Sorry for asking so many questions. I hope you don't mind, but I respect your work.(great job Shane on the two cars over on g35driver.) WOW!!!

I know my thinking is flawed, so please correct me:

If I use Zaino, the only place I really need to use a PC is for Polishing. If I start out properly, wash correctly, and don't get swirls, then I wont need to use the PC?

Call me crazy, But If I invest in the machinery, I want to use it. Is there another sealant that will perform better but that you need a PC for?

 

i understand your thinking here, but as shane stated, you CAN use the PC to apply the Zaino sealants.

having said that, it's not THAT difficult to apply the zaino sealants by hand. what i would honestly suggest, if your paint has no swirls, is to forgo the purchasing of a PC as the moment and just purchase the Zaino kit. When you finally DO get swirls-and you WILL get swirls eventually-then you should purchase a PC and a more abrasive compound/polish that can take care of them.

i'd see it as a poor investment to start off if you bought a PC and it sat around unused for a year until you actually needed it. you could do something with that 100+ dollars during that year... like buy beer or something

 

My black Journey/Sport also came with swirls and a few minor scratches. The sales consultant had a detailer take care of it. Unfortunately, it didn't look much better. I took the advice from another thread and approched the sales guy. He aggreed to compensate me for the cost of going to my own detailer - even after I told him the price ($375). They did my wife's "03" Volvo Wagon and it looks great. Obiously more road rage but no swilrs as on my "08" cuope.

 

so wats the difference between sealants and waxes? would u need to do both?
if so, in which order?

I'm also in the same boat...looking to clean the car right from the beginning.

been reading and researching...prolly gonna go with poorboy's products

 

A carnuba wax is a natural product (resin from a specific type of palm tree) A carnuba wax will last anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on the quality of the carnuba and your washing habits. I find a carnuba gives a really nice deep and wet look. Carnuba waxes can come in either a liquid or paste.

A sealant is a synthetic product made from synthetic polymers. It does the same thing as a carnuba but is much more durable. Sealants last 4-6 months, so you don't need to apply them near as often as carnubas. Sealants come in liquid form only.

People, including myself, use both products. I use a sealant for it's durability and a Carnuba for the deep wet look. You need to apply the sealant before the carnuba. A carnuba can bond to the sealant, but a sealant can't bond with a carnuba. It's recommended that you let your sealant cure for 24 hours before you apply your carnuba over top.

 

Btw, I'd HIGHLY recommend you read Kevin's thread that is stickied here in this section.

https://www.myg37.com/forums/car-care-and-detailing/141057-detailing-and-caring-for-your-ride.html

 

thanks for the info...i think i'll be ready to wash my car soon...jus need to cough up the dough for all these things

especially the porter cable

 

oooh and another thing.....if i'm about to get a clear bra installed, should i clean the car before taking it in? ie wash, polish, sealant/wax?

or can i just give the car a regular wash...soap, water and dry it with towels

car is still clean since delivery....which was only a few days ago

 

if it were me, i'd detail the whole thing before going in. it would just make me feel better.

 

How much is the dealer quoting you for the clear bra?

 

I'm psyched!! everything ordered and on it's way. car ready to be picked up. the perfect storm will hit this weekend!!

Ordered:
UDM
Meguires car wash (have on hand)
sheep skin mitt x2
Zaino- ZFX, Z2 pro, Z5 pro,Z6, Z8, ZCS, and clay bar
Natty’s Paste Wax Blue
4 MF waffle weave large towels
2 all purpose MF towels
2 MF small detailing towels
2 MF glass towels
Aerospace 303
Lexol leather conditioner


Does anyone know if the UDM pad colors are the same as the PCs?
Next I need to order some polishes. george gave me some suggestions that I'm going with.

 

not going with the dealer....i think it'll be around $600

 

whats the differnce between sealents and waxes?

 

See post #20 of this thread.

 

Can anybody who's purchased the Zaino Ultimate kit give me a quick rundown of what to use first?

I'm pretty sure I'll have to wash it w/ the Z-7 first then dry, after that should I claybar it or use Z-2 then Z-6? And which bottles should be used w/ their applicator pads?