There's a lot of conflicting information on here, but from my research I've decided to go with the Zaino Ultimate Protection kit. My '07 G35 Coupe is only 9 months old but the paint looks like it's been put under a sand-blaster. I have holograms, swirl marks, spider-webs, you name it! It's garaged 90% of the time (garage at home and work) so it's out of the elements - and no, I've never taken it through a drive-thru wash. I've always had it hand-washed at an auto detailing place in Beverly Hills, but after really watching what my $50 goes to, I realized this was the source of my problem! They just breeze through it and I think they re-use a lot of their towels which are probably cheap crap.

Anyway, it's too expensive I want to get my car looking like liquid-black hotness again, but I just read that using something like Zaino only "covers" the problem. I'm feeling a little intimidated at the prospect of getting a Porter Cable and "cutting" my clearcoat, as I barely even have a proper driveway to wash my car in!

So, plain and simple - will Zaino restore my poor paint and get my G looking black as sin again? Or should I really invest some heavy $, time and knowledge into buffing down the clearcoat?

 

nope, not a chance. Zaino IMO does a poor job of hiding swirls anyways. It makes for a decent protecting LSP, but compared to other products, its hiding abilities are only average. I don't think you are going to be satisfied with hiding swirls anyways, and you should think about picking up a random orbital and some good pads to really remove them. I wouldn't do it any other way. You also need to either find a new car wash place or start doing it yourself, or your hard work will be wasted the next time the car is washed and the swirls are put right back into the finish

 

^ WHS, I completely agree.

 

'lude & canuck are right on the money. Zaino is only gonna cover (protect) what's already there. You have to create a new base before you put anything on & a PC or other equal orbital will probably be the only way you'll accomplish your goal. Try sending a message to George @ Detailed Image in the detail forum for some really solid advice on products to use. I did and am so glad, he's an amazing resource & isn't just trying to sell product. The guy knows what he's talking about and will share his knowledge. Wouldn't hurt though if you patronized his company since you need to get this done anywayz.

 

Meguiars Wax Did This "dam my car shines"

 

Which one?

 

^^^ the black G

 

Definitely - I'm going to start taking care of the car myself which is why I purchased the Zaino kit. I'm going to pick up some buckets, 100% cotton towels, etc and a good duster for inbetween washes.

It looks like I'll be throwin a few bucks at a porter cable! I'll hit up George for details.

Thanks all.

 

Zaino works very well and is used by detailers for high-end cars as well. However, it will only enhance the paint surface. Unless your paint is well prepped and near-perfect, you won't be happy with Zaino. Prep work is 90% of the entire detail.
The advice I give my customers and other forum members is to have the car fully detailed by a pro with a rotary. Then, maintain it yourself once its well prepped, using your Zaino products.

 

Japanese clearcoat is very soft and black is the most unforgiving color there is. This equals a paint job that demands the highest degree of care to prevent scratching. Your choice of wash mitt and technique will go a long way towards preserving the shine. Start with a good polishing to get the scratches out and then reexamine your washing practices to help keep that shine at its best.

Go here for all the info you'll need.