Another newb eager to learn

ogie_s

New member
Hello everybody! I just recently discovered this forum and I'm glad I did 'cause I've now found out just how much I have to learn about proper detailing. Now I want to learn as much as I can because here's the situation I'm in:



The local Infiniti dealer finally got the new black G35 coupe I ordered after months of waiting for the manual models and I absoutely love it! I've been anticipating getting this car for a long time and decided to purchase some proper detailing stuff to do it right this time around (I confess to not doing a good job with the finish on my previous car, also black). I ended up getting a starter set of MFs, sheepskin mitt, etc from Exceldetail and bought a set of Zaino based on what I've read here and on other forums. I haven't used any of it yet though because I have a few questions which I hope you guys can answer:



1. The dealer told me not to wax the car for 30 days (something about letting the paint cure) - is this true or just some sort of old wive's tale? I understand Zaino is a sealant rather than a wax so does this also apply?



2. Do I need to wash the sheepskin mitt and MF applicators before first use? If so, how? I read in some of the posts and FAQs that MF towels can be machine washed but does that also hold true for scrubbers and applicators?



3. The Zaino instructions say to use Dawn the first time for washing but don't explain how exactly to use it. Can someone please explain?



4. Can I use a quick-detailer with Zaino and what would be a good one to use? Can Z-6 be used for quickdetailing?



Whew, sorry for the long-winded post. I did try to search but couldn't seem to find the answers I was looking for.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.
 
:welcome to Autopia ogie_s



1. The dealer told me not to wax the car for 30 days (something about letting the paint cure) - is this true or just some sort of old wive's tale? I understand Zaino is a sealant rather than a wax so does this also apply?

A: Polish or Waxing New Vehicle: New cars with OEM water based paint are cured at high temperatures, sometimes as high as 300 degrees in special baking ovens and can be waxed the moment it is rolled out of the manufacturing plant. New cars go through the painting and baking process without any of the rubber, plastic, and cloth components installed. This is why they can expose the cars paint to such high temperatures.

These high temperatures and special paints used at the factory level ensure the paint is fully cured by the time the car leaves the assembly line.



2. Do I need to wash the sheepskin mitt and MF applicators before first use? If so, how? I read in some of the posts and FAQs that MF towels can be machine- washed but does that also hold true for scrubbers and applicators?

A: Pre-soak applicators /towels in 120oF water and a detergent rinse, wash by adding 1-2 ounces of a washing liquid to standard size (8 gallon) load, for larger loads or heavily soiled laundry, add 3-6 ounces. As a pre-spotter: dilute 1 part concentrate with 3 parts water, apply to stain and launder as usual.



Do not use fabric softener (most contain silicone that the towel will adsorb and it will weaken the towels static charge thereby reducing their effectiveness) towel will also treat the fabric softener as if it was dirt by trying to store the tiny particles of the softener in the towel fibres. This will clog up the micro fibres and render the towel ineffective. Add a teaspoon per towel distilled white vinegar in place of a softener, the vinegar doesn't coat the fibres but instead works to eliminate detergent residue. Vinegar (Acetic acid, pH=2) works well in the rinse cycle to make your towels softer.



3. The Zaino instructions say to use Dawn the first time for washing but don't explain how exactly to use it. Can someone please explain?

A: Dilute Dawn one/two drops of Dawn liquid in a bucket of water and wash surface. The idea here is to remove any oils / grease from the paint surface before applying Zanio. (This should be considered a one-time thing to use dishwashing liquid to clean a paint surface as prolonged use with also remove oils /plastifiers from trim causing them to dry out and crack)



4. Can I use a quick-detailer with Zaino and what would be a good one to use?

A: Iz Lackfinish is a good QD (QDâ€â„¢s are very much a matter of your choice)



4a.Can Z-6 be used for quickdetailing?

A: yes, but although itâ€â„¢s a good QD it would not be a cost effective.

JonM
 
Thanks for the info, TOGWT. I've been reading some more of the guide and hopefully if the weather here finally cooperates I'll be able to detail the car soon.



Ogie
 
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