Detailing questions answered here!

[Michael_Js]

I've been using bath sized 100% cotton towels - edges all trimmed off - for drying. 1 & a 1/2 towels is all it takes and she's dry. I follow Ed's - wash in liquid detergent, then lightly dry with no fabric sheets. Works great!

[eynigush]

Moose, I also have bumble bee stripes but they are matte black. Is it safe to use Zaino or do you recommend something else? Thanks, Eddie.

Originally Posted by Moose

Let the installer know you Zainoed the area where the stripes are to be installed.

Once they're applied, if they have a "gloss coat" atop them, you can Zaino them. My brother owned a 10th Anniversary Firhawk which had vinyl stripes, and I applied Zaino on them, being careful to avoid the edges. They looked great.

The installer should only have to clean the area where the stripes are being applied.

But to be safe, give then 24 hrs. to "set', then you can Zaino the car and stripes.

[Moose]

Originally Posted by eynigush

Moose, I also have bumble bee stripes but they are matte black. Is it safe to use Zaino or do you recommend something else? Thanks, Eddie.

Eddie,

I have a friend who Zainoed his matte stripes. They look fine.

I'd suggest you start out on a small area first, and if you're pleased with the results, do the entire stripe(s).

Ed

[eynigush]

Originally Posted by Moose

Eddie,

I have a friend who Zainoed his matte stripes. They look fine.

I'd suggest you start out on a small area first, and if you're pleased with the results, do the entire stripe(s).

Ed

Thanks Moose. Your help is appreciated.

[volboy23]

Moose,

What products do you recommend for cleaning wheels? This would specifically be related to the area around the lug nuts and then the inside of the rim. I have a wash mitt to use on the surface of the rim, but need some help with the rest.

Thanks,

Volboy

[jtellez]

Ed, I finally had a chance to Zaino my Camaro this weekend and I LOVE the results! I can't thank you enough for all you detailing advice; never could have done it without your help.

I put pics on the images sections in case your interested in seeing them.

[Moose]

Originally Posted by volboy23

Moose,

What products do you recommend for cleaning wheels? This would specifically be related to the area around the lug nuts and then the inside of the rim. I have a wash mitt to use on the surface of the rim, but need some help with the rest.

Thanks,

Volboy

Volboy,

I use a separate wash mitt for inside wheels. For wheels that don't allow you to fit a sponge inside to clean, pick up some of the wooden paint stirrers a

At a paint store, wrap a decent cloth around them, and they'll allow you to get into hard to reach areas. For cleaning around the lugs, and use a small piece of cloth, folded to give an edge, and then fitted around the lug, where I move it back and forth to remove dirt. There is also a small brush designed just for this purpose.

Ed

Originally Posted by jtellez

Ed, I finally had a chance to Zaino my Camaro this weekend and I LOVE the results! I can't thank you enough for all you detailing advice; never could have done it without your help.

I put pics on the images sections in case your interested in seeing them.

Very happy to hear you like the results.

Very happy to help, anytime. Just ask.

Ed

[jtellez]

Ed, do you have any experience working with the "EZ Detail Brush"? Seems like a good tool, but I'm worried about it scratching my rims.

Should I just stick with having a seperate mitt for washing my wheels and tires?

http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/ezdetailbrush.html

[garcmol]

Ed, Got the car and waxed it down with Maguire's Gold liquid. The result was awesome and felt like butter. When I washed it again, then dried it, it didn't have the same smooth finish like before. I waxed again and it returned. Is this normal? I don't mind waxing the car, but thought I wouldn't need to every time I wash it. Could it be the soap? I know the Dawn step for getting rid of wax, but is there a soap that isn't so hard on wax? Thanks!

[Moose]

Originally Posted by jtellez

Ed, do you have any experience working with the "EZ Detail Brush"? Seems like a good tool, but I'm worried about it scratching my rims.

Should I just stick with having a seperate mitt for washing my wheels and tires?

http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/ezdetailbrush.html

Well, I don't want to get in any trouble with Chris @ glimmerglass, but looking at it, I'm not sure I like the "tip" at the end of the brush. I've never use it, so I cannot offer an opinion.

I've found a nice small lugnut detailing brush at WalMart, which I've used numerous times. I've used it on my Jeep, which has chrome rims, with no harm done.

Yes, I would use a separate mitt for the wheels. The brake dust can cause damage to your paint, so you'll want to use a separate item for washing wheels.

Ed

[Moose]

Originally Posted by garcmol

Ed, Got the car and waxed it down with Maguire's Gold liquid. The result was awesome and felt like butter. When I washed it again, then dried it, it didn't have the same smooth finish like before. I waxed again and it returned. Is this normal? I don't mind waxing the car, but thought I wouldn't need to every time I wash it. Could it be the soap? I know the Dawn step for getting rid of wax, but is there a soap that isn't so hard on wax? Thanks!

I would recommend using a car wash from Meguires seeing as you've used their products for waxing.

I know from my personal experience using Zaino, that in using Zaino's car wash, it works well with the polish to keep the finish smooth and clean.

Some car washes aren't as good. I'd look at Meguires, and you'll be fine.

Ed

[garcmol]

Will do. Headed to Auto Zone right now!

[FwyFlyer]

Hey Ed,
Any do's or don'ts for cleaning tinted windows? I use Stoners, but this is my first car with tint. I assume Armor All is ok for the interior dash and door panels?

Also, I'm getting ready to do Z2 tonight, did 2 coats of Z5 last night, I have a few scratches that don't look that bad. I can see them but can't really catch a finger nail on them. I've tried Z PC and Scratch X 2 on them but havn't had much success. After the Z5 they look the same as before I started. I don't have a buffer and am only using a mf towel to try and rub them out.

Any suggestions?
Thanks ~ Rick

[Moose]

Hi Rick!

Well, for interior cleaning, I like Turtle Wax Ice "Total Interior". And for tinited windows, I do as you do, use Stoners Invisible Glass.

As for those "scratches", (swirlmarks?), first, try a different method for polish removal. Microfiber can cause some scratching sometimes. I recommend locating quality, 100% cotton towels. Also, I'm assuming you're using the Zaino cotton applicators for polishing?

If you do both if these, ie; cotton towels/cotton applicators, and go back and work on the "scratches", you might have some success. But dont sweat it if you dont...almost every car has them.

Please let me know how you make out.

Ed

Originally Posted by FwyFlyer

Hey Ed,
Any do's or don'ts for cleaning tinted windows? I use Stoners, but this is my first car with tint. I assume Armor All is ok for the interior dash and door panels?

Also, I'm getting ready to do Z2 tonight, did 2 coats of Z5 last night, I have a few scratches that don't look that bad. I can see them but can't really catch a finger nail on them. I've tried Z PC and Scratch X 2 on them but havn't had much success. After the Z5 they look the same as before I started. I don't have a buffer and am only using a mf towel to try and rub them out.

Any suggestions?
Thanks ~ Rick