So now that I moved I finally have a garage again to pamper my car. I bought the car in Dec. 08 and whoever had it before probably washed the car with sand paper!! The trunk is really bad and has marring too.

Here is what I planned on buying to take care of these swirls:
1. Zaino Z-5 (to remove the swirls)
2. Zaino Z-2 (polish afterward)
3. Leather in a bottle (just because I've heard such great things about it).

4. I already have Mother's claybar.

I have little buffer that I don't know will be good enough to take off the swirls. It's similar to the cheap $50 ones at auto zone. I would buy another nice one but I'm really on a budget right now.

Will the type of buffer I have be able to take out the swirl marks with the Zaino Z-5?

Is Zaino over rated and over priced?

Any comments or suggestions will really be helpful!! Thanks!

 

Z5 will not remove the swirls. it's not a cutting polish and doesn't have any fillers that will hide those. Z5 has only a very slight edge over Z2 on hiding swirls , to be honest it's not really going to do anything for you. I would try Menzerna Intensive Polish and follow up with Final Polish then you can apply the Zaino. If you want to stick with the Zaino line they have ZPC which is supposed to be a machine polish but I've never used it. You should really try the ZCS, it's so easy to use I love it for a monthy application. I use Z2 and ZCS. Also Z5 and Z2 are not applied with a machine, it would waste too much product and it's not necessary. You simply wipe it on, with very little pressure.

 

If you do not have at least a pc you will not remove any swirls or marring.The above info is good so get some menzerna and at least a pc with 4 inch pads and all that will come out.You might want to visit www.autopia.org to see what you need to do if you have never done this before.

 

As DHCrocks mentioned, Z-5 will not remove swirls, it'll merely attempt to fill in some of the lighter ones.

To really correct your paint, you're going to need to invest in a quality buffer (either the Porter Cable 7424XP Random Orbital Buffer or Flex XC 3401 VRG) , some quality pads and some polishes. I'd recommend going with the Menzerna line of polishes as Superchargedg mentioned.

Start by reading this guide on properly polishing your vehicle. That will give you the basics on how to restore you finish to a swirl free finish.

If you have any questions along the way or want a hand selecting a package to best fit your needs, please do not hesitate to ask.

George

 

Thanks for the link!! Your website is really informative and helpful!! I just went from barely knowing anything to a decent amount, and don't feel as lost.

So I had already decided to go with the PC 7424XP. I was just confused on what products to use and which pads I needed.

So here's my list of what I plan on getting. (not finalized yet though)

Buffer: PC 7424XP (plus the 6" plate) Is the main benefit to be able to 6.5" pads?

Claybar : already have mothers clay bar

Cutting Polish : Menzerna Intensive Polish

Finishing Polish: Menzerna Final Polish II (I know this is a noob question but why is it called Final polish 2? Is it because it's the second polish you apply).

Sealant: I don't know which one to go with... Here's where I need help with a recommendation.

Also I noticed Optimum (OPT) Polish is cheaper with larger quantity. How would you compare Menzerna Vs. Optimum?
I'm really on a budget and this stuff is adding up QUICK!!!

Pads: Orange, White. I don't know which other ones I will need and how many of these I will need. I am guessing 2 of the orange and white?


Help out!!

Thanks!!

 

You must get some 4 inch cutting pads or you will be polishing forever with the pc.I have never used optimum but do use menzerna and it rocks.

 

Different product line, but watch the instructional vids anyway to see what you need to do.


http://www.meguiars.com/video/

 

here is a quick answer ! buff and wax !

 

Looks like you have a good list going, I'll see what I can do to help you improve upon it and possibly save you some money.

I'd recommend the 4" pads as superchargedg mentioned as it'll be able to break down polishes more effectively than a 6.5" pad will and you'll be able to control the buffer easier and get in tighter areas. It will take a little longer to complete, but the results will be worth it.

If you're working on a budget and want the best bang for your buck, here's what I'd consider going with:

Porter Cable 7424XP Random Orbital Buffer
Lake Country Porter Cable 7424 Backing Plate for 4 Inch Pads - 85 mm
5x Lake Country 4 Inch Green Very Light Cutting Pad - 4"
Menzerna Power Finish PO203S - 16 oz

This combo will give you as good if not better results than the 2 step combo and you only need to buy a 16oz polish saving you money. Power Finish is an excellent polish, especially on soft Infiniti paint. It will offer some correction and finishes down very nicely. You'll want to change you pad out every couple panels before they get too saturated with product. They will also be easier to keep clean and fresher when you change them out more often.

Let me know if you have any questions or if you want to tweak anything.

George

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm a bit confused now.

The list you mention seems like it would be good for a car with light blemishes and scratches, however this is not my case, it is prettyyyy bad.

Everyone was recommending the Orange pad since the swirls were so bad.

The Power Finish you mentioned doesnt' seem like it's meant for deep defects. The description also mentions that on a darker color car it is recommended to follow up with another polish. Someone left a comment "Does exactly what it said it does. However, do not confuse this with a more agressive polishing product. If you have deeper defects and scratches you will need something way more agressive."

What do you suggest?

How are the Optimum products?

I want to make a purchase soon and need to figure this out.

Thanks!

 

I have Optimum whatever (the big bottle of it) and so far not that impressed. Every seems to be using the menzera products and i'm gonna give that a shot when i do my car with the buffer (never done it but i was looking at my car the other day and the swirls are pretty light from proper washing etc.)

 

I was comparing to the option you were looking at before...

Optimum is a good value polish, but won't put it in the same league as Menzerna. Polishing yields the most dramatic results in a detail when done properly, don't skimp there.

Regarding the Power Finish results, it depends on your paint. I've used Power Finish on green on a rotary buffer and it wouldn't put a dent in imperfections. On soft Infiniti paint, it certainly would.

Menzerna Power Finish on 4" green pads will yield better results than IP / orange + FP II / white on 6.5" pads. You said you were on a budget so I kept cost to a minimum with 1 step polish.

If you're looking for great results I'd consider:

Power Gloss / Orange
Power Finish / White
PO85RD / Black

I was trying to keep costs down, but if you're looking for perfection, gotta spend some more. Also, 3 coats of polish is at least an 8 - 12 hr polishing job with 4" pads when done correctly. Make sure you plan your time accordingly.

Let me know if this helps.

George

 

Sent you a PM. I need you to look over my list.

Thanks!