Product Help for new guy

The Game

New member
I'm new to this detailing, so I'm looking for opinions to these products. I need shine, durability, wet look and easy on & off. Here is list..



1st choice 2nd choice

Menzerna; Blackfire;

IP Gloss Enhancing Polish

FP II Paint Protection

FTG Deep Gloss Spray

FMJ



I've been using Meg's but they don't last long four to six week's usually. None of my car's are garage queens, they daily driven. Tried the NXT wax great for 4 weeks, water still beads no shine. I do have DA Porter cable. Who makes the better pads or best pads? Does it really matter which or who's clay bar I use as long as I use it? Oh, BTW who has the best online prices for the above?
 
The Game- Welcome to Autopia!



Can't really help with many of your Qs, but I'd recommend Four Star UPP over BF. Similar look (at least after the first wash) and much more user-friendly IMO. You could use it after the Menzerna polishes.



The new green Sonus clay is great, but might be too mild for the first claying. Most clays are OK, but I prefer the Sonus stuff. Their gray clay is probably just what you need.
 
Thank's for the Welcome Accumulator!



After a long search on UPP, it seems that this product does not last after multiple washes and has duriablity issues. I was under the impression that MENZERNA & BLACKFIRE would give me what ZAINO has with out long hours. My cars are outside so I'm looking for ZAINO quality, shine and long lasting.
 
The Game said:
Thank's for the Welcome Accumulator!



After a long search on UPP, it seems that this product does not last after multiple washes and has duriablity issues. I was under the impression that MENZERNA & BLACKFIRE would give me what ZAINO has with out long hours. My cars are outside so I'm looking for ZAINO quality, shine and long lasting.





They why not just use Zaino?? It's supposed to be non-comparable when it comes to durability.



By the way, :welcome
 
Hmmm...never had any issues with UPP's durability. Matter of fact, I just re-detailed a W8 VW Passat after 14 weeks and was stunned at the amount of slickness and beading retained after such a period. Never used Z though......
 
I chose not to use ZAINO because of the multiple process/steps and lack of garage. To my understanding there are other products just as good or the equal of ZAINO. BTW, what does UPP stands for and who makes it? Where can I obtain additional info., i.e. any links would help? To my understanding the new development in synthetic's makes it possiable to get the same results in less time and last about six months. If it's true or hype I don't know, I'm seeking advice. I also understand with these new syn's it can give you the look of the best carnuba wax, once again I'm seeking advice from real people. Please be understanding I'm new to all of this.
 
The Game said:
I chose not to use ZAINO because of the multiple process/steps and lack of garage. To my understanding there are other products just as good or the equal of ZAINO. BTW, what does UPP stands for and who makes it? Where can I obtain additional info., i.e. any links would help? To my understanding the new development in synthetic's makes it possiable to get the same results in less time and last about six months. If it's true or hype I don't know, I'm seeking advice. I also understand with these new syn's it can give you the look of the best carnuba wax, once again I'm seeking advice from real people. Please be understanding I'm new to all of this.



UPP= Ultimate Paint Protection manufactured by Four Star Products. I'm not

sure if i should post a link, so just do a google, and you should find it quick.
 
The Game said:
I chose not to use ZAINO because of the multiple process/steps and lack of garage.



there really isnt anymore steps with zaino than any other sealant

you should still wash,clay,polish, then seal it

with zaino you can put more that one coat in a day instead of having to wait 12 hours with other sealant
 
The game- I don't think you'd find any real differences in durability between BF and UPP. I used BF (both the original and the current versions) on my S8 before switching to UPP. I haven't noticed any difference in durability. The big difference I *do* notice between BF and UPP is the slickness of UPP (even when the slickness drops off, it's still protecting and then it's really just like the BF would be anyhow). Easy to wash without marring because [stuff] doesn't stick to it. And while some find BF easy to use, I sure find UPP a lot *easier*. And yeah, it looks a lot like carnauba, probably the closest of any sealant I've used. I got my UPP HERE



Not to beat you over the head with the UPP recommendation, here are some other options-



The Zaino wouldn't really be all that hard to use but it, and the Klasse twins, really only look great if you can apply them to a nearly perfect surface (no marring at all). That can be a tall order. I use the Klasse twins on our minivan and it lasts a long, *LONG* time (over a year for six layers, but that's garaged).



Collinite waxes can last a long time too, and they're both easy to use and forgiving-looking when applied to a less-than-perfect finish. When we had the Volvo, it was parked outside 24/7, even in the winter, and Collinite 476S protected it just fine and it looked great. Note that it had sorta fragile single stage paint that would've oxidized something awful if the Collinite hadn't protected it. Something like Autoglym's SRP (Super Resin Polish) or Klasse AIO topped with the Collinite is easy, good looking, and durable. And cheap ;) If you like beading, *nothing* beads quite like Collinite.
 
Man, first before I go any further thanks to Atticdog, USDM, a.k.a. Patrick, JDookie and especially Accumulator. You guys have given me plenty of good info., now with the addition of 4star UPP and Collinite thats more to consider. I had no ideal that ZAINO had to be applied to a near perfect finish or that I can get the layered Z5 & Z2 PRO with the short curing time. My goal is to get the show car shine & durability on a daily driver. And you guys know the saying "If you can't run with the BIG DOGS than keep your a@@ on the porch".. Well I'm here to learn and run with the "BIG DOGS"..



So here's the list..



UPP

ZAINO

COLLINITE 476S

FMJ



If you guys have any more suggestions keep it coming. BTW anybody out there use FMJ. Thanks!!
 
Yeah, I must be the only guy who actually prefers the 476S paste :D



The Game- I don't mean to overstate the need for a flawless finish if you use Klasse or Zaino, but my experience (I use Klasse and have seen Zaino) has been that these products make any imperfections pretty noticeable. This one guy was saying how the "Z5 hides all the scratches" and I was looking at his car and thinking :rolleyes: "oh yeah, right" :rolleyes:
 
Game, your "never", lol, really going to know what you like the best! Like Accum, I have used both BF versions, and UPP. He's right, UPP has a slight advantage to ease of use, but I think BF is a little more striking, eye catching.

Your nick is rather ironic, and welcome to the "game" of detailing fantasies. So many products, only out numbered by opinions. Over time, try to sample various products, until you find one that really satisifies your (good luck here) needs and desires. As theres no "one" products, made for every situation. I currently use three polymers, EX-P, BF and UPP. And each three has their unique quality, and very job specific. Will you ever find the one product/product line that is unsurpassed by others?

Enjoy the ride.........
 
I'd also look at the new DP line of products from Autogeek. I'm very impressed by the ease of use and how the Premium Surface Shield is holding up. Autogeek also carries the Wolfgang and Pinnacle lines which are excellent products. Also do look at Poorboy's line of products, all are top notch.



Good luck, you'll have fun in your pursuit!



Paul
 
Man, this is a lot like dating. The products out there gives a different look and each brings some it's own unique style to the dance. I have yet to ask you guys about polishes, swirl removers and which pads to use on the Port Cable. Thanks a.k.a. Patrick for that recent insight, also to Ben Kenobi for the info., on the Wolfgang line, I was considering them also, but with my kindergarten base I didn't want to embarrASS myself. You guys ROCK!! Oh btw does price makes a difference, I understand you get what you pay for, but my cash is not a PRO ATHLETES but more like Al Bundy. Does this play a role in your decission making? Thanks to all who will lend their knowledge.
 
I'd also look at the new DP line of products from Autogeek. I'm very impressed by the ease of use and how the Premium Surface Shield is holding up.



I second that in a big way. I am sporting my Zaino right now, and the only "problem" with Zaino is, it doesnt get worn out looking.



Before i Z-ed my truck i tried out the Premium Surface Shield from DP, and it had an incredible look on the black portions of my truck. Deeper and wetter than UPP, slick like UPP, easy on easy off like UPP, it was just fantastic :xyxthumbs



I use the Spray Sealant also, exclusivly on my glass, and after a wash, i hit my wifes car witth it.



It increases the slickness the second my MF starts to spread it. It is one of my favorite products from DP. I got an easy 2 months on my wifes car and my windshield before the beads of water became large enough for me to question the protection, and on the glass it started to sheet, so i misted it down again.
 
Does this play a role in your decission making? Thanks to all who will lend their knowledge.



Yes and no. A year ago, ya. I though polish was polish, and wax was wax. It pretty much still is, but now i shop around for the most user friendly products. I do this mainly because i am a lousy fisherman, and i dont hunt haha, so the products have to make me enjoy the process.
 
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