Since my car is not a DD, i have some damn swirls that i can not get rid of and i do not have a PC.

I was looking at the Zaino products and was thinking about buying the Zaino Total Protection Show Car Kit.

So here are some questions.

1. Since like i said i do not DD my car, do i need to clay the car again? It was done at the end of the season last year.

2. Which polish should i start off with? The Z-2 or the Z-5? I do have some light swirls marks that i want to get rid of..

3. Can you layer the Z-5? I know it says that you can add 3 layers of Z-2 with in a 24 hour period. And use the Z-6 in between each coat.

4. What does this mean? Squirt a dime size dab of polish on your applicator and rub it into your paint using circular hand motions. Then, go over the same area using a straight back and forth motion on top panels and an up and down motion on side panels. Allow the polish to haze over for 20 to 30 minutes.


I think that is all the questions that i have for now. I am sure i will think of more

 

I think Zaino is over-rated. I guess I could lend you my Porter Cable if you need it.

As far as if clay is needed - I say if you are going to completly detail it, jus' go all out. Another good way to check is after washing, put your hand in a sandwich bag and rub up against the car. It'll allow you to feel the contaminants if there are any.

 

clay it, there might be some **** on the paint since you been driving it... good idea about the sandwich bag!

 

i have put about 350 miles in the car so far

 

Hey James, do you want to give me a hand in detailing? You live mins from my moms house

 

I live near Midway Airport but my girlfriend lives in Hillside and I am constantly going back and forth. Wherever is easier for you.

 

Can't take credit for the sandwich bag idea. I read it somewhere.

 

You need to remove the swirls for any wax to look good. A PC and some Megs Ultimate Compound will take care of that. Follow up with ZPC on a polishing pad and then Z2pro/ZFX or ZAIO/CS and your car will look great.

 

Just remember if you have moderate to heavy swirls, chances are the Zaino alone won't take them ALL out. I had light swirls and it covered them all.

1. Do the "Glad-Bag" trick and see if you need to clay it.

2. Use Z-2, then Z-5, then Z-2, then Z-5, then Z-2 and finish.

3. Zaino says that Z5 is safe to use on top of/with Z2.

4. It means to apply the polish in circular motions like you would with any wax. Then after you cover the whole panel, go over the polish again with the applicator like this: For the sides, front bumper, and back bumper of the car, go UP AND DOWN. and for the hood, roof, and trunk, go ACROSS with the applicator, if that makes sense. You don't need to put any more polish on the applicator, just wipe around what's already on the car.

 

thanks for the info everyone.... this will be a long process.. my swirls are light. you can see them in direct sunlight, but to the touch the paint is VERY smooth

 

as for washing.. i have a mit i got from Target. I think it is microfiber?? What kind of mits are you all using?

And as for drying, is the waffle weave the best for drying the car?

 

http://www.tropi-care.com/ShMITT_Wash_Mitt_p/shmitt.htm

Try this mitt. I have one that I purchased from Tropi-care but can't find it on the page.

 

What kind of mit do you have? It is not foam is it? Is it like microfiber?

Do you have the waffle weave to dry your car off?

 

https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearanc...-specials.html

Scroll down a few posts - it's the red one. I think they don't make those anymore and the link I provided you is the new version maybe.

As far as drying, I have this heavy duty 5 HP vaccum that also blows air so I air dry it. But I am considering getting a California Jelly Blade.

 

Jonas, from what I remember waffle weave towels are the best towels for drying a car.
I need a mitt..

 

FYI - I bought one of those blades last summer from Griots Garage (nice quality), and I was really disappointed in it. I tried using it once and never touched it again. It doesn’t contour to the lines of car like you think it would. Using my leaf blower and micro towels gives me the best results, that’s just my 2-cents though.

 

Yeah i am going to have to buy that wash mit and waffle weave from tropicare... Gots to be good stuff if they use it

 

Chris i have the california wiper balde too. and i did not like it either. like you said it is not flexiable to get the countour of the car