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Waxes and Polishes, Part III
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Check www.mothers.com
--Mike
What wax/polish do dealers or manufacturers (Porsche in particular)put on new cars? I am considering the use of Zaino on a new Boxster.
If you can afford a Porsche Boxster, why not pop for 16 bucks and give Zaino (Z1 & Z2) a try. If you're worried about potential damage to your new car, why not put it on your current vehicle, just to see what it does. It certainly won't break the bank.
If you really want to know specifics about the product, e-mail or call Sal Zaino. He's just a car nut who happens to make a great product. Oddly enough, he's the only one who has an economic interest in his product, but he's probably more low key than anyone on these boards. He'll answer your questions, give you suggestions, and do what he can to help you. Try that with Meguires, Dupont, turtle Wax, etc.
I didn't think that manufacturers ever waxed their cars. They do usually recommend their "own" car waxes, which are usually something like Rain Dance packaged under their own label.
To my knowledge, none of us have any financial interest in Zaino products (maybe we should see if we can get some renumeration from Sal). I know I certainly don't. The one thing we do have in common, is that we all believe that Zaino products are the best we've used. True, Zaino is not mass marketed. By word of mouth is the only marketing I can see from satisfied customers. You can't even get it by ordering on the Zaino WEB site (which is the only negative I can think of with regards to the products). You actually have to send in an order form or call Zaino Bros to order (no credit cards). I know that Sal has some distributors in North America), but I'm not one of them.
I'll bet if you try some on your Boxter, you'll be hooked too. Don't really know what Porche recommends.
1. The brushes or wipers can and will scratch your paint. They can also pick up grit from dirty cars run through.
2. The detergent that they use must be VERY strong to guarantee that it gets all cars clean the first time. Most likely strips your wax. This also holds for hand washing places.
If your black car is new, it can be buffed out with a glaze. Also, Z6 fill scratches optically.
After this, please stay away from car washes!
Pat
Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
I know that others have posted having difficulty wiping it off because it wasn't dry, but I have never had that problem from day one. The only thing that would make ZAINO have to stay on the car for "hours" is high humidity. Whenever I have used ZAINO, by the time I'm finished applying it, it's time to start wiping it off. It all sounds complicated at first, but believe me, it's a cinch to apply and wipe off. The only negative is that it is hard to see where it has been applied. This is especially true if you already have several coats on the car. If you concentrate on what you're doing, you won't have a problem at all.
One secret is to use the Z-1/Z-2/Z-5 sparingly. If you use too much, then you will have to wait longer for it to dry. I had done a lot of reading BEFORE I applied the ZAINO to my 99 300M, so I was aware of this.
Yes, Sal is always more then willing to answer any and all questions about his products. I think that just about everyone who uses ZAINO has spoken to or e-mailed Sal at one time or another.
If you want to see the shine on my DAILY driver, then just follow these links-
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/7501/ or
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/7501/oct991.html Enjoy.
fastdriver
Claying did not change the color of the paint. It did little if anything to my new Odyssey. On my black Acura, it changed the color in the sense that it took so much gunk out of the paint that all of the haze and film is gone and it looks a lot darker than it had for a long time, despite regular care. I expect it will look even better if I 'Zaino' it in the spring.
I guess the Honda dealers did a very good job of handling your Odyssey's finish. When I first clayed my Honda Accord Coupe ('98 EX V6), there was a lot of stuff left in the clay. And I had really washed it before I started claying (ie: Dawn, etc.).
I'm not sure what they did with the Ody before I took delivery (it was only on the lot a few hours). I had requested they didn't wax it (as I already had my Zaino order - 6 days from the day I put my order in the mailbox - not bad!). After washing with Meguiar's soft wash (my personal preference - it's very slippery and has done a decent job for me over the years), I clayed it to see if I got anything out of the paint - I didn't. Since it was my first time claying, I figured I might not be doing it right, so I tried it on the ol' Acura and got the results I described above. They must have washed the Ody at the dealership, but they did a nice job as there were no swirls or fine scratches in the surface before applying the Zaino (and there certainly weren't after!). Last time I washed it, it was still swirl-free. It's supposed to be nice this weekend, so we'll see how the Zaino holds up to snow, ice, sand, and salt.
I will file a report, of course. ;-)
Good luck with your first Zaino application. By the way (since it is now winter), I'd wait until you can get a day when the temperature is over 40 degrees. Below 40, Zaino's Z2 (and any other product) will take longer to dry. The ideal situation would be to use an indoor garage.
Sergeich,
Wow, those spots ARE ugly! But I can't tell if they are residual rust spots, some sort of chemical or paint residue, or a paint defect related problem. You really should call Sal Zaino. He really is the expert. And his web site is: www.zainobros.com.
I know it's a 1999 model, but if I remember correctly, you just bought it- NO?
I would go right back to the dealer ASAP and show them. I have never seen anything like it. If you wait too long, the dealer will do nothing.
fastdriver
Do you think that the dealer is smarter than you and me? I have a news for you - he is not.
All what the dealer can do is to make it worse.
Good Luck!
But it seems that I can't access your web site (http://www.erazer.com/) anymore.
Anyone in this group tried Erazer Clay?
Meanwhile, I found a post by erazer. He lists his email address as wk4it@aol.com (johnn kucala).
You might also want to investigate Zaino clay at www.zainobros.com or Clay Magic (I don't have a website for that one). I know that Sal Zaino would be willing to give you any advice necessary.
Good luck! Let us know what happens.
Pat
Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
Once my vehicle arrives, should I inform the dealer to do no prep, ok to wash, or do it myself?
appreciate your informed comments.
sergeich - You really don't know what the dealer will do until you discuss this with them. As fastdriver says, the longer you wait, the less they are going to do. They do not know that the dots didn't just appear this week, right? Don't wait - get your complaint on record ASAP.
Tp, As for when your vehicle arrives, I would first find out if the dealer has "in-house" or "outsources" the detailing for their vehicles. If they do in-house, simply walk to the back, and talk with the person doing the detailing to find out EXACTLY what they do to "prep" and/or clean the vehicle, if the dealer outsources the detailing, you can find out where they take it, and ask the same question. Now, once the vehicle arrives, and you notice these contaminants, you can point them out the the detailer and request that they be removed prior-to you taking possession of the vehicle. If they don't implement "clay" into their process, I would recommend that you either request that they do a "clay cleaning", take it to a detailer, or do it yourself.
Hope my input helps, and oh, sorry about the long posts people, but I want to be clear, concise, and thorough.
John
Very informative site.
It wouldn't be a bad idea to clay your car, either (erazer, jump in here at any time) before you Z1/Z5. Claying won't remove the scratches, but it will remove all the nasties in you paint so the finish is easier to care for. Plus, claying will leave your paint smooth and remove the imbedded dirt and atmospheric fallout that's probably accumulated on your car.
Z5 is not an abrasive like the "glazes" are. So it won't take any layers of clearcoat off your finish.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Enjoy the shine.
Disclaimer: Use this information at your own risk.
step 1--Wash with Dawn Blue dishwashing liquid
step 2--clay following the instructions that came with your clay bar
step 3--see step 1
This may or may not remove all of the nufinish, but it will remove enough of it that you will have a finish that is ready for whatever wax/polish you may choose
If you're not satisfied with the results and are interested in Zaino, go to the zainobros.com WEB site and e-mail Sal as to how to remove nufinish. He's the "guru".
pblevine--my wife says that sometimes I use "graphic" language when driving.
THE ACID BATH IS NOT SAFE FOR THE USER, FOR THE PAINT FINISH OR SAFE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. This procedure using an "acid wash" was used early on (notice the date of the bulletin 1991) and was proven not to work. Actually, some today (that are not up to the advancements of paint cleaning technology in the past 9 years from the date of the bulletin) have still attempted to use the procedure with no luck, they ultimately had to use a quality "clay" to remove the iron particles. The acid mentioned in the "ford acid process" is toxic and can be seriously damaging to the paint!!!!!! Read the TSB to confirm my statement, it clearly states the dangers and risks of serious damage using this "acid process".
To set the record straight......this acid ingredient is not present in "clay". "CLAY" IS NON TOXIC AND DOES NOT CONTAIN ACID AS MENTIONED ABOVE.
The time involved, in-effectiveness and risk of danger using this "acid" cannot be compared with the safe, effective and environmentally friendly process of doing a "quality clay cleaning".
tel5: The method defined in graphicguy's post is the way to go.
rs_petty: Don't use that 3M Hand Glaze. It (the Hand Glaze) is a smoke and mirror trick. Basically, that stuff is wax mixed with mineral oil. The oil covers the surface scratches and pits in your finish - sort of like how water will cover pot holes. They're still there but you can't see them. The oil will, however, leach out during the first rain. Body shops use this Hand Glaze to cover up mistakes and misc. scratches when returning a cars to nervous owners.
Within that range of usage, the stuff ain't so bad, but if you wax over it...It will be like trying to put kitchen plastic wrap on top of a lake. A solid on top of a liquid will not be stable. If you want a beautiful shine which is long lasting and actually protects your car, try Zaino.
If the only anecdotal evidence you will believe is your own, Try it! As a point of argument; it can't be any worse than what you use now!!??
I know that those of us who use ZAINO sound like we own stock in the company, but that's not the case. We are just so pleased with the way our cars look and the shine that we have and the ease of use, that we just want to share our results with everyone.
If you want to see more ZAINO pics, click here- http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/7501/oct991.html
fastdriver
I do not mind spending the money if the product delivers the "bang for the buck". I would appreciate if a group of impartial people conduct a series of side by side comparison and post the results in an accessible place on the web (this forum is a very good site). Any suggestions?
Thankyou all.
It's kind of funny...products such as Meguires, et.al. who have a fair sized advertising and marketing budget, produce magazine ad's, store displays, etc. which encourage people to try their product. This is viewed as more reliable data than the ACTUAL CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS. People think that the ones who aren't being paid a nickle to promote a product are somehow suspect, while the guys whose entire livelihood depends on selling the product are more believable.
Whatever. If a person has enough money to buy a decent car, then they surely should be able to afford less than $20 to find out if Z is really as good as most of us fanatics say it is. If Sal only had a more aggressive marketing department. Then again, maybe that's good. Fewer cars will shine as nice as mine.
1) Wash with "Dawn" dish detergent
2) Clay using "Clay Magic"
3) Wash again using Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner
4) Apply Meguiar's "Show Car Glaze"
5) Apply Meguiar's "Medallion Premium Paint Protection"
6) Use Meguiar's "Final Inspection" for ongoing touch-up as necessary between washes.
Following initial treatment, plan to do following:
1) Regular washes
2) Reapply "Show Car Glaze" twice/year
3) Reapply "Medallion Paint Protection" 2-4 times/year
4) Use "Medallion Premium Paint Cleaner" once a year
Car will not be garaged or covered.
Any thoughts, suggestions, comments?
What makes you think that those of us who use ZAINO AREN'T IMPARTIAL?????????
I have used ALL kinds of waxes/polishes over the years. Then I found the wax/polish topic here and started reading. I thought- what the hell, I've tried all kinds of stuff, what's ONE more!
I do NOT regret my decision for one minute! It's the longest lasting, best shining, easiest to use polish that I have EVER used.
The ONLY way for you to be convinced, per your message above, is to order it for yourself and try it. Then you tell us if it's "expensive snake oil"!
If you go back to parts one and two of this topic, you will see that these "side by side" tests have been done. Personally, I don't care what polish/wax you use. I know that my car will outshine yours ANY day- clean OR dirty with ZAINO!!!!!
fastdriver
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/7501/oct991.html