Lots of Q's! (from a noob)

R

rufuz

New member
Howdy, I was directed to this forum by scottwax because I had alot of questions and he didn't have a whole lot of time, so he figured you guys could help me out.



How long should you let the wax sit or haze before you buff for best results.



How long does it typically last?



When polishing is it "alright" for the car to be out in the sun or is it a must to polish in a shaded area, I also believe that you go from left to right in a sort of streak and you aren't supposed to in a circle?



When applying the 3ms imperial hand glaze should you use a foam applicator or a terry cloth towel?



What is a pc?



When using zaino do you usually apply a wax on top of it, im confused as to if any of the products are a wax or if they are all polishes and glazes.



Is there a common local store that stocks zaino or is it recommended to order online?



Last week I did a little detailing but i made a dumb move and washed my car twice with dish liquid soap. I was told that this strips the wax and over time will take out oils in the pant, but since im waxing I guess its a good thing. Then I clay bar'd with clay magic. After that I polished using 3ms imperial hand glaze and finished off with some top of the line turtle wax. Im about to go out and buy some meguiars yellow #26.



Is there another wax that does not cost alot of money that compares to meguiars #26, maybe klasse? Im a little unsure as to the cost of that and the comparison.



Im just trying to get the best shine with the least amount of money. I think its only a matter of time until i go out and get some zaino or some souveran.
 
rufuz,



That's a lot of questions man!! :eek:



I'm also a noob like yourself. Before I posted any questions though, I did a lot of reading in several of the forum catagories and even did a few searches for the info I wanted. I found that most of my noobie questions were answered that way. Afterwards you can ask more specific questions and you'll find that the good folks here will be more than willing to give you the straight scoop.



Give it a try, and welcome to the best source for auto detailing on the net. :D
 
what jaoboy said, those are too many questions and i did too much detailing today to think :eek:
 
Heh, actually all these questions were after I've searched these forums and another's for 6 hours. Trust me, I used the search button :rolleyes:
 
I usually start with a nice firm grade of fine sandpaper. This helps get the dirt off, but wont hurt the finish. Then I wash the car multiple times with paint thinner. After this point, I wipe butter on my brake pads to make them smooth and not squeek. Of course dont forget to performance enhancing crystals to your gas tank. (aka sugar). These tips will help your car become the best looking thing ever out of Japan.
 
How long should you let the wax sit or haze before you buff for best results.



It really depends on the wax. Pinnacle waxes say it can be wiped off while wet without any time to haze on the surface. MEguiar's, Blitz, and other waxes must haze up on the finish. Please read manufacturers directions on dry time needed.



How long does it typically last?



Again, it depends on the wax. Pinnacle looks the best but doesn't last long, primarily reserved for garage queens or on a daily driver if you plan on waxing every few weeks. Blitz and Collinite waxes are some of the longest lasting waxes out there (carnauba.) The Meguiar's and 3M waxes fall inbetween Pinnacle and Blitz/Collinite. Polymer sealants are in a league of their own, far more durable than carnauba, but offers less depth/warmth. There are polymer sealants that try to look like carnauba which last longer than carnauba's but less than the "standard" polymer sealants. The "standard" polymer sealants are Klasse, Meguiar's #20, and Zaino (plus a few others), and the polymer carnauba look a likes are Blackfire and Platinum.



I would give Klasse/Zaino 6 months on daily driver (I am up to about 12 months on cars I detail, next week, they will be re-done.) 12 months or more on a garage queen.



When polishing is it "alright" for the car to be out in the sun or is it a must to polish in a shaded area, I also believe that you go from left to right in a sort of streak and you aren't supposed to in a circle?



I would polish in the shade so the solvents in the polish won't flash off and you'll be working with a wet polish. If the solvents/lubricants dry off on a hot panel, its going to make a rougher polish and the finish will be softened and this will make the finish have a hazy appearance. I find polishes work well on a 70-75 degree day in the garage, or in some autopian's cases, a nice air conditioned garage so the outside temp won't matter.



If polishing by hand, use a linear movement. If you use circular you will introduce even more swirls into the paint because of the abrasives.



When applying the 3ms imperial hand glaze should you use a foam applicator or a terry cloth towel?



This is a personal preference here. If the paint is in decent shape then I would go with a terry applicator if I did not clay, if the paint is in good condition or if I clayed it, then i would use foam. Others use MF applicators.



What is a pc?



A PC is the Porter Cable Dual Action polisher (many model numbers 7424, 7335, 7336.) Most popular is the PC7336 from Lowe's for $110 or so with sanding kit, then get the pad kit from CMA (www.properautocare.com ) and you're set with a great all around polisher and pads.



When using zaino do you usually apply a wax on top of it, im confused as to if any of the products are a wax or if they are all polishes and glazes.



No, Zaino is a polymer sealant. the only thing you will apply above Zaino is either Z2, Z3, Z5, and a wash with Z7 or QD with Z6. This is what Sal says is best (heck I'm not going to argue with him but you can do whatever you want, its ok to experiment.)



Is there a common local store that stocks zaino or is it recommended to order online?



e-mail Sal or call ( www.zainobros.com) for a local distributer that may take credit cards, or order from him direct.



Last week I did a little detailing but i made a dumb move and washed my car twice with dish liquid soap. I was told that this strips the wax and over time will take out oils in the pant, but since im waxing I guess its a good thing. Then I clay bar'd with clay magic. After that I polished using 3ms imperial hand glaze and finished off with some top of the line turtle wax. Im about to go out and buy some meguiars yellow #26.



Is there another wax that does not cost alot of money that compares to meguiars #26, maybe klasse? Im a little unsure as to the cost of that and the comparison.



Turtle Wax?!?!?!?!?!?!? Ever since trying Blitz and Pinnacle waxes, I retired my can of Meguiar's #26 paste wax. I do have a bottle of the #26 liquid when speed is more important though (PC and finishing pad, application is soooooo easy.)



Klasse sealant will outlast and outshine Meguiar's #26 in the long run. The Klasse is more economical because you use it less, and use less per application than #26.



Put can't compare apples to oranges. I would give Blitz wax and Pinnacle waxes the edge over Meguiar's #26.



Im just trying to get the best shine with the least amount of money. I think its only a matter of time until i go out and get some zaino or some souveran.



What kind of shine are you looking for? How much time are you willing to spend?



Klasse + carnauba (Pinnacle, #26, Blitz, P21S) will offer protection along with carnauba shine (wet, darkened.)



Zaino will offer a mirror like shine, showing the ture color of the paint.



It all depends on what you like and what results you are looking for.



Jason
 
Quattro said:
I usually start with a nice firm grade of fine sandpaper. This helps get the dirt off, but wont hurt the finish. Then I wash the car multiple times with paint thinner. After this point, I wipe butter on my brake pads to make them smooth and not squeek. Of course dont forget to performance enhancing crystals to your gas tank. (aka sugar). These tips will help your car become the best looking thing ever out of Japan.
Click to expand...



wtf you been smokin??? lmgdmfao......







P.S. just to note, please DONT take this guy's advice.... ;) :scared
 
Quattro said:
I usually start with a nice firm grade of fine sandpaper. This helps get the dirt off, but wont hurt the finish. Then I wash the car multiple times with paint thinner. After this point, I wipe butter on my brake pads to make them smooth and not squeek. Of course dont forget to performance enhancing crystals to your gas tank. (aka sugar). These tips will help your car become the best looking thing ever out of Japan.
Click to expand...





Please let it be the rum and coke, please let it be the numerous glasses of rum and coke I had...................



:eek: :eek:
 
How long should you let the wax sit or haze before you buff for best results.
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depends on the wax.... most are wipe on/buff off..... others its best to leave sitting for about a half hour before buffing to allow proper adherance.



How long does it typically last?
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Again, depends on the wax, some, like Meguiar's #26, can last 2-3 months with proper upkeep. Others, like Meguiar's Gold Class, only lasts 3-4 weeks.



When polishing is it "alright" for the car to be out in the sun or is it a must to polish in a shaded area,
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Probably better to be in the shade..... makes the products easier to get off, instead of baking them in.



I also believe that you go from left to right in a sort of streak and you aren't supposed to in a circle?
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yes, go in straight lines. Moving in circles causes swirls in the paint.



When applying the 3ms imperial hand glaze should you use a foam applicator or a terry cloth towel?
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I would recommend using foam applicators for all of your finish products only. Use a terrycloth applicator pad to apply all polishes as this will enhance the abrasive action of the compound.



What is a pc?
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It's a random-orbit buffer, made by Porter Cable.. The 7336SP/7424. This is used to make the job of swirl removal and polishing much easier, without the risk of burning paint. Retails from $109+.



When using zaino do you usually apply a wax on top of it, im confused as to if any of the products are a wax or if they are all polishes and glazes.
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They call it a polish. Technically however its a polymer-based paint sealant (aka does not contain wax, but its actually better than wax for shine, protection, and endurance). With Zaino, you are not supposed to put a wax over the top of it.



Is there a common local store that stocks zaino or is it recommended to order online?
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No stores carry Zaino. You must order it, but it is done thru the mail. Go to http://www.zainobros.com/ to read more.



Last week I did a little detailing but i made a dumb move and washed my car twice with dish liquid soap. I was told that this strips the wax and over time will take out oils in the pant, but since im waxing I guess its a good thing.
Click to expand...

Don't worry about it. If you're working with a semi-modern car, there are no real concerns regarding "oils" in the paint anyways. And you're right, by waxing afterwards, all you've done is prepped the surface for wax well, by removing anything else that was on the car before. Just be sure that after you wax it, you use an auto-specific soap to wash, in order to keep the wax protection on the car.



Then I clay bar'd with clay magic.
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glad to hear it!! thats one of the best surface prep products out there.....



After that I polished using 3ms imperial hand glaze and finished off with some top of the line turtle wax.
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3M Imperial Hand Glaze is great stuff for lightly polishing the surface and slightly hiding the swirls. Now as for the turtle wax, read on:



Im about to go out and buy some meguiars yellow #26.
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Excellent. Meguiar's #26 is one of the most durable, easy to work with Carnauba-based waxes I've ever worked with. You'll be much happer than with the "Top of the line Turtle Wax."



Is there another wax that does not cost alot of money that compares to meguiars #26, maybe klasse? Im a little unsure as to the cost of that and the comparison.
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First, lets stop compairing apples to oranges. Meguiar's #26 is a carnauba based wax product. Klasse is a polymer based paint sealant product, which contains no wax whatsoever. Klasse is slightly more in cost than #26, and from the sounds of things, you would be better off beginning your detailing journey with #26, as it is more available than Klasse in the local venues. As for an alternative carnauba wax, perhaps consider One Grand Blitz Wax. The cost is compairable.



Im just trying to get the best shine with the least amount of money. I think its only a matter of time until i go out and get some zaino or some souveran.
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Best shine, least amount of money/hastle would be go with the Meguiar's #26 or One Grand Blitz, as they are both most readilly available. Zaino is difficult to get, as is Souveran. Zaino costs moderately more than #26, and Souveran is going to set you back $70 for the can. Rather on the high end of detailing supplies if you ask me.



Be sure to use the search function to find more great detailing tips, and information about these various products. Good luck, and welcome!! :wavey
 
JasonC8301 said:
What kind of shine are you looking for? How much time are you willing to spend?



Klasse + carnauba (Pinnacle, #26, Blitz, P21S) will offer protection along with carnauba shine (wet, darkened.)



Zaino will offer a mirror like shine, showing the true color of the paint.



It all depends on what you like and what results you are looking for.



Jason
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Well I find myself wanting to wash, polish, and re-wax every week, so doing it every 3 weeks isn't a big deal for me and I've got nothing better to do. BTW, thanks for answering my questions.



I think Im leaning towards zaino, after seeing the results I just can't say no.



Do you have any recommendations on wheel/tire cleaner? I was about to go off and get some meguiars tire cleaning gel, but I was wondering if there was a more respected product that yielded longer shine and last. Also, my stock wheels are plastic , what wheel cleaner would you recommend for these?



P.S. Thanks for the help also Shiny Lil Detlr.:up
 
Well I find myself wanting to wash, polish, and re-wax every week, so doing it every 3 weeks isn't a big deal for me and I've got nothing better to do.
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Hahahahaha...... atleast you've got the "bug" just like all of us here. :up



I think Im leaning towards zaino, after seeing the results I just can't say no.
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As a zaino user myself, I can tell you in advance that you're gonna love it!!



Do you have any recommendations on wheel/tire cleaner? I was about to go off and get some meguiars tire cleaning gel, but I was wondering if there was a more respected product that yielded longer shine and last. Also, my stock wheels are plastic , what wheel cleaner would you recommend for these?
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Wheel Cleaner: Eagle One A2Z, or Meguiar's Hot Rims.

Tire Cleaning: Simple Green (or similar type of degreasing product).... I've also used Westley's Bleache White (although I know people on here who don't like it)

Tire Dressing: Meguiar's Endurance, Turtle Wax Tire Gel. Or you can use Z16 if you're buing the Zaino system.



The Endurance, when applied right, to a properly pre-cleaned tire, will last you quite some time. (Keep in mind that the Meguiar's gel is not a cleaner in any sense, rather like a rubber conditioner for your tires, with extended wear properties. :up





good luck!!
 
As with any product, paint prep is the msot important. you want to get the surface as perfect as possible before putting on any wax or sealant.



Pinnacle and Zaino review here



http://www.autopia-carport.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11010



Wheel and tire cleaner



http://www.autopia-carport.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8979



Paint Prep



http://autopia-carport.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8766



Wow, wash and polish every 3 weeks? I don't think that is necessary. Maybe every 2-3 months do a polish/glaze

then wax. If Zaino, you might find yourself having 50 coats of Zaino on with in a year if you do 3 coats every 3 weeks (like ZFX Z2/Z5 3 times in one day in one 3 week period.)



Jason
 
Err... you chose this as your first post?!? :eek:





Rufuz, just incase you change your mind and need a real wax be aware that some are black trim friendly while others are not and will stain it white. Off the top of my head I know that Pinnacle and P21S don't stain (and coincidentally are both "wax on, wax off") and waxes like Blitz tend to stain. Your priorities might differ, but this was an important thing for me (ease/simplicity). A search should dig up a thread on which do and which don't leave residue.



And welcome :)
 
Thanks guys.



About the trim, I've gotten some wax on it before and it came off with peanut butter. I accidently got some wax on the "long sticker like thing" on the side of my sisters 2002 civic. I've yet to try the peanut butter method with that, there is just some white stuff on the outside of the far left part, so it isn't really a big deal, I'll mess with that later, as for now Im doing a detail on my father's old van.
 
you're talking about the pinstripe?? you do know that can be removed, right?? My personal opinion is that vehicles (with the exception of very few - like my blazer) look better without pinstriping. (like my wife's buick century)
 
Well I dont plan on removing the picstrip, its just when I used turtle wax on it, it left some white residue on the side, like I said earlier, I havn't really messed with it. Do you know of any other methods besides peanut butter that will do a good job or get rid of it?
 
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