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Applicable to both my Murano and 350Z and for all those who have asked about waxes, cleaners etc.

First up is WAX.

One thing to keep in mind is that recent vehicles (since ~1996)do not have PAINT.  By definition paint has organic compounds like the old enamel or lacquer paints that used to be used on automobiles.  Today we have Acrylic finishes or coatings.

Also waxes as a general rule have organic based compounds of which Carnuba is most prevalent.  I use Mothers pure Carnuba.  Carnuba gives the finish a golden glow effect but it dissipates in about a month plus you can't layer it.  Putting on second coats of Carnuba just pushes around the first coat a little.

The other option for polish is based on synthetics and are termed polishes.  These typically do not have a yellowish tint or produce a golden glow but they last a lot longer anywhere from several months to a year.  But, polishes also refer to products that may have rubbing compounds (abrasives) mixed in with the polish or wax.

The polish I use is ZAINO.  Zaino lasts for about 4 months, has no abrasives, can be layered, is very efficient, provides a mirror surface and gives a "mile-deep" shine.  Zaino is available at http://www.zainostore.com.  Also, after you "Zaino" your car, it is possible to apply your favorite Carnuba wax for that golden glow, but I don't think you will want to.

The tips, tricks, instructions, and info (there is a lot) on the Zaino website can be overwhelming at first.  It's really very simple, it's the product nomenclature that gets in the way.  The "Zaino" process is no different than the process for waxing your car.

For example if all you want to do is wash and wax then you buy Z7 (Wash) and Z2 (Polish).

If it is your first Zaino application, wash the car with DAWN dish detergent and water before the Z7.  DAWN is an excellent grease cutter and will remove exhaust buildup and Carnuba...and a bunch of other stuff.  Gives you that squeaky clean result.

If you want a little better longevity and better optical results you buy Z1 and apply it before the Z2.

If you want to remove swirl marks before waxing then also buy Z5 (swirl mark removing polish) and apply it before Z1 or Z2.

If you want to speed up the drying time of Z2 or Z5 then you buy ZFX (drying accelerator.  And note that if you buy ZFX then there is no need for Z1.  If you want to wax when it is cool or high humidity then you want the ZFX accelerator.  In any event, I highly recommend you use ZFX even if all you want to do is wash and wax.

A note about ZFX.  When you buy ZFX you will get some small mixing bottles.  Use them and follow the enclosed instructions.  Because you don't want to add ZFX to your full bottle of Z2 or Z5 as you can't apply all the ounces in those big bottles.  The "big" bottles are 8 ozs.  The small mixing bottles are 2 ozs.  2 ozs was enough for THREE coats on the Murano and way too much for the Z.  And once ZFX is added it starts working and after a day the polish shouldn't be used again.  Also there is a limit to how many coats you can put on in one day.

If you want to go the full route then you buy the Z-18 clay bar.  The clay bar removes foreign industrial contaminants, water spots, and impregnated dirt and metal particles from the finish.  It is not an abrasive action, it's a sticky and pull the junk off action.  You would be amazed at the metal particles and crap on the surface of brand new cars.

A note about brand new cars.  The new acrylic finishes are safe for waxing and washing immediately.  You longer have to wait, that was in the days of paint.

Z6 is a follow-up spray-on wipe off product that can be used between successive coats but most definitely as a follow on to the last coat of Z2 and as maintenance after later washes.

So the ultimate "Zaino" job is thus:

  1. Wash the car with DAWN dish detergent and water.
  2. Wash the car with Z7.
  3. Clay Bar the car with Z-18.
  4. Wash the car with Z7.
  5. Apply coats of Z5 with ZFX until the swirls are gone. Buff off in-between.
  6. Apply coats of Z2 with ZFX until satisfied.  Buff off in-between.
  7. Optionally you can apply Z6 between coats of Z5 or Z2.
  8. When your done with the last coat of Z2 and buffing, apply Z6 for added enhancement helps with the wet look.

    Notes:

  1. Dry (after washes to avoid water spots and contaminates) and buff the car (after Z2, Z5, Z6) with good quality 100% cotton BATH size towels.  Cannon and Fieldcrest are recommended but WalMart doesn't carry them anymore.  But WalMart does have Egyptian cotton 100% cotton towels and I use them.  No problems so far but made in USA towels are recommended.  Wash and dry towels regularly (I do between each dry or buff so I have a fresh towel every time I use one - bought a stack of them 4 to be exact).
  2. Do not apply more than 3 coats of Zaino with ZFX in one day (24 hours).
  3. Buff off by hand the coats of Zaino.  It is real easy.
  4. You are putting on too much Zaino if there is a lot to buff off or the hand buffing is difficult.  Less Zaino is better.  This stuff is incredibly effecient.  The secret is THIN coats, not thick.
  5. When applying Zaino, use their Applicator (product 314).  Start by applying 5 drops to the applicator and working a 2 foot area.  When the pad gets saturated you'll be using like 2 drops.
  6. When applying polish, clay baring, drying or buffing always use linear motions, never circular.  And from the top of the car towards the ground.  E.G. On the roof, start at the center and wipe towards you, on the doors start at the top and wipe down, on the hood start near the windshield and wipe towards the grill, and then back up.  You always want a linear back and forth/up and down movement, no circular.
  7. If you ever drop the applicator pad or clay bar throw them away.  Give up any idea of "oh it'll be ok I can pick the dirt out".  Just toss them out.
  8. Split the clay bars in two and use one half of one bar at a time.  In case you drop one and that's all you'll need anyhow.  Sometimes 1/4 of a bar is all you need.
  9. When using the clay bar work a 2 foot section then fold and knead the bar.
  10. If you drop the wash mitt or towel, wash and dry them immediately, don't use until you do so.
  11. When applying Zaino work 2 square foot areas at a time.

BUY LIST FROM ZAINO:

  1. 1 - Z2
  2. 1 - Z5
  3. 1 - ZFX
  4. 1 - Z6
  5. 1 - Z7
  6. 1 - Z18
  7. 5 - 314  (you'll get one free so you'll have 6 total)

OTHER:

  1. 4 - 100% Cotton BATH Towels.
  2. 2.5 ~ 5 gallon bucket.
  3. 2 Cotton Wash Mitts.

Final Notes:

  1. Zaino has antistatic qualities, you can apply Z2 or Z6 to your TV screen (glass only).
  2. Apply Z2 directly to windshields, chrome, black plastic trim, mirrors and windows and also RIMS.  But don't use the same applicator for your rims as the rest of your car and follow the wash instructions for the rims as well.  Zaino doesn't leave a white buildup on the plastic trim as Carnuba does.

Next up is window cleaner.

  1. Go to Wal Mart and buy STONERS. (period)

Next up is leather.

  1. http://www.leatherique.com. (period)
 

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