Hello Wash & Wax members ,

After doing couple months of reading and researching about the great art that we call detailing here I'm still left with a few questions. Recently, I've ordered the following products:

- Ultimate Detailing Machine w/ XMT intermediate swirl remover kit
- Zaino ultimate protection show car kit
- P21S

My questions are specifically related to the proper process that I should use to detail the car. The following is an outline of what I think to be the correct method. Please chime in to let me know if I have it correct or if I'm missing something.

I plan to begin by first washing the S using the two bucket method and a foam gun. Should I then:

- Clay the whole car
- Check the paint for imperfections (I do have swirl marks on my paint)
- Polish the car with XMT intermediate swirl remover #3 using the UDM
- Follow up the XMT polish # 3 above with the XMT ultra fine swirl remover #1

XMT advices that if I'm happy with the paint correction so far I should then apply the XMT carnauba finishing glaze. However, I plan on following up the polishing with ZAINO. Should I still continue with the carnauba finishing glaze or am I prepped to apply Z2? Or am I supposed to clay bar the car again before applying the Z2?

I will be using the ZFX flash cure accelerator, so I'm guessing I would be able to layer the Z2 and Z5.

And finally, would I have to wait a certain amount of time to apply a layer of P21S over the ZAINO?

I'm trying the earn the coveted Wash and Wax badge before winter comes around and could use all your help.

 

minor change...

after the wash, you would inspect - are you sure that you need to clay?
-you can tell by feeling a clean car with the backs of your fingers. you can also tell which parts need to be clayed and which do not
only need to clay once each time it needs it, if its smooth after (which it should be)...

do not put down carnaubas first- they go on top of your synthetic. and both the zaino and the p21s need to cure. they both cure in about an hour in good temp and humidity (i know that some folks disagree, and mine is the old fashioned answer!)... add to that for abnormal weather. overnight is best for the synthetics (i usually do the first coat several hours and then about an hour each after).

why z5 if you are doing a swirl removal??

otherwise, sounds like you have the basic process down- looking forward to the pics and then the pm asking to be knighted to our kingdom!!

 

I thought I would clay the whole car since it takes off all the remaining wax, grease and such off the vehicle. The last time the car was waxed was roughly a month ago. I've heard ZAINO and other members on the forums here recommend using DAWN dish washing soap. I figured washing the car and then claying it might be just a effective as washing it with DAWN. Am I wrong?

I was thinking about layering the Z2 and Z5 because I remember reading somewhere that the combination results in a higher gloss finish. Again, am I mistaken in thinking that this is true?

 

o.k.- i agree... i prefer a clay/polish to dawning too

and i would skip the z5- its a swirl filler and you wont have any to fill!!
i would just do extra z2s
keep the z5 for when you start to see swirls and dont have enough to do a removal...

your gloss with a few z2 coats topped by p21s can not be beat-
after you do it, if you do not agree, i want to know!!


btw, once the car is done, i like carnauba detail sprays to keep it looking new (you dust the car first- plenty of threads on this)- and a car cover is the final touch...

 

hey wanabe, what quick detail spray do you use?

 

several...
the two i like best right now are dp and speed shine cause i have always preferred carnauba based for cleaning.

for claying, i prefer no protectant- just pure cleaner.

i know we have a recent thread on this...
if someone runs across it, post it up here-

 

o.k. mr. wanabe, i will do that for you...

here is the thread you were talking about:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=526092