Detailing Yellow Porsche/Swirl Marks

P

porscheC4S

New member
Hello,



I am new to the forum. I have been searching around gathering bits and pieces of information, but I would like to put it all together. I have a 2003 Porsche C4S that has swirl marks and a few paint chips. This is my second Porsche and it seems the paint chips so easy. Also, my wheels gather a ton of brake dust and it seems I can never get them completely clean. I have been washing it with either Zaino or Zymol products but mostly by hand. I just can't seem to get that look that alot of people show here. That "totally new car look". I want to use top quality products, so what are my steps for achieveing that new car look. I saw this link with the Boxster and mine is in similar shape. My questions are:



1) What exterior washes, waxes, polishes should I get? Zaino and Optimum seem to be very good.

2) I probably need a polisher (Hitachi?)

3) What pads do I need and what are the proper steps?

4) What do I use to get the heavy brake dust off my wheels and how do I make them look new?

5) What about the tires?

6) What do I use on the interior? Should I continue to use Zymol?



Thank you for all your help!!
 
1. Everyone's got their own opinion on this - personally I like Chemical Guys' 50:50 Paste Wax on a yellow car. For polishes, I usually go Menzerna or Optimum - either one is a fine choice. Optimum is more user-friendly, Menzerna delivers more gloss if you are using a rotary and proficient with it.



2. If you have the money, get a Cyclo. They're not cheap but one of the guys is blowing out a few of them at 180 apiece (look at the going out of business sale in the Trading Post). If not, get a PC.



3. Get the new Cyclo Dual Precision system. The pads are double-sided and based on the Edge2000 system. While I'm not sold on the Edge2000 for rotary (I do just fine with LC pads and a backing plate) its a huge leap forward from the current Cyclo system (I've had 1 backing plate failure and 11 pad failures in 2 years). Get it at Autogeek or any number of other vendors. Get atleast one double-sided orange set, one double-sided green set and one green/white pad set. If you use optimum:

Optimum Compound/orange

Optimum Compound/green

Optimum polish/green

For Menzerna:

PowerGloss/Orange (if necessary)

IP/orange

FPII or PO106ff/green.



4. P21S gel, allowed to soak on. Or Meguiar's wheel brightener, I like it but you will want to read the forum and instructions very carefully before using it, as it can damage some wheels if used improperly. I've never had a problem with it.



5. Clean tires with a stiff brush and any APC diluted 1:1. Dress with your product of choice - I like Chemical Guys' O-Shine or Top of the Line's Grape.



6. Whatever works for you is fine - Zaino's Z10 and Z9 are great for leather, as is anything by Leather Masters. Zymol is fine if you're happy with it.
 
Thank you so much for the reply. I never heard of Chemical Guys, I will have to do some research. I am a first type rotary user, so what is the best way to learn how to use one and what are the steps involved (how many coats, etc)? I have a second car I could try it out on that I don't really care about. Thanks again, its a huge help!
 
I wouldn't buy a rotary for your first time unless you've got a lot of spare time and spare panels to practice on. Start out with a PC or Cyclo, and then get a rotary. If you start with the rotary, and don't have it down, you will make a mess of holograms and you'll have no way to fix them. If you have a PC or Cyclo, you can use the rotary and then remove any hologramming by PC or Cyclo.
 
I agree, stick with a Cyclo or PC. Pretty goof proof unless you drop either one on your car! You will need cutting, polishing and finishing pads. I use Optimum and Meguiars polishes and I have also used Menzerna. All three brands have excellent compounds, polishes and glazes/finishing polishes.



Your best bet to combat the brake dust is to make the switch to ceramic brake pads.
 
Scottwax said:
I agree, stick with a Cyclo or PC. Pretty goof proof unless you drop either one on your car! You will need cutting, polishing and finishing pads. I use Optimum and Meguiars polishes and I have also used Menzerna. All three brands have excellent compounds, polishes and glazes/finishing polishes.



Your best bet to combat the brake dust is to make the switch to ceramic brake pads.
Click to expand...





Scott - you missed Clearkote! Don't you use them anymore?



X2 on the new pads.
 
First off search for" Deanski" for Porsche dealing tips.

Second get a PC or Cyclo.

Third concentrate on the PREP (polishing)

Fourth:Find a product line and stay within their systems.

Fifth:
MVC-024S.jpg




Prep Z-PC by PC

Z5PRO/ZFX x2 Z2PRO x1

CS X 2 (1 week apart)

Z8 after every wash or Z6 after Cali dusting
 
porscheC4S said:
Hello,



I am new to the forum. I have been searching around gathering bits and pieces of information, but I would like to put it all together. I have a 2003 Porsche C4S that has swirl marks and a few paint chips. This is my second Porsche and it seems the paint chips so easy. Also, my wheels gather a ton of brake dust and it seems I can never get them completely clean. I have been washing it with either Zaino or Zymol products but mostly by hand. I just can't seem to get that look that alot of people show here. That "totally new car look". I want to use top quality products, so what are my steps for achieveing that new car look. I saw this link with the Boxster and mine is in similar shape. My questions are:

Thank you for all your help!!
Click to expand...



1) What exterior washes, waxes, polishes should I get? Zaino and Optimum seem to be very good.



There are many good products so there is no one answer. The two you listed are very good.



2) I probably need a polisher (Hitachi?)



Unless you have something else to practice on I would not suggest a rotary for a first time tool especially on a Porsche. The PC will do wonders for you.



3) What pads do I need and what are the proper steps?



There are many great pads. Lake Country makes most of them. As far as steps just download the free guide to detailing and read, read, read. It will teach you a ton.



4) What do I use to get the heavy brake dust off my wheels and how do I make them look new?



Take your time cleaning them. Get the proper brushes to reach all the crevices. Take them off the car and clean them very good and wax/seal them. This will make them easier to clean.



5) What about the tires?



There are tire specific products and wheel/tire products. Eagle One A2Z works very good for OTC on wheels/tires



6) What do I use on the interior? Should I continue to use Zymol?



If it works for you keep on using it. 303 aerospace has UV inhibitors as well as FK108.







I hope this helps
 
Read this detailing guide by this forum's owner.

http://autopia.org/forum/guide-detailing/



You probably have everything you need already.

Concentrate of the polishing techniques illustrated in the guide.



Looks like all you will need is a PC.

Whatever additional products you may need try to stay within one system. Meguiar's, Zaino, Optimum, JW, Clearkote, Klasse, Danase, Poorboys, etc.



It's not the tools but the craftman and this craft you can easily take on with practice and patience.:xyxthumbs



Have fun
 
tdekany said:
Scott - you missed Clearkote! Don't you use them anymore?



X2 on the new pads.
Click to expand...



Yes, quite often. However, I do most of my corrective polishing with Optimum and to a lesser extent, Meguiars. I do find that Clearkote Compound is very effective on GM and Mercedes paint, so sometimes when all else fails, it works. My bottles of Vanilla Moose, Pink Moose, Red Machine Glaze, Carnauba Moose and Quikshine all get regular use.
 
As a fellow Porsche owner ( '06 997 C2S-Black) Porsche paint tends to be on the soft side.



First, obtain the correct tools ie; Porter Cable polisher or Cyclo, and assortment of pads from cutting to finishing. Washing equipment; sheepskin mitts, several buckest for wash and rinse. Then you need compounds and polishes to correct it.



From what I see in this thread, and from others experience with Optimum compounds and polishes, you're on the right track. These polishes and compounds are of high quality and results are extremly good. There is also Menzerna polishes, but I'd first get used to a polish that is more designed for a PC as Menzerna is mostly made for rotary polishers which are used by the trade in experienced hands.



No matter if you choose wax or sealant, you HAVE to get the finish looking as god prior to finishing with wax or sealant as this will give the highest shine. Wax/sealants only protect. Yes, some add gloss, but you're really amplifiing it with wax/sealant.



As always, start with the least abrasive polishes/compunds first, then work up.



Wheels on a Porsche depending on which one can be a PITA. P21S wheel cleaners are quite well at handing them.



Regards,

Deanski
 
I would first like to say, thank you to everyone who has replied. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. I will definitely read through the guide and will start buying the necessary equipment. I do have some further questions:



1) Cyclo versus PC? While it seems PC should do the trick, is there any advantage in getting a cyclo?



2) This may be a silly question, but Zymol and Zaino only offer a polish while Optimum offers a compound and a polish which seems a lot of people here use. Should I just stick with Optimum because they offer both? Can I mix and match? Should I mix and match?



3) Sealer/Wax. I currently use Zymol wax and have used Rejex which someone suggested. Honestly, I don't and can't tell the difference. Maybe I am not doing it right? What should I use, a sealer or a wax, or both together perhaps I switch off?



4) Leather care.Again I have been using Zymol and I still get "stretch" marks. Is there a way to get rid of this? Is there something else I should use.



5) Tools: I have the sheepskin wash cloth, 2 buckets and have a wheel brush. What other tools should I get and where should I get them? Is there a kit that you would recommend?



Thanks again. I sincerely appreciate it!
 
porscheC4S said:
I would first like to say, thank you to everyone who has replied. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. I will definitely read through the guide and will start buying the necessary equipment. I do have some further questions:



1) Cyclo versus PC? While it seems PC should do the trick, is there any advantage in getting a cyclo?



2) This may be a silly question, but Zymol and Zaino only offer a polish while Optimum offers a compound and a polish which seems a lot of people here use. Should I just stick with Optimum because they offer both? Can I mix and match? Should I mix and match?



3) Sealer/Wax. I currently use Zymol wax and have used Rejex which someone suggested. Honestly, I don't and can't tell the difference. Maybe I am not doing it right? What should I use, a sealer or a wax, or both together perhaps I switch off?



4) Leather care.Again I have been using Zymol and I still get "stretch" marks. Is there a way to get rid of this? Is there something else I should use.



5) Tools: I have the sheepskin wash cloth, 2 buckets and have a wheel brush. What other tools should I get and where should I get them? Is there a kit that you would recommend?



Thanks again. I sincerely appreciate it!
Click to expand...





That is a common misconception that zaino is a polish. It is NOT a polish, rather a sealant which is used AFTER paint correction is done. I just bought some Optimum compound and polish and they both work great. If you do choose to use zaino as a sealant, use whatever compound and polish you want to use first, wipe down with a 50:50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water, and then apply zaino. Keep in mind though that zaino is not your only option. Many use Jeffs Werkstatt and get outstanding results and very good durability. You will find that there are literally thousands of combinations, you just have to find one that works for you. Hope this helps.
 
Zaino Fusion - Dual Action Paint Cleaner Swirl Remover



• Safely removes minor scratches, swirls, oxidation, wax buildup and other blemishes

• Features the world's first true self-dissolving, fused tri-particulate, diminishing abrasive system

• 100% compatibility with all painted surfaces and Zaino paint products

• Water-based formula means no mess, no staining, and easy clean up - no fillers or oils

• Can be used in sun or shade on cool surfaces

• VOC compliant

• Perfect your paint with Zaino Z-PC Fusion



NOTE: Zaino Z-PC Fusion IS ABRASIVE and should only be used when necessary. Z-PC Fusion is not intended for frequent use. Z-AIO is meant for minor cleansing and light marring.

Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner Swirl Remover: Zaino Store
 
blkZ28Conv said:
Zaino Fusion - Dual Action Paint Cleaner Swirl Remover



• Safely removes minor scratches, swirls, oxidation, wax buildup and other blemishes

• Features the world's first true self-dissolving, fused tri-particulate, diminishing abrasive system

• 100% compatibility with all painted surfaces and Zaino paint products

• Water-based formula means no mess, no staining, and easy clean up - no fillers or oils

• Can be used in sun or shade on cool surfaces

• VOC compliant

• Perfect your paint with Zaino Z-PC Fusion



NOTE: Zaino Z-PC Fusion IS ABRASIVE and should only be used when necessary. Z-PC Fusion is not intended for frequent use. Z-AIO is meant for minor cleansing and light marring.
Click to expand...



Oops. Thought he was talking about z2 or z5. My bad...
 
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