Im curious....what do you feel the best way to wax is? By hand or using an electric buffer like detail shops use? The buffer definitely makes the job go faster and they have microfiber pads for em, but is it better on the paint to do it by hand?

 

First off, it depends on what product you're talking about. If it's a true carnauba wax, then you will want to use a machine. Synthetics are made so you can just wipe them off with very little effort so a machine might be overkill.

I follow the school of thought that the less you rub the surface of your paint, the less chance of introducing swirls. Also, if you wash, wax and polish with consistent linear motion, any scratches you do introduce are less noticeable.

If you've got a machine spinning several hundred RPMs and a spec of dust gets under it you could easily introduce some fine scratches.

Keep in mind that detail shops make their money in volume. The quicker they do a car, the more they can make in a day. For them, a machine is a necessary evil.

 

Well I was thinking about trying that Meguiars NXT wax. Should I do that one by hand?

 

The best results I've gotten from NXT (on an SB Maxima, hasn't been on my Z yet) was applying by hand and then removing and polishing with buffer. Blew away the job I did by hand before then.

 

Hmm Ill have to give that a shot. What'd you apply it with? Microfiber?

 

Actually it was just one of those terry applicators. For application I tend to by a handful of applicators at a time, either terry or mf whichever I get my hands on. I can't say I notice a difference in the two, but I only use an applicator once and toss it. Mf to remove and buff always though, but that's just my way.

 

I've tried a buffer and found that it was a pain in the butt: changing pads, cleaning and replacing pads. Then I had to do the the areas that I missed (around door handles, insignia) by hand. Time saving? Heck it took me more time.

 

use zaino, best shine, no machine needed, wipes off easily using a microfiber towel.

 

far too many steps for me to bother with Zaino. I dont have a couple hours to blow on the weekends....Im a tad busy. I want the quickest quality wax I can get and it seems NXT is just that.

 

I am with you 100-percent on a 1-step cleaner wax. But as soon as you mention anything that is not Zaino, be prepared to be harassed and ridiculed.

 

This has got to be the most common misconception on this and any other board when the subject of Zaino is mentioned. I wash my car and dry it. I put on a layer of Zaino, usually Z-2. I wait 30 minutes and wipe it off. If I want it extra shiny, I'll follow up with a spray of Z-6 or Z-8.

How is that any more complex or different than any other product out there?

 

The Terms of Use of this site don't allow for harassment or ridicule, see rule #10. If you are being harassed, please feel free to report the post.

 

DavesZ#3:

Will Zaino remove existing swirls? I ask because I too have a Daytona Blue Z and have used NXT but I still have the swirl marks.

 

The regular Zaino wax Z-2 will do nothing to swirl marks. Zaino Z-5 will help hide the finer ones. The only way to totally remove them is to use a polish like the Z-PC or 3M SMR (Swirl Mark Remover). Those polishes have a fine abrasive in them that physically remove the swirls.

 

Why would you change pads. One pad can be used to apply the wax. I can put the wax on the entire car in about 5 minutes with the orbital.

 

+1, you use Z1 or ZFX periodically not with every application of Z2 or Z5 to remove fine swirl marks. the rest of the products even enhance the shine but are not required. Z2 alone is better then any other 1 step wax out there.

 

Sorry I didn't specify - I always use ZFX with either the Z-2 or Z-5. Summers are too hot and humid here, I prefer the quick dry of ZFX.

 

Try 3M products such as Imperial Machine Glaze and Swirl Mark Remover for lighter swirls. They have more aggressive compounds such as SMR for dark cars or I think it was Perfect-It for serious issues. However, be prepared to do several stages i.e. the more severe polish followed by IMG and then your wax of choice. 3M is cheap and readily available.