scratch removal after Zaino???

granntl

New member
Good Morning All,



Well...I have read and read and now understand that Z5 on an 18 year old original paint was not the right product for me for scratches and swirls.



As I posted before, the paint is in REALLY nice shape, just some very light scratches and swirls, which are still visable after 3 coats of Z5 and 1 topcoat of Zaino.



Here's my question. Can I go back and hit the car with something like SSR1 and reapply Zaino Z2? Or do I then have to rewash the car with Dawn again and start over?



If I need to start all over, I think I'll try one of the Carnubas like Natty's or other favorites of the board. Sounds like they do a better job on less than perfect paint. I also like the depth a Carnuba gives.



Feel free to give me a recipe. I am still really overwhelmed here, but learning.
 
If you have scratches and swirls, you need to remove them. While some products may cover up the defects a bit better, you'll probably still see them. And, they are still there and will reappear again as the Carnauba wears off. I.e., it'll look better for a few weeks and then you'll dissatisfied again.



Regarding your question... As soon as you hit any protectant or wax with a polish, it's gone. You need to reapply. I'm pretty sure that covers all types.



IF the paint is in good condition overall and you only have the swirls and scrathes in a few places, you may be able to get by with only polishing out the bad spots. Then you could reapply Zaino. However...



My guess is that you will discover one of two things. First, the sections that you polish out will look MUCH better than the unpolished sections. Or, two, you will find more swirls and scratches as you work. I.e., in the end, you'll polish the whole car.



Therefore, if it was me, I'd assume that I was starting from scratch:



1) Wash with Dawn to get it really clean and remove prior sealant.

2) Clay

3) Wash with Zaino Z7 (or other good car wash)

4) Polish with chosen polish(s) to remove swirls and scratches

5) Rewash to remove polish oils and remaining residue

6) Apply protectant



Unfortunately there are not too many short cuts when prepping the car. If you look through these forums, you'll notice that most of the discussions are related to prepping the car for the LSP, not the LSP itself.



I'm fan of Zaino products only because they work for me. Others like other products because they work for them. If Carnauba works for you, by all means, have at it. But ALL of them require good prep for good results.



Best of luck,



Dan.
 
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