i was wondering if i could use NXT wash opposed to the Z7 wash if im applying zaino.... would the properties in NXT be different than the Z7 which would cause the zaino not to bond properly? thanks

 

Most of the time I use Meg's Gold Class. I used NXT wash this summer as well. Just yesterday I used QEW, then wiped down the hood with Z6 and applied a layer of Z2 to the hood. No Probs.
Z7 is just a really nice wash and is suppose to add those "optical enhancers" or whatever you call 'em. Same idea with the Z6 spray from what I recall. Basically adding a little more "umph".

 

hey sk, if i applied Scratch X or any SMR, do i just wash it down (with NXT) and after that i can applay zaino? or how do i go about removing oils from the SMR? thanks a lot.

 

In general, Yes, you're suppose to wash it down after Scratch X or any SMR. Keep in mind, not all SMRs have fillers and oils though. I think the Menzerna line doesn't have fillers and oils.

It is kind of a pain to have to wash after you've done some really good polishing because usually when you're done polishing, it looks pretty sweet.

I have used Pinnacle's Paint Cleaning Lotion before, and then gone straight to Zaino. Didn't notice any bonding issues or "failing". If anything, I think what will happen is that it will not last as long as it can. I did it last fall, and went about 6 months before the Zaino beading and slickness really fell off. I did wash as much as possible last winter. Regular washing will keep the longevity of any product. You can't just put Zaino on and then expect to go the entire winter without touching the car again.
Hope this helps.

 

oops, forgot to mention that Pinnacle's PCL is known to be loaded with oils. :P

 

sk... i seen you over on autopia.org.. so im assuming you know your stuff..
this is really bothering me, because i just made my Zaino order now im trying to order towels and SMR...
im doing a SMR by hand, i have a black TL and the swirls are i guess Mediumish.. what SMR can you suggest that i can just wash afterwards and go to zaino because my mind is going crazy right now and iw ant to get in this order ASAP.. thanks!!

 

Are you looking for a specific brand SMR ? Since you've mentioned a couple of Meg's products, I'd recommend #9. I've had great results with it when using a PC 7424, but I don't really use it by hand. I've used Scratch X by hand and had some good results with some small scratches.
So either of those can be used and then just do your NXT wash after it. But if you already put your Zaino order in, why not use the Z7 ? Only guess, is that you didn't order it.
Here's a quick guide line:
1) Wash with NXT
2) Claybar the car (don't know if you plan to, but it's advised) - I like Mother's claybar kit.
3) Wash with NXT again or at least rinse it thouroughly (to rid the paint of any clay or contaminates left over).
4) Use SMR (ex: Meg's #9)
5) Wash the car one last time (to remove any oils/fillers left over from #9)
6) Start using Zaino (thin coats is the key)
Good Luck

 

i didnt really like spending the extra money since i have a practically brand new bottle of NXT and im broke as heck right now...
do you think i shud just z5 and z2 for now, without the SMR, and see how the swirls come out? because im no expert and im not sure if they are really bad or light... and just wait till next spring to add the SMR?
or will the zaino magnify all the scratches and swirls.

thanks a lot man, i appreciate it!

 

If you can live with the scratchs until spring, then just do the Z2 and Z5 for now. Z5 is suppose to help hide the scratches, but it takes a number of coats before they start to disappear....at least in my experiences. It's really hard to say without seeing pictures, what I THINK will happen with just Z2 and Z5.
Since you're in NYC, I'm guessing you're doing Zaino to help battle through the winter. So you're looking for protection more than appearance.
Maybe just buy a tube of Scratch X for $8 at a Target or something ?

 

hey, thanks a lot for your help ska, really appreciate it, i left you rep points..
i heard scratch x would be a Bittc... doing the whole car with, which i intended on doing, so im not really sure what im going to do, its for protection but i want appearance to be nice as well (first wax job i've done). i guess for $7 scratch x is worth a try though right? can i apply 2 layers? can i buff it off with a DF Concours towel as well?
your instructions say wash it 3 times with nxt, dawn is supposed to prep it according to zaino, if i dont use dawn and no AIO or cleaner (im claying as well) will the zaino still bond?
thanks!

 

Doing the entire car with whatever you use can be a Bia#%@^, but if you're really into it, it's rather enjoyable. I've spent over $1000 in detailing stuff, so it's kind of a disease for me. One thing I don't enjoy is doing the inside of the windshield and rear window.

I say go for the Scratch X, it's worth a shot. At least you can try it on a small section of a quarter panel and compare side by side the area you did vs. the side you didn't do.

When you say 2 layers, you mean Scratch X or Zaino ? With Scratch X, you may see a difference between your 1st and 2nd attempt, but it'll probably be very little. Again, it's hard to say without see it. For Zaino, you can use as many layers as you want, but I see no need for more than 2 or 3. I'd save the DF towel for your final buff. I use regular MF towels when doing any polishing work. The DF towel is really really nice on your final stage.

Ok, the classic dawn question. On my first Zaino attempt, I did the entire dawn routine, I follow most of Sal's instructions (the cotton towels, etc.). These days I don't use the dawn for anything but washing out MF towels and applicator pads. Too much dawn washing will eventually deteriorate your rubber trim. Once, maybe twice a year probably doesn't do too much harm, but I don't see the need for it any more. The idea is to remove any previous wax that is on the paint. But after any sort of polishing, it'll be gone. That is my opinion on dawn. Others here will agree, others won't.

If you're doing the scratch X, then a wash, I wouldn't worry about the bonding at all.

 

appreciate it so much ska... thanks for all your time
one thing i never seen in tutorials is when going up and down (applying product, both zaino and scratch x) how many passes do i do on one spot? would i need to pass more with scratch to try to diminish the swirls??
what is the diff. between polishing and buffin towels? would the DF concours be for zaino and polishing micro fibers be for Scratch X? (i bough a pack of MF towels from costco, but they seem not to pass the "CD test" where it scratches the cd, should i trash them)?
and do you think i shud just go for the Einszett for $6 more, will there be a difference?
i think this will conclude my questions...

thanks so much again!! wish i could give you more rep points.

 

As far as the number of passes, I just go over it a couple of times. With Zaino, as long as a section is covered, it's fine. With polishes, I may go over it a few times, buff it out, and then try it again with the same product.

With towels, the difference is in the quality of the towel. I said to save the DF towel for last because it's a higher end towel and people have less of them than "regular" towels due to the cost (I only have 2). I don't use Costco towels, so I can't comment on their quality. But if they didn't pass the CD test, chances are they're not that great for the paint. I wouldn't trash them, maybe just use them for engine detailing, door jams, etc. The majority of towels I use are from www.pakshak.com. Very soft, plush towels. Detailing can put a dent in your wallet.

I'm surprised noone else jumped on this thread yet. There are a lot of talented detailers here. Off the top of my head, NSXNEXT, exceldetail, groebuck, NYDesi, CLPower have great posts on detailing. (sry if I mispelled anyone's name).

You're very welcome. I don't fully understand this rep point thing, but I guess it's like ebay feedback.
Thx

 

hey i ordered some DF COncours towels 2 days ago and got them today.. i put them against the CD test and i see verry mini scratches... would it be because i havent washed them? or is this normal. thanks

 

With all towels, it's advised you wash them prior to using them on your car. I've used brand new towels on my paint before washing them in the past. Luckily, I had no bad experiences. These days I always wash them before using them.
The DF towel should not scratch your paint. It is a very high quaility towel.
You got them in 2 days because the company is in Suffolk and your in NYC

 

i actually ordered tehm from Supremeautocare.com (i think).
they were a bit cheaper then DF's actual own site, and shipping was cheaper as well. They came from Maine i think.