[JC316]

Hey guys.

Just to give you a quick run down. I recieved my 335i AW 2009 about a month and a half ago. It's been waxed several times and I've been contemplating on the proper "winterizing" procedures. From what I've read, sealants can disturb the clear coat/paint. What I'm wondering is if I waxed my car every month even throughout the winter season, can I stay away from the sealants?

My next question is, throughout the year if I wash/wax my car properly on a regular basis can I stay away from the polish and the sealants or will I have to do these things at least once a year to insure that my car stays in top shape? Right now there are no defects to my paint or clear coat.

I also plan on doing the work in the B5 underground parking area.

Thanks
JC

[Buegie]

who told you sealants are going to mess up your paint? I really only use sealants because they last longer and the difference in looks between wax/sealant isn't terribly noticeable on Tiag

[jopa489]

Sealants most certainly won't hurt your paint at all, who told you that?

They offer protection and longevity over a standard carnuba wax. As Buegie said, many choose to use just a sealant and skip the wax these days, especially on colors like TiAg. It can look just as good, and last two or three times as long.

[JC316]

I'm going to have to find the website that I read it from. But, in a nutshell, wax is better than sealant is? Considering you have the time and the energy or does it not matter? Sealant or wax as long as one is on all the time?

Thanks for replying so quickly!

JC

[zaxjax]

Your info is very wrong!

Sealants do not harm paint at all, they typically last longer than most waxes but give the car color a different look.

With proper washing and drying techniques you can minimize swirling your paint but more than likely your will have to polish at some point. Since it's AW, it's very hard to notice swirls, just keep it clean and blemish free.

[Fresh330]

As everyone else said, your source is definitely incorrect. The only downside to sealants they're lack of depth and gloss in comparision to waxes. This is especially true in black cars (although many sealants are catching up aka Blackfire Wet Diamond).

If you're car is AW, definitely go for a sealant.

[JC316]

Hello all. After reading some more I've decided to pick Zaino sealant products over Dodo Juice. I am however considering purchasing the Dodo Juice as well.

I had a couple of questions though:

1) What would you use to remove the Zaino once applied.
2) Can I use the Dodo Juice over the Zaino. I'm concerned about the bonding between the Zaino and the Wax. I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience doing this.

BTW my vehicle is AW.
Thanks in advance for all the help. +1 to detailedimage for the service and fast delivery. Thanks!

V/r
JC

[UncleWede]

Dawn and then water/alcohol wipe will remove any Z, get you back down to just clear coat and contaminants (if you haven't clayed it)

You can put a wax over the Z, but then you will have to do the above strip to add any more Z or it won't bond. On AW, save your money on the Dodo and buy a polisher instead.

best regards,
Wede

[lopealle]

Originally Posted by Fresh330

As everyone else said, your source is definitely incorrect. The only downside to sealants they're lack of depth and gloss in comparision to waxes. This is especially true in black cars (although many sealants are catching up aka Blackfire Wet Diamond).

If you're car is AW, definitely go for a sealant.

i agree completely

[cfabluenose]

Originally Posted by Fresh330

As everyone else said, your source is definitely incorrect. The only downside to sealants they're lack of depth and gloss in comparision to waxes. This is especially true in black cars (although many sealants are catching up aka Blackfire Wet Diamond).

If you're car is AW, definitely go for a sealant.

If you polish a black car before applying a sealant would you be able to get a glossy, deep finish similar to wax? Or would the sealant not adhere to the wax?

[JC316]

So I've been looking at the DI site and realized there were more things that I needed. Right now this is what I'm looking at doing. I'd like the veterans to chip in with their advice!

- Wash with dawn/ Dry
- Clay with Z-18 using ONR for lube
- Z-AIO or Menzerna PO106FA (Haven't decided which one yet. What kind of pad should I use? I noticed there were different color ones and different sizes. Also wondering if the polish can be done by hand or is that just insane?)
- Z-CS
- Z-2
- Z-8
- Sit back and admire.

Seems this may be the best for a AW.

[TheRox]

this is my research so far:

1. Wash Car
2. Clay Bar
3. (ZPC if paint correction needed) – not now
4. Z5
5. Z2
6. ZCS – key for protection of paint
7. Z8 – can be applied after each wash; confers extra protection