Newbie: Klasse or Zaino?

RegalGS

New member
Hello all, I'm new here, but not really new to the quest of a perfect shine (and perfect protection) on my car. Until now, I've been using Meguiars Gold Class, but I still end up with micro-swirls (I now realize it is probably my choice of towels and bad drying habits) and am not satisfied with either the shine or the staying power.



I've heard alot about Zaino, and was just about ready to print and submit the order form when I stumbled onto this site. Now I've read about Klasse, Blackfire, Blitz, and a host of others, and I'm completely confused!



I'm not opposed to a complete wash/polish/wax cycle each month, but I want to know that my car is still protected even if I only have time for a wash (or wash/wax). My neighbors already think I'm crazy, and my husband just accepts the fact that I'm completely obsessed about my car.



So, I know I'm going to get different answers here, but what is the overall recommendation for best shine and say 2-3 month durability/protection? My Regal is a daily driver, but garage kept. Oh, and it's "Charcoal", a dark brownish black.



Thanks!

Dawn
 
Welcome

Zaino, just applied my 3rd coat today is amazing. Prep is the key to using Z. Get your car looking it's best before applying.

Durability is stated to be appr. 6 mth's. The shine, reflectivity and depth are bar none, IMHO. Others have their favorites.

Check out this site and the search function for all the info to answer most of your questions.
 
one of my friends (a reliable detailing source) informed me that Klasse and Zaino give you different types of finishes. the Klasse gives you a deeper finish, while the Zaino gives you a glossy, reflective finish. the color of your car and the type of finish you want should be the deciding factors for which product to use.
 
Ok, after doing a more in-depth search on this forum, I've decided to go the Klasse route. From what I understand, both Klasse and Zaino are polymers, and will last for quite a while. And, I can top the Klasse with a carnauba, and that didn't seem to be a recommending option with the Zaino. So here is my proposed plan of attack:



1) Wash with Dawn

2) Clay (probably Mother's clay, I've used it before Gold Class treatment and got good results, can also get it locally)

3) Wash with Meguiars gold class shampoo (already have it)

4) Klasse All-in-One (2-3 coats)

5) Klasse Sealant Glaze (3+ coats)

6) P21S paste carnauba topper (1-2 coats)



I will likely have to spread the whole routine out over a week or so, especially once I get to the Sealant Glaze (SG?) step, so that it can cure.



There sure is a wealth of info on this forum! Geez, one weekend browsing here, and I feel like I've learned so much already! Thanks for the help! :D



Dawn
 
What....wait....Klasse? Did you really research? I don't know about that SG stuff.



Sorry, my weak attempt at humor. Use both love both. We always like pics, post if you have any problems.;)
 
I thought you only need about 24 hours for SG to cure. You want t make sure however long you wait, you have the car really clean beforehand.



As far as your choice of clay goes, a lot of people like Clay Magic which Autozone stores shoudl carry. If you want cheaper Mothers clay, check out WalMart. It was on sale this weekend for $14 vs $19 at PepBoys.
 
the basic idea behind the clay is that it removes a thin top layer of the pain, thereby removing a lot of scratches and oxidation, yes? as you can tell, i'm still a n00b at detailing. i'm trying to learn lots now so that when i get a car worth detailing, i'll know what to do.
 
bscompy said:
the basic idea behind the clay is that it removes a thin top layer of the paint



No, the clay floats above the paint on a thin layer of lube. What it does is plucks out the stuff which is actually imbedded in the paint and sticking up. Works great; an amazing difference.



Robert
 
Gosh all, thanks for the comments! I can't believe how many tips I've picked up, just from browsing the forum.



Unfortunately, my wonderful husband convinced me to wait on my supply order - we've got some house projects that really should come first. :( So it'll probably be a couple months before I really do get to try the Klasse. (I *will* try it!)



I washed the car monday night, and the finish still felt pretty good, so I passed on the clay. (I've done it before with AWESOME results - that stuff really does work!) Instead, I gave it a good coat of Gold Class before it got too dark to see. Forgot how well that stuff worked! The car has a solid layer of dust on it from our recent dust storm, so if the weather holds for the weekend (sunday looks good right now), I'll wash it again and give it another coat of Gold Class, followed up by the orbital buffer. That should hold us (me) until we can get our projects done.



On the quest for the perfect finish...



Dawn
 
Good choice on the Klasse, RegalGS. Me and my friends have been using it for months now and are extremely happy with the results. On my friend's 1990 Honda Accord that has been through all sorts of driving thus meaning many dings and chipped paint areas, we used Klasse All-In-One 2 coats with the Klasse's High Gloss sealant and I must say I love the acrylic. It applies so easy without much pressure. The acrylic compound sinks into the paint quickly and wipes off just as cleanly. You don't have to let the Klasse All-In-One dry...the High Gloss we let it sit about a day. Beautiful results!
 
Oh yea forgot to mention...did you know you can use Klasse on your windows, rear brake light cover, headlights, rims, plastic moldings? It practically stains nothing! I have tried it on my friend's Accord's windows. It gives it a slippery feel, but does not smudge when you touch it. Very interesting results. I am planning to try it this weekend as a cleaner. They claim that if you add one "cap" of Klasse All-In-One into a gallon of water you can use it as a soap. I'll post on the results whenever I have the opportunity to do so.
 
i've had bad experiences with waxing windows... once, i waxed my windshield (which is 17 years old and has LOTS of dings and scratches in it), and the wax stuck in the divots and made them stand out more. :(.
 
Back
Top