Alright, I've read everything and am almost ready to buy my supplies, so I thought I'd though out a few questions.
I Live in Arizona so just wax is out due to heat and time restraints.


1) What is the difference between Z2 and Z5?
2) Although I realize everyone has there own opinion, (and 90 % comes from prep), how do Zaino Z2/Z5, Poorboys EX-P, Menzerna's FMJ and Ultimite compare with each other in terms of both results and ease of use?

 

Oh, another question, How important is a Porter Cable?

seems like it will make my life easier, But I'm afraid I'll put marks into the paint.

 

1. Z2 has higher optical qualities making it a nicer finish. Z5 has more filler characteristics and therefore hides scratches more. when i did my detail after receiving the car, i put two layers of Z5, then a layer of Z2.
2. my opinion will not count for much as i've only used Zaino and Four Star UPP. the zaino is relatively easy, but requires you to 'work' the sealant onto the paint. applying several layers can be taxing. applying Four Star UPP, however, is a breeze, as you can use a PC. this literally takes 5 minutes.

second post: this depends on the quality of your finish. naturally, for a new car, your finish should be near perfect. you would not require a compound that needs to be worked on the car with a PC. it will not put marks on your paint if you use it correctly. there's a plethora of information on Autopia.org on how to use a PC correctly.

If you are ok with spendng 115 dollars or so, i would highly recommend getting the zaino ultimate kit. has Z5, Z2pro, ZFX, and the leather cleaner/conditioner. the interior products are fantastic!

Steps to follow (which are outlined on the Zaino website):

wash with Dawn Ultra non-scented
clay using any QD or soap and water for lube
rewash if you like (i didn't and find it unnecessary)
Z5 w/ ZFX
buff off
Z5 w/ ZFX
buff off
Z2 w/ ZFX
buff off
Zaino tire shine.

btw, you can also use Z5 or Z2 on your rims. i put a layer of Z5 with the first layer of the paint, then got lazy as it was a B|TCH to put on and take off of the rims.

hope this helps.

 

alright finagle.. you convinced me.. i just ordered the ultimate kit for my black g37.. we'll see how well it works!

 

IMO, the PC is an extremely important piece of your arsenal if you wish to keep your G looking new. Don't consider it a cost, consider it an investment. I apply all of my polishes and sealants with my PC. Applying a sealant via PC is much better than hand since it takes a fraction of the time and it will apply it in a much more evenly. PCs are very easy to use, so don't worry about doing more harm than good when you use it.

 

I don't think you'll be disappointed John!

 

it wasn't you i was trying to convince, but the more Zaino users the merrier i suppose

Hey Shane, have you put Zaino Z5 or Z2pro on with a PC? it's sort of a taboo topic on the Autopia forums, but i never really took away a clear answer. i did it all by hand as it's not really all that difficult. just time consuming.

 

Yep, I sure have. I've appy both Z2 and Z5 with my PC and it does a great job IMO. The only thing that I don't apply with the PC is a Carnuba.

 

All right, so I'm convinced to buy one. I go to Autopia and keep reading about this Ultimate Detailing Machine. But it seems almost cultish? no disention. does anyone know if it is better than a PC?

 

I've never used a UDM, so I can't speak from personal experience how well it works in comparison to a PC. I remember a thread over on Driver regarding UDM vs. PC so you may want to do a search over there.

Check out George's website here for pricing on his PC and accessories. He's got some great info on the right hand side of the page as well regarding the polishing process.

Once you have a PC, you'll wonder how you managed without one.

 

thanks for the reply. i'll definitely be giving this a shot next time.

i know pads are different from one to another, but do you just use the highest pore count pad? ie. finishing pad?

also, knowing the mantra of Zaino is "the thinner the coat the better", do you still only out about a dime size blob or a very thin ring on the pad? also, i'm assuming you apply at about 3-4 speed with very little pressure to apply thinly?

EDIT: sorry, i just realized that i totally jacked the thread.

 

Naw, It's cool. I would have ask the same questions in a day or two anyway.

thanks for the great information.

do you also take it off with the PC? which pad?

 

if you wanted to take it off with a PC, you would use a bonnet over a pad. either an MF bonnet, or lambswool. i think i've used a terry cloth bonnet for this before also.

honestly, though, if you wait a sufficient amount of time for the wax/sealant to dry, it should buff out extremely easily and can be done by hand in the same amount of time as a PC. you have to remember that even though you use the PC, it won't reach into tight or contoured spaces.

 

I'm in the same situation w/ Goofy, I have a Black G37, less then a week old but mine came w/ swirls. Is the Zaino Ultimate kit the way to go for car wash, wax, protection and everything else? This is my first car and I'm pretty much new to maintain cars, esp black ones.

 

The Zaino ultimate kit will be great for protecting the paint surface of your G. Just keep in mind that they won't remove any existing swirls you have. Also, Zaino makes sealants, not waxes.