So I guess the Zaino takes about 5-6 hours of hard work. I guess I could do that but I'm just sooo lazy.

 

Actually, it is the thorough cleaning that is the hard work.

Applying the Zaino is very easy and removing it is also easy. 15 minutes to apply and 15 minutes to remove. The hour wait between coats can be devoted to reading g35driver.

Again, I wouldn't be intimidated by the Zaino stuff... it's getting the car as clean and debris free as you can that is the real work and that will be needed no matter what product you use. During the six hours of doing my wife's old car, I also accomplished about two hours of gardening. Hey, I'm older than you guys.

 

saltidawg - when I get zaino in, I'm sure I'll have about 100 questions on what to do when, how, blah blah. Be prepared for a lot of questions in a few weeks

 

I have only used it once - and that was this past Sunday. The Zaino site has a pretty good narrative, which I printed out and used as directions. Also, I should add that I have not tried out the competing systems. Also, there is some good reading in the Detailing Forum.

What I will say and stand by it, that after you have completed cleaning and using the clay bar, the application of the Zaino stuff is not at all hard work... I likely will Zaino my minivan this weekend. (Hey, I told you I'm a little older than most here.

 

i washed yesterday ... i spent a good 2 hours yesterday .. and it rained today a little bit and spoilt the whole thing :S ... argghh! .. the worst part of a black car is ... cleaning it .. because dirt starts appearing soo much faster ...grrr

 

Maybe someone can explain the process of using the clay bar. I did read some DIY's but was under the impression that if you used too much force with the clay on your paint it could really damage it. Because our paint seems pretty weak to begin with is there a way to determine just how much pressure to apply?

Also read that most of the clay bars out on the market are the same - but to avoid the Mother's brand.

 

Clay bars are great!! You have to keep it wet though. It takes off everything!! Bugs, tar, sap, you name it, it comes off. Then you have to wax.To use a clay bar first wash your car to get the main dirt off the car. Then once that is done you then get your trusty clay bar out and either use detailer wax or water(water is cheaper) and keep the area you are working on wet and rub the bar across the spots were you have water stains, bugs, tar, sap, whatever is on the car. Once you have done this(2-3hours to do whole car) you can the rewash and then dry and wax.

 

wnt1bd,

Good explanation. One minor difference if you follow Zaino's approach... instead of plain water they have you use water with a small amount of their car washing detergent added to it.

Re the concern about damaging the paint, you are dragging/pushing the clay across the slippery surface. In other words, you are shearing the tar off the surface of the paint. Any force directed normal to the paint surface is only to insure that the clay contacts all of the depth of the tar as you push against the side of the tar.

By "tar" I really mean any contaminate.

If that is not clear, it will take sitting down with a few beers to clarify it.

 

LOL, I'm for the few beers!!

 

How about beers and a demonstration?? LOL

 

do any of you know where i can find a self-clean place? i don't have a hose readily available since i live in a condo and not a house. it'd be nice to give my ride a good long clean up session!

 

Where are you located?

 

carwash at Pratiks!!!!!

 

haha. Sure! As long as you dont mind the single driveway and the massive steep incline it has.

 

i'm out by tyson's corner...so pretty much anything in southern md or nova is good by me.