New Towel Finds! Finally No Swirls!!
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,564
From: Memphis, TN
New Towel Finds! Finally No Swirls!!
Well, I've tested a couple different high-quality brands of towels with Zaino other than Fieldcrest, and I must say I'm impressed with the results! I have previoulsy used Royal Velvets with Zaino, and they work very well but I always noticed just a slight marring after using the RVs. Nothing major but very faint swirls that are most visible in direct sunlight, but you really have to look hard to find them. Since the marring was so light, I assumed it was normal on a daily driver.
Now the good stuff! I've tested a couple different brands which IMHO work better than Fieldcrests, one is less expensive the other is about the same price as Charisma. After using both towels for removing Zaino and applying Z6, my car is literally swirl free after removing another coat of Z5. I couldn't believe it! Even in direct sun, not a swirl in sight. I really wasn't expecting perfection out of these towels, but they seem absolutely great for the price. I bought both at a Dillard's department store in a local mall. One is called "Noble Choice" the other is the "POLO" towel. Both are 100% cotton, USA made, and IMO softer than the Fieldcrests. Here's the links if anyone is interested in reading about or seeing them: Noble Choice Towels
the POLO towel
I'm putting my Fieldcrests away for now. Or, I'll use them on other cars that don't require "perfection." Just thought I'd share my experiences...
Mike
[edit] If it makes any difference, I used the Noble Choice to buff off Zaino, and the POLO for Z6ing. One happy camper!
[/edit]
------------------
*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!
[This message has been edited by MikeLS (edited May 02, 2002).]
Now the good stuff! I've tested a couple different brands which IMHO work better than Fieldcrests, one is less expensive the other is about the same price as Charisma. After using both towels for removing Zaino and applying Z6, my car is literally swirl free after removing another coat of Z5. I couldn't believe it! Even in direct sun, not a swirl in sight. I really wasn't expecting perfection out of these towels, but they seem absolutely great for the price. I bought both at a Dillard's department store in a local mall. One is called "Noble Choice" the other is the "POLO" towel. Both are 100% cotton, USA made, and IMO softer than the Fieldcrests. Here's the links if anyone is interested in reading about or seeing them: Noble Choice Towels
the POLO towel
I'm putting my Fieldcrests away for now. Or, I'll use them on other cars that don't require "perfection." Just thought I'd share my experiences...
Mike
[edit] If it makes any difference, I used the Noble Choice to buff off Zaino, and the POLO for Z6ing. One happy camper!
[/edit]------------------
*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!
[This message has been edited by MikeLS (edited May 02, 2002).]
Registered User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 545
From: Fort Erie, Ont.
Congrats Mike! 
That is probably the height of detailing.
I have one question, do you have any spiderwebbing, and what I mean is the wavy, irregular patterns that seem to float on the surface in certain angles of light...?
That's the stuff I am trying to eliminate.
Jeff
------------------
1996 Black Z28 M6; Stock.
1994 S10 4X4.
My Zed
That is probably the height of detailing.
I have one question, do you have any spiderwebbing, and what I mean is the wavy, irregular patterns that seem to float on the surface in certain angles of light...?
That's the stuff I am trying to eliminate.
Jeff
------------------
1996 Black Z28 M6; Stock.
1994 S10 4X4.
My Zed
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,564
From: Memphis, TN
Jeff,
No I don't have any spiderwebbing (thank goodness) that you are referring too. I'm pretty happy now that I've pretty much completely eliminated those annoying swirls or spiders and my paint looks flawless (other than a few daily driving boo boos). I know you are using quality towels, but I forget if you have previously mentioned what type of washing material you use, and your technique when washing. Spiderwebbing is usually caused by washing (or polishing for that matter) with material that can scratch, and/or washing in a circular motion on the panels. If you're not already, try washing in straight motions i.e. front to back, and up/down, not swirling circular patterns. This makes a BIG difference in those pesky little webs that seem to pop up. Also, make sure your washing material is completely clean before you begin using it. I like to give mine a thorough heavy rinse to wash away any dust or dirt that may have been trapped before I actually begin washing. I guess I call that part of my pre-wash technique, but I also give it a final rinse after washing for the same reason. Are you wetting the surface of your car before you start washing? This helps remove loose dust before you wash and adds lube for the wash mitt. When you use Z5, does the webbing seem to disappear and reappear later after you wash or polish?
Lars,
I know the towels you are referring to, and they claim to be 100% cotton, but I have not had the chance to examine them up close. Coming from Meguisr's they should be fine, but I would like to know their source for the towels and if they are USA Made. If those towels are working great for you, I'd continue to use them. If they are causing you problems, you might want to look around for other high quality brands.
------------------
*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!
[This message has been edited by MikeLS (edited May 03, 2002).]
No I don't have any spiderwebbing (thank goodness) that you are referring too. I'm pretty happy now that I've pretty much completely eliminated those annoying swirls or spiders and my paint looks flawless (other than a few daily driving boo boos).
I know you are using quality towels, but I forget if you have previously mentioned what type of washing material you use, and your technique when washing. Spiderwebbing is usually caused by washing (or polishing for that matter) with material that can scratch, and/or washing in a circular motion on the panels. If you're not already, try washing in straight motions i.e. front to back, and up/down, not swirling circular patterns. This makes a BIG difference in those pesky little webs that seem to pop up. Also, make sure your washing material is completely clean before you begin using it. I like to give mine a thorough heavy rinse to wash away any dust or dirt that may have been trapped before I actually begin washing. I guess I call that part of my pre-wash technique, but I also give it a final rinse after washing for the same reason. Are you wetting the surface of your car before you start washing? This helps remove loose dust before you wash and adds lube for the wash mitt. When you use Z5, does the webbing seem to disappear and reappear later after you wash or polish? Lars,
I know the towels you are referring to, and they claim to be 100% cotton, but I have not had the chance to examine them up close. Coming from Meguisr's they should be fine, but I would like to know their source for the towels and if they are USA Made. If those towels are working great for you, I'd continue to use them. If they are causing you problems, you might want to look around for other high quality brands.
------------------
*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!
[This message has been edited by MikeLS (edited May 03, 2002).]
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 126
From: MinneSNOWta
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by MikeLS:
I know the towels you are referring to, and they claim to be 100% cotton, but I have not had the chance to examine them up close. Coming from Meguisr's they should be fine
</font>
I know the towels you are referring to, and they claim to be 100% cotton, but I have not had the chance to examine them up close. Coming from Meguisr's they should be fine
</font>
------------------
Rox
Registered User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 545
From: Fort Erie, Ont.
Mike,
I've been doing my best to do the up/down, left/right motions where I should, but I'm still getting inpurities and spiderwebs/swirls.
There is a solution.....WHITE PAINT.
Jeff
(Still trying)
PS, look at the lasty pic in my sig, under Truck/misc. pics.
------------------
1996 Black Z28 M6; Stock.
1994 S10 4X4.
My Zed
[This message has been edited by Captain Jeff Z28 (edited May 06, 2002).]
I've been doing my best to do the up/down, left/right motions where I should, but I'm still getting inpurities and spiderwebs/swirls.
There is a solution.....WHITE PAINT.
Jeff
(Still trying)PS, look at the lasty pic in my sig, under Truck/misc. pics.
------------------
1996 Black Z28 M6; Stock.
1994 S10 4X4.
My Zed
[This message has been edited by Captain Jeff Z28 (edited May 06, 2002).]
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,564
From: Memphis, TN
Hey Jeff!
Yeah, as best I could tell, those spiders/swirls look like the kind caused from washing, buffing, or Qding. I'm gonna eliminate buffing as a cause though, since I know you're using good toweling. Do you QD your car often with Z6 to remove dust or dirt? I'm very cautious about QDing and only use Z6 over a perfectly clean surface, like after washing or before applying polish. If you're using Z6 over dirt, this could also be a potential cause. I know Black cars can be a big PITA sometimes, but hang in there! It WILL look stunning and flawless when those pesky spiders are taken care of.
As a last resort, if Z5 doesn't seem to help, I'd suggest you pick up some Meguiar's #9 SMR or 3M #39009 SMR. Both of these products contain light abrasives which will remove your swirls, then you should use more Z5 for the perfect finishing touch. I like Meguiar's a little better for hand applications as it's easier to work with IMO. The only bad thing is that those abrasives will remove all the Zaino in the areas that you use the SMR. It sucks to have to remove Zaino (especially if you have many coats built up), but sometimes it's just necessary...
Hopefully we can work out a solution(s) to eliminate to your problem. Pretty soon, I wanna see flawless, swirl free pics of your Black Z!
------------------
*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!
Yeah, as best I could tell, those spiders/swirls look like the kind caused from washing, buffing, or Qding. I'm gonna eliminate buffing as a cause though, since I know you're using good toweling. Do you QD your car often with Z6 to remove dust or dirt? I'm very cautious about QDing and only use Z6 over a perfectly clean surface, like after washing or before applying polish. If you're using Z6 over dirt, this could also be a potential cause. I know Black cars can be a big PITA sometimes, but hang in there! It WILL look stunning and flawless when those pesky spiders are taken care of.
As a last resort, if Z5 doesn't seem to help, I'd suggest you pick up some Meguiar's #9 SMR or 3M #39009 SMR. Both of these products contain light abrasives which will remove your swirls, then you should use more Z5 for the perfect finishing touch. I like Meguiar's a little better for hand applications as it's easier to work with IMO. The only bad thing is that those abrasives will remove all the Zaino in the areas that you use the SMR. It sucks to have to remove Zaino (especially if you have many coats built up), but sometimes it's just necessary...
Hopefully we can work out a solution(s) to eliminate to your problem. Pretty soon, I wanna see flawless, swirl free pics of your Black Z!
------------------
*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!
Registered User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 545
From: Fort Erie, Ont.
Me too, Mike.
I have no complaints about Zaino's shine factor, but I'm still having problems with it getting rid of swirls.
I understand now, that prep work is exterememly important, but this is getting kind of ridiculous, almost to the point where I'm not enjoying detailing my car anymore.
I've been hesitant to say this, but before I started reading this board, I had already learned to live with swirls, etc. Then I read about Zaino and it's miracle working. Now I feel like that kid on the bumpercars that can't seem to get it moving. Everyone else is finding success but me it seems, (I know that's not true) but it feels like it.
I'm still going to try. Thanks again, Mike.
Jeff
------------------
1996 Black Z28 M6; Stock.
1994 S10 4X4.
My Zed
I have no complaints about Zaino's shine factor, but I'm still having problems with it getting rid of swirls.
I understand now, that prep work is exterememly important, but this is getting kind of ridiculous, almost to the point where I'm not enjoying detailing my car anymore.
I've been hesitant to say this, but before I started reading this board, I had already learned to live with swirls, etc. Then I read about Zaino and it's miracle working. Now I feel like that kid on the bumpercars that can't seem to get it moving. Everyone else is finding success but me it seems, (I know that's not true) but it feels like it.
I'm still going to try. Thanks again, Mike.
Jeff
------------------
1996 Black Z28 M6; Stock.
1994 S10 4X4.
My Zed
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,697
From: Bay Area, CA
what is QDing?
-Jeff
------------------
1998 Navy Blue Metallic Z28, chrome rims, chrome lug caps from SLP, RK Sport ground effects, BFG tires, Quad tip flows, LS1 Motorsports Lid, K&N, MSD wires, custom painted interior, and a BIG RED BOWTIE in the back window =)
-Jeff
------------------
1998 Navy Blue Metallic Z28, chrome rims, chrome lug caps from SLP, RK Sport ground effects, BFG tires, Quad tip flows, LS1 Motorsports Lid, K&N, MSD wires, custom painted interior, and a BIG RED BOWTIE in the back window =)
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,564
From: Memphis, TN
QD is short for Quick Detailing with a detailing spray such as Zaino Z6, Meguiar's QD, Mother's etc...
------------------
*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!
------------------
*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,697
From: Bay Area, CA
Hey mike, i got some of the Noble towels you were talking about. They are SOOOO soft. I really am looking forward to another coat of Z5 and having no swirls. I'm doing this on your testimony that these are good towels.
-Jeff
------------------
1998 Navy Blue Metallic Z28, chrome rims, chrome lug caps from SLP, RK Sport ground effects, BFG tires, Quad tip flows, LS1 Motorsports Lid, K&N, MSD wires, custom painted interior, and a BIG RED BOWTIE in the back window =)
-Jeff
------------------
1998 Navy Blue Metallic Z28, chrome rims, chrome lug caps from SLP, RK Sport ground effects, BFG tires, Quad tip flows, LS1 Motorsports Lid, K&N, MSD wires, custom painted interior, and a BIG RED BOWTIE in the back window =)
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,564
From: Memphis, TN
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by GoFast908Z:
Hey mike, i got some of the Noble towels you were talking about. They are SOOOO soft. I really am looking forward to another coat of Z5 and having no swirls. I'm doing this on your testimony that these are good towels.
-Jeff
</font>
Hey mike, i got some of the Noble towels you were talking about. They are SOOOO soft. I really am looking forward to another coat of Z5 and having no swirls. I'm doing this on your testimony that these are good towels.
-Jeff
</font>
Great! Glad you found them! At the price, these towels are a steal given their performance level on paint. I hope your experience goes as well as mine did, but I can't guarantee anything.
I think you'll like them though! I know I do, and I'm very hard to please... Z284ever,
If there is a Dillard's store in a mall near you, they should carry them.
------------------
*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!