I haven't check this section in some time and I was wondering if I could get some suggestions. Up until now I've used NAPA cotton wash mits, most Zaino products, about 10 cotton towels I bought from KevinSS a couple of years ago and a powerful leaf blower. The wash mits get used once or twice and then I turn them into the wheel mits...and eventually to the trash. The towels and mits get washed after each use approximately about 4 times, w/ no soap on the last 2-3. I think that the towels may be "contaminated" somehow. I've been getting fine swirls lately when I dry the car w/ the towels. I'm now putting a ram air hood on and I am having some other paint work done on the front to blend in the freshly painted hood. Between the new paint work and the need for new cleaning supplies it's time to buy the latest and greatest items. I started by picking up a PC 7336 but I still need to order the pads, compounds, etc...
My plans are to clay, wash w/ dawn, 7336 w/ ??, wash, dry, Zaino. So, after all of this short story, here are my questions.

1. Is there anything better for washing than what I am using now?
2. What is slightly more aggressive than the 39009(think that's the #)
3. If I use something slightly more aggressive than the 39009, will I have to use the 39009 (or something else) afterwards or can I go straight to Zaino?
4. Which Lake Country or Meguires pads should be used w/ the products in question #3.
5. Best drying and Zaino removing towels/product?
6. (I may may regret this question but since my Zaino stash is running LOW I might as well) Is there anything new that may compare to Zaino's durability?

Thanks

 

The NEW Zaino. It's the latest and greatest. It just came out. The new and improved Z2. See the other thread about it.

 

1. Is there anything better for washing than what I am using now?

NAPA changed their wash mits from all cotton to all polyester, so be careful with content now days. I am using the all cotton wash mits from www.dftowel.com

2. What is slightly more aggressive than the 39009(think that's the #)

Try 3M Finesee It II

3. If I use something slightly more aggressive than the 39009, will I have to use the 39009 (or something else) afterwards or can I go straight to Zaino?

Yes, step down to the 39009 after using the product I listed in step two.

4. Which Lake Country or Meguires pads should be used w/ the products in question #3.

I use a white one with the Finesee It II and a yellow Lake pad with the 39009

5. Best drying and Zaino removing towels/product?

I still make my own towels and I also use www.dftowel.com

 

The mits are the cotton versions. I bought about 35 of them a couple of years ago since they are the "good" ones. Actually, I think it was you that warned about the switch so I bought a BUNCH. Do you prefer the micro towels or your cotton version?
Thanks for the info.

 

I still use both kinds, I like the DF for using with detailer sprays and final wipe downs and I like my terry cloths for pulling off waxes and polishes...

 

Eh, I've been hearing that Tropi-care is the "new Zaino."

 

There are some reviews of Tropi-care on the web. It is nowhere near being what Zaino is. Apparently it is not even a good imitation.

 

try some products like Poorboys, Pinnacle, Wolfgang.

-Poorboys makes a great swirl remover ( SSR2.5)

- Pinnacle has a great long lasting wax (Souveran)

- Wolfgang has a great paint sealant ( Deep Gloss Paint Sealant )

u can read up on some of the products on the Detail City Forums

Cory

 

Will the paint sealants outlast Zaino? I've never used a sealant before but I see some dealers say it lasts 6 months. Is that true? How are the sealants applied/removed?

 

Wolfgang Paint Sealant can last anywhere from 3-5 months i'd say. Don't forget, sealants can be layered as well. After allowing them 24 hours to cure on your paint, you can apply another coat and this will enhance the durability and life of the sealant.

Cory

 

When you layer a sealant will it improve the apearance like Zaino or will it just be more durable?

 

Zaino is something of a sealant, although Sal calls it a polish.

 

It will improve the appearance. Sealants bring outstanding results to clean paint. I do not question the durability of Zaino at all. Its a wonderful product that is long lasting. I however feel that using sealants such as wolfgang "look better" and last just as long. I always thought Zaino had a more plastic shiney look. Products like wolfgang, poorboys, and such are designed to make paint look like its dripping wet with a nice crisp clean shine. Just my personal experience.

Cory

 

If you are planning to use Zaino there is absolutely NO reason to use any other product with it, with the exception of surface prep. Using a different product under Zaino defeats the entire benefits of Zaino. Zaino literally bonds to the paint. Because of Zaino's technology it is without a doubt the most durable product there is on the market. Nothing else comes even close. Even people who hate Zaino, acknowledge that in durability Zaino stands alone. There are MANY independant comparison tests on websites AND the Guru Report that tested 46 products that bears this out. Using something under Zaino, the Zaino is no more durable than what it is sitting on. Sealants are not known for durability.

Using another product under Zaino will not improve its appearance it will detract from it. Zaino Z-2 is 99% optically clear, most other products are in the range of 70-80% optically clear. I had a friend who liked different sealants and waxes on his car, that wanted to try Zaino, so we used his car as a demo. Once we removed the old stuff and clayed the car, he said "I didn't know I had a metallic paint!!!", what he was using covered up the true color and characteristics of the paint. Even Pledge gives a great shine. If you want the true look of your paint to come through then Zaino is what you want. But some people prefer the look of a carnauba, this friend is still using Zaino though.

Trying different products to find out for yourself what YOU like best is the best way to go. I've tried dozens of products for 35 years and never found anything that to me is better than Zaino when it comes to shine, durability, protection and ease of use. If I find one I'll use it. Most products on the market aren't much different than what I used as a kid, just different formulations.

 

I hadn't planned on using anything in addition to Zaino with the exception of the surface prep, as you noted. I was either going to stick w/ Zaino OR try something else...like a sealant.
Thanks