Self confessed newb... new car detail steps?

H

heffergm

New member
Hi all,
I've been caring for my cars for a long time, typically with just regular waxing (although I've switched to Zaino recently). However, I've reached a point where I'm more interested in detailing, and more importantly, doing it correctly.

So here's my question:

- in about a month I'll be picking up a new car. I'm also thinking of picking up a PC around the same time. What I'm wanting to know is, if you just drove your new car home from the dealer, what would you do to prep/protect the paint?

My car will be a dark, clearcoated metallic gray. My main concerns are (1) protection (2) avoiding swirls and (3) looks. I'll be using Zaino as my sealant (probably 2 coats of Z2). Should I be using a glaze before the Zaino goes on? If so, what pad should I apply it with?

Thanks for any suggestions.
 
1 wash
2 clay
3finishing polish
4sealant,wax, thats for your body anyway.
read the threads they will go into much greater detail..welcome to DC :yes:
 
Here is the process that I would use if purchasing a new vehicle using the Zaino System.

Wash- Z16 two bucket method. 2 quality sheepskin mitts. 2WW MF toewls to dry.

Clay- use clay lube or QD as lubricant. Z6 wipedown with a MF towel after claying is complete

Polish- ZPC Fusion with polishing pad and PC. The pad type will be determined after an evaluation of paint surface. One can use a more aggressive pad to get out more difficult swirls. Yet a new car should not be to bad....Hopefully...? There are other polishes available like Poorboy's SSR line and Menzerna that will also do the job. Would follow every polish no matter the brand with a Z6 wipedown with a quality MF towel.

Sealant- Since you have already used Zaino I would suggest ZFX'd Z2Pro. It should take about an ounce to do a normal sized car. You should be able to get two or three coats on that kind of vehicle. If you have a PC one can use a finishing pad to apply nice thin coats. I like to use a splash of Z6 on the pad each time that I add new product to the pad to help facilitate a nice thin layer wether I use a PC or not. The pad that Zaino sends with each order does a good job. As does a MF applicator or a foam applicator pad. Zaino also suggests a Z6 wipedown between coats of your LSP to help clean the surface and to give a nice slick surface to apply the coat.

I like to use Z8 also. Although not necessary it certainly is a wonderful addtion to the Zaino line. I use it after every wash. It helps add protection, shine, and slickness. Heck, I use it on a weekly basis. It is called Zaino Friday around our house. Of course that is over kill but my wife likes the look.

You can do a search of Zaino. I am sure that you will get varying opinions but the process that I just outlined is pretty generic and will produce terrific results.
 
glen22 said:
1 wash
2 clay
3finishing polish
4sealant,wax, thats for your body anyway.
read the threads they will go into much greater detail..welcome to DC :yes:
Click to expand...

Awesome, I was thinking along the same lines, just wanted to make sure I was in the ballpark. Thanks!
 
heffergm said:
Hi all,
I've been caring for my cars for a long time, typically with just regular waxing (although I've switched to Zaino recently). However, I've reached a point where I'm more interested in detailing, and more importantly, doing it correctly.

So here's my question:

- in about a month I'll be picking up a new car. I'm also thinking of picking up a PC around the same time. What I'm wanting to know is, if you just drove your new car home from the dealer, what would you do to prep/protect the paint?

My car will be a dark, clearcoated metallic gray. My main concerns are (1) protection (2) avoiding swirls and (3) looks. I'll be using Zaino as my sealant (probably 2 coats of Z2). Should I be using a glaze before the Zaino goes on? If so, what pad should I apply it with?

Thanks for any suggestions.
Click to expand...


Along with investing in a PC, pads and product....buy some micro fiber towels for drying and removing polish/wax...they will make a huge difference in cutting down on the swrils....my preference are Poorboys WW for drying and his plush for removing product...the other sponsors here also have great MF towels, shop the sales
 
Along with the advice mentioned above, This thread might help. You haven't asked a simple question. There is a lot of stuff that can be done to a new car. The day I bought my car I spent 5 hours on it, and I'm pretty darn efficient. :lol: It all depends on what shape the dealership gives it to you in. If they detail it before you get your hands on it then you might not have much to do. ...then again, you might have more to do than if they never touched it.
 
I have no experience witht he Zaino system, so I can help you with using Zaino on a new car. However, I will tell the steps I take when working on a new car.

Exterior:
1. Throughly wash
2. Dress tires, wheel wheels and external plastic or vinyl
3. New car prep from AI. Help remove any adhesive from the Rapgard and other stuff.
4. Clay if needed
5. Polishing steps, if needed
6. AIO
7. Wax or Sealant
8. Clean glass. Polish glass, if needed
9. Protect glass, if wanted

Interior:
1. Vacuum
2. Clean glass
3. Wipe down interior plastic/vinyl/rubber
4. Dress interior plastic/vinyl/rubber
5. Clean leather, if applicable
6. Condition leather, if applicable
7. Protect door seals
8. Clean door jambs
9. Wax door jambs

Do not forget the trunk or cargo area.

Eric
 
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