Where do I start?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
From: MA
Where do I start?
I used Zaino on my black Vette with great results but with a family now I don't have time for all of the steps.
I just got a black 06 325i. I don't know what the dealer did as far as buffing/waxing but it looked awesome when I bought it but after only a couple washes the paint is looking pretty bad. Lots of swirl marks and small scratches are showing up.
I am looking for something easy since I don't have much time anymore and I may try Turtle Wax ICE. It seemed to get good reviews here.
Will a few coats of ICE polish touch up those swirl marks or do I need to start over with washing it with dawn, claybar, polish, etc.?
Thanks
I just got a black 06 325i. I don't know what the dealer did as far as buffing/waxing but it looked awesome when I bought it but after only a couple washes the paint is looking pretty bad. Lots of swirl marks and small scratches are showing up.
I am looking for something easy since I don't have much time anymore and I may try Turtle Wax ICE. It seemed to get good reviews here.
Will a few coats of ICE polish touch up those swirl marks or do I need to start over with washing it with dawn, claybar, polish, etc.?
Thanks
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,261
Likes: 1
From: The Presidential Suite Elite Street, MD
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
If you are looking for a good OTC wax, then I would go with Meguire's NXT!! I have had bad experiences with TW ICE.... but other's love it. I would go with anything Mothers or Meguire's... 
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA from Boston MA
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 96,209
Likes: 75
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
I used Zaino on my black Vette with great results but with a family now I don't have time for all of the steps.
I just got a black 06 325i. I don't know what the dealer did as far as buffing/waxing but it looked awesome when I bought it but after only a couple washes the paint is looking pretty bad. Lots of swirl marks and small scratches are showing up.
I am looking for something easy since I don't have much time anymore and I may try Turtle Wax ICE. It seemed to get good reviews here.
Will a few coats of ICE polish touch up those swirl marks or do I need to start over with washing it with dawn, claybar, polish, etc.?
Thanks
I just got a black 06 325i. I don't know what the dealer did as far as buffing/waxing but it looked awesome when I bought it but after only a couple washes the paint is looking pretty bad. Lots of swirl marks and small scratches are showing up.
I am looking for something easy since I don't have much time anymore and I may try Turtle Wax ICE. It seemed to get good reviews here.
Will a few coats of ICE polish touch up those swirl marks or do I need to start over with washing it with dawn, claybar, polish, etc.?
Thanks
The dealer filled the swirl marks with a glaze and put a coat of wax on top. A temp repair that is very common with used car dealers. You can polish them out or cover them up, your choice.....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
From: MA
I would like to polish them out.
So would this work? Start with NXT and then use ICE over that for a quick easy maintenance that gives a good shine?
Do I need to start from the beginning with a dawn wash, clay, etc.?
So would this work? Start with NXT and then use ICE over that for a quick easy maintenance that gives a good shine?
Do I need to start from the beginning with a dawn wash, clay, etc.?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 96,209
Likes: 75
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
If so, what colored pads......?
The dawn is not necessary, any good car wash will do. It's always a good idea to clay before a full polish......
Last edited by Dave1; Jul 15, 2008 at 02:22 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 18
From: Missouri City Texas
That's exactly what I do.
NXT 2.0 once a month and ICE liquid polish after every wash (weekly)
The shine/slickness is amazing.
I would advise a good wash (ICE wash is incredible) and clay (claymagic claybar is the best clay I've used and it can be had locally at autozone
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Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
Look to AIO (All in One) type products for ease of use and best bet using one quick wax. I have a BOGO deal for 360 currently.
http://www.autogeek.net/xmt-360.html
http://www.autogeek.net/xmt-360.html
Pro
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 690
Likes: 49
From: Atlanta Georgia
Zaino makes a terrific all in one product for the daily driver. I have a black vette myself and it'll do the job for you. The only other product I would suggest for you is Z8, the grand finale spray, use that to top the all in one product for some extra pop.
doug
doug
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
I would just like to point out that none of the products people have suggested will polish out the swirl marks you have. These products are waxes and sealants. The NXT, Ice, and Zaino products will not remove your swirl marks. The Zaino Z5 will (VERY slightly) fill them in. However, if you want to actually polish the swirls out you will probably need the ZPC by Zaino or SIP by Menzerna. Good luck!
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 2
From: Orlando/Oviedo FL
To remove the swirl marks it going to require dedicated paint removal. You have to remove all the paint above the bottom most part of the scratches/swirl marks.
You will need a machine polisher and a lot of time to re-level the paint. After you get it perfect (or better) you can worry about what wax or sealant to use.
You will need a machine polisher and a lot of time to re-level the paint. After you get it perfect (or better) you can worry about what wax or sealant to use.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,295
Likes: 4
From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
To remove the swirl marks it going to require dedicated paint removal. You have to remove all the paint above the bottom most part of the scratches/swirl marks.
You will need a machine polisher and a lot of time to re-level the paint. After you get it perfect (or better) you can worry about what wax or sealant to use.
You will need a machine polisher and a lot of time to re-level the paint. After you get it perfect (or better) you can worry about what wax or sealant to use.
And if your BMW is Jet Black, the paint is a whole lot softer than a Corvette and gets marred easily. Just ask me how I know. 
