Need Help with Detailing
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Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 26
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From: TX
Need Help with Detailing
I have an 04.5 SB and I would like to know what everyone in here suggests product wise for detailing the Z.
What do you use to scrub her down with, and with what wash?
Also I'm wondering how you go about waxing the Z. Any special methods?
The more detail the better, especially on waxing! Thanks
What do you use to scrub her down with, and with what wash?
Also I'm wondering how you go about waxing the Z. Any special methods?
The more detail the better, especially on waxing! Thanks
OH MAN! Is that an intro or what? 
Please do a search for a product called ZAINO. After you read about it let me know if you are interested and I'll give you my entire protocol.
Please do a search for a product called ZAINO. After you read about it let me know if you are interested and I'll give you my entire protocol.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
From: TN
Originally posted by TamaraZ
Hey Doc-
Hope you can help me, too! My Zaino kit was delivered today. My question is, how many coats of Z2 before I put on the Z5, and then how many coats of that???
Thanks for your input!
Hey Doc-
Hope you can help me, too! My Zaino kit was delivered today. My question is, how many coats of Z2 before I put on the Z5, and then how many coats of that???
Thanks for your input!
You need to use Z-5 first for the first 2 or 3 coats if you are trying to fill imperfections, and then you can top with a coat of Z-2.
There are no hard and fast rules of how many coats of this or that, everything is interchangable and compatiable with each other.
I REALLY wish someone would Sticky this. I have posted it about a dozen times.
Here is comes again:
Bare minimum Zaino products:
Z-6 (two bottles)
Z-2 (one bottle)
Z-5 (one bottle)
ZFX (one bottle)
You can use any mild carwash but the Zaino Z-7 is best. It is pH balanced and cleans very nicely without removing any of your Zaino polish.
Also, nice to have (but not essential) are the Zaino Tire Dressing (Z-16) and the Claybar (Z-18). Zaino makes a nice leather seat product, a plastic cleaner, a window cleaner and several other non-essential products.
Here are the initial steps of the Zaino process (at least how I do them)
-Wash with Dawn dishwashing liquid. Use a non-scratching wash mit. I use a microfiber mit. Make sure it is completely free of dirt and debris. Make sure your bucket is completely clean too.
-Rinse
-Clay the car with a solution of Z-7 and water. A quart of water and a cap full of Z-7 should do it. I use a clean spray bottle to spray it on the car. Do small sections at a time. Make sure the clay glides over the paint easily and doesn't stick. If it does, spray on more lube solution! Continue to knead the clay to keep a clean fresh surface against the paint. DON'T drop the clay! If you do, toss that bar and get another one.
-Wash with Zaino Z-7 carwash. Do the tires/wheels first and then use a separate bucket of suds to do the rest of the car.
-Rinse. After you are done rinsing with your spray nozzle, remove the nozzle and rinse the car with the stream of water from the hose only (no nozzle, no thumb over the hose). Use the stream of water to "push" off the beads of water. This is a neat trick that will decrease your drying time significantly!
-Dry the car with a microfiber towel. I prefer the waffle weave microfiber towels. I like to use a shop vac to suck out drops of water in tight areas that you can't get with the towels. Make sure you don't touch the car with the vacuum hose.
-Do a Z-6 misting. It's just like using Windex on windows. Just spray on a light mist of Z-6 detailing spray and wipe it off (in). You don't let it dry, just take it right off. I use the Z-6 on all the glass as well. It cleans well and rain zips right off of it.
-Apply your first layer of Z-5 polish. You can add 2-4 drops of ZFX "flash cure" accelerator to ONE OUNCE of polish. If you do this your drying time with be decreased to one hour or less depending on the temperature and humidity. I use 2 if it is very hot and dry and 4 when it is colder and humid. I recommend applying Zaino polish in the shade but it will work fine in the sun as well. It will just dry a lot faster. Take note that the small mixing bottles you get from Zaino with your order are TWO OUNCE bottles so you only fill them half way up (one ounce). One ounce will do the entire car easily. In fact, if you apply the polish thin enough (and thin is the best way to apply it) you can get two layers on the car with one ounce. Zaino shouldn't look like wax on a car. In other words it shouldn't look hazy and white. It should look like the color of your car only a little blurry. If it looks the least bit white, you applied too much.
The other way to go at this point it to not use the ZFX flash cure and just apply the polish to the car. This is fine only it will take a good 6-8 hours to cure on the car and this will limit the number of layers you can get done in a day (or weekend). I often do two layers with the ZFX, and the third one without it. I apply the last one at night and let the car sit in the garage all night and remove it the next day. You can tell if it is ready to remove when you smudge it lightly with your finger and it ALL comes off and leaves a very shiney surface behind. If it is the least bit blurry it isn't ready yet.
The polish goes on with the applicator Zaino sends you. I like to slightly dampen it first with water. It helps to apply it a little smoother and evenly this way. I recommend side to side straight line applications on the horizontal surfaces of the car (hood, roof) and up and down straight lines on the vertical surfaces (doors, quarter panels). Do not use circular motion (swirls) to lessen the chance of scratches and swirl marks.
-Buff off the polish with a microfiber towel.
-Another Z-6 misting
-Repeat another layer of Z-5 (with or without ZFX)
-Buff off
-Z-6 misting
-Final layer using Z-2 this time (with or without ZFX)
-Buff off
-Final Z-6 misting.
This is my method. You don't HAVE to do all three layers nor do you HAVE to do all the prep work (the Dawn and the claybar) but you will get a MUCH better result if you do them. Many feel that the Zaino process is too complicated and involved and want to use "easier" products. It is important to realize that the prep process is NOT exclusive to Zaino. It should be done with ANY product for best results. Also, you don't need to do three layers or even two for that matter. If you want to do just one, go for it!
For maintenance all you need to do is wash with the Z-7 and do a quick Z-6 misting after you dry. This is enough to keep your ride looking great between your BIG detailing sessions.
Good Luck!
The Doc
Here is comes again:
Bare minimum Zaino products:
Z-6 (two bottles)
Z-2 (one bottle)
Z-5 (one bottle)
ZFX (one bottle)
You can use any mild carwash but the Zaino Z-7 is best. It is pH balanced and cleans very nicely without removing any of your Zaino polish.
Also, nice to have (but not essential) are the Zaino Tire Dressing (Z-16) and the Claybar (Z-18). Zaino makes a nice leather seat product, a plastic cleaner, a window cleaner and several other non-essential products.
Here are the initial steps of the Zaino process (at least how I do them)
-Wash with Dawn dishwashing liquid. Use a non-scratching wash mit. I use a microfiber mit. Make sure it is completely free of dirt and debris. Make sure your bucket is completely clean too.
-Rinse
-Clay the car with a solution of Z-7 and water. A quart of water and a cap full of Z-7 should do it. I use a clean spray bottle to spray it on the car. Do small sections at a time. Make sure the clay glides over the paint easily and doesn't stick. If it does, spray on more lube solution! Continue to knead the clay to keep a clean fresh surface against the paint. DON'T drop the clay! If you do, toss that bar and get another one.
-Wash with Zaino Z-7 carwash. Do the tires/wheels first and then use a separate bucket of suds to do the rest of the car.
-Rinse. After you are done rinsing with your spray nozzle, remove the nozzle and rinse the car with the stream of water from the hose only (no nozzle, no thumb over the hose). Use the stream of water to "push" off the beads of water. This is a neat trick that will decrease your drying time significantly!
-Dry the car with a microfiber towel. I prefer the waffle weave microfiber towels. I like to use a shop vac to suck out drops of water in tight areas that you can't get with the towels. Make sure you don't touch the car with the vacuum hose.
-Do a Z-6 misting. It's just like using Windex on windows. Just spray on a light mist of Z-6 detailing spray and wipe it off (in). You don't let it dry, just take it right off. I use the Z-6 on all the glass as well. It cleans well and rain zips right off of it.
-Apply your first layer of Z-5 polish. You can add 2-4 drops of ZFX "flash cure" accelerator to ONE OUNCE of polish. If you do this your drying time with be decreased to one hour or less depending on the temperature and humidity. I use 2 if it is very hot and dry and 4 when it is colder and humid. I recommend applying Zaino polish in the shade but it will work fine in the sun as well. It will just dry a lot faster. Take note that the small mixing bottles you get from Zaino with your order are TWO OUNCE bottles so you only fill them half way up (one ounce). One ounce will do the entire car easily. In fact, if you apply the polish thin enough (and thin is the best way to apply it) you can get two layers on the car with one ounce. Zaino shouldn't look like wax on a car. In other words it shouldn't look hazy and white. It should look like the color of your car only a little blurry. If it looks the least bit white, you applied too much.
The other way to go at this point it to not use the ZFX flash cure and just apply the polish to the car. This is fine only it will take a good 6-8 hours to cure on the car and this will limit the number of layers you can get done in a day (or weekend). I often do two layers with the ZFX, and the third one without it. I apply the last one at night and let the car sit in the garage all night and remove it the next day. You can tell if it is ready to remove when you smudge it lightly with your finger and it ALL comes off and leaves a very shiney surface behind. If it is the least bit blurry it isn't ready yet.
The polish goes on with the applicator Zaino sends you. I like to slightly dampen it first with water. It helps to apply it a little smoother and evenly this way. I recommend side to side straight line applications on the horizontal surfaces of the car (hood, roof) and up and down straight lines on the vertical surfaces (doors, quarter panels). Do not use circular motion (swirls) to lessen the chance of scratches and swirl marks.
-Buff off the polish with a microfiber towel.
-Another Z-6 misting
-Repeat another layer of Z-5 (with or without ZFX)
-Buff off
-Z-6 misting
-Final layer using Z-2 this time (with or without ZFX)
-Buff off
-Final Z-6 misting.
This is my method. You don't HAVE to do all three layers nor do you HAVE to do all the prep work (the Dawn and the claybar) but you will get a MUCH better result if you do them. Many feel that the Zaino process is too complicated and involved and want to use "easier" products. It is important to realize that the prep process is NOT exclusive to Zaino. It should be done with ANY product for best results. Also, you don't need to do three layers or even two for that matter. If you want to do just one, go for it!
For maintenance all you need to do is wash with the Z-7 and do a quick Z-6 misting after you dry. This is enough to keep your ride looking great between your BIG detailing sessions.
Good Luck!
The Doc
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From: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Re: Need Help with Detailing
Originally posted by Bball122
I have an 04.5 SB and I would like to know what everyone in here suggests product wise for detailing the Z.
What do you use to scrub her down with, and with what wash?
Also I'm wondering how you go about waxing the Z. Any special methods?
The more detail the better, especially on waxing! Thanks
I have an 04.5 SB and I would like to know what everyone in here suggests product wise for detailing the Z.
What do you use to scrub her down with, and with what wash?
Also I'm wondering how you go about waxing the Z. Any special methods?
The more detail the better, especially on waxing! Thanks
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 903
Likes: 0
From: MA
Originally posted by Dr Bonz
I REALLY wish someone would Sticky this. I have posted it about a dozen times.
Here is comes again:
Bare minimum Zaino products:
Z-6 (two bottles)
Z-2 (one bottle)
Z-5 (one bottle)
ZFX (one bottle)
You can use any mild carwash but the Zaino Z-7 is best. It is pH balanced and cleans very nicely without removing any of your Zaino polish.
Also, nice to have (but not essential) are the Zaino Tire Dressing (Z-16) and the Claybar (Z-18). Zaino makes a nice leather seat product, a plastic cleaner, a window cleaner and several other non-essential products.
Here are the initial steps of the Zaino process (at least how I do them)
-Wash with Dawn dishwashing liquid. Use a non-scratching wash mit. I use a microfiber mit. Make sure it is completely free of dirt and debris. Make sure your bucket is completely clean too.
-Rinse
-Clay the car with a solution of Z-7 and water. A quart of water and a cap full of Z-7 should do it. I use a clean spray bottle to spray it on the car. Do small sections at a time. Make sure the clay glides over the paint easily and doesn't stick. If it does, spray on more lube solution! Continue to knead the clay to keep a clean fresh surface against the paint. DON'T drop the clay! If you do, toss that bar and get another one.
-Wash with Zaino Z-7 carwash. Do the tires/wheels first and then use a separate bucket of suds to do the rest of the car.
-Rinse. After you are done rinsing with your spray nozzle, remove the nozzle and rinse the car with the stream of water from the hose only (no nozzle, no thumb over the hose). Use the stream of water to "push" off the beads of water. This is a neat trick that will decrease your drying time significantly!
-Dry the car with a microfiber towel. I prefer the waffle weave microfiber towels. I like to use a shop vac to suck out drops of water in tight areas that you can't get with the towels. Make sure you don't touch the car with the vacuum hose.
-Do a Z-6 misting. It's just like using Windex on windows. Just spray on a light mist of Z-6 detailing spray and wipe it off (in). You don't let it dry, just take it right off. I use the Z-6 on all the glass as well. It cleans well and rain zips right off of it.
-Apply your first layer of Z-5 polish. You can add 2-4 drops of ZFX "flash cure" accelerator to ONE OUNCE of polish. If you do this your drying time with be decreased to one hour or less depending on the temperature and humidity. I use 2 if it is very hot and dry and 4 when it is colder and humid. I recommend applying Zaino polish in the shade but it will work fine in the sun as well. It will just dry a lot faster. Take note that the small mixing bottles you get from Zaino with your order are TWO OUNCE bottles so you only fill them half way up (one ounce). One ounce will do the entire car easily. In fact, if you apply the polish thin enough (and thin is the best way to apply it) you can get two layers on the car with one ounce. Zaino shouldn't look like wax on a car. In other words it shouldn't look hazy and white. It should look like the color of your car only a little blurry. If it looks the least bit white, you applied too much.
The other way to go at this point it to not use the ZFX flash cure and just apply the polish to the car. This is fine only it will take a good 6-8 hours to cure on the car and this will limit the number of layers you can get done in a day (or weekend). I often do two layers with the ZFX, and the third one without it. I apply the last one at night and let the car sit in the garage all night and remove it the next day. You can tell if it is ready to remove when you smudge it lightly with your finger and it ALL comes off and leaves a very shiney surface behind. If it is the least bit blurry it isn't ready yet.
The polish goes on with the applicator Zaino sends you. I like to slightly dampen it first with water. It helps to apply it a little smoother and evenly this way. I recommend side to side straight line applications on the horizontal surfaces of the car (hood, roof) and up and down straight lines on the vertical surfaces (doors, quarter panels). Do not use circular motion (swirls) to lessen the chance of scratches and swirl marks.
-Buff off the polish with a microfiber towel.
-Another Z-6 misting
-Repeat another layer of Z-5 (with or without ZFX)
-Buff off
-Z-6 misting
-Final layer using Z-2 this time (with or without ZFX)
-Buff off
-Final Z-6 misting.
This is my method. You don't HAVE to do all three layers nor do you HAVE to do all the prep work (the Dawn and the claybar) but you will get a MUCH better result if you do them. Many feel that the Zaino process is too complicated and involved and want to use "easier" products. It is important to realize that the prep process is NOT exclusive to Zaino. It should be done with ANY product for best results. Also, you don't need to do three layers or even two for that matter. If you want to do just one, go for it!
For maintenance all you need to do is wash with the Z-7 and do a quick Z-6 misting after you dry. This is enough to keep your ride looking great between your BIG detailing sessions.
Good Luck!
The Doc
I REALLY wish someone would Sticky this. I have posted it about a dozen times.
Here is comes again:
Bare minimum Zaino products:
Z-6 (two bottles)
Z-2 (one bottle)
Z-5 (one bottle)
ZFX (one bottle)
You can use any mild carwash but the Zaino Z-7 is best. It is pH balanced and cleans very nicely without removing any of your Zaino polish.
Also, nice to have (but not essential) are the Zaino Tire Dressing (Z-16) and the Claybar (Z-18). Zaino makes a nice leather seat product, a plastic cleaner, a window cleaner and several other non-essential products.
Here are the initial steps of the Zaino process (at least how I do them)
-Wash with Dawn dishwashing liquid. Use a non-scratching wash mit. I use a microfiber mit. Make sure it is completely free of dirt and debris. Make sure your bucket is completely clean too.
-Rinse
-Clay the car with a solution of Z-7 and water. A quart of water and a cap full of Z-7 should do it. I use a clean spray bottle to spray it on the car. Do small sections at a time. Make sure the clay glides over the paint easily and doesn't stick. If it does, spray on more lube solution! Continue to knead the clay to keep a clean fresh surface against the paint. DON'T drop the clay! If you do, toss that bar and get another one.
-Wash with Zaino Z-7 carwash. Do the tires/wheels first and then use a separate bucket of suds to do the rest of the car.
-Rinse. After you are done rinsing with your spray nozzle, remove the nozzle and rinse the car with the stream of water from the hose only (no nozzle, no thumb over the hose). Use the stream of water to "push" off the beads of water. This is a neat trick that will decrease your drying time significantly!
-Dry the car with a microfiber towel. I prefer the waffle weave microfiber towels. I like to use a shop vac to suck out drops of water in tight areas that you can't get with the towels. Make sure you don't touch the car with the vacuum hose.
-Do a Z-6 misting. It's just like using Windex on windows. Just spray on a light mist of Z-6 detailing spray and wipe it off (in). You don't let it dry, just take it right off. I use the Z-6 on all the glass as well. It cleans well and rain zips right off of it.
-Apply your first layer of Z-5 polish. You can add 2-4 drops of ZFX "flash cure" accelerator to ONE OUNCE of polish. If you do this your drying time with be decreased to one hour or less depending on the temperature and humidity. I use 2 if it is very hot and dry and 4 when it is colder and humid. I recommend applying Zaino polish in the shade but it will work fine in the sun as well. It will just dry a lot faster. Take note that the small mixing bottles you get from Zaino with your order are TWO OUNCE bottles so you only fill them half way up (one ounce). One ounce will do the entire car easily. In fact, if you apply the polish thin enough (and thin is the best way to apply it) you can get two layers on the car with one ounce. Zaino shouldn't look like wax on a car. In other words it shouldn't look hazy and white. It should look like the color of your car only a little blurry. If it looks the least bit white, you applied too much.
The other way to go at this point it to not use the ZFX flash cure and just apply the polish to the car. This is fine only it will take a good 6-8 hours to cure on the car and this will limit the number of layers you can get done in a day (or weekend). I often do two layers with the ZFX, and the third one without it. I apply the last one at night and let the car sit in the garage all night and remove it the next day. You can tell if it is ready to remove when you smudge it lightly with your finger and it ALL comes off and leaves a very shiney surface behind. If it is the least bit blurry it isn't ready yet.
The polish goes on with the applicator Zaino sends you. I like to slightly dampen it first with water. It helps to apply it a little smoother and evenly this way. I recommend side to side straight line applications on the horizontal surfaces of the car (hood, roof) and up and down straight lines on the vertical surfaces (doors, quarter panels). Do not use circular motion (swirls) to lessen the chance of scratches and swirl marks.
-Buff off the polish with a microfiber towel.
-Another Z-6 misting
-Repeat another layer of Z-5 (with or without ZFX)
-Buff off
-Z-6 misting
-Final layer using Z-2 this time (with or without ZFX)
-Buff off
-Final Z-6 misting.
This is my method. You don't HAVE to do all three layers nor do you HAVE to do all the prep work (the Dawn and the claybar) but you will get a MUCH better result if you do them. Many feel that the Zaino process is too complicated and involved and want to use "easier" products. It is important to realize that the prep process is NOT exclusive to Zaino. It should be done with ANY product for best results. Also, you don't need to do three layers or even two for that matter. If you want to do just one, go for it!
For maintenance all you need to do is wash with the Z-7 and do a quick Z-6 misting after you dry. This is enough to keep your ride looking great between your BIG detailing sessions.
Good Luck!
The Doc
sorry doc but...
steps...what steps we don't need no stinking steps
and man to me it looks like there are steps within steps...whew
Zee, you CONTINUALLY refuse to READ my damn posts! Did you happen to LOOK at the last paragraph?
Let me copy and paste it JUST FOR YOU!
"This is my method. You don't HAVE to do all three layers nor do you HAVE to do all the prep work (the Dawn and the claybar) but you will get a MUCH better result if you do them. Many feel that the Zaino process is too complicated and involved and want to use "easier" products. It is important to realize that the prep process is NOT exclusive to Zaino. It should be done with ANY product for best results. Also, you don't need to do three layers or even two for that matter. If you want to do just one, go for it!"
Now, if you don't like Zaino or me, or the way your underwear fit, or WHATEVER, just don't read my posts. The guy asked for some advice on how to use Zaino. I gave him MY protocol. Nowhere did I say you HAVE to do it this way.
Let me copy and paste it JUST FOR YOU!
"This is my method. You don't HAVE to do all three layers nor do you HAVE to do all the prep work (the Dawn and the claybar) but you will get a MUCH better result if you do them. Many feel that the Zaino process is too complicated and involved and want to use "easier" products. It is important to realize that the prep process is NOT exclusive to Zaino. It should be done with ANY product for best results. Also, you don't need to do three layers or even two for that matter. If you want to do just one, go for it!"
Now, if you don't like Zaino or me, or the way your underwear fit, or WHATEVER, just don't read my posts. The guy asked for some advice on how to use Zaino. I gave him MY protocol. Nowhere did I say you HAVE to do it this way.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis
Re: Re: Need Help with Detailing
Originally posted by SungNamZ
Used Zaino from almost day #1 and continued for 1 1/2 years....then tried something else. Give "Autoglym" a try!
Used Zaino from almost day #1 and continued for 1 1/2 years....then tried something else. Give "Autoglym" a try!
btw, nice pic in your sig.
Ummm. Don't you think you just answered your own question?
"I don't understand the obsession with Zaino"
THEN:
"btw, nice pic in your sig"
THAT is why there is an "obsession" with Zaino.
Also, do a search on Zaino and then tell me how many thread I PERSONALLY have started. Sure I reply in these threads because people ask me about it, but I think I have started a grand total of 2 maybe 3 threads out of the HUNDREDS that you may have seen.
"I don't understand the obsession with Zaino"
THEN:
"btw, nice pic in your sig"
THAT is why there is an "obsession" with Zaino.
Also, do a search on Zaino and then tell me how many thread I PERSONALLY have started. Sure I reply in these threads because people ask me about it, but I think I have started a grand total of 2 maybe 3 threads out of the HUNDREDS that you may have seen.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis
I would have been answering my own question if SungNamZ hadn't said he was using Autoglym polishes.
Dr Bonz, I haven't been on the board long enough to know how many posts you've made on Zaino, nor do I care to search for it. I'm making my assumption, and statement, based upon how many threads have been started with Zaino in the title. As well, I don't believe - at any point in my previous post - that I made a comment directed at you, so you shouldn't have taken it as such.
Now to turn on that, by skimming over your above post on how to properly detail a car, you seem to be have a pretty good grip on detailing, and I respect that. Just from my standpoint, after using a multitude of detailing supplies, it seems like people are just following the crowd when they buy Zaino.
Dr Bonz, I haven't been on the board long enough to know how many posts you've made on Zaino, nor do I care to search for it. I'm making my assumption, and statement, based upon how many threads have been started with Zaino in the title. As well, I don't believe - at any point in my previous post - that I made a comment directed at you, so you shouldn't have taken it as such.
Now to turn on that, by skimming over your above post on how to properly detail a car, you seem to be have a pretty good grip on detailing, and I respect that. Just from my standpoint, after using a multitude of detailing supplies, it seems like people are just following the crowd when they buy Zaino.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis
I'm sorry for post whoring.
Here's a short list, I deviate a little with products depending on the car (color, condition, etc.). I'm assuming you're doing this by hand rather than by rotary or orbital.
Meguiar's Gold Class soap - always use 2 buckets (1 soap, 1 plain water to rinse) so as not to reintroduce dirty water.
Clay Magic clay bar - there's only 2 main manufacturers of clay, if you want Mother's clay bar is the same as Zaino's
For any light scratches or spider webbing, Meguiar's Speed Glaze. It's slightly abrasive, but will actually remove the defects rather than fill them like some oil based polishes.
As far as waxes, I've fallen in love with Pinnacle Souveran, it gives the deepest, wet look I've ever seen. Or for clear, reflective finishes I'm in between 4 Star UPP and Poorboy's EX-P since I haven't gotten a good idea of EX-P's longevity.
As far as any other tips:
Chenille washing mit
Microfiber towels to dry car and remove products. Waffle weave microfiber towels are excellent for drying the car.
Foam aplicators for polishing and waxing, stay away from the terry cloth applicators.
Painter's tape around the weatherstripping for the hatch, pain to get wax residue off of.
Invest most of your time in the prep work, the wax will only look as good as the foundation you've laid down for it.
Good luck
Here's a short list, I deviate a little with products depending on the car (color, condition, etc.). I'm assuming you're doing this by hand rather than by rotary or orbital.
Meguiar's Gold Class soap - always use 2 buckets (1 soap, 1 plain water to rinse) so as not to reintroduce dirty water.
Clay Magic clay bar - there's only 2 main manufacturers of clay, if you want Mother's clay bar is the same as Zaino's
For any light scratches or spider webbing, Meguiar's Speed Glaze. It's slightly abrasive, but will actually remove the defects rather than fill them like some oil based polishes.
As far as waxes, I've fallen in love with Pinnacle Souveran, it gives the deepest, wet look I've ever seen. Or for clear, reflective finishes I'm in between 4 Star UPP and Poorboy's EX-P since I haven't gotten a good idea of EX-P's longevity.
As far as any other tips:
Chenille washing mit
Microfiber towels to dry car and remove products. Waffle weave microfiber towels are excellent for drying the car.
Foam aplicators for polishing and waxing, stay away from the terry cloth applicators.
Painter's tape around the weatherstripping for the hatch, pain to get wax residue off of.
Invest most of your time in the prep work, the wax will only look as good as the foundation you've laid down for it.
Good luck
Again, as others have mentioned here several times, I shouldn't even mention this since I polish so often, but carnuaba products will not last on your car very long so you'll have to use them much more frequently.
And for all of the folks saying that Zaino has too many "steps", at least one of them doesn't require taping off all of your plastic trim or weather stripping.
And for all of the folks saying that Zaino has too many "steps", at least one of them doesn't require taping off all of your plastic trim or weather stripping.
Griz: I apologize. When you said, "nice car in your sig" I thought you meant me. I have a pic of my car in my sig. You apparently meant SungNamZ's car. The pic of his car however was attached to his post. It wasn't in his sig. That is why I misunderstood you.