Very excited to report I have a new PG G37 in the driveway and I'm looking for tips on getting started in detailing the car and making short work of keeping it clean in the future.

I intend to clay bar it this weekend to remove any contaminants and give a fresh surface for doing something good! I've got a bar of Sonus fine clay somewhere and intend to use that.

In the past I've used waxes like One Grand Blitz Wax and P21S and got good results. The downside is the durability. Now I know lots of people are ready to chime in with Zaino but honestly Z8, Z5, Z 41/2 followed by Z84 isn't short work by the sound of it (no idea about Z this or that just seems like a lot of steps and therefore money). I've had friends who use Zaino on german (cars) and they look alright but miss that depth of shine in my opinion. There's a thinness and delicateness to the G37 paint that has me nervous. BTW I'm not saying its inferior, just different.

The german paint responds very well to the very good waxes and gives great results but I suspect this is going to be a somewhat different proposition. I'm currently thinking to give max shine and durability - clay bar - rinse - something like a sealant - then a wax on top for depth.....Any thoughts anyone? Does the wax 'bond' to a sealant?

Cheers,
Phil

 

Sonus Fine Clay - Klasse Gloss Sealant - Sonus Paint Cleanser - PS21S works great! Sure other combinations do too. Paint cleanser and P21S really added a deep shine. Durability of the big shine will be limited I expect but Klasse stuff should be around a while for protection.

When i went to clean the wheels i was astonished to find no brake dust - fantastic!

Couple of gotcha's - door handle rubber entry buttons grab wax in tiny grooves and its a bugger to get out. I have some film like material on lower rear qtr panels and wax likes to get under that too. Easy enough to get out just a little added extra effort.

Noticed 2 or stone ships on front bumper already after only 800 miles. I'm going to explore paint protection stuff I think..Anyone got any suggestions?

 

I havent gotten into clay bar yet, but with these ideas I will prob go to the Auto Shop tomorrow. I did spend a few hours on the rims with Mother's Polish. It works really good to keep them looking clean and makes brake dust a breeze to wipe off.

 

Do both. This is what I do on my own G and also when detailing customer's vehicles. Use a sealant for the durability and a Carnuba for the added depth and gloss. Zaino Z2/Z5, Poorboys EX-P, and Menzerna's FMJ are all great sealants. My favorite Carnuba is Natty's Blue Paste Wax from Poorboys. It really looks amazing on darker colors. Optimum Car Wax is another good one. It's a spray Carnuba so application is quick and easy.

A couple of things. If you decide to apply both a sealant and a wax, make sure you apply the sealant first and then the Carnuba........it can't be the other way around. Also, it's recommended to let your sealant cure for 24 hours before applying the Carnuba.

Have fun!

 

Where do you get all these waxes from (zaino, poorboy's, sonus). I went and bought some wax today but I didnt see anything like this. I wanted to get a clay bar but they didnt have anything good. I only have 300 miles on my baby so far so i don't think i really need it yet. I just want a nice glossy wax to protect from future bugs.

 

^ I get all of my detailing supplies from George at www.detailedimage.com. He gives a 10% discount to G members. He's a fantastic guy to deal with.

 

But Geaorge dosen't have Zaino, does he?

 

zainobros.com

 

Thanks guys, I ended up going with Zaino's ZFX, Z2-Pro, Z18, Z-7, and ZPC. I got the ZPC to do my 2001 Z28 Camaro. I can't wait 'til it gets here.

 

Mr. Heat,
Let's hear the results!
I've never tried the Z stuff myself but I have friends who swear by it. Perhaps someone who's tried Klasse Sealant v.'s the Z numbers can chime in? I can't tell them apart when i've been to local car shows which makes me want to order the one that works with a single application - Klasse.
My PS21S ran out so ordered some Natty's. Sounds very promising!

 

I will def take some before and after pics and post.

 

It really all comes down to personal preference......and nothing more. Whether you use Zaino, Poorboys, Menzerna, or Klasse, they are all great sealants. They all offer great protection for your paint. Some are a little more durable than others, some are a little easier to apply, and some will give you a little different appearance than others. I find Zaino Z2/Z5 gives a less plasticy look than Poorboys EX-P, however the EX-P is a little easier to apply. My point is that it is all about personal preference.

Happy detailing.

 

Thanks. I think when the Klasse runs out (I'll do my wife's 4 sq. acre SUV again which should comfortably finish it off) I'll try something else. Menzerna FMJ looks interesting - any comments on how that rates in terms of ease of application?

As you say with sealant and wax on top they all probably look and offer far better protection that not having anything on it.

 

I haven't personally used FMJ yet (although it's next on my list), but George from Detailed Image has stated that it's the EASIEST sealants to use. He said that it's slightly less durable than Zaino Z2/Z5, however the ease of use makes up for it. FMJ will be my next sealant of choice for my business.