Best way to detail a daily driver?

N

nysimonsez

New member
I've been doing a lot of reading on this site to research the different methods and products that people are using on exterior detail. I just bought a dark blue '04 Toyota 4Runner as a daily driver and want to do a complete exterior detail. I would say the paint condition is generally good; however, I think it hasn't seen any sealant/wax for a while as water doesn't bead anymore. Being this is a daily driver, I'll probably have to do the detail over a couple of weeks and will be driving it during that time.



Question #1:

Since the paint has a number of scratches (don't think any is deep based on fingernail test), swirls, and paint chips, what should I focus on first? My inclination is to polish out the scratches/swirls first and apply sealant. Then the following week I'll go back to do spot repair on the paint chips by applying alcohol to the chips. Does this sound logical, are there better steps?



Question #2:

Since I'm new to PC polishing, I'll be ordering the PC, pads, and polishes. I've been using Zaino a number of years and have a lot of supplies left so I'll probably stick with them for LSP. My question is not which polishes are better to use, but more on which products can be used together. So below is my list and sequence to do the detail. Please let me know if that's the right order and if any steps is redundant:



1. Dawn wash

2. clay

3. Zaino Z7 wash

4. Menzerna SIP with orange pad

5. Menzerna 106ff with white pad (or Zaino Z-PC)

6. Optimum Poly-seal on gray pad (is this necessary at all?)

7. Zaino Z5 pro

8. Zaino Z2 pro



Being new to using a PC, please also comment on whether the pad selection is correct for each polish/LSP. I'm hoping to order what I need by tomorrow and start work next weekend. Thanks alot for all you pro's help. I'm really glad I found this site as it showed me what I've been missing all these years.
 
I'd skip the Dawn wash, and clay using Z7 as the lube, i.e. no need for an another wash after claying. Also, I would eliminate the Opt Poliseal from the process, it is not necessary and will not really accomplish anything incremental at that stage.



My process would be:

1) Clay, using Z7 as lube, no need for another wash

2) Polish w/ Menz sip/106ff, or you can use ZPC instead of 106, your choice really.

3) Finish off with Z6 to prime the surface for Zaino polish.

4) Apply Z5 or Z2 in either combination you prefer. Finishing with Z2 may yield a slightly more reflective look, although it would take a well trained eye to really notice any difference.

5) You really need Z8 for the "grand finale" (pun intended ;)) It will add another dimension of gloss, and depth, as well as additional protection on its own. If you prefer, you can also use ClearSeal to lock in your hard work.

6) Guaranteed you'll gawk at the beautiful result!
 
nysimonsez said:
I've been doing a lot of reading on this site to research the different methods and products that people are using on exterior detail. I just bought a dark blue '04 Toyota 4Runner as a daily driver and want to do a complete exterior detail. I would say the paint condition is generally good; however, I think it hasn't seen any sealant/wax for a while as water doesn't bead anymore. Being this is a daily driver, I'll probably have to do the detail over a couple of weeks and will be driving it during that time.



Question #1:

Since the paint has a number of scratches (don't think any is deep based on fingernail test), swirls, and paint chips, what should I focus on first? My inclination is to polish out the scratches/swirls first and apply sealant. Then the following week I'll go back to do spot repair on the paint chips by applying alcohol to the chips. Does this sound logical, are there better steps?



Question #2:

Since I'm new to PC polishing, I'll be ordering the PC, pads, and polishes. I've been using Zaino a number of years and have a lot of supplies left so I'll probably stick with them for LSP. My question is not which polishes are better to use, but more on which products can be used together. So below is my list and sequence to do the detail. Please let me know if that's the right order and if any steps is redundant:

Get LOTS of the right kind of MF towels.



1. Dawn wash

Fine.

2. clay

Fine. Don't forget your glass and wheels.

3. Zaino Z7 wash

Nice. Remember to sheet as much dry as possible.

4. Menzerna SIP with orange pad

Fine. Make sure you do your research and take you time letting the Menz polishes break down properly. PC really slows this process. Use your detail spray during the polishing process.

5. Menzerna 106ff with white pad (or Zaino Z-PC)

Orange pad first then white pad. See previous step advice.

6. Optimum Poly-seal on gray pad (is this necessary at all?)

Not IMO.

7. Zaino Z5 pro

Nice!

8. Zaino Z2 pro

Awesome! I agree with the Z8 advice! Really a good product line.



Being new to using a PC, please also comment on whether the pad selection is correct for each polish/LSP. I'm hoping to order what I need by tomorrow and start work next weekend. Thanks alot for all you pro's help. I'm really glad I found this site as it showed me what I've been missing all these years.
Click to expand...



I use EDGE pads so my color reference is via the EDGE color chart.
 
nysimonsez said:
1. Dawn wash

2. clay

3. Zaino Z7 wash

4. Menzerna SIP with orange pad

5. Menzerna 106ff with white pad (or Zaino Z-PC)

6. Optimum Poly-seal on gray pad (is this necessary at all?)

7. Zaino Z5 pro

8. Zaino Z2 pro

.
Click to expand...



9.___ Clearseal

10.__ Z-8

11.__ WOW!:xyxthumbs





.
 
My TL is a DD, but I treat it if it's like a garage queen.



I use:



Z-AIO

1x Z-5p w/ ZFX

Z-CS

Z-8



Z-7/ONR/Z-6 in between waxing.



I'm starting to get lazy, so I might go the Z-AIO, Z-CS route. This combo looks great without using the reg Z polishes.
 
Macruz19 said:
... I might go the Z-AIO, Z-CS route. This combo looks great...
Click to expand...



I couldn't agree more. Fast, easy and professional results. I use the "Triplets" on all of my cars, from daily drivers, to weekend toys!
 
Luster said:
I couldn't agree more. Fast, easy and professional results. I use the "Triplets" on all of my cars, from daily drivers, to weekend toys!
Click to expand...





Ohh yes. The Z Triplets. Great combo as well.
 
Thanks alot for the recommendations guys.



I don't have Z-CS, Z-AIO or Z8 yet so I guess I'll need to order those. I still have a bottle of Z2 left so I want to use it, can I put that after the Z5 coats and before Z-CS? Is the Z triplets an alternative to the Z-5/6/2 process?



Over the weekend by chance I got a glimpse of the 4runner's body in bright direct sunlight and took a close look and boy, swirls galore. I guess I should've expected it since I know it hasn't been waxed in 1+ yrs and was dealer washed. I couldn't see it under my garage lighting so I think I'll need to invest in a halogen light too.
 
nysimonsez said:
Thanks alot for the recommendations guys.



I don't have Z-CS, Z-AIO or Z8 yet so I guess I'll need to order those. I still have a bottle of Z2 left so I want to use it, can I put that after the Z5 coats and before Z-CS? Is the Z triplets an alternative to the Z-5/6/2 process?



Over the weekend by chance I got a glimpse of the 4runner's body in bright direct sunlight and took a close look and boy, swirls galore. I guess I should've expected it since I know it hasn't been waxed in 1+ yrs and was dealer washed. I couldn't see it under my garage lighting so I think I'll need to invest in a halogen light too.
Click to expand...





Just stick with the Z polishes (Z-2/Z-5) first. If you like using the Zaino line, then go ahead and buy the rest. I started using Zaino in Oct 06 and first bought Z-2p. Then I eventually bought the whole set and love using them. IMO, you don't wanna buy the whole set and find out you don't like it and you wasted your money.



You also want to make your car mar/swirl free before applying Z, especially Z-2 pro. Makes the paint very bright and you can see the paint defects in direct sun.... but that's where I only use Z-5p which darkens my car a little :)
 
nysimonsez said:
I still have a bottle of Z2 left so I want to use it, can I put that after the Z5 coats and before Z-CS?
Click to expand...



Yes.



Is the Z triplets an alternative to the Z-5/6/2 process?
Click to expand...



The idea of the triplets is to make your process EASY. The first step is ZAIO. It has some paint cleaning ability, so although you could add it over Z2p or Z5p, you don't gain anything by doing that. Clearseal and Z8 are the two "eye-poppers". You can use Clearseal and Z8 over Z2p, Z5p, ZAIO, or BARENAKED paint for that matter!



Over the weekend by chance I got a glimpse of the 4runner's body in bright direct sunlight and took a close look and boy, swirls galore.
Click to expand...



Yeah, those swirls will need to be polished out. The Zaino products (Z5p) will make them look better, but polish will take them out.



BTW... I've used Clearseal over virgin clearcoat and it looks fantastic. I came back a week later and gave it a 2nd coat and it looked even deeper and richer... just a thought.



I can Clearseal my Corvette in a little over 5 minutes. I give it a nice coating about every 2 weeks during "cruizin" season. Z6 daily. Z8 before every cruise night... Looks great all the time.
 
Macruz19 said:
You also want to make your car mar/swirl free before applying Z..
Click to expand...



Yeah, IMO sealants and daily drivers aren't the best combo for most people. Sealants really only look good (at least to me) when applied to a perfectly-prepped finish.



IMO getting *and keeping* a daily driver marring-free is a pretty tall order for most folks. Yeah, other people do it and I myself keep the minivan good enough for a sealant, but every wash is a pretty demanding ordeal when there's no margin for error. One slip during one wash and you'll have some marring show up when the lighting is right.
 
question:



I live in Hawaii where we have lots of sun, salt air, passing showers and dust. Thinking of using the clear seal. If i put in on correctly (after AIO), what kind of durability time frame can I expect out of Clear Seal? Keeping in mind, i have a Daily driver that's out in the sun all day long from 8am - 5pm.



Aloha!
 
spamlova said:
question:



I live in Hawaii where we have lots of sun, salt air, passing showers and dust. Thinking of using the clear seal. If i put in on correctly (after AIO), what kind of durability time frame can I expect out of Clear Seal? Keeping in mind, i have a Daily driver that's out in the sun all day long from 8am - 5pm.



Aloha!
Click to expand...





Hard to tell, but I'm sure Florida is pretty similar to Hawaii, but here in FL we get a few freezing nights. Check out my thread.. http://autopia.org/forum/detailing-product-discussion/101002-06-accord-protected-z-aio-z-cs-vs-real-world.html



I did my sisters Accord using Z-AIO and Z-CS combo. I did it in December 2007, and right now it's holding up very well still. Lots of rain, dust, and some freezing temps. The surface is not as slick, but is still beading very well.



I'd also like to add before using the Z-AIO and Z-CS combo on my sisters car, I'd used 2x ZFX enabled Z-2p and Z-CS. Now.. to tell you the truth that lasted at least 10 months IMO. Car always shined, and it was always beading.



I'd say it would last 5 months or so before another detail IMO.
 
Macruz19 said:
I'd say it would last 5 months or so before another detail IMO.
Click to expand...



I think that's about right for Clear Seal. I use it regularly. My problem is that I would never wait 5 months to find out.



I use Clear Seal once a month, not because the paint needs it, but because it makes the car look so good and I can apply it in 5 MINUTES with no wiping... Wipe on - walk away!



It is absolutely my favorite of any LSP product.
 
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