I'm a detailer noob and want to start doing this myself. I have been reading this forum for hours about how to wash, clean, polish, protect my paint. I'd like to run what I was planning to do by you guys to make sure I have this right. I am leaning toward the Zaino products.
A little background first...I have a black 2005 C6 coupe. I bought it used with 5k miles on it back in August. I have about 12k on it now. I have been using a detail service (roughly once a week) for years and the guy seems to have a clue and does a pretty good job, but I would like to get the shine up a notch (as well as remove some minor swirls in the clearcoat). The detail guy has been using Maguire's paste on my car. He used a claybar on it when I first got it and then applied the paste afterwards. He has put two layers on so far and was going to do another next week. For washes, he uses a ph neutral cleaner and sprays some sort of detail spray on it when he is done, which gives it a nice slick finish. The paint looks good, but not as deep as what I see posted over here. It also has some light scratches and swirling, nothing serious, but I would like to minimize that.
So, here is what I think I need to do...
- Get the right kind of wash mit and towels
- Maybe buy a bucket with a grit guard in it
- Start drying with my leaf blower (why didn't I think of this?).
- Buy Z-7, Z-AIO, Z-CS, Z-6 (or Z-8?)
Should I apply a special polish (and which one?) for the light swirls or will the Z-AIO take care of that? Do you think a clay bar is necessary?
My plan:
1. Take "before" pictures so I can show off my efforts later.
2. Wash with Z-7
3. Use clay bar and/or polish if you guys think it is needed.
4. Apply Z-AIO and follow up with Z-CS.
5. Maintain with Z-7 and Z-6, reapplying Z-CS every once in a while.
Does this make sense? Any suggestions are appreciated.
I would do the baggie test and only clay if it is needed. Put your hand in a baggie and lightly rub it across the finish, if it needs to be clayed the baggie will amplify the grit allowing you to feel it better.
Pending on how bad it is swirled you may need to go over it with a ROB and ZPC first but I would try Z-AIO forst to see if it is aggressive enough.
You may want to add a coat of Z5p after the Z-AIO for the ultimate shine. I also feel Z5p looks best on dark colors/black. Not required but I think it brings it up a notch. I would also hit it with Z8 after the CS as I think this combo (CS/Z8) is just unbelievable.
Otherwise it sounds like you are right on track.
You can then maintain with the CS/Z8 combo as you mentioned.
I would do the baggie test and only clay if it is needed. Put your hand in a baggie and lightly rub it across the finish, if it needs to be clayed the baggie will amplify the grit allowing you to feel it better.
Pending on how bad it is swirled you may need to go over it with a ROB and ZPC first but I would try Z-AIO forst to see if it is aggressive enough.
You may want to add a coat of Z5p after the Z-AIO for the ultimate shine. I also feel Z5p looks best on dark colors/black. Not required but I think it brings it up a notch. I would also hit it with Z8 after the CS as I think this combo (CS/Z8) is just unbelievable.
Otherwise it sounds like you are right on track.
You can then maintain with the CS/Z8 combo as you mentioned.
Some very good advice right there.
You may also want to think about getting a second bucket. One for the soap, the other for the rinse.
I would do the baggie test and only clay if it is needed. Put your hand in a baggie and lightly rub it across the finish, if it needs to be clayed the baggie will amplify the grit allowing you to feel it better.
Pending on how bad it is swirled you may need to go over it with a ROB and ZPC first but I would try Z-AIO forst to see if it is aggressive enough.
You may want to add a coat of Z5p after the Z-AIO for the ultimate shine. I also feel Z5p looks best on dark colors/black. Not required but I think it brings it up a notch. I would also hit it with Z8 after the CS as I think this combo (CS/Z8) is just unbelievable.
Otherwise it sounds like you are right on track.
You can then maintain with the CS/Z8 combo as you mentioned.
When I got started I bought the kit. I also called and spoke with Sal the owner who is awesome!
... Side track (If only customer service at all companies was half of what this was, the owner taking a few minutes to talk about what I need customized to my car and color, etc.) I blame you financial people for this with IPO's and only concerning yourselves with buy prices of stocks...!! -- Sorry
But back to the point, feel free to call Zaino, ask for Sal and tell him what you want to do. He will point you in the best direction for the best shine you could ever want.
Corvette Store
Zaino experts, your opinions please
-- Sorry
