Well, it's time to put my car away for a few moths. I am going off to school this week and cannot take her with me until secodn semster. With that said, she is sleeping in the garage until Xmas. To prepare for the hibernation, I gave her a great detail today (or start of one).
I started with a dishwasher soap wash, which is more acidic to break down crummy wax and old dirt (without damaging paint). Then I decided to clay bar, and went over the entire car carefully. I removed every spec of dirt and all remaining wax. I then washed it with gentle suddy soap.
I normally swear by Zaino religiously, but I found myself out of many parts in the kit when I went to the shelf. I use this brand religiously, and I didn't want my car getting dusty in this temperamental stage, so I made a quick run to the store. I have been also happy with the turquoise colored Zymol, but I tried something new this time. It's the Turtle Wax Platinum Series paste. It comes in a green jar, with a sponge. I don't have anything against these basic waxes, but I usually dont use them - I can tell the differences and take pride in my work.
Well, I lathered the sponge up and went to work. It went on BEAUTIFULLY. The paste is really consistent and smooth, and the sponge has super small holes to provide a smooth, worked in layer onto the paint. Taking it off, however, was not so hot. It was a BIATCH to rub off compared to Zaino and Zymol. Required much more elbow grease. Once rubbed off, it left a great looking, smooth, thick coat of protection. The end result was very pleasing, except I can tell it leaves a film that dirt/dust is more likely to stick to (unlike repelling debris like Zaino).
All in all, for I think $9.99 at AutoZone, it was a great wax that seems to last a while and provide a good shine and finish!
I know, I know... This thread is worthless without pictures. Maybe tomorrow!

.... And the second goes on like butter! And comes off much easier.
I think I found a great cycle.

Wash with dish washer soap.
Clay bar.
Wash with soft bubble car soap.
Wax with turquoise Zymol. (Good base layer protection, and will make the Turle come off easier being a second coat).
Wax with Zaino Z5 (spray).
Wax with Turtle Wax Platinum.
Wax with Zaino Z5.
Wax with Zaino Z7 (best show car polish).
Wax with Zaino Z5.

I may have the numbers mixed up, but I use the spray (purple and white bottle) and the "Best Show Car Polish" in a gold and black bottle. They do wonders. That process listed above would take several hours even on a car the size of an S2k, but it would look better than brand new, softer than a baby's butt, and would be so well protected for a hurricane...

 

good post and review!
my recollection is that turtle wax is a carnuba product- so it should protect your car for a few months... not sure about until xmas, but you would gain some protection time by a soft car cover (the honda cover would work well for your situation).
also not sure that your zaino over carnuba will do much- but i am interested to hear how it goes!
wouldnt the z7 remove everything you put on the car???
and i thought that z5 works best with z2- both are synthetics...

 

Good review. I have tried Nu Finish polish it does a decent job. Have never used any of the upscale products. With that said am trying to figure the best process to use for mnine which is a daily driver.

 

I think I wouldn't go into that much detail but, I was out of town last week and I left my car sitting outside. When I came back I saw that my car had tons of water marks. Any way to make a long story short I used F21 wax and I took all the water marks out, no problem