For my 06 Black Obsidian Coupe, I have been reading the forum on waxing/polishing...Is using Zaino the same as waxing the car or do you still need to put on wax after? What wax do ya'll recommend? I see some ppl have mentioned Meguires NXT. What about just using Zaino? Would it last on the paint just as long? Thanks

 

I've never used Zaino so I can't comment on that, but I absolutely love the Meguiars NXT line, especially the wax. In fact, I'm taking a break right now from waxing with the NXT Tech Wax. It goes on great with my PC 7424 and leaves my DG with an unbelievable mirror like finish. I've heard some complain about not being able to get a good shine and finish out of the DG, but I've had no problem using the NXT products.

 

Polishes aren't the same as waxes, and Zaino, regardless of their marketing, are not polishes - they are sealants (except for zpc). So the question is, sealant or wax? And the answer is whichever you prefer. Sealants typically offer slightly better durabilty while waxes have a following amongst folks who like the look of carnauba waxes. I personally prefer waxes, but sealants are definitely very good too.

Zaino is fine by itself, you will find many people here that use it and love it. Before I really knew a lot about detailing I bought their entire system and it is very good, although at this point I have to say that for the price and the system you need to buy into I don't find you get better results than any other sealant. Just imo, of course.

 

I just got my car last month...When should I start with the wax/polishing?

 

So if I use Zaino, theres no need to put wax on it right? I am trying to decide when to start the wax/sealants...I just got the car last month...

Or should I just wash it every couple weeks and use Zaino every 6 months?

 

I've had good success with Zymol

 

btw the nxt line has a sealant also

 

Right this second. Seriously though, any time - the sooner the better. Modern paint needs no cure time from the factory.

You don't need to use a wax if you use Zaino Z2 or Z5 (Zainos sealants). Some people do, but most don't. You only need to apply Z5/Z2 every 4-6 months, so just wash and quick detail in between (quick detailing is like a booster for your sealant, it'll make the car look nice and add a little more protection. Zainos QD's are Z6 and Z8).

 

I would actually recommend Mothers FX wax if you want to use a synthetic wax. I also have black obsidian and have tried both the Meguiars NXT and Mothers FX synthetic waxes and Mothers provided and nicer and deeper shine and left less residue than the NXT did.

 

Is it okay to have the dealer wash the car and then come back home and apply the Zaino? Z2 with ZFX, Z6, then Z5 with ZFX, Z6, then Z2 with ZFX?

 

It's ok, but I think a lot of people (including me) would shy away from it and wash the car personally. Dealer washes tend to be pretty crappy and can cause marring, just be aware of that.

Also, if your car doesn't have scratches you can skip the Z5. Z5 is really just a watered down Z2 with fillers than don't do much. I'd wash/clay/wash/Z2 as many times as you like.

 

actually, dealer washes wouldn't be sufficient prep for zaino. save your money and start w/ the nxt and a claybar first. read up/search and then ask questions.

 

A dealer wash is fine prep for Zaino as long as they don't wax it - the dawn thing is only to remove previously used waxes/sealants (which it's woefully inadequate to do, anyway). Either way before any new sealant I alwaus recommend an ISA:water rubdown.

I do agree with you on saving some money and going with NXT, though. For the cost of Z2+ZFX+Z6/8 you could get a two bottles of NXT, clay, Meg's final inspection (quick detailer), a couple mf clothes, and save on shipping, since those will all be available at a local pep boys.

 

I agree that NXT is great (easy / effective) with metallic colors. If you really want to see something special try using MEGs #7 New Car Glaze after the next NXT application. It brought my Twilight Blue to life... literally night and day.

 

I've got a black '06 Coupe. Made sure I took delivery WITHOUT any dealer prep to outside of the car .......
Washed her up and applied Optimum Car Wax.
Can't say enough about this product. If your car is clean and W/O marring/swirls or defectsTRY THIS PRODUCT!!!
Spray on, wipe off. Gives a deep shine that beads water like crazy. I initially applied 2 coats 24 hours apart. Yesterday I hand washed and thought what the hell. Coat #3 came about 6 weeks after 1st 2. My GF ran to the market. She was gone 20 minutes. In that time I waxed entire car using spray and wipe technique with Microfier Polishing cloth.

You get silicone and caranuba wax in this product and you can apply to trim and rubber with great result and absolutely no residue. Claims to have UV protectant,too.

If you have older finish then claybaring and some of the extra teatments/steps above may be necessary. Remember, I applied to a "perfect" finish that dealer had not F'd up!

BTW, I read Bio on guy who started this Company and he's ex Dupont chemist type. I think he came up with a great product.