clayed, 3 coats of Zaino Z2, and 6 hours later...

The pictures don't do it justice. The paint is smooth as glass. Looks better than showroom condition. I am very impressed with Zaino. Worth every penny.

It's worth the hard work. I've done this, and the protection lasts a reasonable amount of time.

Congrats. I think MW is a fantastic color, really. Stunning.

If you want to step up the game, significantly, look towards machine polishing the car. It is *this* step that adds the most beauty to the paint; LSP like Z2 is just a bit of icing. While a fleeting sale, I've seen the Griot's DA go for as cheap as $80. You could try a PC 7424Zp or Meguiar's DA. Or a Flex if you want to splurge. Just sayin'.

While I won't necessarily say so, there are some that would say machine polishing is required after clay, to remove the micro marring, as clay IS abrasive. Check out Pinnacle Ultra Poly for a very soft maintenance clay, if you want to polish only very occasionally.

I spent last Monday and Tuesday washing, drying, claying, polishing, and waxing our new car while my wife was out of town. Unfortunately, I was so exhausted when I was done and it was almost dark, that I didn't get to take pictures of it! I picked up my wife at the airport that night and she's driven it to work the last three days.

I picked up the Griot's Garage Random Orbital as part of their Machine Polish & Wax Kit, which also includes their clay, Speed Shine, polishing and waxing pads, and their Best of Show Carnauba Wax. I also bought some Machine Polish 4, which is their least abrasive polish and is designed for new cars. Griot's Garage has free shipping through October. I bought this stuff and much more when they were running a 15% off sale a month or so ago.

The car felt like glass after the claying and polishing and looked amazing after waxing!

How long would you give a brand new car, before claying, polishing and waxing?

Originally Posted by HypnoticS

How long would you give a brand new car, before claying, polishing and waxing?

There's no need to wait, the paint is fully cured before it leaves the factory. This was mentioned during the Munich Factory Tour. I only waited a few days after our redelivery, but our car was completed in April.

Originally Posted by HypnoticS

How long would you give a brand new car, before claying, polishing and waxing?

One day of driving with a stupid grin, then I'd go at it. Or something like that. If you happen to have a brand new car, ok it looks you're waiting for shipment . . . look up "cosmoline".

However, this is easy for me to say as everything I know about detailing I learned with my present BMW. But I am happy to now have the knowledge/experience, which I can apply to any car in the future.

Nothing beats a good Clay and wax job!

It does look great is that Mineral White??Nice. You know what?? I believe it's the Clay Bar that makes most of the difference...Nice Job.

you missed the polishing step

Originally Posted by Chop362

It does look great is that Mineral White??Nice. You know what?? I believe it's the Clay Bar that makes most of the difference...Nice Job.

True that the clay bar made it glass smooth, but the polish made it soft to the touch and glisten.

Originally Posted by bmwrocks

The pictures don't do it justice. The paint is smooth as glass. Looks better than showroom condition. I am very impressed with Zaino. Worth every penny.

The hood reflections are great, and you can clearly see it's Mineral White from the pics so I am sure in person it is absolutely stunning!

I'm jealous that you finished in 6 hours. Last weekend, I gave my car its thrice yearly deep detail and it took 11 hours. Sad thing is pictures NEVER do it justice. My only consolation is today when the tropical storm in the gulf started to finally throw some rain our way - it sure beads up nice.

Despite numerous threads, is Zaino the superior product line? I dont mind spending the extra money, as long as I know that I am getting the bang for the buck.

Originally Posted by HypnoticS

Despite numerous threads, is Zaino the superior product line? I dont mind spending the extra money, as long as I know that I am getting the bang for the buck.

Impossible question. Besides subjectivity, some people value ease of use over effectiveness, others may value durability over beauty, or vice versa. Different needs are had between different climates. Even some LSPs are designed for lighter paints, and some for darker paints.

Then . . . one brand covers a whole bunch of products. Some people will prefer brand A for wash, brand D for clay, brand Q for compound, brand S for polish, brand X for sealant, brand Y for wax, brand Z for QD, you get the point.

Right now I use Optimum for car wash, tire dressing, clay lube, and rarely for interior.

I use Meguiar's for compound, polish, clay (the pro stuff) for any car that's not my BMW, paint cleaner, and sealant. I just received some HD Poxy products, polish and sealant.

I use Aerospace 303 for exterior trim, their wiper treatment for wipers, Leatherique products for the leather, Mother's alum polish, Dodo Juice for carnauba wax, Sprayway for glass, Sonax for cleaning wheels, Armor All for protecting wheels, and this is all off the top of my head.

Here is the most comprehensive "product aggressiveness" chart I've come across so far, and all 18 brands are reputable. Since I don't see Zaino (or let alone super expensive Swissvax) on there, I imagine that the number of "superior" brands is many indeed!

http://www.auto-geek.net/charts/wax-...art-master.htm

4hours washing, claying, waxing and some leather conditioning. I'm tired. Zzz

Thank you, Ilovemycar. I appreciate you taking the time to break it all down. The chart is very helpful, thanks.

Here's mine after Menzerna Intensive Polish and Klasse Sealant Glaze. 9 MONTHS AFTER

The car looks terrific. Nice work.

If you want to add more bling, apply Z-clear seal; then Z-6 and a final wipe down with Z-8.

The results are incredible. Needless to say, I am a Zaino fan.

If you go to the Detail Department on this web site and the look up the post "Thanks to All You Detailers," on page 2, you can see the result of my efforts. Bimmerfest members "ilovemycar and dboy11" have been great with their suggestions.

I have been using Griot's Garage Best of Wax and I am not happy with it. It just Doesn't last, especially the sides of the car where it gets the most abuse. I would expect a good wax to last six months at least, but I don't' get 6 weeks out of this stuff.

Can anyone recommend a wax that will last and where to purchase it?
Thanks

Originally Posted by ccap

I have been using Griot's Garage Best of Wax and I am not happy with it. It just Doesn't last, especially the sides of the car where it gets the most abuse. I would expect a good wax to last six months at least, but I don't' get 6 weeks out of this stuff.

Can anyone recommend a wax that will last and where to purchase it?
Thanks

Did you not see post #17, and why not purchase from a board sponsor?

I followed your lead and clay bar, 2 coats of Z5, 2 coats of Z2 and finally Z6 and here is the finished product.

Your car looks spectacular...Zanio products are the absolute best and are long lasting.

One with the top down.

I would be hard pressed to put in 6 hours in 6 months polishing a car.

My truck has been polished maybe 5 times in 14 years gets washed about once a month, mostly at the drive through no touch & IMHO still looks pretty good. Picture is current.

Originally Posted by bmwrocks

The pictures don't do it justice. The paint is smooth as glass. Looks better than showroom condition. I am very impressed with Zaino. Worth every penny.

Come and visit me I shout dinner after 6 hours please