I just bought a BMW 323i in Titanium Silver and clayed and Zaino'd it. I would also recommend the claying. It did make the finish smoother, and it also forced me to really look over every inch of the car.
As for the Zaino, it really makes the car shine. The only problem is that it's pretty hard to see where you leave off when applying it.
All in all, the entire Zaino line has performed as advertized. It's worth it.
I have been happy with car wash (few times a year) at gas station (mostly because I am physically challenged and don't want to spend a lot of time and money on the car), until I got this '99 dark blue Odyssey. Everytime after rain, the dirt on the van is pretty obvious. I can't stand it and am open to any solution, easy one though , including polishing and waxing.
My goal is to keep the van "look" clean. My ideal solution: 1. least work and easy to apply 2. last longest (at least 8 month for waxing) 3. inexpensive
From what i read from this thread, looks like NuFinish - for durability (maybe clay before that) maybe the answer? Also, can anyone comment on NuFinish's paste and liquid on durability and time spent (I assume they are in can and bottle respectively)
Thanks guys, for the info. Here's one more question...may seem odd, but I can't find the answer. Multiple coats, each left to dry as long as possible between coats. Is each coat wiped off, or is everything left on until the last coat? Thanks.
The coats of Z2 (or Z5) are wiped off after they dry to a haze (anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours). You need to wait 24 hours before applying the next coat.
If you have any other questions, you can email Sal Zaino directly. He is excellent in responding to questions.
wstang - that was 4 coats of Z-5 (after dawning,claying and Z-1-ing at the very beginning). Then I did a Z-1 again and a coat of Z-5 and finally one more coat of Z-2. The thing is that once you do the initial preparation, applying Z-2 or Z-5 is easy - just wipe on, go do something while it dries, come back and wipe off, do the Z-6 and you are done. Ran out of Z-6 though - had to reorder. I guess I get trigger happy with Z-6.
Nu Finish paste lasts longer than the liquid. It is easy to apply and buff off if the car is clean. If the paint is oxidized and dirty it will do an amazing job of bringing it back to life, but it will take a lot longer. The key is changing or cleaning the applicator when it becomes dirty.
A clean car would probably take a couple of hours maximum. About the same as any paste wax. Only thing to watch out for is textured black plastic trim. It will get in the cracks and is near impossible to get out.
If I may make a suggestion to everyone here: When taking a photo of your car, try to avoid full or overhead sunlight. You'll find pictures taken in early morning and late afternoon will have somewhat more character, as the sun won't be washing out many details.
I'd love to see all of your cars online! I'd like to do the same, but have been too busy.
Gorgeous car, ruski. Same color as my Chrylser Sebring JXi. Candy apple red metallic tint. After seeing the reflections from your 300M, I just may, possibly, take that Zaino step. Still using my Meguiar's with good results, though. Guitarzan, you may have already, but if not, see my '98 Chrysler JXi convertible here: http://www.homestead.com/convertiblencats You're right about the full sun washing out some of the car's details. My car looked much better in early evening than some of the pics of it with 12 o'clock noon sunshine.
After you have finally taken the Zaino step, could you please keep us posted and include some photos of your car before Zaino (i.e. with Meguairs), and after coat(s) of Zaino.
OK, gang. I'll do the same. Up to now I've used Meguiars Gold on my I30. I'll take pictures of it now, and then after I clay-n-Zaino, then post them.
Here's a question... Winter salt is unavoidable for many of us. Other than the undercarraige spray option and the car wash (ugh!), what do you guys do to thoroughly remove the undercarraige salt and dirt?
#570 One can use a brush, paint body (the nylon ones on a 18 in or so handle) and warm or hot water with a car wash solution. If you just spray the undercarriage, it still sets up with dirt clinging to the undercarriage.
Ruski, don't be too hard on your camera. Cameras in general cannot perceive the contrast that our eyes can. So you see everything perfectly on a sunny day. Then you see the photo: The light spots are washed out, and the dark spots are pitch black. That is just the way it is! As an exercise: Pay attention to car commercials and advertising brochures that the dealers give out. Where is the sun in 90% of the pictures?
Ruski, Again, your pictures are just great. Much better than the ones I took with a 35mm. And guitarzan, your idea about early or late day sun is very good. I'll try it next time. Thanks.
Claying: A chemical compound which resembles "clay" in rubbed over the surface of the car's finish. A lubricant is used to make this process easier. The clay picks up the very small pieces of dust which have embedded themselves into the clear coat (or wax finish). This type of dust is usually referred to as: "Rail Dust". It is the residue from brake pads plus other environmental junk. A lot of this dust is metallic, and after it rusts (oxides), it leaves very small pits in the finish. Over time, these small pits eat away at the finish and degrade the paint. Claying makes the finish very smooth in addition to removing these particals.
Claying the finish before applying wax (or a more advanced polymer such as Zaino) will help the wax or polymer to really protect the finish and make for a much better shine.
Great info! Thanks. I assume I can buy this at any auto parts store. I own a 95 BMW 525i. I think I'll use it before applying any wax. But I also own a 99 Passat GLS 2.8. I noticed that there is a fine scratch on the hood. I tried Mother's Carnauba Wax. Did not take it out. It's a very fine scratch. Can anyone recommend something else? I heard wax with polymers weren't good for German paints. Some say polymers create a clouding effect.
tcalabrese, Although a scratch may be "fine", it can be minor or rather deep. If minor, polish should due the job. If deep, touch up paint may have to be applied. There are a few brands of clay around, and you should be able to buy them at a store like "Pep Boys" or over the Internet (See Erazer.com).
Polymer based finishes such as Zaino are just fine for any car paint which is covered with a clear coat. The Passat is a good candidate for Zaino. In fact, using the Z5 Zaino polishing compound might handle those fine scratches.
Guilty dog, I too had the same problem. After 2 washes with Dawn, I still had some residue in those small hard to get places. Like in the cracks on the side of a metal logo. I took a tooth pick and carefully rubbed the wax residue than washed again with Dawn and lots of water. It helped some, but I can still find a few places where I didn't quite do a perfect job. Well, no one else noticed.
Has anyone tried the Turtle Wax wipe on Tire Dressing? Sounds like it may solve the overspray problem onto wheels and is said to not spin off onto the body.
I have used Zaino polish on my BMW, and the results are awesome. It's a 99, so I dont know if the paints are different, but I have not noticed any clouding.
tcalabrese - I heard Italian paints like Zaino the best, but you can talk a German paint into accepting it as well Seriously, you will not get any cloudiness with Zaino no matter what paint you use it on. Try Zaino Z-5 on your scratch, maybe a few layers of Z-5.
aljee - the camera is SONY Mavica 700. Saves images on a floppy disk (about 20 of them) in jpg format. I like it a lot but it can be picky with lighting conditions. It works best when there is enough light. Sometimes it does not make the right decision about using flash. Sometimes it does not focus on the object (or it does but right when you press the button it goes out of focus). Very good battery life.
ruski, Great pictures - and the lighting seems better too. 'Guess you are right about lighting where you use early morning and/or late afternoon sun.
A slight problem: I've found a few small water spots on my front hood. They are under the Z2 layer. 'Must not have caught them after my second Dawn washing and Z2 application. 'Tried Z6 but to no availe. Any ideas.
since you have used both the meguiars and the Z, do you find any noticeable difference between the two in terms of protection, shine and durability ..?
Meguiars Gold Class liquid that I used was quite nice and produced a very nice shine. It was messier and also a pain in the butt if it got in the cracks and on the black plastic trim. It lasted OK but got dirty quickly and needed to be washed often. Also it was a considerable effort to buff it off.
Zaino was easy to apply and wipe off. So far I am really happy with its shine and it is lasting pretty well. It has been through a few rain showers but still looks great, minimal water/dust spots.
Most "back to black" solutions on the auto store shelves just don't work. The only thing that I have found that really works is a product called Wurth Rubber Care. It brings back the right black look to hard plastic that has turned gray. The effect fades a little after a couple of weeks, but the next application lasts longer. My door handles on my 89 SHO were almost white when I got the car, Wurth made them show car black immediately and now after more applications they stay that way. I just touch up the black parts to make them eye popping when I want to! It's also great for all soft rubber seals and hoses underhood. Check out my web page on this product at: www.dcccarcare.com/wurth.html
Hi everyone! I have just bought my first car, and am joining this group to ask for your insightful advice.
I would like to maintain this new-car gloss of Jaguar's ten-step painting process, so I know I should not use wax with abrasives in them yet. I would be infinately grateful if a few of you could provide an extensive list of what products a new car buyer should purchase to maintain the paint, the wheels, and the interior leather, plastic and wood in top shape. Thank you SO MUCH...
#592 All cotton white towels and Zaino gets my vote. Use multiple coats to really deepen your ten step paint process shine. The Z site could give you all info.
I just sent my order in for Zaino...can't wait to use it!!
Sal emailed to me his tips but I have a few other questions... Do I need to be extra careful not to get overspray of Z-6 onto non-painted areas like rubber trim, chrome trim, and windows?
Do any of you have some tips on how to keep the fuzz and lint from new towels down to a minimum.
One more question, exactly what type of Dawn should I use. I have some that's called "extra care" it's in a green bottle and the Dawn is clear.
nancy13 - Z-6 can be easily wiped off from non-painted areas, but don't wait too long for it to dry before you wipe it off. If it dries anyway, spray some more Z-6 and whipe it all off. When it gets on the trim or windows, it has no color. But if you let it dry without wiping it, it gets hazy.
I found that as you go (spray a bit, wipe off, spray a bit, wipe off), the towel gets slightly soaked with Z-6. I fold my towel, so I have one side slightly soaked, other side dry. You can actually use some Z-6 that's in the towel instead of spraying.
I have not had problems with lint or fuzz from the towels. Zaino-ed surface is so slick that fuzz mostly slips off. Light wind also blows it all away. Z-6 does great antistatic work. When I wipe off Z-2, I can feel that the paint surface is statically charge from rubbing the towel. After I apply Z-6 - the surface loses the charge.
Use regular Dawn, not the one that has been improved to be easy on your hands. That one has lubricant additives.
That Z-6 is some tricky stuff, but it comes with the fool prrof plan.... The key to Z-6ing is realizing just how little and thin a mist you need. Even Sal himself admits that his bottle doesn't spray a fine enough mist, what you have to do is either dillute it with some water, and then spray lesser amounts. If you overspray it simply removes itself if you spray over it again using the correc method the second time around. If you DO make an error, the ONLY way you are going to see it is if you look at the paint in a VERY well lit environment, you'll notice A yellowish brownish haze, sometime no color at all, on my black car it looks colored, BUT BE SURE that you have PROPERLY applied the Z-6 before adding another coat of Z-5 or Z-2, if not, you'll wind up with a shiny car with a noticeable haze under the surface... and it can be quite nerveracking if your not sure what it is... -The Darkness
#595/596 Ditto on Ruski's post. He seems to have the drill down. I think also I hear you are concerned with towel lint so a wash and dry with no fabric softener might be of benefit.
I actually use Z-6 on all the places you mentioned. It seems to keep exposed and unexposed rubber seals very,(gee how would you say?)Ah, seems to give a lot of protection.
I have been using Zaino on garaged and ungaraged vehicles for app 6 mo now; and can tell you it is a lot easier to apply and take off than many posts have questioned. I think some of the concerns are due to the fact that Zaino started his product marketing to the most exacting SHOW car segment.
Ruski, Ruking1, and all of you, THANK YOU SO MUCH for providing your helpful advice this quickly. I will make sure to order the Zaino products this week (as well as some US-made white cotton towels!). If there are ANY other things I should get besides Zaino and cotton towels, please let me know! (Please also let me know if you recommend the waxing machines that rotate to apply products like Zaino. Is that machine as effective as doing it by hand?) You're the best! Thank you.
Used the Clay magic on my new truck and did my wifes 92 Bonneville after. You would not believe the junk it removed from her car. She was even impressed! Not that hard after you get the hang of it. Too soon to give a report on the zaino experience. I think I put the z5 on a little too thick on my truck? I went alot less on her car and will see if that works better. When I wiped the z5 off my truck I could see some residue that I just couldn't quite get to come off? I would rub and it looked OK til you stood back and you could see it there still? My truck is Black so every little thing shows! Any advice?
I had the same problem too, your putting too much on and need to let it dry for a MUCH MUCH MUCH longer period of time, it will come off if you z-6 it or rub it down after a decent amount of time, even after you have wiped it off, I had that problem with both the Z-2 and Z-5, it need a lot less than what you could imagine, I discovered putting it on under a flood light at night and letting it dry overnight in warm weather is good, start doing it around 7 or 8pm depending on dusk and let it sit until morning, I had NO problems with it when I did it that way, but we have A LOT of moisture around here and it makes it hard to let it dry, plus some cold nights... But a flood light at night on a clean surface you can see it go on.. and remember just a little goes a HECK of a long way... -The Darkness
Oh and PS: I am not saying Zaino is hard to apply or bad stuff, I just had a hard time applying it the first time, and Even Sal himself said it's understandable b/c my car has a turbo plus it's black, the hood get's EXTREMELY hot during the day, so before you coudl DREAM of wiping Z-6 off it, it's dry and left a film already... I had to dilute it and still do it around dusk.. -The Darkness
Darkness, 'had the same problem with Z2 as I applied it on a cool damp day. And probably put too much on.
Question: What is the best way to apply that "just the right amount" of Z2 with the Zaino applicator pad? Yep, used Z6 to dampen it first and then put Z2 on the pad. Then wiped across the surface with very little pressure. Maybe I should put more Z2 on the pad and wipe quicker over a wider area. Or should I use less Z2 on the pad and wipe a smaller area? Comments please.
#599 No, resist the urge to use those powered machines.The paint and clearcoat are app the thickness of a paper grocery bag. Over the long term, the less friction you apply the better. Zaino's Z-1, Z-2, has a curious problem of needing far less product than other products. There are procedural tricks, but it is mostly a touch and feel thing.
josephk - Zaino is so easy to apply and wipe of by hand that using a machine (like an orbital buffer) would be an overkill, besides you really have to know what you are doing when you use those machines, otherwise you will damage paint. I do not know how to use those machines, and use my hands. I used to get sore arms from applying waxes like Meguiars. No pain at all with Zaino.
You might also want to get detailing clay (BlueMagic, Erazer, Mother's, Meguiars), and Dawn dishwashing liquid. Before using Zaino for the first time, wash the car with Dawn, clay it, and then wash it once more with Dawn and rinse well. This will take an extra hour or so but you will not regret doing it.
As for applying Z-2 or Z-5, I spread it on the applicator with my fingers and massage it into the applicator beforehand.
Has anyone had any experience with Image10 polishing system? I just saw a little write-up in MotorTrend. It is pricey, but MT says it is better than any other wax products available in USA.
Go to the Container Store or somewhere similar and buy a few 1 oz bottles with a nozzle top so you can squeeze out the Zaino. Using the one oz bottle it's easy to tell if your putting on to heavy or too light.
If your halfway done with the car and the bottle is almost empty, you know you're going too thick.
Sal's rule is about 1 oz per car. I find this accurate for mine (Intrigue).
Comments
http://www.cyburban.com/~afyodoro/mypics/autos/300m-zaino2/jpgs/
sorry no thumbnails yet
Nice pictures you have there! *8) How many coats of Zaino did you hav on thar awesome car?
I just bought a BMW 323i in Titanium Silver and clayed and Zaino'd it. I would also recommend the claying. It did make the finish smoother, and it also forced me to really look over every inch of the car.
As for the Zaino, it really makes the car shine. The only problem is that it's pretty hard to see where you leave off when applying it.
All in all, the entire Zaino line has performed as advertized. It's worth it.
I have been happy with car wash (few times a year) at gas station (mostly because I am physically challenged and don't want to spend a lot of time and money on the car), until I got this '99 dark blue Odyssey. Everytime after rain, the dirt on the van is pretty obvious. I can't stand it and am open to any solution, easy one though
My goal is to keep the van "look" clean.
My ideal solution:
1. least work and easy to apply
2. last longest (at least 8 month for waxing)
3. inexpensive
From what i read from this thread, looks like NuFinish - for durability (maybe clay before that) maybe the answer? Also, can anyone comment on NuFinish's paste and liquid on durability and time spent (I assume they are in can and bottle respectively)
Thanks
The coats of Z2 (or Z5) are wiped off after they dry to a haze (anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours). You need to wait 24 hours before applying the next coat.
If you have any other questions, you can email Sal Zaino directly. He is excellent in responding to questions.
Hope this helps.
A clean car would probably take a couple of hours maximum. About the same as any paste wax. Only thing to watch out for is textured black plastic trim. It will get in the cracks and is near impossible to get out.
If I may make a suggestion to everyone here: When taking a photo of your car, try to avoid full or overhead sunlight. You'll find pictures taken in early morning and late afternoon will have somewhat more character, as the sun won't be washing out many details.
I'd love to see all of your cars online! I'd like to do the same, but have been too busy.
Guitarzan, you may have already, but if not, see my '98 Chrysler JXi convertible here: http://www.homestead.com/convertiblencats
You're right about the full sun washing out some of the car's details. My car looked much better in early evening than some of the pics of it with 12 o'clock noon sunshine.
After you have finally taken the Zaino step, could you please keep us posted and include some photos of your car before Zaino (i.e. with Meguairs), and after coat(s) of Zaino.
Thanks.
http://www.cyburban.com/~afyodoro/300m-zaino2.html
guitarzan - I was thinking along the same lines too. My digital camera has a hard time capturing all the details when it is very sunny.
Also - I have pictures of my pre-Zaino 300M at:
http://www.cyburban.com/~afyodoro/autos.html, although it is dirty like a pig there, after a snow storm.
Here's a question...
Winter salt is unavoidable for many of us. Other than the undercarraige spray option and the car wash (ugh!), what do you guys do to thoroughly remove the undercarraige salt and dirt?
One can use a brush, paint body
(the nylon ones on a 18 in or so handle) and warm or hot water with a car wash solution. If you just spray the undercarriage, it still sets up with dirt clinging to the undercarriage.
Again, your pictures are just great. Much better than the ones I took with a 35mm. And guitarzan, your idea about early or late day sun is very good. I'll try it next time. Thanks.
"claying"? Thanks.
A chemical compound which resembles "clay" in rubbed over the surface of the car's finish. A lubricant is used to make this process easier. The clay picks up the very small pieces of dust which have embedded themselves into the clear coat (or wax finish). This type of dust is usually referred to as: "Rail Dust". It is the residue from brake pads plus other environmental junk. A lot of this dust is metallic, and after it rusts (oxides), it leaves very small pits in the finish. Over time, these small pits eat away at the finish and degrade the paint. Claying makes the finish very smooth in addition to removing these particals.
Claying the finish before applying wax (or a more advanced polymer such as Zaino) will help the wax or polymer to really protect the finish and make for a much better shine.
Do it!
I assume I can buy
this at any auto parts
store. I own a 95 BMW
525i. I think I'll use
it before applying any
wax. But I also own a
99 Passat GLS 2.8. I
noticed that there is
a fine scratch on the
hood. I tried Mother's
Carnauba Wax. Did not
take it out. It's a
very fine scratch. Can
anyone recommend
something else? I heard
wax with polymers
weren't good for German
paints. Some say
polymers create a
clouding effect.
-Tommy
thx
=al
Thanks
Although a scratch may be "fine", it can be minor or rather deep. If minor, polish should due the job. If deep, touch up paint may have to be applied. There are a few brands of clay around, and you should be able to buy them at a store like "Pep Boys" or over the Internet (See Erazer.com).
Polymer based finishes such as Zaino are just fine for any car paint which is covered with a clear coat. The Passat is a good candidate for Zaino. In fact, using the Z5 Zaino polishing compound might handle those fine scratches.
Guilty dog,
I too had the same problem. After 2 washes with Dawn, I still had some residue in those small hard to get places. Like in the cracks on the side of a metal logo. I took a tooth pick and carefully rubbed the wax residue than washed again with Dawn and lots of water. It helped some, but I can still find a few places where I didn't quite do a perfect job. Well, no one else noticed.
I have used Zaino polish on my BMW, and the results are awesome. It's a 99, so I dont know if the paints are different, but I have not noticed any clouding.
aljee - the camera is SONY Mavica 700. Saves images on a floppy disk (about 20 of them) in jpg format. I like it a lot but it can be picky with lighting conditions. It works best when there is enough light. Sometimes it does not make the right decision about using flash. Sometimes it does not focus on the object (or it does but right when you press the button it goes out of focus). Very good battery life.
All - I added a few more pictures of Zaino-ed 300M. It has not been washed for a week but still shines:
http://www.cyburban.com/~afyodoro/300m-zaino2.html
Great pictures - and the lighting seems better too. 'Guess you are right about lighting where you use early morning and/or late afternoon sun.
A slight problem: I've found a few small water spots on my front hood. They are under the Z2 layer. 'Must not have caught them after my second Dawn washing and Z2 application. 'Tried Z6 but to no availe. Any ideas.
since you have used both the meguiars and the Z,
do you find any noticeable difference between
the two in terms of protection, shine and
durability ..?
regards
binu
Zaino was easy to apply and wipe off. So far I am really happy with its shine and it is lasting pretty well. It has been through a few rain showers but still looks great, minimal water/dust spots.
Don M>
I would like to maintain this new-car gloss of Jaguar's ten-step painting process, so I know I should not use wax with abrasives in them yet. I would be infinately grateful if a few of you could provide an extensive list of what products a new car buyer should purchase to maintain the paint, the wheels, and the interior leather, plastic and wood in top shape. Thank you SO MUCH...
Very truly yours,
-Joseph K.
All cotton white towels and Zaino gets my vote. Use multiple coats to really deepen your ten step paint process shine. The Z site could give you all info.
http://www.zainobros.com/
Sal emailed to me his tips but I have a few other questions... Do I need to be extra careful not to get overspray of Z-6 onto non-painted areas like rubber trim, chrome trim, and windows?
Do any of you have some tips on how to keep the fuzz and lint from new towels down to a minimum.
One more question, exactly what type of Dawn should I use. I have some that's called "extra care" it's in a green bottle and the Dawn is clear.
Thanks for your help!
I found that as you go (spray a bit, wipe off, spray a bit, wipe off), the towel gets slightly soaked with Z-6. I fold my towel, so I have one side slightly soaked, other side dry. You can actually use some Z-6 that's in the towel instead of spraying.
I have not had problems with lint or fuzz from the towels. Zaino-ed surface is so slick that fuzz mostly slips off. Light wind also blows it all away. Z-6 does great antistatic work. When I wipe off Z-2, I can feel that the paint surface is statically charge from rubbing the towel. After I apply Z-6 - the surface loses the charge.
Use regular Dawn, not the one that has been improved to be easy on your hands. That one has lubricant additives.
The key to Z-6ing is realizing just how little and thin a mist you need. Even Sal himself admits that his bottle doesn't spray a fine enough mist, what you have to do is either dillute it with some water, and then spray lesser amounts. If you overspray it simply removes itself if you spray over it again using the correc method the second time around.
If you DO make an error, the ONLY way you are going to see it is if you look at the paint in a VERY well lit environment, you'll notice A yellowish brownish haze, sometime no color at all, on my black car it looks colored, BUT BE SURE that you have PROPERLY applied the Z-6 before adding another coat of Z-5 or Z-2, if not, you'll wind up with a shiny car with a noticeable haze under the surface... and it can be quite nerveracking if your not sure what it is...
-The Darkness
Ditto on Ruski's post. He seems to have the drill down. I think also I hear you are concerned with towel lint so a wash and dry with no fabric softener might be of benefit.
I actually use Z-6 on all the places you mentioned. It seems to keep exposed and unexposed rubber seals very,(gee how would you say?)Ah, seems to give a lot of protection.
I have been using Zaino on garaged and ungaraged vehicles for app 6 mo now; and can tell you it is a lot easier to apply and take off than many posts have questioned. I think some of the concerns are due to the fact that Zaino started his product marketing to the most exacting SHOW car segment.
-The Darkness
-The Darkness
'had the same problem with Z2 as I applied it on a cool damp day. And probably put too much on.
Question: What is the best way to apply that "just the right amount" of Z2 with the Zaino applicator pad? Yep, used Z6 to dampen it first and then put Z2 on the pad. Then wiped across the surface with very little pressure. Maybe I should put more Z2 on the pad and wipe quicker over a wider area. Or should I use less Z2 on the pad and wipe a smaller area? Comments please.
No, resist the urge to use those powered machines.The paint and clearcoat are app the thickness of a paper grocery bag. Over the long term, the less friction you apply the better. Zaino's Z-1, Z-2, has a curious problem of needing far less product than other products. There are procedural tricks, but it is mostly a touch and feel thing.
You might also want to get detailing clay (BlueMagic, Erazer, Mother's, Meguiars), and Dawn dishwashing liquid. Before using Zaino for the first time, wash the car with Dawn, clay it, and then wash it once more with Dawn and rinse well. This will take an extra hour or so but you will not regret doing it.
As for applying Z-2 or Z-5, I spread it on the applicator with my fingers and massage it into the applicator beforehand.
Has anyone had any experience with Image10 polishing system? I just saw a little write-up in MotorTrend. It is pricey, but MT says it is better than any other wax products available in USA.
If your halfway done with the car and the bottle is almost empty, you know you're going too thick.
Sal's rule is about 1 oz per car. I find this accurate for mine (Intrigue).