I've been reading through all the posts and decided to use Zaino on my coupe. I know i could go through all the posts again and create my own list, but I'm wondering if anyone has a breakdown of exactly what I need to buy for everything from the Dawn wash to the final finish. I have nothing in the way of car washing supplies so I need to know what types of sponges, rags, towels and anything I might need to do a complete exterior detail using Zaino.

Steve

2004 6MT Coupe -- DG/G -- Aero -- Prem. Pkg. -- Navi -- Couple of weeks old, not sure where to start yet

 

It's all a matter of preference and 10 guys will tell you 10 different things. Here are some of the basics I like:
Dawn (use only when you want to strip the previous wax)
If you bought Zaino - buy a bottle of their soap
I prefer a lambs wool or microfiber wash mitt (one for car only, one for wheels only...some people may say to get a third one for the bottom areas of the car)
Microfiber Drying towel (Griots Garage has a good one and I think the other one that is good is called the Big Blue or something)
Stoner InvisiShield? Glass Cleaner (Pep Boys)
I don't use wheel cleaner (acid will eat away at the clearcoat. Soap and water works if you wash weekly)
Westley's Bleach White or any Degreaser (buy a gallon and dilute it 50/50- saves money) you can put it in a spray bottle for the tires. Spray the cleaner on the tires and scrub with the brush.
Small stiff brsitle brush for tires.
Terry cloth, microfiber, or foam applicators
Microfiber polishing/waxing cloths (Griots Garage-sells a pack of 6 - 3 of each and they work well)
Stoner Tarminex - bug n tar remover
Clay Bar sytem (Zaino, mothers, etc) If you are using Zaino, you can use any Clay bar, but still use the Zaino soap as a lubricant)
Tire Dressing : I prefer Black Magic Tire Wet, but it has a tendency to sling. Supposedly Zaino dressing doesn't sling, but the shine isn't the same. Depends on your preference Glossy (black magic etc) or Satin- Zaino. Many guys use the Mothers and Mequires long term dressing which "Last's for weeks, not days". I don't think it's worth the money, especially if you was your car once a week.
Important things to note:
Wash the rims first and tires and never use the same spong/mitt & WATER for the rims as the rest of the car. Wash all 4 then dump and rinse everything well!
Wash the car from the highest points first and work your way down from there. If you buy a seperate mitt for the lower part of the car, wash that last and only only on the lowest 6 inches or so of the car.
After the car is fully rinsed, take the nozzle off the hose and rinse with open running water straight from the hose. This will make it easier to dry, especially after you have waxed the car.
If you drop your wash mitt, most peeps would discard them, I try to rinse mine out and make certain major dirt isn't trapped inside. I try not to let it touch the ground, but it happens once or twice a year.
When you wash any towels or rags, wash separately and do not use fabric softener.
If you would like more info, shoot me a PM


2003 6MT Black Coupe, Premium Pkg. w/ Aero
20% tint all around, Aluminum Pedals

 

Did I scare you with that list? Good metting ya on Saturday! (I had the G35.....JK the black one!

2003 6MT Black Coupe, Premium Pkg. w/ Aero
20% tint all around, Aluminum Pedals

 

i'm getting my zaino from UPS on thursday, gonna try to do it saturday before the takeover on franny lew. when i was talking to neil the other night at exxon, i heard you say you had some problems with it the first time. anything in particular? i also got 2 small scratches, do you think i should put something on them inbetween washing and the zaino, or will the zaino take care of it?

thanks for the tips man



Steve

2004 6MT Coupe -- DG/G -- Aero -- Prem. Pkg. -- Navi -- Couple of weeks old, not sure where to start yet

 

Zaino doesn't really do anything for scratches, unless they are very fine. If they are very minor scratches, and only you would notice them, then the Z5 would probably work. Zaino recos between 2-5 coats of Z5. That could take weeks unless you have a few days off in a row! Anyway, I actually use 3M swirlmark and scratch remover for my heavier scratches. If you can try something like that first, just where the scratches are. To save a step or 2, I would spot clean the area where the scratches are with some spray cleaner or whatever, use the scratch remover and you'll be ready to begin the Zaino process. The first time you use Zaino is time consuming, but worth it. You better start early!!! Wash the car with dawn, clay, wash again, etc. The mistake I made was putting the wax on too heavy. Even with the ZFX, it just wouldn't try. If you have the ZFX kit, there should be 4 small clear bottles. Since your car is new, I can't see you needing more than 1 coat of Z5. Providing you use the ZFX, you can probably get 2 coats of Z2 before you tire out!!! If you fill those clear bottles up half way (1 ounce), you should be able to get 2 coats out of it. Some people get 3. If you're using the ZFX, since you have to throw out any unused portion, I would fill the clear bottle up a hair more than 1/4 of the way. Probably between 1/4 & 1/3 would be perfect. Use the ZFX for the first coat of Z5 and the first coat of Z2. I don't think you need it for the final coat since nothing will go over it. Use the spray between each coat! The biggest tip would be to mist the applicator prior to waxing (this helps to put the polish on thinner) and when you think you're putting it on thin enough, put it on even thinner! I actually think NV and Chris (GYAL8R) are getting Zaino as well and I may be giving them a hand too. I'll keep ya posted as to what is going on with that just in case we get a Zaino tutorial going and you want in! lol

2003 6MT Black Coupe, Premium Pkg. w/ Aero
20% tint all around, Aluminum Pedals

 

hey man, i'm waking up early tomorrow to start the zaino before we hit up franny lew at night. here's my gameplan, can you let me know what you think?

dawn wash
claybar
dawn wash
z5
spray down with z6
z2
spray down with z6

i figure that's all i'll have time for tomorrow, but i'll wake up earlier if i have to, to use your way. the main thing is i don't know if i should start with z2 or z5 (i do know to end with z2, plus a spray of z6)

maybe i should do 2 coats of z5 cause it said it's good for darker cars?

also, do you wipe down after z6? or just spray and leave?

thanks again man
see ya on franny lew



Steve

2004 6MT Coupe -- DG/G -- Aero -- Prem. Pkg. -- Navi -- Couple of weeks old, not sure where to start yet

 

If your car has minor scratches or swirls, use the z5 first. I think, even though you only have a few thousand miles on the G, I would still go with the Z5 with ZFX. Remember, fill the clear bottle that comes with the ZFX half way (1 Oz). Add 4 drops of ZFX, shake and let sit for 5 minutes, shake again. This should be enough for 2 coats on your car, but you will only be doing 1. Try to use about half of what you mix, a hair more is ok. Remove the Z5, spray a small area (def make sure the surface of the car is cool and in shade) I found the less you use of the Z6 the better, meaning, give it a very light spritz and wipe immediately with a dry microfiber rag. For examply, I usely you 1 spray across my roof (b/w moonroof and rear glass) and that will cover tha whole section....really move it around and be sure you don't leave any streaks. Do the whole car like that. You will have a fairly smooth surface after that. Now, use the Z2, remember front to back strokes on horizontal surfaces (hood, roof, trunk) and up and down on vertical. Be sure to give the applicator 1- 2 sprays of Z6 b/4 waxing - this will make it flow smoother n spread thinner.
I think you'll be fine with one coat of each. Z2 really brings out the shine better than Z5. Anyway, I'll PM you my cellie. I have softball tomorrow on Randalls/Wards Island starting at 9am -??? If you want I can swing by and give ya some pointers on my way back to the island. Can't stay too long cuz my baby will get jealous. I am gonna try to get another coat on her tomorrow as well!
Once you get the big detail done tomorrow, it's all downhill. Very easy to upkeep!

2003 6MT Black Coupe, Premium Pkg. w/ Aero
20% tint all around, Aluminum Pedals