Newbie - About to jump in with Zaino...Before Pics

[InTheAir]

First post--this is mainly an intro post with a question at the end. Before I go on, thanks for all the wonderful threads. I`ve learned a lot.



Early last week, my new-to-me 1996 Porsche 911 (993 body style) Carrerra 4 (AWD) Cabriolet was delivered from out of state. It is in excellent condition with only 25,000 miles. Here are the "required" initial pictures: http://www.pbase.com/jlsphoto/porsche_c4 :chuckle:



However, it is Metallic Black and, as I`m seeing in these forums, there is room for "enhancing" the paint and certainly detailing the interior. Although the exterior and interior are in reasonable condition, the engine compartment leaves much to be desired.



In an attempt to get this detailing ball rolling, I have recently ordered the following (granted there is some overlap in products, but I thought I could try some out--either on the 911, my winter driver 2005 Explorer (Red), or my wife`s car 2005 Freestyle (White)):



From Zaino:

Z-PC Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner Swirl Remover

ZFX ZFXâ„¢ Flash Cure Accelerator Additive

Z-2 Z-2 PRO Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes

Z-5 Z-5 Show Car Polish for Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches

Z-7 Z-7 Show Car Wash

Z-6 Z-6 Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray

Z-8 Z-8 Grand Finale Spray Seal

314 Zaino Custom Polish Applicator

Z-16 Z-16 Perfect Tire Gloss



From Autopia:

RaggTopp Canvas Top Protectant

RaggTopp Fabric/Vinyl Cleaner

Meguiars Triple Duty Detail Brush

Meguiars Slide Lock Detail Brush

Meguiars Versa-Angle Tire Brush

OXO Autotive Wash Bucket

Soft Touch Auto Dryer

Genuine Wool Wash Mitt

Sonus Complete Detailing Towel Kit

OXO Wash Brush

Plexus Plastic Polish

Stoner Invisible Glass Cleaner

Sonus Leather Conditioner

Sonus Leather Cleaner

Sonus SFX Professional Applicator

303 Aerospace Protectant

303 Aerospace Cleaner Industrial Concentrate

Clay Magic Perfect Finish Kit

Two-Way Mini Detail Brush

Meguiars Wheel Spoke Brush



It is quite the collection of products, which should be fun to try out over the coming weeks.



However, I have a question about the Zaino products--there seems to be some ambiquity about the how quickly I can apply Z-5/Z-6/Z-5/Z-6/Z-2PRO/Z-6/Z-2PRO/Z-6/Z-2PRO. In other words, with the Accelerator, can I keep layering these products without having to wait 6 or 12 or 24 hours?? I`d like to apply all of these layers in a single weekend.



Any other words of advice would be much appreciated.

[TEGBOY]

The Zaino range would be a very nice and durable system. I have used the very same products on my cars and love the results.



I might suggest adding a possible claybar to the products, they are an indepensable item.



Zaino recommend no more than 3 layers of product in 24 hours.



As for the applicator, usually if you spend over $25 they give you an applicator pad. you will indeed spend over that with that order.

[InTheAir]

Thanks, Teg.



I added a clay, but not the Zaino version. I decided on the Clay Magic Fine from Autopia. I`m planning on using it after 2 Dawn washes. After claying, I will was with the Zaino Z-7 Wash. As I understand it (never used clay before), I will lubricate the clay with a mixture of 1 cap of Z-7 and water.

[papi_jay]

You can apply 3 layers one day , then 3 layers the next .

I would highly recommend using z-8 between the last 2 coats and on top of last coat .Z6 in between all others except maybe 1st two coats just z2-pro on top of one another

Then another nice application of z-8 over top after another 24 hours as a QD .

4-5 drops of ZFX per 1 ounce of z2pro will be enough to do 3 coats allowing a little set up time after each coat . Really by the time it takes to get done with one panel it will be time to wipe off . Key is to apply THIN even coats out of sun . Quarter size drop on pad , worked until product is spread to the fullest

For drying , if you dont have a 160hp+ leaf blower , then consider one .

Glass drying http://www.autopia-carcare.com/meg-x-2070.html

Body drying http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-dwdt-2.html



Be sure to thoroughly wash all your microfiber 1st before use and air dry

Great product here to clean MF stuff http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-550.html



What will you be using to do your paint cleaning and such ? By hand or PC ?

The Zaino applicator kind of sucks ..



I recommend http://store.yahoo.com/autopia/son-dwa-2.html for your 1st layer of Zaino , wiped off with http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-dwbt-2.html

Then 2nd layers and each progressively applied with http://store.yahoo.com/autopia/mfcwa.html and wiped off with http://www.autopia-carcare.com/mf-cbt.html



After your clay , wash with dawn , then wash again with with the Zaino wash and use the paint cleaner by hand with Sonus MF app or green or blue pad if using a PC - Green only if you have swirls





You have a good wash mitt looks like if you got this one http://store.yahoo.com/autopia/vk-103.html





Now read up awhile Perfect Drying technique (http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5120) and Non-Marring Wash Technique (http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=35232) and lastly the Zaino manual ! (http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14408)



There is a good wax by Pinnacle that you could optionally include for beauty to set off your metallic . This would over your final FINAL layer of zaino z-8 after letting it set up a few days and would REALLY enhance your look overall after Zaino is set .



The Proper Ultra Fine Applicator( use red side only for Zaino or Pinnacle Wax ) (http://www.properautocare.com/ulgewaxpoap.html) and for removal The Viper MF towel (http://www.properautocare.com/vipeshmibucl.html) and of course

The Wax (http://www.properautocare.com/pinliqsouvwa.html) and also enhancer to hold out longer Pinnacle Spray detail (http://www.properautocare.com/pin-320.html)



I would also grab an extra one of the Concours applicator pads from autopia as a quick detail pad for either your Z8 or your PInnacle detail spray !

If dusty , go over with one of the better microfibers , then QD



Since the Pinnacle is synthetic and Carnuba , they work well together , but only ON TOP of Zaino .

Now your collection is TRULY complete !



:2thumbs:

[InTheAir]

Jay -



Thanks for such an awesome response. I`ll be sure to read up on all of those links.



Thanks again.

[papi_jay]

No prob .

Besides my links though , what about the rest lol ?

[drewski59]

Nice car!



Your product lineup looks fantastic! Have fun with the Zaino. You won`t be sorry. :dance





Don`t forget to post all of the pics!

[InTheAir]

No prob .

Besides my links though , what about the rest lol ? :woohoo:



It goes without saying (or perhaps it needs to be said :)), but ~all~ of the detail is greatly appreciated.



Thanks!

[InTheAir]

Nice car!



Your product lineup looks fantastic! Have fun with the Zaino. You won`t be sorry. :dance





Don`t forget to post all of the pics!Thanks.



I`ll be sure to post some ~real~ before and afters. I`m really looking forward to seeing the change up close.



Thanks for all of the help!

[JeffM]

You dont need to Dawn wash, especially if you have the ZPC.



Just wash with a high quality soap, ZPC and Z2.

[papi_jay]

What if there are other oily waxes or non compatible sealers on it now JBM ?

[drewski59]

What if there are other oily waxes or non compatible sealers on it now JBM ?





The ZPC is definitely going to leave the surface free of any waxes and sealants. Dawn was the pre-Z step before ZPC came out. Now it`s not really needed. :xyxthumbs

[papi_jay]

ahhh Zpc yes . Still what about plastic , rubber and window glazes etc . Since he has the full line why not " start from nada " and make sure all previous dressings and such are also removed and not just the paint .

I doubt anyone wants to lay 303 over Armor-All right ?

[JeffM]

I dont use Dawn because it dries out trim, and rubber pieces, doesnt rinse clean from paint, and is designed to clean dishes.



To start with a clean surface on plastic, glass, and rubber, use the appropriate products.



...or not, i dont care.

[InTheAir]

Thanks guys for the input.