Detailing questions answered here!

[sav1]

Originally Posted by Moose

Provided they're not too dirty, I wash mine and will use them a second time. Beyond that, they usually become applicators for tire dressing.

Generally, when I'm applying Zaino, about 1/3 to 1/2 of the applicator absorbs the polish. The backside is generally still clean. I wash them, cold water, and dry them on light heat, removing while still damp.

Go with your instincts. If its still clean, a wash and reuse is OK.

Ah good call on tire dessers. thx Moose

[UCF w00t]

Originally Posted by Moose

Two quality OTC products I've used are Meguires and Mothers.

Steps;

1. Wash with 'Dawn' dish washing liquid to remove prior wax.
2. Clay, using a mixture of car wash/water solution.
3. After claying entire vehicle,wash car with good quality car wash and dry.
4. Begin polishing. A good coat of Meguires or Mothers wax every 6 mo. for a daily driver is sufficient.

I don't use "sealer" waxes. If using wax, I prefer to do a car every 3 months.

Also, be sure and use good quality wash mitts (sheepskin or chenile) as well as towels for drying/polish removal.

Please let me know if you have further questions.

Ed

Can you expand on this a bit? Particularly #4 and the type of drying towels. Is there some certain type/brand? I basically need a lazy idiots guide to washing/waxing a car the right way.

[Moose]

Originally Posted by UCF w00t

Can you expand on this a bit? Particularly #4 and the type of drying towels. Is there some certain type/brand? I basically need a lazy idiots guide to washing/waxing a car the right way.

No problem.

1. Wash: (If you're going to clay and have wax/polish on the car already)

- washing with 'Dawn' will remove any wax while also cleaning the surface of oils, etc.. Pick up a 'chenile' wash mitt/sponge at 'WalMart' for this step.

2. Clay: (You can leave the car wet/I do not dry after the wash with 'Dawn'-just a good rinsing.)

- I mix 1 capful of Zaino car wash with water in a spray bottle. I then spray an area the size of 6" x 6" with the solution while moving the clay across the paint surface. (top surfaces, use front to back motion/ sides, use top to bottom motion) Check the clay very often, as it will turn black as contaminants are removed and captured in the clay. Continue doing the entire vehicle, while kneading the clay to clean areas as needed. A "rule" to test by to see if the surface is ready for wax/polish; place you hand in plastic sandwich bag and lightly slide across the paint. If it feels slick and moves freely, you're ready for polish.)

3. Wash:

- wash the entire vehicle with a good quality car wash and dry.

4. Polish:

- use good quality applicators. Use good quality towels to drying/polish removal.

* I use sheepskin mitts for washing
* I prefer the "blond" towels @ www.zainobros.com
* NEVER wash in direct sunlight

Please let me know if I can be of further help.

Ed

[UCF w00t]

Thanks.

"NEVER wash in direct sunlight"... that's gonna be tough lol.

4. good quality applicators and quality towels... any recommendations? Looking for over the counter solutions.

[Mr_Draco]

Originally Posted by UCF w00t

4. good quality applicators and quality towels... any recommendations? Looking for over the counter solutions.

I order mine from http://www.autoshieldcarolinas.com/c...4914ivkf936en2 (the DF Concours towels) but for an otc solution check out Bed Bath and Beyond, Linen and Things, or any other store that specializes in bath accessories. You want white or blonde 100% cotton towels. Try not to get any with recessed embroidery or stripes, if you do cut them off with a pair of scissors. Also buying from the store is quite expansive so be prepared to spend $15-$20 per towel.

[third1]

I am having my stripes and gfx painted .How long should I wait to wax? I have been using Wizards products with good results.Is Zaino really that good of a product ? I may try it .

[Dr Jkel]

What si the best way to keep the windows and all glass spotless and clear, like when it is new. Thanks

[Moose]

Originally Posted by third1

I am having my stripes and gfx painted .How long should I wait to wax? I have been using Wizards products with good results.Is Zaino really that good of a product ? I may try it .

Personally, on newly painted stripes, I'd wait a minimum of two weeks before applying any wax/polish to them.

Its a little different than waxing/polishing your new car once its arrived in that the painting processess and length of delivery are most always long enough that you can immediately wax/polish your car when you receive it.

AS for the product, I haven't tried Wizards. I've used Zaino for years and prefer it.

Please let me know if I can be of further help.

Ed

[Moose]

Originally Posted by Dr Jekel

What si the best way to keep the windows and all glass spotless and clear, like when it is new. Thanks

For cleaning, I use 'Stoners' products. They work great at removing that "haze"/"film" that sometimes accumulates on the inside of the windows.

Also, I use paper towels primarily, but you can use old newspapers too to clean with.

Finally, (if I remember correctly - you use Zaino?) you can polish the outside of the glass with a good wax/polish.

Ed

[NAHURRY]

Hey Ed
My car came in and it has some water spots in it among
other miner things so I have decided to apply Z-AIO(by hand) and then
the Z-5,Z-2 merry-go-round. what do you think about using z-AIO on a new car
by hand?.....Too abrasive?

[Moose]

Originally Posted by in a hurry

Hey Ed
My car came in and it has some water spots in it among
other miner things so I have decided to apply Z-AIO(by hand) and then
the Z-5,Z-2 merry-go-round. what do you think about using z-AIO on a new car
by hand?.....Too abrasive?

Hey!

Try the Z-AIO on a spot which is located in a somewhat "out of the line of sight area" first and see what the results are.

Did you purchase clay? This will help remove spots as well.

If not it's OK. I'd give the car a very good wash. Follow up by trying Z-AIO on a spot and see if it works for you. If it does, I'd then add 2 coats of Z-5, followed by a final coat of Z-2. This is assuming you're doing all of this in one day. (Zaino recommends no more than 3 coats in 24 hrs.)

I hope that helped. But if not, get in touch with me.

Ed

[NAHURRY]

Thanks Ed,
and yes I did get the clay in the Z-kit. I have heard that the
AIO is really mild(especially by hand), more of a cleaner than a correcter
although by a rotary it can perform pretty good correction with the rite pad.
I'll try it out first in a door jam maybe and see what happens.Thanks again!

[Moose]

Originally Posted by in a hurry

Thanks Ed,
and yes I did get the clay in the Z-kit. I have heard that the
AIO is really mild(especially by hand), more of a cleaner than a correcter
although by a rotary it can perform pretty good correction with the rite pad.
I'll try it out first in a door jam maybe and see what happens.Thanks again!

Anytime bud!

Let me know how you make out!

[redjewel]

Thanks Ed for all your help and your recommendation of Zaino. It is awesome.

Anyway Brake Dust. What do you recommend to use to wash the wheels? Currently using Z-7 works pretty good but I don't know if there is anything better or not. I am also interested to know if there is a reliable brake dust repelent that will not discolor or damage the wheels over time. I have the 20" Polished wheels.
Thanks for your help.