wax on, wax off

[metallicred09]

Hand wash it really good using dishwashing liquid to strip off any car wash wax or dealership wax and clay it. After that, wax it very generously.

 

I could never wash my car with dish soap

[FtLewis2002]

I could never wash my car with dish soap

 

Then don't. Buy the expensive car wash stuff that's identical to Palmolive, but costs more. When you wash it before claying it, you want to get all of the crap off of the clearcoat to keep the clay cleaner. Regular dish soap works the best, or, as I said, you can buy the expensive pre-clay concentrate car wash soap. The same soap that smells identical to the green palmolive, and does the dishes, too.

Edited March 29, 2010 by FtLewis2002

[Sithil]

I could never wash my car with dish soap

 

Don't think he was referring to a general car wash, but specifically for a pre-wax wash.

 

No using dish soap consistently is not a good idea since it strips wax and other coatings, but a 1 time use prior to a wax should be fine.

[acdii]

I don't use wax. It builds up and you eventually have to strip it down or the paint dulls. I only use Zaino once a year, with a simple wipe down of Z6 every so often to keep the paint clean. It also doesn't turn black plastic white if you get it on it by mistake. I haven't tried the new item out, just the Z2, Z5, Z6 and Z8, and I get a perfect shine that no wax can beat. No rubbing, no buffing, just wipe it on, and wipe it off, and with each layer, you get a deeper gloss, and it really makes the metallic sparkle. It also helps protect against fine scratches, which on a dark or black car, really show up under bright light. I haven't done anything to my car since I put 4 coats on in September, and I can take it to the car wash right now and the water still beads up and the paint is slick and shiny.

[con_fusion]

I don't use wax. It builds up and you eventually have to strip it down or the paint dulls. I only use Zaino once a year, with a simple wipe down of Z6 every so often to keep the paint clean. It also doesn't turn black plastic white if you get it on it by mistake. I haven't tried the new item out, just the Z2, Z5, Z6 and Z8, and I get a perfect shine that no wax can beat. No rubbing, no buffing, just wipe it on, and wipe it off, and with each layer, you get a deeper gloss, and it really makes the metallic sparkle. It also helps protect against fine scratches, which on a dark or black car, really show up under bright light. I haven't done anything to my car since I put 4 coats on in September, and I can take it to the car wash right now and the water still beads up and the paint is slick and shiny.

 

Thanks to all who replied to my question.

 

Acdii, which Zaino product did you start with? I probably need to read more through the links that bbf2530 provided.

 

When I look at the Zaino products it's confusing (no pun intended). My car is really new so at this point I think I just need something to protect the finish.

 

So would that just be the Z-CS Clear Seal product? Several Zaino products are "polishes" and that makes me think fine abrasives are involved.

 

Thanks again...

Edited April 6, 2010 by con_fusion

[acdii]

Thanks to all who replied to my question.

 

Acdii, which Zaino product did you start with? I probably need to read more through the links that metallicred09 provided.

 

When I look at the Zaino products it's confusing (no pun intended). My car is really new so at this point I think I just need something to protect the finish.

 

So would that just be the Z-CS Clear Seal product? Several Zaino products are "polishes" and that makes me think fine abrasives are involved.

 

Thanks again...

 

What they refer to as a polish is the fact it puts such a shine on the paint that it looks like it was polished, but they don't use abrasives.

 

There is only one Zaino product that contains abrasives, and you normally would not need it, it is used to get out very noticeable swirl marks. That is the Z-PC, and I doubt you would ever need it. I recommend for those serious about getting the best possible finish and have the time to do it, get the starter kit. For $85 it includes everything you need to fully prep and apply the Zaino finish used on Show cars. It includes the clay bars, applicator pads, Z2 and accelerator kit, car wash, and the Z6 final Finish spray for upkeep. For those who just want a quick way to detail the car, and have a good finish with little upkeep, get the Z-Trip kit for $73, it has the all in one polish, Clear shield and Grand Finale spray. I can't comment on the AIO or CS as I never used it personally, but the Z8 really does put a glow on the car, and is a pretty good final step.

 

Disclaimer, I do not , nor have I ever worked for Zaino, I am just a firm believer in their product and the ease of use. This is what I am trying to get across to everyone, It is simply the EASIEST product you will ever use on a car, and puts a shine on it that competes with the best waxes that take hours of buffing with a machine to accomplish. It is well worth the money, and a little goes a very long way. I am just now on my second bottle of Z2 that I bought in 2001, and I have done 5 cars with at least 4 coats each, some had 6 to 8 coats.

 

Just remember this, perfect prep makes for a perfect polish. Clean the paint first, use a little bit of Dawn detergent when you first clay bar the car before you do anything, this removes all wax and grease and leaves the surface super slick. Then apply the Z2, or AIO, if you apply either one over a previously waxed surface without first removing the old wax, you will see the wax, and will not be able to get it out without having to wash the car down again with a strong dawn solution, Dawn is about the only thing that will remove Zaino from the paint other than chemicals like Thinner, or reducer. It also does NOT contain any silicone. Silicone is bad for your paint, if you ever needed to have body work done, Silicone can be a nightmare with fisheyes and very poor paint spread.

[gfdfusion]

I've always kept my cars in better than showroom condition, and have even detailed cars for some extra spending money in the past. I've always likes meguiars products. The best ways to get the best results from a car is just good old fashioned elbow grease. Wash it with a quality car wash (NO DISH SOAP), dry it (preferably in the shade), and then get to work. I just the other day detailed my '09 Fusion, and I used a Meguiar's clay bar to start with and followed it up with a coat of their NXT 2.0 paste wax. The car looks amazing, but i did take me almost half a day total to get it right (i detailed the inside too). There are lots of quality producuts and methods, but i've used this method for years with great results. Just my 2 cents.

[Fuze-ion]

I would like to put-in another plug for ZAINO. I do not work or have any connection to Zaino. I have been using their products, since like 1993. I first heard about it, at the Oldsmobile National Car Show, which was held in NJ that year. A guy had a Black 1970 Olds 442, that was the glossiest (is that a word) paint, I had ever seen. I have been using it since. It last longer than waxes, that I've used.

http://www.zainostore.com

[FtLewis2002]

if you're going to clay it, use dish soap (Palmolive works best) to strip off any grease, fingerprints, and old wax (not ALL of the wax) before claying the car. Will save you a lot of time. I used to OWN a tinting and detail shop. Or, again, go spend the money on a pre-clay wash product of your choice, which will be Palmolive in another bottle.

 

Here's a link since I'm too lazy to type what boils down to common sense at the moment. this guy uses Ivory, and I use Palmolive before a new wax, or clay.

 

http://www.dccarcare.com/tipowk/tipowk7.html

[timwil56]

if you're going to clay it, use dish soap (Palmolive works best) to strip off any grease, fingerprints, and old wax (not ALL of the wax) before claying the car. Will save you a lot of time. I used to OWN a tinting and detail shop. Or, again, go spend the money on a pre-clay wash product of your choice, which will be Palmolive in another bottle.

 

Here's a link since I'm too lazy to type what boils down to common sense at the moment. this guy uses Ivory, and I use Palmolive before a new wax, or clay.

 

http://www.dccarcare.com/tipowk/tipowk7.html

Great link, thanks. I read the entire archive, lots of great info there. I am still hesitant to use dish soap every time, but will use it before I clay and apply my spring wax in a couple of weeks. I just happen to have Palmolive under the kitchen sink.

[akirby]

Great link, thanks. I read the entire archive, lots of great info there. I am still hesitant to use dish soap every time, but will use it before I clay and apply my spring wax in a couple of weeks. I just happen to have Palmolive under the kitchen sink.

 

Dish soap is only used when you want to strip off the old wax and finish before applying new wax or finish. You do not use it in between waxings.

[timwil56]

Dish soap is only used when you want to strip off the old wax and finish before applying new wax or finish. You do not use it in between waxings.

I worded that response wrong. I agree, I'd never use dish soap for weekly washing, only once in the spring before claying.

Edited April 6, 2010 by 2010 Sport Blue SEL

[FtLewis2002]

Great link, thanks. I read the entire archive, lots of great info there. I am still hesitant to use dish soap every time, but will use it before I clay and apply my spring wax in a couple of weeks. I just happen to have Palmolive under the kitchen sink.

 

Personally, I wouldn't use dish soap every time either, and never have. However, the people who are saying they'd never use it, have never USED it before. It's like my wife whenever I cook up some tasty deer meat. She's like "ewwwww"... she's never tried it, but she's convinced it tastes wrong.

[akirby]

Personally, I wouldn't use dish soap every time either, and never have. However, the people who are saying they'd never use it, have never USED it before. It's like my wife whenever I cook up some tasty deer meat. She's like "ewwwww"... she's never tried it, but she's convinced it tastes wrong.

 

It's known that dish soap strips wax, therefore the only appropriate use of it as a car wash is prior to re-applying the wax or other protectorant. If you use it as a regular car wash it will leave the paint unprotected.

[blumagic]

I use the Ice liquid on my 2010 Fusion Sport (Sport Blue) and it does a really great job, I been looking for the Ice paste but for some reason it's kinda hard to find in the auto stores.....

[acdii]

I gave my Sport a quick once over with Z6 on Saturday, took me 20 minutes. Car shines like the day I first cleaned it. Zaino recommends Dawn, and it really is good shtuff. I few drops in a spray bottle is all I use, and I first wash teh car with regular car wash soap, and clay the car with the Dawn solution, then wash the car again, and polish it after that. This method guarantees the wax is gone and the paint is clean enough to accept the polish.

[FtLewis2002]

It's known that dish soap strips wax, therefore the only appropriate use of it as a car wash is prior to re-applying the wax or other protectorant. If you use it as a regular car wash it will leave the paint unprotected.

 

Any time you wash your car, you remove wax, no matter what soap you are using, and even if you don't use soap. That clear coat is what protects the paint. When we're waxing our cars, we're only waxing the clear coat. I haven't seen a "paint" that gets waxed in many years.

[bbf2530]

Any time you wash your car, you remove wax, no matter what soap you are using, and even if you don't use soap. That clear coat is what protects the paint. When we're waxing our cars, we're only waxing the clear coat. I haven't seen a "paint" that gets waxed in many years.

 

Hi FtLewis. :D While what you are saying is not completely wrong, it will be confusing for others. So, just to clarify: "The clearcoat" on our cars is paint. It is clearcoat paint. "Clearcoat" paint is simply a paint with no color pigment.

 

And that clearcoat paint must be protected, just like the non-clearcoat paints on older cars. Now, whether that protection is a traditional wax or the newer polymer "waxes" is up to individual preference. But either way, we are still "waxing paint", it is just clearcoat paint being waxed.

 

As far as wax being removed when we wash, you are partially correct. That goes without saying, as wax is not as hard as paint. Even a rain storm removes minute layers of wax. However, car wash shampoos are specifically formulated for cars paint finishes. Therefore, they are less harsh and remove very little wax protection each time we wash, thus still leaving the paint finish protected.. On the other hand, dish-washing soaps will remove all wax protection in one washing, leaving our cars paint finish (yes, clearcoat paint) completely unprotected.

 

Hope this information helps.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

Edited April 9, 2010 by bbf2530

[akirby]

Any time you wash your car, you remove wax, no matter what soap you are using, and even if you don't use soap. That clear coat is what protects the paint. When we're waxing our cars, we're only waxing the clear coat. I haven't seen a "paint" that gets waxed in many years.

 

bbf2530 is absolutely correct - clear coat IS paint, it just doesn't have any pigment. Dishwashing soap will remove ALL of the wax at one time, that's why it's recommended prior to applying a new wax or other type of protectant. Car wash soaps are very mild and remove very little (if any) wax - that's why they're highly recommended. You can use car wash soap once every week or two for several months (or longer) without having to reapply wax or protectant. One time with Dawn and it's gone.

[drolds1]

I gave my Sport a quick once over with Z6 on Saturday, took me 20 minutes. Car shines like the day I first cleaned it. Zaino recommends Dawn, and it really is good shtuff. I few drops in a spray bottle is all I use, and I first wash teh car with regular car wash soap, and clay the car with the Dawn solution, then wash the car again, and polish it after that. This method guarantees the wax is gone and the paint is clean enough to accept the polish.

 

I'm a "Zainiac" too but I'm a little puzzled as to why you feel the need to restrip. Dawn is only supposed to be used before the initial application of Zaino. As Sal Zaino states on the website :

Leave Dawn in the kitchen since you'll never use it again on your car.

There's no need to strip Zaino. In fact, the beauty of Zaino is that the more layers you put on, the better it is. Besides, Dawn does nothing to remove Zaino anyway. The only thing that removes Zaino is isopropyl alcohol.

 

If you feel that your paint is that contaminated that you need to clay, then you would use Z-AIO. This serves two purposes. It cleans the paint and lays down a base coat for Z-2, etc. This eliminates the need for the old Z-1 as well. You can even stop after the application of Z-AIO and leave it as a last-step product (LSP), but I never leave it at that :D It's addicting. I top that with Z-5, Z-2, Z-CS and Z-8.

 

BTW, if you haven't tried Z-CS, you must. Amazing. Spray, wipe and walk away. Lasts me 6-8 months, but my car is garaged.

 

Happy "Zainoing." And no, I don't work for Zaino. Just a satisfied customer for many years. Whenever my kids ask me what I want for Father's day or B'days, I just tell them to get me Zaino gift certificates. Easy for them, great for me.

Edited April 9, 2010 by drolds1

[acdii]

I'm a "Zainiac" too but I'm a little puzzled as to why you feel the need to restrip. Dawn is only supposed to be used before the initial application of Zaino. As Sal Zaino states on the website : There's no need to strip Zaino. In fact, the beauty of Zaino is that the more layers you put on, the better it is. Besides, Dawn does nothing to remove Zaino anyway. The only thing that removes Zaino is isopropyl alcohol.

 

If you feel that your paint is that contaminated that you need to clay, then you would use Z-AIO. This serves two purposes. It cleans the paint and lays down a base coat for Z-2, etc. This eliminates the need for the old Z-1 as well. You can even stop after the application of Z-AIO and leave it as a last-step product (LSP), but I never leave it at that :D It's addicting. I top that with Z-5, Z-2, Z-CS and Z-8.

 

BTW, if you haven't tried Z-CS, you must. Amazing. Spray, wipe and walk away. Lasts me 6-8 months, but my car is garaged.

 

Happy "Zainoing." And no, I don't work for Zaino. Just a satisfied customer for many years. Whenever my kids ask me what I want for Father's day or B'days, I just tell them to get me Zaino gift certificates. Easy for them, great for me.

 

I don't, only before I apply the first coat of Zaino to any car, after that, anytime I clay the car is with Mothers detail spray, then apply additional Zaino as needed. Once I have the first coat of the Z on, Dawn doesn't touch the car unless there is something on it that will not come off.

 

 

BTW, soon I will post some pics I took of the Grand Marquis that I recently painted. The paint is still soft, so a complete polish with Zaino is going slow. I first need to remove the swirls from when they buffed the paint out. I started on the hood yesterday and got a few shots that show the swirls, but by the time I got the first coat of Z5 removed and Z6 applied, the sun had moved to shadow, and clouds came in, so the light wasn't right. What I did get shows a vast difference, from 10 minutes work. I spent 10 minutes of clay, wipe, apply Z5, wipe, apply Z6, and wipe, but had to wait 30 minutes after the Z5 for it to cure.

[modular]

For years I have used Collonite Insulator Wax #845. One coat.....wait 24 hours.......second coat. I do this twice a year it lasts that long. Super easy on and off and not much needed.

 

Linky: http://www.colliniteautomotive.com/products.htm#liquid845

[D3monic]

Just ordered the zaino ultimate protection show car kit , some towels and Z-CS.

 

2011 Fusion SEL Tuxedo black 400 miles. When washing it today i did not notice any grime or anything so i may skip the clay bar. I will do the dawn wash and then spend the entire day waxing the car getting it ready for spring.... altho i do plan on making a 1000 mile drive in a few weeks. i can only imagine the bugs.

[drolds1]

Just ordered the zaino ultimate protection show car kit , some towels and Z-CS.

 

2011 Fusion SEL Tuxedo black 400 miles. When washing it today i did not notice any grime or anything so i may skip the clay bar. I will do the dawn wash and then spend the entire day waxing the car getting it ready for spring.... altho i do plan on making a 1000 mile drive in a few weeks. i can only imagine the bugs.

 

You will be very pleased with the Zaino products. I've never gone back to anything else after I started using Zaino.

[Heimlichkeit]

Hi vanhalenfan. :D I use Meguiar's Gold Class Liquid.

 

Essentially, if twelve people answer your question, you will get twelve different opinions (well, except for me and Darksider ). In the end, you can not go wrong if you use any of the major name brands. Those would include Meguiar's, Mother's, Zaino etc etc.

 

In addition, using the proper technique for washing, polishing and waxing your car is as important as the products you use. So I would recommend reading the "How-to", "FAQ" and "Detailing Tips' sections of the following websites:

 

LINK: Meguiar's

 

LINK: Mother's

 

LINK: Autopia

 

As far as what the Dealer uses: You would need to ask the Dealership, as the products used would vary from Dealer to Dealer. Many Dealers simply contract the new car prep work out to outside Detailers. Whatever they use will be no better than what you can purchase on your own from the above companies (and likely not even as good).

 

And just to give another point of view concerning how shiny your new car was when you picked it up: It was a brand new car fresh from the factory. Just a good wash and dry and it would be blindingly shiny. At best, they ran it through an automatic car wash (their own or a local one) and then gave it a quickie wax job and some tire shine. Making a brand new car look good is simple. It is the art of keeping it shiny for years to come that takes work, skill and excellent products.

 

Again, if you go with any of the products available from Meguiar's, Mother's or Zaino, you will not go wrong. Of course there are many other car care companies that make excellent products, but those three give you a place to start.

 

Hope this information helps.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

 

Just ordered Meguir's Brilliant Solutions New Car Kit for my new 2011 Ford Fusion S