hey guys...i'm borrowing a PC from someone on the forum so i want to get it right and be prepared because i'll only have it for a day or so.
Paint is Brilliant Silver. here is what i've done:
Z2 and Z5 every 6 months.
Claybar'd most of the car a few months back (should i do it again? i dont think its really needed)

here is what I have to use:
Zaino Z5, Z2, Mothers ScratchX

my paint is in pretty decent shape: a few deep scratches here and there that i'd love to try and get rid of, since its BS whatever spiderwebbing or swirls there are are not noticeable- however i'm sure by removing some un-noticeable fine scratches will enhance the overall shine. since having the car i've been plagued with detailing my butt off but not noticing a great finish because of the light color silver. i'm hoping to get a more "wet" look from it.
with all that being said:
am i fine with the above products listed or should i invest in something else to use to get the most out of my PC time?
also, what brand and size pads should i use? i'm trying to stay on a cheaper budget for these products/pads so the cheaper the better without sacrificing quality. also...i'd much rather be able to pick anything i need up at a local store (ie home depot, lowes, pep-boys, etc) because i'll need these products within the next few days.
so unless i can find something you recommend online that is far superior and/or much cheaper i'd like to stay away from ordering online.

my initial thoughts:
1) ScratchX-one coat to try and get the deeper scratches out (all over or just in the bad spots? should i use this or buy something else? and what pad to use?)
2) Zaino Z5- maybe two coats to finish off the light scratches (what pad?)
3) Zaino Z2- two coats to bring it all to life (what pad?)
how does this sound? what would you change, add replace?

if you've read this far down hopefully i havent exhausted you yet to write a good reply really looking for some help from you PC-heads! and sorry about adding to the millions of PC threads but i thought mine was fairly specific enough to warrant a new thread. i'll be researching best application methods but if you'd like to add some words of wisdom as well feel free.

thanks in advance
PS: i'll be sure to post many before/after shots for yal to see!

 

alright, have been doing a bunch of research on process so i think i'm ok there and also on if z5,z2 is worth using the PC for
here is what i came up with
pros:
some say better shine (although some said not)
quicker process time
saves a ton of elbow grease
cons:
absorbs a crapload of product so a waste of expensive zaino

all in all it can be done but a majority of what i read said its just not worth it. if i do---finishing pad for both products

so i guess my main question now is: is scratchX good to use for fixing up the paint? or am i better off with something else

 

how bad is the paint,that will determine what you need.check these sites.
www.autopia.org
www.autogeek.com

 

Scratch-X isn't meant to be applied by PC, it is likely to gum up the pad and smear since its only meant to be used by hand. You need some machine polishes to actually do any good. Applying your sealants with a PC is kinda a waste of time, most people do it by hand with similar results. Z5 and Z2 have no polishing ability so they are meant as protection only. As far as pads, Lake country pads are good, but it depends on the condition of your paint. I would purchase a pair of finishing, polishing, and cutting pads, and start with the least aggresive product you have and see if it works. I only have experience with meguiar's products, so purchasing their dual action cutting polish along with #80 or #83 machine glazes would be where I would start. They also make a good swirl remover, which I would start with to see if it will achieve the results you want. Like others suggested however, do some research on autopia.org or meguiarsonline.com

 

thanks guys, sorry i havent responded back sooner.
i've been able to do a lot of research so yeah i hear what you're saying about all that stuff.
i'm probably just going to do meguiars #9 swirl remover with the pc
and save the zaino to be done by hand
thx

 

let us know how this worked out. I have a dg w/ some scratches that need to be removed..also a big zaino fan..

-Vin

 

#9 snt going to do much for you. Its a very mild SMR..........Good, but mild....
#80 (If Megs prods are used) would be a better choice. 83 is very difficult to you, I would stay away from that one.....

 

Becareful if you use polishes with fillers. If they contain silicones etc, Zaino will likely have trouble bonding. If you can get your hands on some Zaino ZPC, give it a whirl. If you go with Meguires or almost anything for that matter, you may want to do a wipedown with ISOPROPYL (SP?) and water (50/50 mix) after polishing. This will let you see the what teh paint really looks like by removing any filling agents that may have "hid" minor scratches.