Car Care Discussion Car Detailing Info, Wax, Wheel Polish, Interior Cleaning Tips for the Corvette

Claybared the vette! :thumbs:

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Old Oct 21, 2004 | 12:34 AM
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Default Claybared the vette! :thumbs:

Finally got around to it last week...I would definetly recommend if you haven't done it yet. it got all kinds of gunk out of the paint that I didn't realize was there until it was gone. I spent about 3 hours (2 claying, 1 buffing and waxing), and honestly I could have spent 8 hours to make it perfect but was pressed for time... I am going to go over it again....FYI I used the Mothers clay bar kit....and it took the WHOLE bottle of detailing spray too....I also noticed that you have to ignore the instructions that say "don't rub firmly" because if you don't use some pressure alot of the stuff won't come out.
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Old Oct 21, 2004 | 12:42 AM
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You really shouldn't rub firmly. That makes it very easy to cause marring.
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Old Oct 21, 2004 | 09:22 AM
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Originally Posted by ir0nmaiden420
Finally got around to it last week...I would definetly recommend if you haven't done it yet. it got all kinds of gunk out of the paint that I didn't realize was there until it was gone. I spent about 3 hours (2 claying, 1 buffing and waxing), and honestly I could have spent 8 hours to make it perfect but was pressed for time... I am going to go over it again....FYI I used the Mothers clay bar kit....and it took the WHOLE bottle of detailing spray too....I also noticed that you have to ignore the instructions that say "don't rub firmly" because if you don't use some pressure alot of the stuff won't come out.
~One man’s opinion / observations~

Detailer’s clay will remove imbedded debris, the reason we suggest not to rub hard is that as ZaneO says it will cause surface marring. Perhaps its better to follow the clay with paint cleaner (P21S Paintwork Cleanser) to remove surface dirt etc

~Hope this helps~

Knowledge unshared is experience wasted
justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ Jon
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Old Oct 21, 2004 | 09:43 PM
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I clayed my Artic White '94. I spent 4 1/2 hours on it. That made about 90% improvement and the last two nights I have put on two coats of Zaino Z5 and tonight a coat of Z2. Man, she shines like crazy.
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Old Oct 21, 2004 | 10:09 PM
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Originally Posted by teebee1994
I clayed my Artic White '94. I spent 4 1/2 hours on it. That made about 90% improvement and the last two nights I have put on two coats of Zaino Z5 and tonight a coat of Z2. Man, she shines like crazy.
Next time you clay, use a polish afterwards and you'll really be amazed.

P.S. Zaino is not an actual polish in the true sense of the word, because it doesn't contain cleaners or abrasives.
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Old Oct 22, 2004 | 08:30 AM
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ZaneO, what kind of polish are you speaking? Does it come with the Zaino Total Protection Show Car Kit? I thought the Z5 and Z2 were the polishes to use after the claybar.
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Old Oct 22, 2004 | 11:09 AM
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I am talking about cleaner/abrasive polishes. That's why I added the comment about Zaino not being a true polish.

Some true polishes are Einzett, Menzerna, etc. After you polish your car, you seal the finish with your Zaino.

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Old Oct 22, 2004 | 12:05 PM
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Originally Posted by teebee1994
I clayed my Artic White '94. I spent 4 1/2 hours on it. That made about 90% improvement and the last two nights I have put on two coats of Zaino Z5 and tonight a coat of Z2. Man, she shines like crazy.
White is one of the easiest lowest maintenance colors and reflects the heat unlike black which is the total opposite and a very high maintenance color. Use the polish that YOU find works for you. Time will help you make a better decision on what to use.
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Old Oct 22, 2004 | 04:05 PM
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Yes, I know that white is one of the easier colors to take care of, one of the reasons I bought white. Now back to the polish question; Do I have to remove the Zaino I applied to use one of the recommended polishes? Or will the Zaino be removed when I apply the polish? Thanks for all your help!
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Old Oct 22, 2004 | 05:16 PM
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Yes, an abrasive/cleaner polish will remove Zaino.

When you are ready to use a true polish, your process should be something like this:

Wash
Clay
Wash
Polish
Zaino

Remember that it is all about a process, not a product. Proper prep work is the only way to get the full shine and depth from your paint.
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Old Nov 8, 2004 | 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted by ZaneO
Yes, an abrasive/cleaner polish will remove Zaino.

When you are ready to use a true polish, your process should be something like this:

Wash
Clay
Wash
Polish
Zaino

Remember that it is all about a process, not a product. Proper prep work is the only way to get the full shine and depth from your paint.
What polish do you recommend for a black car?

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Old Nov 8, 2004 | 02:47 PM
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Menzerna or Einszett.

Last edited by ZaneO; Nov 8, 2004 at 04:46 PM. Reason: spelling
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Old Nov 8, 2004 | 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by ZaneO
Menzerna or Einzett.
Who stocks those polishes??

thanks....
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Old Nov 8, 2004 | 03:57 PM
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www.properautocare.com , www.autopia-carcare.com , www.autogeek.net , www.topoftheline.com , etc.
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Old Nov 10, 2004 | 06:32 PM
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Originally Posted by ZaneO
Yes, an abrasive/cleaner polish will remove Zaino.

When you are ready to use a true polish, your process should be something like this:

Wash
Clay
Wash
Polish
Zaino

Remember that it is all about a process, not a product. Proper prep work is the only way to get the full shine and depth from your paint.
I'm guessing that the polish on the list above is a wax polish like Turtle wax? Or is it a polishing compound? I also thought Zaino was a wax polish too. Can someone clarify these differences for me?
I've got a spot on my 2001 MY where the clearcoat seems to have been rubbed too hard and is now a dull spot, and I was looking to see if I can polish it up to it's original (or close to it) appearance. Is the clearcoat finish easily repairable?
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Old Nov 10, 2004 | 11:44 PM
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True polishes have abrasives and or cleaners in them.

Zaino calls itself a polish, but it isn't a polish in the true sense (no cleaners or abrasives).

Without seeing it, it sounds like you need a mild polish to restore gloss to your paint. Something like Einszett Paint Polish or maybe even 3M Swirl Mark Remover. If using a polish by hand, I recommend a foam applicator.
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Old Nov 11, 2004 | 01:20 PM
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Originally Posted by ZaneO
True polishes have abrasives and or cleaners in them.

Zaino calls itself a polish, but it isn't a polish in the true sense (no cleaners or abrasives).

Without seeing it, it sounds like you need a mild polish to restore gloss to your paint. Something like Einszett Paint Polish or maybe even 3M Swirl Mark Remover. If using a polish by hand, I recommend a foam applicator.
The paint appears to look OK except it's dull; it's the shiny clearcoat that appears to be rubbed/scratched off like something abrasive was used to remove a stain. I've applied Meguiar's wax (not the NXT stuff, yet) on it three times and now I have a polished dull spot.
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Old Nov 11, 2004 | 02:34 PM
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Wax will never fix a paint defect. You need a real polish. If I were you, I would look into Einszett polishes (I am still assuming you are working by hand).
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Old Nov 15, 2004 | 08:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Sam's 66
What polish do you recommend for a black car?

If I read this right, are you saying that Zaino(say Z-2) should not be the final application?
So the sequence should be:

1. wash
2. Claybar
3. Wash
4. Polish(with one of the products listed)
5. Zaino

Is this correct? When I had my old 2000 I always used Zaino as the final application. Maybe I was doing it wrong.

Scott
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Old Nov 15, 2004 | 09:51 PM
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When I picked up my 04, I Zainoed as follows. First washed in Dawn to remove any waxes the dealer used. Next step is the clay bar. Used the Zaino wash as a lube. I was suprised, the clay wasn't too bad at the end. They say you should clay new cars also because of rail dust and other contaminants. Next rewashed to remove any residue from claying. Next, Z-2 with FX in it. The FX enables you to skip the Lock step in the Zaino process and allows you to apply more than one coat in a 24 hr. period. Removed the Z2, and used the gloss enhancer. Next, had a drink . Then another coat of Z2. Removed that and then a final wipe with the enhancer. I am up to 3 coats on it now. I did the same thing with my Avalanche and the clay was a lot more contaminated when I was done. I am up to about 12 coats of Zaino on the Av now.
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