Noobie needs advice

M

Mudd92

New member
Hey everyone, another new guy, but looking to learn alot about detailing, I've always enjoyed it. But let's just say my father and I are both beginners *we're going in on a PC kit, pads, compounds, ect*



I'm trying to find some good advice on what products, and what brand, to use on my cars. Before I go further, the car's we will MAINLY be detailing will be an Azure Blue Mach 1, Black bronco, pearl white kia, and a kind of dark grey altima, and gunmetal blue jeep.



I'm looking to find what pads to get, and compounds. For oxidiez paint, swirls, light scuffs, water spots, and good wax?



I am reading alot of these threads now trying to learn about the steps to detailing a car, when we get the PC kit we will probably start with my bronco because I dont care about the paint since I scratch it to hell in the woods since its a mud boggin truck, but we will practice with it vs all of are nicer/newer cars.



We're focusing most on my Azure blue mach, it has been garage kept its life, and now I do not have a garage and it sits outside, in the sun, in the rain, in the cold, in the hot, sometimes under tree's. and YES I am ordering a car cover next weekend when I get paid!



But it has not heavy swirls, but not necessarily light, if the sun hits the car you can see swirls/fine scratchs all over the car and I need to know what's best to use on this to take them all out, and what pad do I use, how do I setup my PC?



I have alot of questions but I dont want to make this thread 2 damn pages so I am going to keep reading.



Oh and, can you tell me if I"m on the right track for a first MAJOR detail on these vehicles.



1) Hose down and wash

2) dry

3) clay?

4) ???



Thanks a million, Joey
 
1) Your cleaning and surface prep is the most important part of the detail. It should be clean and smooth. Check it with your hand in a baggie to make sure you do not feel any roughspots on the paint.

2) If you do, clay it.



There are many very good products on the market. I happen to be a Zaino Zealot, so you'll find my recommendations will differ from some others.



Go to Zainostore.com and read the "Application" section as well as the tips and tricks. Overall, Zaino's product line is simple to use and very easy to appy and remove. Their carwash (Z-7) is supurb. And, you'll find (even from many on this forum) that Zaino's sealants are among the most if not the most, durable. You can get by with just Zaino's AIO, but adding Z-2 &/or Z-5 will add a to your final results and durability. Just remember, the trick is the prep. Any of the well thought of products recommended by forum members will do well for you.



You don't really want a wax; read the reviews on this site. A sealant will hold up much better and provide longer protection. Unfortunately, many people use "wax"

and "sealant' interchangeably.



Don't forget to do the windows (Stoner's Invisible Glass is the most commonly used among Autopia members) Stoner also has an invisible Glass with Rain Repellant sold only at Target stores which is for OUTSIDE GLASS ONLY!!!. Find and use a good protectant on your vinyl and "rubber". Zaino's Tire dressing (Z-16) and 303's protectants are both excellent. Suggest you avoid Armourall.



Let us know your final choices and results, please.
 
Thanks HRP. Yeah, I know everyone has their own opinions on diffrent products. I have read a lot of good replys on Zaino. I do not mind changing my habits, like with wax vs sealent. I am here to learn.



I will keep reading, and reading replys in this thread hopefully. And I wil check out that site you told me.



And also, what do I need to use on my car, the blue one in my avatar. To get a DEEP look, I like a shine but I like that deep look, where you look into it and you can see everything in reflection almost clearly.
 
Thanks man, so how do these polishs work? Do I do 1 coat of each or do I do alot of coats over time, every week, every month?
 
And how about on plastics? Like the dash, steering columns, center consoles? I've always used armor all, but Im reading more and more I need to quit using it, so what can I use as a protectant, but gives it that just cleaned shine like the armor all looks like if you wipe it down?
 
The first time through, almost everyone uses too much polish. As long as you can just see a haze of application, you've used enough. I alternate Z-2 and Z-5 on a dark car and then finish off with Z-8.



Here are the instructions from the Zaino website:



BASIC ZAINO APPLICATION TIPS



THREE SIMPLE STEPS to obtain a true Zaino show car finish

Step 1�STRIP THE OLD WAX



* Wash the car, going top to bottom, with Dawn Ultra® liquid detergent.

* Thoroughly rinse the car with a pressurized hose and spray nozzle. Make sure all detergent soap is gone. Leave Dawn in the kitchen since you'll never use it again on your car.

* Dry completely using only clean, soft, absorbent towels.



Step 2�REMOVE CONTAMINANTS AND PREPARE THE SURFACE



* Feel all paint surfaces. They should be glassy smooth. Contaminated rough areas are quickly minimized using Zaino Z-18 Claybarâ„¢ and a soap and water lubricant. Re-wash and dry the treated areas.

* Look for hazy paint, swirl marks or fine scratches. Imperfections are reduced using Zaino's Z-PC Fusionâ„¢ paint cleaner and swirl remover.

* Add a light coat of Z-AIOâ„¢ to all paint as the foundation and bonding agent. Remove with clean, soft towels.



Step 3�APPLY AND REMOVE ZAINO POLISH*

CHOOSE THE RIGHT ZAINO POLISH FOR YOUR VEHICLE'S PAINT

Z-2 PROâ„¢ Show Car Polish is for paint with a clear coat finishâ€â€�virtually all modern cars.

Z-3â„¢ Show Car Polish is for paint without a clear coatâ€â€�vintage cars, special aftermarket paint, etc.

Z-5 PROâ„¢ Show Car Polish is just like Z-2, but helps hide swirls and micro scratches in dark color paint.



* Spray a little Z-6 Gloss Enhancerâ„¢ on your Zaino Polish Applicator. Apply Zaino polish to the paint. Use up/down motions on vertical surfaces, and front/rear (front to back of car) motions on horizontal.

* Allow the polish to dry and chemically bond on the entire car for at least fifteen minutes. To test for dry, wipe an area with a finger. Dry polish is slightly powdery and comes off with one stroke, revealing clear dry paint underneath. Low temperature or high humidity can increase drying time up to two to three hours. Remove the dried polish using high quality towels.

* When all polish is removed, spray a light coat of Z-6 Gloss Enhancer. Immediately buff dry.



*Important: Shake all products well before using. Use VERY sparingly�a little polish goes a long way. Keep applicator damp with Z-6 Gloss Enhancer.





ZAINO ZFX ACCELERATED SHOW CAR FINISH IN A DAY! (For multi-coat applications)



Zaino Show Car Polish is designed to allow a layered application for those that choose to add layer upon layer of Zaino polishes. With each layer you apply, your car's paint looks better and feels smoother. Depth, gloss and clarity all increase with each coat.



Like all other polymer based polish and protection systems, Zaino Show Car Polish must cure before applying subsequent coats. The curing process allows the polymer chains to cross-link, building strength and durability. If the polymer strands have not cross-linked (cured), applying a fresh coat of polish will not achieve the optimum layered result. Consequently, creating a show car finish can be a long process of applying a layer, waiting, and applying another layer.



The Wait is Over!

Zaino ZFXâ„¢ Show Car Polish accelerator solves the wait problem. We worked for several years to engineer a molecular reaction that causes the polymers in Zaino Show Car Polish to set rapidly. Using ZFXâ„¢ with your choice of Z-2 PRO, Z-3 or Z-5 Show Car Polish, it is now possible to apply two or three coats of polish in a single day to create beautiful show car special effects. The result is nothing less than stunning.



ZFXâ„¢ saves you time and effort. It's no longer necessary to keep your car in the garage for a whole weekend just so you can apply two or three coats of polish. Using ZFXâ„¢, you'll apply multiple coats in just a few hours.



Prior to using ZFXâ„¢ Enabled Show Car Polish

Before applying ZFXâ„¢ enabled Show Car Polish, wash, dry and inspect your car’s finish. It should be very smooth. If the paint has a rough, bumpy feel, you have surface contamination which must be removed using our Z-18 ClayBar.



Prior to using Zaino Show Car Polish for the first time, we recommend using Dawn dishwashing liquid to wash your car. Dawn will dissolve wax and other sealants, and easily removes grease, tar and bug remains. Be sure to rinse your car very well after using Dawn. After your first application of Zaino Show Car Polish, use Z-7 Show Car Wash for regular washing.



Mixing ZFXâ„¢ with Show Car Polish

Each ZFXâ„¢ kit comes with a 2ml vial of accelerator mix and several 2 ounce mixing bottles. A single ZFXâ„¢ kit provides enough mix to accommodate up to 32 ounces of Zaino Show Car Polish.



Pour one to two ounces of Show Car Polish into a 2 ounce mixing bottle. For each ounce of polish, add 4 to 5 drops of ZFXâ„¢ (no more than 10 drops for two full ounces), screw the cap back on, and shake vigorously for 60 to 90 seconds.



While you get your towels and applicators ready, allow the ZFXâ„¢ enabled Zaino Show Car Polish to sit for five minutes so the ZFXâ„¢ can begin activating the polish. Give the applicator bottle a final shake for 10 seconds before using.



Applying ZFXâ„¢ Enabled Show Car Polish

Follow these easy steps:



1. Apply Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFXâ„¢ with a 100%, made in the USA, cotton applicator. Use the polish sparingly. A small amount goes a long way, and you will be applying multiple coats.

2. 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 (20 minutes is sufficient).

3. Buff off the Show Car Polish residue with a high quality, 100%, made in the USA, cotton detailing towel.

4. After buffing, spray the car with a light mist of Z-6 Ultra Cleanâ„¢ detailing spray. Z-6 will help buff away any remaining residue and enhances the brightness of the finish. Using Z-6, the next coat of Zaino Show Car Polish will apply even easier.



You're now ready to apply your next coat of Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFXâ„¢. There's no need to wait. Simply follow steps 1-4 above one more time. Use a fresh cotton buffing towel to remove each coat of ZFXâ„¢ enabled Show Car Polish.



Note: Apply no more than three coats of Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFXâ„¢ in a 24 hour period. For optimum results, use your ZFXâ„¢ enabled polish within 6 hours of mixing. Use a fresh cotton buffing towel for removal of each coat.



Note: When you are finished polishing, wash the mixing bottle inside and out with a heavy concentration of liquid dishwashing detergent and thoroughly rinse. The ZFXâ„¢ mixing bottles cannot be reused if the polish remains in the bottle for more than 12 hours. After 12 hours, it is not possible to completely clean the mixing bottle. Throw the mixing bottle and any unused polish contents away after 12 hours.
 
HRP said:
The first time through, almost everyone uses too much polish. As long as you can just see a haze of application, you've used enough. I alternate Z-2 and Z-5 on a dark car and then finish off with Z-8.



Here are the instructions from the Zaino website:



BASIC ZAINO APPLICATION TIPS



THREE SIMPLE STEPS to obtain a true Zaino show car finish

Step 1�STRIP THE OLD WAX



* Wash the car, going top to bottom, with Dawn Ultra® liquid detergent.

* Thoroughly rinse the car with a pressurized hose and spray nozzle. Make sure all detergent soap is gone. Leave Dawn in the kitchen since you'll never use it again on your car.

* Dry completely using only clean, soft, absorbent towels.



Step 2�REMOVE CONTAMINANTS AND PREPARE THE SURFACE



* Feel all paint surfaces. They should be glassy smooth. Contaminated rough areas are quickly minimized using Zaino Z-18 Claybarâ„¢ and a soap and water lubricant. Re-wash and dry the treated areas.

* Look for hazy paint, swirl marks or fine scratches. Imperfections are reduced using Zaino's Z-PC Fusionâ„¢ paint cleaner and swirl remover.

* Add a light coat of Z-AIOâ„¢ to all paint as the foundation and bonding agent. Remove with clean, soft towels.



Step 3�APPLY AND REMOVE ZAINO POLISH*

CHOOSE THE RIGHT ZAINO POLISH FOR YOUR VEHICLE'S PAINT

Z-2 PROâ„¢ Show Car Polish is for paint with a clear coat finishâ€â€�virtually all modern cars.

Z-3â„¢ Show Car Polish is for paint without a clear coatâ€â€�vintage cars, special aftermarket paint, etc.

Z-5 PROâ„¢ Show Car Polish is just like Z-2, but helps hide swirls and micro scratches in dark color paint.



* Spray a little Z-6 Gloss Enhancerâ„¢ on your Zaino Polish Applicator. Apply Zaino polish to the paint. Use up/down motions on vertical surfaces, and front/rear (front to back of car) motions on horizontal.

* Allow the polish to dry and chemically bond on the entire car for at least fifteen minutes. To test for dry, wipe an area with a finger. Dry polish is slightly powdery and comes off with one stroke, revealing clear dry paint underneath. Low temperature or high humidity can increase drying time up to two to three hours. Remove the dried polish using high quality towels.

* When all polish is removed, spray a light coat of Z-6 Gloss Enhancer. Immediately buff dry.



*Important: Shake all products well before using. Use VERY sparingly�a little polish goes a long way. Keep applicator damp with Z-6 Gloss Enhancer.





ZAINO ZFX ACCELERATED SHOW CAR FINISH IN A DAY! (For multi-coat applications)



Zaino Show Car Polish is designed to allow a layered application for those that choose to add layer upon layer of Zaino polishes. With each layer you apply, your car's paint looks better and feels smoother. Depth, gloss and clarity all increase with each coat.



Like all other polymer based polish and protection systems, Zaino Show Car Polish must cure before applying subsequent coats. The curing process allows the polymer chains to cross-link, building strength and durability. If the polymer strands have not cross-linked (cured), applying a fresh coat of polish will not achieve the optimum layered result. Consequently, creating a show car finish can be a long process of applying a layer, waiting, and applying another layer.



The Wait is Over!

Zaino ZFXâ„¢ Show Car Polish accelerator solves the wait problem. We worked for several years to engineer a molecular reaction that causes the polymers in Zaino Show Car Polish to set rapidly. Using ZFXâ„¢ with your choice of Z-2 PRO, Z-3 or Z-5 Show Car Polish, it is now possible to apply two or three coats of polish in a single day to create beautiful show car special effects. The result is nothing less than stunning.



ZFXâ„¢ saves you time and effort. It's no longer necessary to keep your car in the garage for a whole weekend just so you can apply two or three coats of polish. Using ZFXâ„¢, you'll apply multiple coats in just a few hours.



Prior to using ZFXâ„¢ Enabled Show Car Polish

Before applying ZFXâ„¢ enabled Show Car Polish, wash, dry and inspect your car’s finish. It should be very smooth. If the paint has a rough, bumpy feel, you have surface contamination which must be removed using our Z-18 ClayBar.



Prior to using Zaino Show Car Polish for the first time, we recommend using Dawn dishwashing liquid to wash your car. Dawn will dissolve wax and other sealants, and easily removes grease, tar and bug remains. Be sure to rinse your car very well after using Dawn. After your first application of Zaino Show Car Polish, use Z-7 Show Car Wash for regular washing.



Mixing ZFXâ„¢ with Show Car Polish

Each ZFXâ„¢ kit comes with a 2ml vial of accelerator mix and several 2 ounce mixing bottles. A single ZFXâ„¢ kit provides enough mix to accommodate up to 32 ounces of Zaino Show Car Polish.



Pour one to two ounces of Show Car Polish into a 2 ounce mixing bottle. For each ounce of polish, add 4 to 5 drops of ZFXâ„¢ (no more than 10 drops for two full ounces), screw the cap back on, and shake vigorously for 60 to 90 seconds.



While you get your towels and applicators ready, allow the ZFXâ„¢ enabled Zaino Show Car Polish to sit for five minutes so the ZFXâ„¢ can begin activating the polish. Give the applicator bottle a final shake for 10 seconds before using.



Applying ZFXâ„¢ Enabled Show Car Polish

Follow these easy steps:



1. Apply Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFXâ„¢ with a 100%, made in the USA, cotton applicator. Use the polish sparingly. A small amount goes a long way, and you will be applying multiple coats.

2. 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 (20 minutes is sufficient).

3. Buff off the Show Car Polish residue with a high quality, 100%, made in the USA, cotton detailing towel.

4. After buffing, spray the car with a light mist of Z-6 Ultra Cleanâ„¢ detailing spray. Z-6 will help buff away any remaining residue and enhances the brightness of the finish. Using Z-6, the next coat of Zaino Show Car Polish will apply even easier.



You're now ready to apply your next coat of Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFXâ„¢. There's no need to wait. Simply follow steps 1-4 above one more time. Use a fresh cotton buffing towel to remove each coat of ZFXâ„¢ enabled Show Car Polish.



Note: Apply no more than three coats of Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFXâ„¢ in a 24 hour period. For optimum results, use your ZFXâ„¢ enabled polish within 6 hours of mixing. Use a fresh cotton buffing towel for removal of each coat.



Note: When you are finished polishing, wash the mixing bottle inside and out with a heavy concentration of liquid dishwashing detergent and thoroughly rinse. The ZFXâ„¢ mixing bottles cannot be reused if the polish remains in the bottle for more than 12 hours. After 12 hours, it is not possible to completely clean the mixing bottle. Throw the mixing bottle and any unused polish contents away after 12 hours.
Click to expand...



Thats a long post haha
 
Mudd92- What seems to be missing is what I'd consider the most crucial part...the paint correction :think:



To get a car nice enough for a sealant like Zaino you need to polish out the surface marring, and that means abrasive polishing.



I've never seen Z5 hide anything...although I've had Zaino users say "see, it hides all the swirlmarks" while they point at their hideously marred up paint and wonder why I'm mortified.



Seriously...give it a good polishing.



And FWIW, most sealants don't give the deep/jetting type of look that it sounds like you're after. I don't want to get into a sealant vs. wax :argue but different LSPs (Last Step Products) look different and I'd give adequate consideration to all your various options.



But it's the polishing/prep that'll really make the difference anyhow.



My short-answer response to polishing these days is:



-orange 4" light cut pads with M105 (don't overdo it with this fairly aggressive combo)



-white 4" polishing pads with either M205 or M80



IF the vehicles in question were mine I'd probably use Collinite brand wax on them and yeah, it's as durable as a sealant.



Oh, and Welcome to Autopia!
 
Hey thanks everyone, dont hestitate to tell me anything. I want to GET RID of all the swirls and little defects in the paint, and if possilbe some light orange peel where the rear bumper was re-painted.



I have a question to add, what can I use to put a shine on all my interior plastics like the dash and such besides armor all, Ive been reading that its bad, and it causes yellowing, well everyones right. I just pulled a car in that a guy I know detailed and used armor all, and its been in the sun the entire dash is a nasty yellow.



So I am NOT going to use anymore armor all on any of my vehicles, so what can I use to get that finish of armor all? I never spray it on and leave it greasy, I always wipe it down dry, but it leaves a nice "dry" shiny finsh, and thats what I'm after, and some added protection and against some UV rays.



Thanks everyone, and just FYI. I am ordering my car cover this Sat. and it will be protected from most of the weather so now all my hard detail work wont go to waste!





Thanks everyone, Joey
 
For interior detailing, truck loads of people swear by 303 Aerospace Protectant. You can get it from autogeek.net. I personally use Meguiar's Interior Quik Detail, but plan to switch to 303 once my wipes run out.
 
Hey I will add some of that to my cart on autogeek, can I just apply that OVER the armor all that has been used? Or do I need to use like some warm soapy water to wash everything Ive already put armor all on?
 
Mudd92 said:
I have a question to add, what can I use to put a shine on all my interior plastics like the dash and such besides armor all, Ive been reading that its bad, and it causes yellowing, well everyones right. I just pulled a car in that a guy I know detailed and used armor all, and its been in the sun the entire dash is a nasty yellow...
Click to expand...





Huh, that's surprising. Some people here use Armor All and they never have any problems like that.



I can't be of much help as I hardly *EVER* dress my interiors, I usually just use a little spritz of Meguiar's Interior Quick Detailer now and then.





.. I am ordering my car cover this Sat. and it will be protected from most of the weather ..
Click to expand...



Be careful with that cover. I've quit using them as IME they up leading to new marring. Note that the cover and the car both need to be spotlessly clean or else you'll end up grinding dirt into the paint. The question of whether to cover or not can be tricky...lots of trade-offs to consider.
 
Another point: regardless of which products you finally choose, you can put Wax over sealant, but not vice versa. Please let us know your final choice of products and the results...and what, if anything you'd do differently. There's always something!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top