Waxing a Black Z
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 31
From: Decatur, Alabama USA
Waxing a Black Z
Hey guys. I know that all of you are Zaino fans. I ordered some today. As for now, I want to go ahead and wax my car with some of the Meguires Gold Class. My Z is black. I've only had it a few weeks. I've never owned a black car before..only red in the past. The car is 5 years old and the paint is in pretty decent shape other than swirl marks. Any suggestions before I wax it? Should I use a paint cleaner first and/ or polish then wax? Thanks. I'm clueless on this black car and I don't want it to look bad when I'm done.
Anthony
Anthony
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,564
From: Memphis, TN
Since I've used a bunch of Meguiar's and Zaino in the past, maybe I can help!
Well, black daily driven cars are quite a challenge to keep 100% perfect, but it can be done with regular maintainence and quality techniques and products. Paint prep is the MOST important factor towards creating a beautiful finish. You can't apply Zaino or any other wax or sealant and expect a perfect finish without proper prep. Prep includes any or all of the following, depending on your paint's condition: claying, paint cleaning, swirl removing, polishing, etc. Prep usually is the most involved step and requires the most time and product. After prepping, the sealing, polishing, or waxing is a breeze.
So, here's what I'd do before your Zaino arrives:
Prep Stage
1. DAWN wash to remove any current wax buildup.
2. Clay using Zaino, Clay Magic, or Mother's clay.
3. Paint Cleaner, such as Meguiar's Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner, Mother's Paint Cleaner, or any similar cleaning product...
4. Swirl Remover, such as Meguiar's #9 SMR, 3M SMR #39009, or for deeper swirls 3M Rubbing Compound #39002, or Meguiar's Fine Cut Cleaner #2.
--Note-- Remember that depending on your paint's condidtion, it may require more than 1 application of paint cleaner and/or swirl remover for best results.
Polish/Wax Stage
OK, after the first stage your paint should be looking almost flawless, very squeaky clean, and swirl free, ready for the polish or wax. You have two choices here: apply a polish then the Meguiar's Gold Class or stop and wait for the Zaino. I've used Gold Class many times, it shines great but lasts about 2 weeks.
If you want to go ahead and wax the car before the Zanio arrives, apply some Meguiar's #7 Show Car Glaze or 3M IHG, then the Meg's Gold Class. Personally, I'd just wait for the Zaino, otherwise you'll have to strip every bit of the polish and wax off that you applied so the Zaino can properly bond. If you go ahead and apply the polish and wax, you will HAVE to use DAWN again to strip the wax off. However, if you wait for Zaino, just give the car a quick wash and begin the Z system.
Last stage:
Step back and enjoy the fruits of your labor! You'll definitely need these with Zaino:
Another tip: ALWAYS use high quality 100% cotton toweling when buffing anything off your car to aviod swirls and scratches. I like POLO, Royal Velvet/Charisma, and Noble Choice as the best of the best.
To maintain your show car shine, use regular washings with Z7 and Z6 quick spray.
------------------
*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!
Well, black daily driven cars are quite a challenge to keep 100% perfect, but it can be done with regular maintainence and quality techniques and products. Paint prep is the MOST important factor towards creating a beautiful finish. You can't apply Zaino or any other wax or sealant and expect a perfect finish without proper prep. Prep includes any or all of the following, depending on your paint's condition: claying, paint cleaning, swirl removing, polishing, etc. Prep usually is the most involved step and requires the most time and product. After prepping, the sealing, polishing, or waxing is a breeze.
So, here's what I'd do before your Zaino arrives:
Prep Stage
1. DAWN wash to remove any current wax buildup.
2. Clay using Zaino, Clay Magic, or Mother's clay.
3. Paint Cleaner, such as Meguiar's Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner, Mother's Paint Cleaner, or any similar cleaning product...
4. Swirl Remover, such as Meguiar's #9 SMR, 3M SMR #39009, or for deeper swirls 3M Rubbing Compound #39002, or Meguiar's Fine Cut Cleaner #2.
--Note-- Remember that depending on your paint's condidtion, it may require more than 1 application of paint cleaner and/or swirl remover for best results.
Polish/Wax Stage
OK, after the first stage your paint should be looking almost flawless, very squeaky clean, and swirl free, ready for the polish or wax. You have two choices here: apply a polish then the Meguiar's Gold Class or stop and wait for the Zaino. I've used Gold Class many times, it shines great but lasts about 2 weeks.
If you want to go ahead and wax the car before the Zanio arrives, apply some Meguiar's #7 Show Car Glaze or 3M IHG, then the Meg's Gold Class. Personally, I'd just wait for the Zaino, otherwise you'll have to strip every bit of the polish and wax off that you applied so the Zaino can properly bond. If you go ahead and apply the polish and wax, you will HAVE to use DAWN again to strip the wax off. However, if you wait for Zaino, just give the car a quick wash and begin the Z system.Last stage:
Step back and enjoy the fruits of your labor! You'll definitely need these with Zaino:
Another tip: ALWAYS use high quality 100% cotton toweling when buffing anything off your car to aviod swirls and scratches. I like POLO, Royal Velvet/Charisma, and Noble Choice as the best of the best.
To maintain your show car shine, use regular washings with Z7 and Z6 quick spray.
------------------
*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!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post