When to wax?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(abq sfr @ Apr 2 2007, 01:04 PM) [snapback]416571[/snapback]</div>

This school of thought is outdated. You should wax your new whip ASAP.

I prefer to use Klasse products. They are expensive, and time-consuming to use correctly, but the results are well worth it.

Congrats on your new ride.

 

Zaino!!!

 

There is a loooong Zaino thread here, read it. I haven't waxed my car yet, but hoping to do so in the near future with Zaino.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(snowdog650 @ Apr 2 2007, 01:47 PM) [snapback]416603[/snapback]</div>

Good to know, I waxed mine 2 weeks after new.
Are those Zaino products that good? I used a Meguiars solid wax, did I screw up?
Thanks

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ByWire @ Apr 3 2007, 12:15 AM) [snapback]416857[/snapback]</div>

Yes, the're that good. And, no, you didn't screw up.

 

Wash it only with Mr. Clean Autodry and it will never need waxing. Saves a lot of time and bother.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(richard schumacher @ Apr 3 2007, 09:08 PM) [snapback]417413[/snapback]</div>

I disagree. The Mr. Clean system is fine for what it does, but it doesn't put a protective layer of polymer or wax over the paint.

Take a piece of aluminum foil off the roll. Use the shiny side to reflect sunshine into your face. Now crumple it up and spread it back out flat and again reflect the sunlight. Which reflected the most light? At a microscopic level, the paint on your car is like the crumpled-flattened foil. A coat of sealant helps fill in the little divots and make the surface smoother. Smooth = shiny.

Love that Zaino shine, and the newest products make it very easy.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant @ Apr 3 2007, 09:31 PM) [snapback]417420[/snapback]</div>

Bill, Maybe we should have a waxing meetup and wax all of our cars at the same time.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(NoMoShocks @ Apr 3 2007, 10:19 PM) [snapback]417440[/snapback]</div>

Interesting idea, maybe August when a water fight wouldn't be so bad...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(richard schumacher @ Apr 3 2007, 09:08 PM) [snapback]417413[/snapback]</div>

Actually, when I had my Camaro, was CRAZY about keeping it clean. The autodry actually strips any kinds of wax off of the car. Don't believe me? Wash, and then wax your car. Wash it, and you'll see the water bead up. Then as your rinsing using the autodry (assuming you've also used the green soap provided) the water will not bead, and your car will be "sqeaky" clean, and not "silky" clean. I can also point you to several VERY long discussion threads on 2 other f-body boards, if you'd like.

A lot of people love zaino. I stuck to NXT or the blue wax that I can't remember... NuFinish, Nuswax... I can't remember. Anyway, a good cleaner wax is good and quicker than going the zaino route...

if you REALLY wanna go crazy, clay bar it too... B)

Edit: Zymol... but follow directions to a T! Found an old post of mine:

http://forum.camarov6.com/showthread.php?t=69190

 

Or you could get the Zaino Triplets (Z-AIO, Z-CS, Z-8 & 314) and have the shiniest car around. A bit more work than Mr. Clean, but look at the shine on that BMW in the photo at the bottom of the page!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(NoMoShocks @ Apr 4 2007, 12:19 AM) [snapback]417440[/snapback]</div>

Get down, get funky: wax each other's cars.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant @ Apr 3 2007, 11:31 PM) [snapback]417420[/snapback]</div>

Maybe the divots come from washing it harshly? Mine is still microscopically smooth.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(richard schumacher @ Apr 7 2007, 01:45 PM) [snapback]419422[/snapback]</div>

I agree with Bill. I love my new Prius and I am going to baby that paint job as long as I can. Just bought it in February 07. I have done some recent research on this very subject. I will be using Klasse products. Am not opposed to Carnauba wax - may try some at some later point in time. Will definitely be using Clay Bars in the future and just bought one for our Camry.

The synthetic waxes appear to be superior over carnauba. The paint is definitely worth taking care of and helps to retain its value.

Mine is Super White, Pkg 5, stone color leather, mudflaps. And probably a stupid decision to get Lojack, but I did along with an independent warranty which includes wear and tear.

Good Luck...... and WAX that car. Which I lived nearby so we could all wax together.

Susanne - Charlotte, NC

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(richard schumacher @ Apr 7 2007, 10:45 AM) [snapback]419422[/snapback]</div>

Get out your microscope, Richard. All paint has texture, the clear coat helps level the surface, but even that's got some roughness. Slide your fingers over a well Zaino/sealant/Klasse/waxed/polished surface and feel the difference from bare paint. Slick, smooth, shiny.

Dont be harsh to your Prius.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ByWire @ Apr 3 2007, 01:15 AM) [snapback]416857[/snapback]</div>

IMHO (I've been detailing cars for 15 years and owned a mobile professional detailing business for a time) Zaino is vastly overrated. You get people on car boards that are zealots and sell it as the only true car care product available but thats because Zaino has a extremely effective hype-machine.

Its not a bad product, its actually a good product but there are definately better products.

Zaino's main redeeming feature is that it is one of the longest lasting products out there, but the negatives are:

1. Plasticky shine, much deeper look can be achieved with other carnuaba or synthetic products.

2. Its really picky about temps and paint condition when applying, and you can't use rich polishes underneath which hide defects and increase depth

3. Its complicated to prepare to use with either Z1 or the ZFX, this is part of the hype machine. They could sell it in a bottle ready to use, but they sell it in this pointless "mix it up yourself" kit.

4. Its expensive

5. While it has good longevity from a water beading perspective, it does not protect that well from bonded contaminants or acid etching.

What you have to realize is detailing is a process, not a product. Unless the right prepwork is done beforehand, the paint is never going to look great regardless of what product is used. Zaino's okay, but its not the holy grail.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(abq sfr @ Apr 2 2007, 02:04 PM) [snapback]416571[/snapback]</div>

I asked this question when I took delivery of my car last Saturday. The Delivery Coordinator told me to wait two months before waxing the car.

 

I use Turtle Wax ICE which uses silicone and hydrocarbon polymers. Have been very pleased with the results.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(briloop @ May 24 2007, 02:43 PM) [snapback]449280[/snapback]</div>

Bah. He's repeating advice that originated 20 years ago.