailing spray. IMO, it'll only add to the protection for your paint during the winter.

As for using detailing products when its cold (during the winter), I pretty much stick to just washing. A good coat of wax/polish is usually enough to get you through the winter months. I'd suggest just keeping the car clean, and occassionally use the detailing spray.

Ed

[locomaro]

Will do! Again, thanks so much for all the great advice!

[ljustin293]

Moose..do you know why you can only do three per day?


and, I got some spray bottles to mix the Z7 with water for the clay barring-how much should I mix in that?

[Mr_Draco]

Originally Posted by ljustin293

and, I got some spray bottles to mix the Z7 with water for the clay barring-how much should I mix in that?

In the clay bar instructions it says "We suggest mixing one cap full of Z-7 Show Car Wash with water in a 16 ounce spray bottle. Z-6 also works as a lubricant for Z-18 ClayBar"

[ljustin293]

Originally Posted by Mr_Draco

In the clay bar instructions it says "We suggest mixing one cap full of Z-7 Show Car Wash with water in a 16 ounce spray bottle. Z-6 also works as a lubricant for Z-18 ClayBar"

I knew I read it somewhere, just didn't remember..thanks

[Moose]

Originally Posted by ljustin293

Moose..do you know why you can only do three per day?


and, I got some spray bottles to mix the Z7 with water for the clay barring-how much should I mix in that?

Zaino refers to using ZFX with the polish as "no more than 3 coats per day." I'll assume this is due to allow the polish to "cure" fully before adding more, hence, allowing a "break" of 24 hrs. to do so. But I'll check with Sal to be sure.

As for the spray bottle, I mix 1 capful of the car wash with water to create the lubricant for claying.

Ed

[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!