| ablatt |
I've had my Black 2003 MDX since December. I've never clay bar'd it nor used Dawn. So far, all I've used is Meguiar's Gold Class Liquid Wax and I'm ready to try something new.
I was debating between Klasse, P21S and Zaino and figure I may as well give the highly-touted Zaino a try.
So help me out here and tell me the proper sequence to use on my slightly less than new black MDX that DOES have a few scratches and swirl marks.
I assume it's something like:
1. Dawn the care
2. Clay Bar
3. Wash Again with Z7
4. Z5 with ZFX
5. Z6
6. Z5 with ZFX
6. Z6
7. Z2 with ZFX
8. Z6
Questions:
1. How much Dawn to use in the pail?
2. Should I bother with the clay bar?
3. I've seen some people just use Z5 on black and not Z2 at all. I thought Z2 was better optically as the last coat?
4. Should I bother with ZFX? Some have said it streaks and doesn't help drying time? |
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| A6MDX |
Detailing Routine
If you have swirl marks and light scratches, I'd recommend using the 3M Swirl Mark Remover. It comes in two versions. Get the one for dark finishes. Insert this step right after the Clay bar step. If you decide not to do this, you may skip the wash after the claybar. The X will be very clean at that point.
I apply multiple coats of Z5 then a final coat of Z2. The Z5 seems to add more depth with each coat. The Z2 finish is slightly more glossy. There is no need to do a Z6 between coats of polish IMHO but it really depends on how long you wait between adding coats of Z5 and Z2. I always wait at least 24 hours between coats so the car gets washed again anyway. Typically I wash once or twice a week and then polish immediately after washing. Within 2 weeks I will have at least 3 coats of polish on the car.
1. Just use a little Dawn. It suds up pretty well. Add more if the suds go away before you are done.
2. I haven't used ZFX. I always wait an hour to remove the polish and I always wait at least 24 hours between coats of polish.
3. I'd recommend going with the clay bar. It really makes a difference, especially if your car has gone through a winter of grime. Try it on the exterior glass as well. Makes a huge difference. |
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| jswift2000 |
| ZFX is a must and I use the same amount of dawn that I would use with car wash soap. The more suds you make=the more dirt it will take. Good luck. I know... that was a corny saying. |
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| Homer2 |
ablatt . .. some thoughts,.
one - if you have the time and energy, get rid of the scratches ans swirls with the 3M swirl remover #39009. since zaino is very clear, you want to remove as much as possible. yes, Z5 does hide some, but better to remove as much as you can . .(if you want)
two - if i was going to 3m the entire vehicle. i would not bother doing the clay first - the 3m and a random orbital will take everything off. this advice is optional - the anal extra careful step is to clay it first . .im just tossing in thought points for you . . . (my car, and not brand new, id clay it first)
three - if in doubt, go Z5 - with darker colours its gotten better "shine reviews" than Z2 from some users. Zaino themselves no longer dictate the z2/z5 colour selection since the formula's have been improved again recently, and you just need to experiment sort of to find what you like better.
four - i ALWAYS z6 inbetween layers (there is a scientific reason to do this- and benefit) if you are multi-layering the same day . .
five, sure, you can avoid zfx and use Z1 if you want. zfx streaks have normally been associated with really hot paint, applied too thick or not properly cleaned cars prior to application. all can be avoided. . . (with the odd exception like using too much zfx in the mix)
six . . .if you 3m the car, it needs to be washed really really well to get rid of the oils left behind.
if you only clay the car - i always sort of skip the Z7 wash afterwards - the reason?
all that you have on the car is dried soap and water (claybar lubricant) - i hit it with a water hose and microfibre wash mitt - the soap lathers back up and rinses off well . . no need for a distinct and seperate wash (IMHO)
seven - well, there isnt a 7, but if you need help or more info - feel free to contact me, Im in your area all the time delivering to customers etc . . . |
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| TheWorm |
Hey, Homer. Clue us in on the recent reformulation of z2 and z5. I've heard some RAVE reviews (even by Zaino standards) and am curious about your experience...
Can you give us a rundown on how we can tell the difference between the new and old z2/z5, and of course the difference in results from using them?
For example, I understand the colors (or colours, up there in Canada) have changed as have the aromas, and that the z5 packaging has changed, too.
Thanks in advance.
TheWorm
(using the really old stuff, I guess...) |
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| Homer2 |
dagnabbit . .. (is that a word?)
this is the price we pay for not helping out in the gulf war?
i only have the new z2 in stock - not the Z5 yet . .
but yes, z5 is coming in white bottles (new formula)
new z2 is same old bottle, but a white cap, not red.
very close to old look and smell . . . (as far as i can tell)
cant comment on the 5 right yet . . .
although, every thing you and i have read about it is likely true .
when was the last time he made something that didnt do what he said it would ? |
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| TheWorm |
Thanks for the additional info. I'm talkin' CRAZY RAVES over at the Autopia board. There are a good number of Zainiacs there, of course, but there are as many fans of P21S/S100/Sovereign/KlasseTwins/etc and many people bounce around.
This is the first time I've actually seen such enthusiasm on a Z reformulation. Usually the info is "just factual" but the reviews have been just insane for both reformulations.
Here's a pic I snatched, which they snatched. Old on the left, new on the right. |
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| DEZRVIT |
| Does anyone know what the difference is from the old to the new?, other than bottle/cap color. |
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| TheWorm |
quote:
Originally posted by DEZRVIT
Does anyone know what the difference is from the old to the new?, other than bottle/cap color.
That Autopia link in my prior post has info...
Better. Faster. Stronger. Presumably better filling properties w/z5, better shine w/z2 and z5, and neither sticks to the ZFX bottle for cleanup. IIRC one has a fresh, new scent, too! |
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| DEZRVIT |
quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
That Autopia link in my prior post has info...
Better. Faster. Stronger. Presumably better filling properties w/z5, better shine w/z2 and z5, and neither sticks to the ZFX bottle for cleanup. IIRC one has a fresh, new scent, too!
Thanks, the non-stick in the bottle clean up will be a welcome change + the added shine. WOW! a great product even better.
Price change? |
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| Skewbeedeaux |
Hey Ablatt:
Just applied first Zaino job on my NBP X. Similar to process you listed, but one Z5 and two Z2 coats.
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| m2pc |
Sweeeet!
Ok,
today is a good day to Zaino:4: |
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| Dick at Incline |
| When we get the new Z-5, let's put together a "Group Buy". Count me in. |
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| megabuck2 |
Great, was just about running out...
Count me in the group buy thing... |
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| Homer2 |
quote:
Originally posted by DEZRVIT
WOW! a great product even better.
Price change?
Yup - but only in Canada - . . .hehehe
the selling prices up here went DOWN ! :eek:
yes, down i typed . . .
last year they went up for the first time in years due to the sliding canuck buck . .
now they have gone back to the previous level since we are getting stronger . . .
amazing isnt it . .. better and cheaper . . . |
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| lester123 |
I too am about to give my "baby" a zano treatment for the first time. Can someone give me a rough estimate of the amount of actual "work time" and "elapse time" to do the complete job.
I forgot to purchase the clay bar stuff; is there something else I could use, like 3M swirl remover? What about using some other brand of swirl and haze remover? |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by lester123
Can someone give me a rough estimate of the amount of actual "work time" and "elapse time" to do the complete job.
I forgot to purchase the clay bar stuff; is there something else I could use, like 3M swirl remover? What about using some other brand of swirl and haze remover?
My guess is about 3 to 4 hours.
With a 2 year old vehicle you will definitely need to do the clay thing.
1/2 hour--dawn wash
1 hour--clay
1/2 hour--Z7 wash
45 minutes--Z5 (with ZFX, or Z1, then Z5 1 1/2 hour)
1/2 hour--Z6 |
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| Skewbeedeaux |
A couple of things I did to minimize time...
1) Clay treatment while wet (did not dry beforehand).
2) Applied polishes SPARINGLY. Since polish works only at point of contact with surface, any more than just a haze is a waste and takes more elbow grease to remove. Also, don't add more ZFX than recommended, I did this once and found it more difficult to remove.
But don't skimp on multiple applications. It does build the shine.
My application scheme:
Dawn
Z18 (Clay)
Z5 w/ ZFX, Z6
Z2 w/ZFX, Z6
Z2 w/ZFX, Z6
Also, Z10 for leather care.
Z6 applications are simply spray and wipe. Removes polish dust between layers.
I didn't time this project, but I think it was about 4.5hrs. |
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| Skewbeedeaux |
| Nice routine. But if I started that on Saturday morning, I'd be late for work on Monday... :D |
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| A6MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by: Skewbeedeaux
Nice routine. But if I started that on Saturday morning, I'd be late for work on Monday...
You've got that right.
I usually do the interior on a different day. |
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| lester123 |
quote:
Originally posted by lester123
I forgot to purchase the clay bar stuff; is there something else I could use, like 3M swirl remover? What about using some other brand of swirl and haze remover? [/B]
Wow, that was some "my detail routine". Thanks for sharing it! By the way, any comments on what to do since I forgot to order the clay bar, and would like to start soon, without going thru the hassle of a reorder. Any substitute items I can purchase at local auto store; my finish seems real good and has no apparent "stains"? |
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| A6MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by lester123
Any substitute items I can purchase at local auto store
Pep Boys, Autozone or the like should have a kit. Clay Magic would be my first choice but Mother's or Meguire's will work also.
Use liquid car soap diluted with 50% water as the lubricant. The kit will usually come with detail spray but I save that for detailing. I prefer the soap solution.
Split the clay bar in half then save one half and flatten the other for immediate use. If you drop the first half, throw it away and go with the spare. The clay bar picks up dirt like a magnet and will transfer that in the form of horrendous scratches on your finish.
After each panel fold the claybar in half and flatten before going to the next panel. Fold the side you were using to the inside.
Use the clay bar on your exterior glass as well. You'll be surprised at how slick your finish and glass will be after wards. (Do not use the claybar on the inside of glass that has tint on it.) |
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| ace3 |
quote:
Originally posted by A6MDX
(Do not use the claybar on the inside of glass that has tint on it.)
Only if it is an aftermarket tint. It's safe on the factory tint. The factory tint is not a film its like smoked glass(I think) or something similar. |
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| Skewbeedeaux |
quote:
Originally posted by A6MDX
Split the clay bar in half then save one half and flatten the other for immediate use.
My Zaino Claybar came as 2 separately wrapped pieces which was nice. No splitting required and another fresh wrapped piece when you need it. As this was my first purchase, I'm assuming that 2pcs./container is intentional. I did not notice a quantity listing on the label. |
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| Homer2 |
| yup - it comes with two pieces . . . |
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| nicksan |
It took me 10 minutes to Dawn wash the car.
Then it took me maybe close to 2 hours, probably even more, to clay bar it...I have a 2001 and it's never been zaino'd/clay bar'd so I had a lot of very small things on my finish. I was real meticulous with this step and I noticed that the paint was not very smooth!
Then I gave it another wash with Z7, which took another 30 minutes. Dried it out using a shimmy...another 15 minutes.
Then I mixed 4 to 5 drops of ZFX with 1 ounce of Z2 and went to work. Another 15 minutes. Waited 30 minutes to let the wax dry/haze. In the meantime I worked on the interior.
Started to buff it out with terry cloth...that took another 15 minutes.
Lastly, I applied Z6...another 10 minutes.
All told, with small breaks in-between, it took 5 to 6 hours. I would say the toughest part is by far the clay bar process. Trying to get out them tiny dirt/bug guts/bird crap stuff is tough work. The stains and dirt mark are easy...but them tiny dirt particles...the nightmare.
I started on my 1999 TL yesterday. I am at the clay bar process. after 2 hours I got the front and the back done. I still have the sides and the roof to go. I have the car in the garage covered up with the car cover. Will continue throughout the week. It's a 99 and it's never been thru the Zaino treatment so it is a lot tougher than my X.
It's great though...the clay bar rules BIG TIME!!!! |
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| hockeyplayer |
quote:
Originally posted by A6MDX
.....
Use the clay bar on your exterior glass as well. You'll be surprised at how slick your finish and glass will be after wards.
hmmmm....I will try that next time. I noticed the windows have alot of crap on them that I can't seem to get off with my ammonia-free cleaner. |
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