[B2Blain]

I made the slight mistake of buying a black car so I wanted to do it right when choosing an exterior detail system. I went back and forth between Zaino and Meguiars, mostly due to the discussion on this site. After a lot of thought and research I decided to detail my two month old car with Zaino. This was one of the best decisions that I ever made. I washed with dawn and then used a Porter Cable 7424 to polish it with Z-PC fusion. I was a little concerned with using an abrasive but I didn't go overboard and went over the car with a light touch. The paint was as smooth as silk. I then applied two coats of Z2 and was amazed with the way it looked. The application of Z2 was very user friendly, especially for a first timer. I used about one ounce for one coat - a little too much but that is probably typical. I skipped applying Z5 since I didn't seem to have any problem with swirls. Maybe next time. Zaino was much easier than using a cleaner wax that I used previously.

The one area that I am having a problem with is with cleaning the tires. I used the technique of washing with a car wash soap and brush but it doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the dirt off. I used to use Ajax or Comet on the tires. Is this a no no?

[pander5]

Sounds like a perfect routine for black and it sounds beautiful. I have found ZPC to be one of the most versatile polishes in my arsenal because it can be almost like a glaze (as it sounds like you succeeded in achieving) or a medium cut that is buffer pad dependent. That stuff has a wide range.

One ounce of Z2 polish per layer is certainly more than you need but if you didn't experience any removal or streaking issues you're ok. Next time try about 1/2 to 1/3 an ounce per layer. I will admit the toughest thing to get used to is how super thin you apply this stuff. Did you use ZFX with the Z2?

If you do decide to try the Z5, lay that down first under the Z2. Z5 will slightly improve the appearance of any slight marring and the Z2 then brightens the final layer(s) up. I then apply Z8 the next day or after the first wash (and every wash thereafter) for maintaining the slickness and gloss.

Not sure of the stiffness of your tire brush but I use a good stiff nylon brush and my regular car wash soap for the rubber sidewalls and spend some time working the bristles into all the sipes, nooks, crannies etc. Then rinse thoroughly. If needed - do it again. I would personally be hesitant on using Ajax or Comet on my tires for fear that it may cause problems for my wheel finish.

The only step you didn't mention was claying the paint surface after your wash. Many are apprehensive about clay for fear of potential marring issues but it does make a substantial difference to the paint surface before buffing and polishing. Sounds like you got the results that made you happy and that's all that really matters.

Sounds great and congratulations - feels good when you can do that yourself, doesn't it?

[Ascension]

Originally Posted by B2Blain

I made the slight mistake of buying a black car so I wanted to do it right when choosing an exterior detail system. I went back and forth between Zaino and Meguiars, mostly due to the discussion on this site. After a lot of thought and research I decided to detail my two month old car with Zaino. This was one of the best decisions that I ever made. I washed with dawn and then used a Porter Cable 7424 to polish it with Z-PC fusion. I was a little concerned with using an abrasive but I didn't go overboard and went over the car with a light touch. The paint was as smooth as silk. I then applied two coats of Z2 and was amazed with the way it looked. The application of Z2 was very user friendly, especially for a first timer. I used about one ounce for one coat - a little too much but that is probably typical. I skipped applying Z5 since I didn't seem to have any problem with swirls. Maybe next time. Zaino was much easier than using a cleaner wax that I used previously.

The one area that I am having a problem with is with cleaning the tires. I used the technique of washing with a car wash soap and brush but it doesn't seem to be getting a lot of the dirt off. I used to use Ajax or Comet on the tires. Is this a no no?

It was no mistake Black is very classy & formal.

[bimmernotbeamer]

For very diry tires and rims, try eagle one all wheel and tire cleaner. Don't use it every wash. Once every 2-3 months should suffice. In between just wash with car wash soap.

[B2Blain]

I did use ZFX. I can't believe how easy it was to apply. I washed again this week and applied two coats of Z2. This time I was able to use less than an ounce to do two coats. I haven't had to apply Z5 yet and kind of regret purchasing it. But I suppose I will need it soon enough.

Now to condition the leather and apply some rainex.

Is it ok to use Z2 on the head lights and brake lights, and also glass????

[Ninjaneer]

Originally Posted by B2Blain

Now to condition the leather and apply some rainex.

Is it ok to use Z2 on the head lights and brake lights, and also glass????

Short answer: yes
More answers: go to this thread and start reading from post #19 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ighlight=glass

I've done it and the water beads up as it does on the rest of the car if it just rained out. During the rain it seems to roll off quicker while the wipers are on.

Originally Posted by pander5

I then apply Z8 the next day or after the first wash (and every wash thereafter) for maintaining the slickness and gloss.

The more I hear about Z8 from you and picus (even shimshimhada offers it when he details I think) it makes me want to get a bottle. Sounds like it really is a big difference over Z6 and not just some fluff Zaino's hyping up to get people to buy (not that I've been disappointed with any of their products so far! Just wonder how it'd look on Arctic )

[picus]

When I use Z2/Z5 I put them on almost every surface, glass, plastic, metal, paint, chrome, rubber. Even if I am using a plastic/rubber dressing I use them anyway, keeps the plastic/rubber darker longer.