After seeing the pics of Type R yo's PY ITR makes me start thinking about springtime and taking the R out of storage. What types of waxes do most of you use? I just picked up an order from Zaino Bros and the **** really does the trick, although slightly expensive. Anybodys experiences w/ other products are appreciated.

 

I have been using a lot of the stuff from Griots Garage for over a year. Ever since the JDM front went on and the car was repainted.

Products that I use:
polish and wax pads for my rotary buffer
3 step polishes
best in show wax
interior cleaner
window cleaner
speed shine

That is about it. It is pretty pricey stuff, but it is well worth it. I more than challenge anybody to show me an R with better paint condition than mine. Even with mine having almost 30K miles on it now. Won't happen, my paint is perfect. I like that stuff a lot.

J N

 

After the clay bar, I use Meguiars #1 (cleaner), #2 (polish) and Meguiars or Mothers caranuba wax. Car is almost four years old and looks new.

 

I too have been using the Griots products. I use the 3 step machine polishes and Best of Show wax. I've ben happy with them but have never got the depth out of the paint I've been looking for. I recently bought some P21 Wax which will be used ther next time i detail the car. Griot's Speed Shine is great though, I use it all the time in between washes.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by norice &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">After the clay bar, I use Meguiars #1 (cleaner), #2 (polish) and their Meguiars or Mothers caranuba wax. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Same here, except I never tried a clay bar.

Franza waxed #009 for me back in the day with Meguiar's products. Holy ****! That guy can detail a damn car

Pics later, my server's acting up

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Splat &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Same here, except I never tried a clay bar.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

I only use a clay bar on a panel every two years or so (or even less often if a car is garaged). Used one on some body panels on a 9-year-old Miata last weekend and the improvement was dramatic.

My best result has been with clay bar, #1, #2, and wax, followed by Mothers Spray and Shine (comes with their clay bar package). The Spray and Shine bonds with the wax and makes the car glisten.

Griots stuff has a good reputation too but the Meguiars and Mothers stuff have worked so well for me that I am not going to bother changing. They are also available at most Pep Boys, Kragens, K-Marts etc.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mr. clockwork &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have been using a lot of the stuff from Griots Garage for over a year. Ever since the JDM front went on and the car was repainted.

Products that I use:
polish and wax pads for my rotary buffer
3 step polishes
best in show wax
interior cleaner
window cleaner
speed shine

That is about it. It is pretty pricey stuff, but it is well worth it. I more than challenge anybody to show me an R with better paint condition than mine. Even with mine having almost 30K miles on it now. Won't happen, my paint is perfect. I like that stuff a lot.

J N</TD></TR></TABLE>

I love their stuff. Ive been using it for about 5 years or so now and am thoroughly impressed. I use their Cleaning Clay(the key to deep, shiny paint), Fine Hand Polish, Best of Show Wax, car wash, wheel cleaner, boars hair bruch, interior cleaner, glass cleaner, all of it. I have 132k miles on my 95 GSR and aside from the dents(soccer moms and ********), the paint looks like new.

 

I have used most off the shelf Kragen stuff (meguires, mothers, etc...) as well as Zymol (not the turtle wax rebadge) and Zaino Bros. One performed far better then all the rest...

Zaino Bros!

First off I have to say my car is never garaged and sits in the elements 24/7. All the basic stuff from Kragen only beads water for a few days. Zymol lasted a bit longer then that but after a few weeks water stopped beading off the hood, roof and trunk, only the sides still beaded water.

Lastly I tried Zaino. A week after applying it to my car I drove from California to Topeka Kansas and back through rain storms, hot days and cold winds. When I washed my car after returning to California (7 days later) and the water still beaded off the car like new, in fact it continued to bead for weeks after I returned.

Without a doubt Zaino was far superior to any other brand that I tried.

Here's another more scientific test of car waxes:
http://www.nsxsc.com/nsexcitement/waxtest.html

 

where can u get zaino and clay bar? i never seen [*heard of*] them before...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Geratol &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Zaino Bros!

</TD></TR></TABLE>



Been using Zaino on all my cars for the last 2 years, absolutely love it. Only downfall is that you must have it shipped to you, you cannot go to a store and pick it up...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Geratol &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have used most off the shelf Kragen stuff (meguires, mothers, etc...) as well as Zymol (not the turtle wax rebadge) and Zaino Bros. One performed far better then all the rest...

Zaino Bros!

First off I have to say my car is never garaged and sits in the elements 24/7. All the basic stuff from Kragen only beads water for a few days. Zymol lasted a bit longer then that but after a few weeks water stopped beading off the hood, roof and trunk, only the sides still beaded water.

Lastly I tried Zaino. A week after applying it to my car I drove from California to Topeka Kansas and back through rain storms, hot days and cold winds. When I washed my car after returning to California (7 days later) and the water still beaded off the car like new, in fact it continued to bead for weeks after I returned.

Without a doubt Zaino was far superior to any other brand that I tried.

Here's another more scientific test of car waxes:
http://www.nsxsc.com/nsexcitement/waxtest.html</TD></TR></TABLE>

Right you are...I have the same thing

Austin
p.s. the test on the NSX site is of the old version of Zaino Brothers


Modified by Austin at 5:54 PM 1/28/2004

 

Zaino is by far the best product I 've used. You can order some online at http://www.zainobros.com.

I've used everything from their claybars to their vinyl cleaner. It's all great stuff. Although I have heard that claying your vehicle can be damaging to your paint. Is there any truth behind this? Now this isn't something I just "heard" from a buddy or "somebody I know" like many others post about. I read it off carcareonline.com which is a reputable source. Anybody have any insights on this topic? Thanks -Ryan

 

Ok, got the server working.

These were post-Franza detailing, after the drive back to RDU from GSO.







I'll never own a black car again. EVER. Well, maybe an S60R in Black Sapphire Metallic

 

inexpensive & effective = meguiar professional series

expensive & worth every penny = ZAINO BROs

 

zymol

 

[QUOTE=Splat]Ok, got the server working.

These were post-Franza detailing, after the drive back to RDU from GSO.



QUOTE]
god damn that is ******* CLEAN

 

I've tried most of the major brands. Here's what I like to use as a process as well as the individual products I've found to be best.

First, some general techniques and tips:

a. Do not work on your car in direct sunlight.

b. Do not wax your car at temperatures below 50 degrees F, as the wax can become difficult to spread.

c. Use 100 percent cotton towels to apply all products, except as noted. You can buy a bag of 48 all-cotton detailing towels at Sam’s Club for $12.xx.

d. What is most important is not the BRAND of products you use, but the PROCESS you use. You will get better results from using multiple steps, with products designed for each individual step, than you will from a "one step" product. And the preparation of the finish is the key; you can't just put wax on a finish that's not prepped and expect it to keep its shine.

I will present the steps in the order in which I generally perform them. This is my general routine; I have not included steps that I use only occasionally for specific purposes (engine cleaner, wheel cleaner, window cleaner, etc).

1. Wash the car. I use either of two different car wash liquids: Zymol Clear, or Meguiars Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner.

Time: 30-45 minutes. Frequency: As needed (typically once every 1-3 weeks for me).



Warning: Zymol has its name on two lines of products. One line is made in Chicago by Turtle Wax, to which Zymol has given permission to use its name. Unfortunately, those products are available in auto parts and department stores all over the country. The products in the real Zymol product line are made in Connecticut and are available at select high-end specialty shops and dealers, as well as direct from Zymol. All the products described here are the real Zymol products, made in Connecticut.

2. If the surface feels rough to the touch, smooth it down with Clay Magic.

Time: 75-120 minutes. Frequency: Once a year and/or any time the finish feels rough to the touch.

Tips: Use gently and only when needed.



3. Cleanse the car with Zymol HD-Cleanse paintwork cleaner to remove oxidation and light tar and acid rain deposits.

Time: 75-120 minutes. Frequency: Once a year and/or any time the finish looks slightly hazy due to oxidation or light scratches.

Tips: I don't usually use clay (step 2) and HD-Cleanse (step 3) at the same time, although I would if I had just bought a used car and its finish was not in great shape. In addition to routine use for oxidation, I find that HD-Cleanse is terrific on a spot basis for stubborn stains such as tire marks, tar, insects, etc. that donÂ’t wash off.



4. Check the finish of the car closely for swirl marks or light scratches or etching from bird droppings or other surface defects. If there are any specific spots that remain, even after using Clay Magic and/or Zymol HD-Cleanse, you may wish to consider smoothing them down at this point with a swirl mark remover, such as Meguiars #9 Swirl Mark Remover 2.0. Note that such products tend to be physically abrasive, and for this reason should not be part of any regular detailing routine IMO.

Time and frequency: As needed.



5. Wax the car with Zymol Japon wax.

Time: 60-90 minutes. Frequency: Once every 3-6 months and/or any time water is not beading on the car when it's clean.

Tips: Zymol waxes contain carnauba wax, which is an extremely hard, durable substance derived from the palmetto plant. Most automotive waxes of other brands contain approximately 5 percent carnauba, and are made mostly of petroleum distillates. Zymol Japon contains 37 percent carnauba.

Apply any Zymol wax in the shade in a very thin layer, only just enough to coat the finish, no more. If you’re not sure whether you’re applying a layer too thick, it probably is indeed too thick.

The wax should sit on the finish for about a minute or two before buffing out, no more. I find it easiest to wax a few square feet at a time – a fender, a bumper, a door, half the hood, half the roof, half the trunk lid, etc. I wax and buff two such sections in tandem; for example, wax a fender, then wax a door, then go back and buff the fender because a minute or two will have passed, then go and buff the door because a minute or two will have passed while buffing the fender.



6. For the interior surfaces, which are vinyl, use a product for this purpose, such as Zymol Vinyl, which leaves a nice satin sheen.

Time: 40 minutes, including 20 minutes between application and buffing. Frequency: Once every 6 months and/or any time the dashboard looks dull or dried out.



This may sound like a lot of work, but this is the procedure to use to restore your car to show condition. Once you do so, you won't have to do the Clay Magic, Swirl Mark Remover, or HD-Cleanse again for a long time - maybe once a year and/or only when you feel it's needed.

 

ZAINO owns everything you guys talking about

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by itr1244 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">ZAINO owns everything you guys talking about </TD></TR></TABLE>

Agreeeeeeeed, Zaino is amazing I must say

 

The full "zaino" takes about a day to do, but is worth it. I used to use it on my wrx. Even after 6 months, the depth and shine looked amazing!

 

I've used all of the Meguiars products listed in this thread and they work well. I'm looking for a little extra and plan on ording some Zano stuff for the spring. What combination/steps of Zano are people using? Beside a great finish is Zano suppose to protect the paint well? My car is CW.

 

I do a long multistep process 2 times a year.

includes following steps:
1. Shampoo with Megiars gold class car wash
2. Claybar with Pinnacle clay bar kit
3. Pinnacle cleansing lotion (awesome results, works along well with clay bar)
4. 3m swirl remover for light colored cars
5. 3m imperial hand glaze
6. 3 layers of klasse sealant glaze
7. Pinnacle natural brilliance (PASTE GLAZE) wax for light colored cars ($35)

So far the Pinnacle natural brilliance wax is the best I've used on Championship white. I absolutely love it! However for PY and Black I'd recommend Pinnacle Souveran glaze as this is supposed to be one of the best waxes on the market. Anyway, here's a pic from last time I just did a basic wax to the 97'




Modified by EbboyPSi at 11:15 AM 1/29/2004

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RGoose18 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Zaino is by far the best product I 've used. You can order some online at http://www.zainobros.com.

I've used everything from their claybars to their vinyl cleaner. It's all great stuff. Although I have heard that claying your vehicle can be damaging to your paint. Is there any truth behind this? Now this isn't something I just "heard" from a buddy or "somebody I know" like many others post about. I read it off carcareonline.com which is a reputable source. Anybody have any insights on this topic? Thanks -Ryan</TD></TR></TABLE>

Any opinions on this?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RGoose18 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Any opinions on this?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes, Zainos is the best product out there.

About the claybar. If the surface of the bar remains clean while using it, there should be no problem. Drop it, and it has to be thrown away. The only damage I can see happening is if it is dropped and then used on the paint. You should only have to clay a car once a year, or twice if you're ****. It should not be done on a regular basis. Make sure the bar is clean before use and I dont see how paint could be damaged. I will say that I used the claybar before applying the polish and it felt like I was running my hand over glass.

 

I would like to see a comparison between the Zaino products, and my Griots stuff. I know that I have yet to see another R as clean as I have had mine, but the pic posted up after the Zaino finish was awesome. I will make sure to have mine all done before the SoCal meet on the 22nd so everyone can judge.