Zaino and Newbie

[MarcW(NJ)]

This board is pretty impressive.

I recently bought a black Boxster and went to the local sandblast shop and got it "hand washed". Never again...

It seems to me that Zaino is an easy to use product with great results. They can't be too bad given that they are located in the town I grew up in.

As a total newbie please tell me what I have to buy and the things to look out for. I have read all the posts here and the Zaino FAQ.

My 01 Boxster is black. By the way does anyone know if the Metallic Black is clear coated or not?

http://www.986host.com/gallery/marcweinberg

My 99 328 is silver. The 328 is in need of help so I will start with it given the fact that silver hides a lot.

From What I can tell I want the Z7 wash to be used after I do a dawn wash. Then a clay bar then Z7 again.

After the wash what should I buy/do next?

What should I use on my wheels. Both the BMW and Porsche have the mesh wheel that is difficult to clean. The Porsche board I read says to use something called P21S.

Replies here and directly to my email is appreciated.

Thanks,
Marchttp://www.986host.com/gallery/marcweinberg

[Michael H]

The car will be clear coated.

If the car is new you probably do not need to clay. Feel the paint if the surface is smooth no need to clay. But silver 328 would need a clay.

For backgound have a look here:

http://autopia-carport.com/Details-Details-Details.htm

[Intermezzo]

First step is to do a Dawn wash.

Then check for embedded surface contaminants by running your fingers on the hood through a plastic baggie. If the surface doesn't feel glassy smooth, then you will need to clay.

After claying, do a Z-7 wash.

If you are satisfied that your car will not require any other paint prepping (like swirl/scratch removal), then you are ready to proceed with Zaino.

Assuming both cars are clear-coated, you can do one of two things. You can either use Zaino with Z-1 (regular Zaino) or with ZFX (cure accelerator).

Regular Zaino:
1. Apply Z1, no need to wipe off or wait for it to dry.
2. Apply Z2 or Z5. Wait till it dries (about 1 hour) and then wipe off.
3. If you want to add more coats, wait at least 6 hours to allow it to fully cure.
4. Between coats apply Z6 Gloss Enhancer (quick detailer)
5. Subsequent coats will not require the Z-1 step. Only use Z-1 twice a year or every 5-10 coats of Z-5/Z-2.

For ZFX:
1. No need for Z1
2. Mix Z2/Z5 together with ZFX in the supplied bottle. Use it right away. It's good for 5-6 hours. Apply and let dry (20 minutes) before buffing off.
3. You may layer multiple coats right away.
4. Between coats apply Z6 Gloss Enhancer (quick detailer)

A bottle of ZFX is good for 16 ounces of Z-2/Z-5. Not only does it allow for a near-instant cure time, it also provides a higher level of initial gloss, slickness & hardness than regular Zaino.

You might want to use Z-5 on your black car because it will fill in light swirls and Z-2 on your silver car. I use Z-5 exclusively on my black bimmer and Z-2 on my silver Honda.

Every time you wash your car with Z-7 or QD your car with Z-6, you will be replenishing your existing Zaino coats with polymers and UV inhibitors.

[Intermezzo]

Originally posted by MarcW(NJ)
What should I use on my wheels. Both the BMW and Porsche have the mesh wheel that is difficult to clean. The Porsche board I read says to use something called P21S.

The P21S wheel cleaner is a great product to remove stubborn dirt and caked on brake-dust from your wheels. Eimann Fabrik and Sonus also make good wheel cleaners. After you get your wheels clean & dry, apply a coat of Z-2 on your wheels and buff after an hour. Some people on this forum actually remove their tires so they can apply protectant to their entire rim! Once that's done, your wheels will be much easier to clean and won't require a strong wheel cleaner. In fact, do not use P21S or EF after coating your rims. Car soap will work fine. Make sure you use a separate bucket and a separate mitt for your rims. Re-apply a coat of Z after about 3 months.

It would also be a good idea to do a search in this forum for basic detailing procedures that would minimize the amount of swirls you put in your car whenever you wash, dry or QD it. The very first step would be to only allow high-quality Microfiber towels or high-quality 100% cotton towels (or 100% genuine sheepskin) to ever touch your car when washing, drying or quick detailing.

[DETAILKING]

Welcome to the forum......I am in NJ too....where abouts are u?

[MarcW(NJ)]

[DETAILKING]

Love to see that boxster after it is zainoed!