I washed the car with a very strong Dawn mix, and rinsed it.

I then used the Z7/water mix as lube and clayed the car.

HOWEVER - I did not wash the car a second time after the clay. My logic was that the car was already covered in this sudsy film that I used with the clay, so I just rinsed it very thoroughly and dried with microfibers.

Then came the stacks of polish - Z5, Z6, Z2, Z6, Z2 (leaving the last one on overnight.)

I am stunned by the quality of the polish; in fact I was really impressed just looking at the paint after claying.

So the question is - what's the reason for an extra carwash after the claying? I had an overcast day so the solution didn't dry onto the paint. I hope I didn't screw it up.

 

Zaph32, you did not "screw it up"! They, Zaino, just wants to insure that you are applying polish to a particle free surface. In all cases you should use Z6 after washing with Z7. Also, as you did after Z5 and before proceeding to Z2. You are going to like leaving on that Z2 overnight. If it has 10-12 hours to dry, you don't have to use ZFX. Just insure there is NO dust on vehicle before buffing. Use a "California Duster" if you have one. Anytime you want to apply another coat of Z5, do so! Just finish it off with Z2, with Z6 before and after. If you are impressed now, just wait until you buff off that Z2 that dried overnight.

 

Zaph32, you might consider using dftowel.com towels. There is microfiber and then there is DF Towels! They are currently offering 5% discount to ALL my350Z.com members. Just give them your user name and they will send you a coupon via email.