When should I start waxing/polishing my coupe? I just got it last month...Its Black Obsidian...Would I need to do the whole Zaino process? What about wax to apply?

Just ordered the 303 aerospace protectant & zaino leather cleaner/conditioner for the interior...

 

The day you got it. Keep in mind that your car has been painted a few months before you actually got it. From comments on this board, Zaino is very good - but for black, NXT may be giving a deaper shine.

 

so the NXT I just apply after washing the car?

 

Washed and waxed my black 05' the 2nd week I had it. I used the basic Turtle Wax. From what my detailer told me, liquid waxes don't work as good as those paste wax. I also use Meguiar's NXT and it came out beautiful. People will recommend a follow-up with the California Duster. IMO, it just left streak marks that I'd have to go over with a towel. Most important thing...use microfiber towels


Oh one more thing...make sure your car is completely dry before applying the wax. When I mean dry, I mean spaces between the bumpers, doors and anywhere water can hide. It's not easy keep a black car spotless.

 

+1 about making sure your car is completely dry and using the microfiber towels. I made the mistake of trying to dry my car out in the sun a couple times and it left so many spots that I had to rewash it both times.

And as I said in cash20's other thread in the detailing section I recommend the Mother's FX over the NXT as I have tried both and the FX just came out with a much deeper and richer shine and left less residue than the NXT.

Also dont forget to put a good clay bar on your wishlist for detailing. it is especially helpful on a black car once you start getting contaminents on the paint over a few months. gets the new car shine back

 

black cars are so hard to maintain

 

+1

The payoff for maintaining and keeping them spotless is well worth it. All that cali dusting every morning, and quick detailing in between washes is worth it to me.

You can always refer to the classic line of a person that owns a black car... "you should see it when it's clean". I try my best to never have to force myself to say that, being paranoid/****/OCD helps sometimes .

 

Most decent waxes will do a good job. Its really matter of technique and maintaining it. I use Macquire's and have no complaints, hell people love the way the car looks.

 

I'm a big fan of Zaino, due in large part to it's ease of use... ...which means I don't mind using it more frequently (although it hasn't needed it). So as others have said, choosing between the top products is a matter of personal preference.

The most valuable advice, in terms of keeping the finish looking great, is getting the proper towels. Some prefer Microfiber towels, but I have been extremely pleased with my choice of bath towels. As outlined on the Zaino site, if you're using towels use only premium, 100% Cotton AND Made-In-The-USA white cotton towels. The Persian and Egyptian cottons, along with those towels made outside the USA, will scratch the heck out of your finish. Keeping debris out of the towels, I have yet to have any swirls appear. Towel choice is the key, and the nearly $200 I spent in towels was worth every penny. Likely one of the best purchases I've made for my G.

I use the Wamsutta premium brand (2nd to nicest, as the nicest are rough Egyptian cotton) and found them at Bed, Bath and Beyond. After searching around town for the best prices, I can now tell the difference between good and bad (for car care) just by touch. Wash them in a mild liquid detergent prior to use. Check Zaino site for additional tips, etc.

 

thanks for the tips!

 

Wax now, wax often!

I waxed my 2003 Coupe the second day I got it, and have been waxing it religiously since - - it has the shine and lustre of an 06! Meguairs has a full line that will keep your Coupe glistening, from wheel wax to speed detailer. ...the possibilities are endless! I HIGHLY recommend Meguairs - - for the lustre, durability, and price - - you can't go wrong.

I'll post pics of my 03 Coupe, as soon as I learn how that's done on this Forum!!!