Car Detailing

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

Most of this stuff is mail order - see the links I posted above. The chemicals found in the stores are not state of the art, the Turtle Wax products are especially bad. The Megs waxes are terrible. Avril does an okay job but nothing near the quality of a professional detailer. Gnatty, let me know if you want some samples of the Zaino products to try. What kind of car paint (car model, color, metallic or not, etc.) do you have? I could create some recommendations, even help you polish the finish if you want.
I continue to hear great things about Zaino but I've never tried it myself. I'm not that fussy about a clean car but I do try to detail it at least once or twice a year to maintain and protect the finish. Meguiar has worked okay for me, but I may consider Zaino the next time around.

 

[Artisan Fan]

Originally Posted by JayJay

I continue to hear great things about Zaino but I've never tried it myself. I'm not that fussy about a clean car but I do try to detail it at least once or twice a year to maintain and protect the finish. Meguiar has worked okay for me, but I may consider Zaino the next time around.

The Megs is doable but for really nice gloss I definitely think you will like Zaino. It's the best I have tried and I keep trying new waxes and sealants.

I also like the Poorboys and Pinnacle carnauba waxes but they just don't last long in the hot Georgia sun.

Once Zaino got the wetness of carnauba down in its Z-5 and Z-2 products then I switched as the maintenance is easier.

I also am a big fan of the Zaino Z-PC polish although this is an area where Megs shines like in M105 and M205 pro polishes.

The 1Z and P21S lines are also good.

 

[username79]

Most of the detailing crap on the internet is overpriced and a lot seems to be from the same suppliers.

I've had good luck here: www.chemicalguys.com

 

[Artisan Fan]

Originally Posted by username79

Most of the detailing crap on the internet is overpriced and a lot seems to be from the same suppliers.

I've had good luck here: www.chemicalguys.com

Nope, Zaino and P21S make their own stuff. I have tried all the CG products. Terrible stuff.

 

[gnatty8]

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

Most of this stuff is mail order - see the links I posted above. The chemicals found in the stores are not state of the art, the Turtle Wax products are especially bad. The Megs waxes are terrible.

Avril does an okay job but nothing near the quality of a professional detailer.

Gnatty, let me know if you want some samples of the Zaino products to try. What kind of car paint (car model, color, metallic or not, etc.) do you have? I could create some recommendations, even help you polish the finish if you want.

Thanks man, sounds like I am doing just abotu everything wrong, down to the brands of stuff I am using! If you could give me some mail order recs, that'd be terrific. Car is an M3, silverstone, which is not really a metallic.

 

[Artisan Fan]

Originally Posted by gnatty8

Thanks man, sounds like I am doing just abotu everything wrong, down to the brands of stuff I am using! If you could give me some mail order recs, that'd be terrific. Car is an M3, silverstone, which is not really a metallic.

Are you still in Greater Atlanta? I have a sample of Z-2 Pro which is perfect on silverstone. Welcome to try it. BMW paint has a soft clearcoat which is easy to polish. You are welcome to drop by and use the Porter Cable polisher if you want...

 

[gnatty8]

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

Are you still in Greater Atlanta? I have a sample of Z-2 Pro which is perfect on silverstone. Welcome to try it. BMW paint has a soft clearcoat which is easy to polish. You are welcome to drop by and use the Porter Cable polisher if you want...

Unfortunately (or fortunately, given how terrible traffic was getting), I moved about a year ago. Links might be better if you wouldn't mind. Thanks again.

 

[Artisan Fan]

^www.zainostore.com

 

[mikeman]

Ordered some Zaino products the otherday.I will report back after I use them.

 

[Spiecks]

If you have the time, just do it yourself.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/how_...e/1272211.html

 

[MrG]

Maybe someone in this thread can point me in the right direction. I bought a new vehicle recently, and I've noticed that the headliner is dirty. Lots of hand prints, and the like, all over it. Does anyone have any experience cleaning a headliner? It's driving me nuts, but I'm afraid to do anything about it for fear that I'll damage it.

 

[Artisan Fan]

Originally Posted by MrG

Maybe someone in this thread can point me in the right direction. I bought a new vehicle recently, and I've noticed that the headliner is dirty. Lots of hand prints, and the like, all over it. Does anyone have any experience cleaning a headliner? It's driving me nuts, but I'm afraid to do anything about it for fear that I'll damage it.

A mixture of water and Woolite 50:50 sprayed into the headliner has worked for me in the past. Blot dry with a plush microfiber towel.

 

[Artisan Fan]

Originally Posted by Spiecks

If you have the time, just do it yourself.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/how_...e/1272211.html

Oy vey, some bad info there. The whole thread has been about DIY as well.

Here's a better source: http://www.autopia.org/forum/detailing-articles-videos/

 

[MrG]

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

A mixture of water and Woolite 50:50 sprayed into the headliner has worked for me in the past. Blot dry with a plush microfiber towel.

Great idea, thanks! No problems with messing up the glue or anything when doing this?

 

[Artisan Fan]

Originally Posted by MrG

Great idea, thanks! No problems with messing up the glue or anything when doing this?

Not in my experience but I would test a small inconspicuous area first just to make sure. You might also try a 3:1 or 5:1 mix of water to Woolite to be extra safe.