Hey..

I can finally afford the Zaino Ultimate Package and am preparing for the purchase..

However, since I'm starting off with no other supplies, here's what I'm also adding to the list:

Genuine Wool Wash Mitt [How many should I get?]
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/vk-103.html

Sonus Ultimate Drying Towel [How many should I get?]
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/mf-200.html

Meguiar's ScratchX
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/meg-g-10307.html

Meguiar's PlastiX
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/meg-g-12310.html

303 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/303-30551.html

303 Wiper Treatment
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/303-30336.html

The bucket I planned on picking up locally.. unless Zaino's is much better..

Also, I remember seeing angular yellow foam polishing pads during my endless days of detailing research [Sonus maybe?] -- but after re-digging up all the literature I could, I didn't come across it again. Is there any info regarding this?

I'm sure I'm missing a few things.. and since I've never really washed/detailed a car by hand, I'm a bit hesitant to place the order.

Any info is greatly appreciated

 

I think I just found the foam pad I was referring to:

Handi-Grip Applicator
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/vk-101.html

I gives a disclaimer that it won't scratch the paint, but shouldn't that be a given? Is this a quality product?

Also, I think I need to add these as well..

Sonus Vision Glass & Plastic Cleaner
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-150.html

Sonus Ultimate Detailing Towels, Pkg/2 [How many should I get?]
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/mf-201.html

Forever Black
http://classic-motoring.stores.yahoo...bltrredye.html

All that, plus a brush for the tires and a bucket w/grit guard and I should be set right? Or am I still missing something[s]?

 

Based on my experience the Z-PC is a much better swirl remover then Scratch-X so you might not have to purchase that.
Drying towels - you can never have too many drying towels. The more you have the longer you can go between washes. I have a couple of the Sonus towels and I have found they pale in comparison to these: http://www.detailersparadise.com/Vie...7482-249136542
and if you put in a towel order with DP be sure to consider these: http://www.detailersparadise.com/Vie...2-691513519674
which are great for removing wax and great for QD as well.
I really recommend you skip the Forever Black altogether and go with either Wizard Black Renew or Black WOW.
When I was a newby I went the Autopia route and it was fine. There are much better products out there however but whatever works for you works for you.
Have fun, take pictures.

 

Thanks so much for your input!

All suggestions are very appreciated..

I know close to nothing about detailing, even after meticulously researching on this forum [theres nothing like on-hand experience]-- So any alternatives or improvements on the list I'm compiling will save me hours and headaches. I rely on your collective experiences.

 

Are either Wizard Black Renew or Black WOW especially good on cremoline? I seem to have reoccurring issues with leakage on the black plastic trim.

 

I too have spent countless hours threading my way though the detailing process to obtain insight and devine direction. The forums on NAM are a limitless resource, but can be overwhelming due to the volume of information.

I finally took the plunge and know that I'll be happy when I finally begin my first real detail job. I want to also echo JonnyCache's statement above.

NAM ROCKS!

 

For cosmoline issues (that waxy yellow goo that oozes out of seams when it is hot) you can try several things. I have had Goo Gone work well but don't use it on plastic. Some have had success with Simple Green or even straight alcohol. Some experimenting is in order because different things seem to work for different people.
So since you asked for suggestions I highly recommend the Prima line of products from www.detailersparadise.com and so do a lot of others here on NAM. I know the owners and they have redefined customer service. They have some really top-notch products and are happy to help you choose and use. They have a swirl remover named (aptly enough) Swirl, a cleaner/filler named Amigo and a polymer wax named Epic. I could overwhelm you with a whole list of their products but check out the website. I use these products with a Porter Cable polisher and Lake Country pads.
I started with Zaino and it is a great line of products. I switched to Prima since they are local (to me) and have stayed with them because the products work well in concert and give my Chili Red a wet glossy look that Zaino just didn't provide.
If you have already purchased your Zaino package don't despair. It will provide your MINI with great protection and a good shine. Next time though consider the Prima line as an alternative.
Main thing is to have fun learning how to shine and protect your MINI.

 

I haven't made a purchase yet, but this thread is proving to be a great last minute resource--

 

oh how I love to muddy those waters.
Some other items from DP that are especially good:
Slick - Quick Detail spry for cleaning lightly soiled paint and the occasional bird poo/bug guts.
Hydro - Wax as you dry spray for a polymer shine on wet or dry paint
Banana Gloss - Polymer + Carnauba wax that can used in direct sun. Lasts longer then Hydro but not as long as Epic.
Nourish - Leather conditioner that is a little less pungent then Zaino's
Clarity - Glass cleaner which when combined with the DP cloth is unsurpassed.
How'd I do - waters good and muddy yet?

 

+1, I'd go Prima over Zaino, even if you consider the products equal in quality; the amount of support here for Prima is amazing from the folks that develop and sell it.

For the cosmoline, I had success with Simple Green and utility microfibers. If it's really baked into the trim you might need a toothbrush to help scrub, but Simple Green will get it out.

 

ok.. So I've decided to switch from Zaino to Prima after more research..

Considering the package I was building with the Zaino Ultimate Kit.. is there an equivalent in the Prima line?