Winter brings snow and snow brings salt. In the last week I've put 3-4 coats on the car and 5-6 on the hood itself. How many coats do you guys usually put on your cars in general and before winter? Also how often do you wax? Thanks in Advance.

 

It really depends on the product you're using and it's durability. I'm in the process of putting about 3 coats of Zaino on my Camaro, which will easily suffice through the winter with no additional care. But, Zaino is much more durabile and longer lasting than conventional waxes, so a lot isn't really needed.

What type of wax are you using? If it's something like Meguiar's or Mothers, etc, several coats would help protect the best especially since that stuff wears off quickly. I'm sure salt and winter elements would eat through it in no time. If you're really serious about protecting your finish and giving it an outstanding shine, give synthetic waxes and acrylics a try. I'd suggest Zaino, Klasse, or Liquid Glass; all are a form of synthetic or polymer and will last much much longer than carnauba based products and usually give a mirror-like shine to boot.

I generally give my Camaro around 1 to 3 coats of Zaino Z2 and/or Z5 per month in the spring and summer seasons and of course less during the winter when it's too harsh to do any detailing. Don't get me wrong though, ONE coat of Z2/Z5 will last around six months before another is actually needed. Many of us, myself included, like to apply more to increase the depth of gloss and reflection. If you like Klasse, it will give you similar protection and shine.


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**Mike's 1992 RS 25th**
'92 Camaro RS 25th Anniv. Dark Red Metallic (Brillant Red)/ Flame Red
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953 H/U, Kenwood 4x6 Dash, Pioneer 4 way 6x9's
20% 3M Panther Black Tint
Zaino, Zaino, Zaino!

I also love pickin' guitar! My Guitar Site!

[This message has been edited by MikeLS (edited November 08, 2001).]

 

Well right now I use Meguiers off of a recomendation from my g/f dad whos a huge car buff. I am anxious to try the zaino products but b/c they're kinda expensive I'm going to wait till this spring. I was going to order an 02 Z28 a few weeks ago but decided that b/c it would be my only car for the next few months, and i didn't want it in the snow, I would hold off till the spring. So I'll probably stick with the Meguiers that i have left in the garage and then in the spring when the 02 Z rolls in with out a doubt switch to Zaino. Thanks for the help.

 

Most all of Meguiars stuff contains cleaners so you never get more than one coat on the car no matter how many times you do it as the next coat removes the previous. Meguiars is not known to stack layers like Zaino does.

 

I don't really have any loyalty to any product, what should I use instead of the meguiars, something other than zaino, just too expensive to justify right now. I guess whats a good alternative to zaino. thanks

 

It's cool. I dont really think any of us here have blatant loyalty to any particular products either. We, including myself, just use what works best for the money, and Zaino happens to fit that bill nicely.

Anyhow, if you want a good alternative to Zaino, but still want great shine and long-lasting protection, check out Klasse All-in-One (AIO). http://www.properautocare.com/kla-16.html
This is honestly about as close to Zaino as it gets. Some people even prefer Klasse over Zaino, just personal preference. ONE applicaton of AIO will last about 6 months with no additional work needed. The 16.9 oz AIO is $23 at that site versus about $26 for Z1 and Z2 Zaino. So, it's really not much cheaper if cost is an issue. Either way, you have superior car care products and superior protection.

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**Mike's 1992 RS 25th**
'92 Camaro RS 25th Anniv. Dark Red Metallic (Brillant Red)/ Flame Red
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953 H/U, Kenwood 4x6 Dash, Pioneer 4 way 6x9's
20% 3M Panther Black Tint
Zaino, Zaino, Zaino!

I also love pickin' guitar! My Guitar Site!