My detailed detailing process
I’ve responded to many threads here and I decided to try and put my regular wash/seal/detail procedures into one long plan. After several weeks of pecking away at it during remnants of lunch-hours, I sent it to BradB, a regular in the NAM auto detailing boards, for review. Brad was very helpful and has added his comments to several sections. I could not have done this without him. I thank him and my cars thank him for their better care (my wallet, being substantially thinner, isn't so fond of him :smile: ). As a whole, he is much more detail oriented than I am and uses better processes and tools. I’ve made a few trade-offs for speed and cost, sacrificing quality. If I had my dream car, I’d probably abandon several of my methods and buy better equipment.
I’ve broken it up into a schedule (semi-annual work, monthly work, weekly work and a mid-week touch up), specific directions for each step in the process and a list of equipment / supplies. I don’t keep a calendar with the work marked, but I just wanted to give you an idea of how frequently I do each step. Each week, as I wash my cars, I assess their condition and decide what needs to be done and how much time I have. It’s all a balancing act. agranger Disclaimer: I know that I have automotive Obsessive / Compulsive Disease (AOCD?). I enjoy being outdoors and love the satisfaction of driving a perfectly detailed car. I’ve got a 7 year-old daily driver sedan (’97 Nissan Altima) that I treat this way… It’s just me. (PS: Wow... this thread has been rolling for a while... I'm now 12,000 miles in on my '06 MCS. When I took the Altima in to be apraised for a trade, they guessed that it was only 2-3 years old...20-30k miles - on a 9 year old car w/ 80k miles!) Feel free to modify my plans for your level of need, want or desire. I bought a great deal of the stuff during one month to get a basic stable of products together (washing supplies, sealant, etc.). The others I bought as I needed /wanted them (compounds, polisher, etc.). BradB convinces me, every few weeks, that I need yet another product… I have no automotive training… I just like to have a clean and shiny car. I’ve accumulated these processed through years of trial and error on my own vehicles. I’ve done my best to reproduce the steps that I follow, but read the directions for any automotive product that you intend to use and follow them. My Bias: I like Zaino. It’s got a HUGE shine and the application is easy (once you do it once or twice). I’ve never tried Klasse. My instructions are for Zaino with the ZFX system, though I believe that Zaino has a new polymer accelerant system, so you will have to adapt to that using their instructions. I am just telling you how I do things and what I use. I like the results that I get and have had several unsolicited comments on how nice the effect is. ----------------------------------------------------- My semi-annual program (maybe annual if the car is garaged at work and at home)
My Monthly routine
My weekend routine
Mid week touch-up (on weekend as well if the roads have been clean/dry)
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Processes
Process for Engine Detailing
There is a myriad of different materials in the engine compartment and I use a lot of different things for it. I never use the hose down method. I am never happy with the results and it doesn’t seem to last long. I take a methodical procedure doing one component at a time, doing it very well, then moving on. It seems to last a long time and look better that way. It then wipes off easy when it gets dirty from rain splashes, etc. I don’t use 303 because of its low durability water based nature it is very heat sensitive and wears off quickly. I think it’s one of the best interior products, though. For oil/grease soiled areas I use medical swabs soaked in aerosol brake cleaning spray. It literally soaks up the dirt into the swab. Small areas like wires and switches and harnesses are usually sprayed with Griots Engine Gloss or CD2 Engine Detailer. This makes it look very clean and hides dirt. Larger hard to reach areas are sprayed with Stoners Trim Shine. Metal items are rubbed with NeverDull. Items that get subjected to heat or get dried out I use Forever Black on. Hoses get Meguiars #40 Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner. ----------------------------------------------------- Process for Washing the Car
Process for Claying the Car
Process for Polishing the Glass
Process for Polishing the Paintwork A write-up on compounding and polishing could easily fill another document of this size. If the car is new or in good condition, I polish with the Porter Cable DA polisher and Sonus paintwork cleanser after every full claybar treatment. This section is to give you an idea of what is involved. Do your research and work slowly and carefully. Compounding will help restore a neglected finish to a state where Zaino can take over, enhance your shine and protect your finish. This is a fairly drastic change and requires time, attention and commitment. The more abrasive the compound, the more dangerous it is, so work carefully and examine your work very frequently. I once removed some single stage paint in about 3 seconds of compounding with the DA polisher (medium cut compound and orange pad). I had no idea that there wasn’t clear coat on that B pillar and I didn’t know what was going on until the pad had turned black from paint transfer. BE CAREFUL. Once or twice a year I do step 3 on my well maintained cars… you shouldn’t need to compound every year.
Process for Quick Detailing Your detailing spray should depend on your finish. I use Z6 on my Zaino treated cars and I love it. If you have topcoated the Zaino with carnuba, use a carnuba quick detailer like Sonus Carnuba Spritz. Sonus also makes a quick detailing spray for Klasse. Using a Quick Detailing spray that doesn’t match your topcoat protectant may result in streaking and a cloudy finish. If you see either of these, re-examine your choice of QD spray. Just one spritz per body panel and use a buffing microfiber to remove. If there is a bit of dirt and/or grime on the car, use a bit more Z6. Since I put Zaino Z2 sealant on my windows, I use Z6 and a microfiber to buff the glass clean! This yields a deep shine and makes your wipers work better than ever before. ----------------------------------------------------- Process of Caring for Your Soft Rubber Seals I use a product that BMW recommends, GummiPflege Rubber Protection Stick. Available at BMW auto and motorcycle dealers.
Process of Scratch Removal (shallow – not through the clear or color coat) The key to safe scratch removal is working with the least abrasive compound that is necessary to solve the problem. Whatever product you use, you want to work it on the surface for a brief bit, buff off the product, examine and repeat as necessary. If 3 or 4 rounds of this doesn’t solve the problem, it is time to move to a more aggressive product. Once you get the problem solved (or minimized to your satisfaction), you move backwards through the progression of products you just used… using less and less abrasive products to buff out the scratches caused by the last one. Again, a full write-up of scratch removal could very easily morph into a huge document. Do your research and work slowly and carefully. Here are my products (in Abrasive order): Least Abrasive
----------------------------------------------------- Zaino Process This is an abridged version of the instructions found on the Zaino website (http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...de=APPLICATION)
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Equipment
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General Supplies
General Supplies:
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1 Attachment(s)
For those of you who would like a Word document of this process, I've attached it here.
agranger |
wow.. insane process. Lots of time, but i'm sure the results are just plain amazing.
The write up is really helpful though, definitely something I'll take another read over when spring comes around and It's time to really care for the car. I've never used a porter cable though, I like to do things by hand for some reason. |
I found this place that carries the 1Z stuff, since Autopia since discontinued it.
http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/sh...szt-detail.htm |
Insane process? Well... I was surprised how long it was when everything was said and done. I could have kept going on several sections, but tried to keep it as simple as possible.
It looks kinda crazy when everything is written down like that, but once you get the car into a decent condition, you just do the weekly routine every weekend and then just add one more step from the larger processes. I don't schedule a massive wash/clay/polish/zaino/detail weekend twice a year... not only would my wife kill me, but I would also get tired of it very quickly. A lot of the process is simple changes to the way I grew up washing cars in the driveway with my dad. It looks massive when written, but it comes naturally after doing it once or twice. |
Originally Posted by agranger
Insane process? Well... [snip] It looks massive when written, but it comes naturally after doing it once or twice.
I just wanted to add a bit on agranger's comment above. I just Zaino'ed my car for the first time, last week. Going in, I had felt very intimidated by the description of the whole process (and all those Z-this and Z-that numbers don't help at all - it's like trying to keep track of Porsche model numbers!). But once I got into the process, I realized that it's all pretty straightforward and it doesn't really take that much time. It pretty much comes down to: 1. Wash the car with Dawn (optional) 2. Clay the car (optional, but highly recommended) (optional) 3. Wash again (if you clayed) 4. Polish with Z5 (the "coarser" of the two polishes, to remove swirl marks) 5. Wait 30 minutes, wipe off polish, and go over the car quickly with Z6 spray. 6. Polish with Z2 (a "finer," "shinier" polish) 7. Wait 30, wipe, and apply Z6 again. 8. Repeat steps 6 (Z2) and 7 (wait, wipe, Z6) and you're done. So, except for the clay, you basically wash the car and then wax it three times. I found the whole process lot less complicated, less intimidating, and less time consuming than it sounded from all the descriptions I've read. It made a lot more sense once I got into it. And I'm assuming that now that I have a good "base" down, touch-ups will be a lot quicker. For example, I could wash the car, go inside and watch the Kings play (go Kings!), apply Z2 at halftime, watch the rest of the game, and wipe the car and Z6 it when the game's over. So if you've been wanting to try the Zaino products but have been feeling overwhelmed, I'd say, just go for it. The results are outstanding and I've seen a few comparison tests where Zaino came out on top for shine and longevity. My neighbor came walking by while I was on the final Z6 step and said, "Wow - she shines up real good!" And a couple days later, a friend commented that she looked "brand new" (with 5000+ miles on her). (PS - be sure to use the ZFX Accelerator with the Z2 and Z5 polishes. That's what allows you to wipe off these polishes off after only a 30 minute wait.) HTH- |
LombardStreet's post made me realize that I forgot to include detailed Zaino-ing instructions! :roll: This beast is never ending!
I've edited the main posts above to include these instructions and I've updated the Word file for your downloading / printing pleasure. Good catch LS! |
I think the main thing that was insane to me was all the supplies. I can't imagine how much all that would cost. I noticed that you said you are working up your collection of items, but as of now, all I have to use is a lambs wool mitt, aerospace and some cheap microfibers. I'm already worried about the high price of Zaino, with the included costs of all these other supplies, I may not be able to eat for a month. :eek2:
But, I guess I got to start somewhere. my first purchase will most likely be the zaino kit and some better microfibers. One thing I'm worried about wasn't mentioned much was the carpet. I have the both the rubber all weather and thin carpet from mini, and although the fit is great, the very edge of my carpet gets dirty. What's the best way to tackle this, I really want to get a steamer to take it on, but is there any other way to do it? I remember seeing CSI one day and they said when you clean carpet generally all you are doing is pushing it deeper in the carpet, so I want to aviod that if possible. |
I haven't cleaned MINI carpeted mats, so I can't speak to them directly. I have, however, done the OEM mats other cars. BradB has used and strongly recommends 303 Upholstry Cleaner (link in the supplies section above and he wrote a review of it in the past month or so on this board).
When the mats get really bad my other cars, I just take them to one of those spray wand do-it-yourself places, hang them on the wall and blast them full of soap. Blast rinse them with LOTS of fresh water. I then set them on a trash bag in the trunk (they will be soaking wet) and drip dry them outside (or on my garage floor if the weather is nasty). This has restored nasty mats to great condition, but wears on the mats fairly quickly... 3-4 treatments like this and they get a bit fuzzy. It had gotten to the point where I was either going to replace them or blast 'em clean, so I figured "Why not try?". When using this method, make sure to rinse out ALL of the soap or the soap will be sticky and will attract every bit of dust and dirt on your floor. Your mats will be grey with dirt in a few months. I currently use a Wal-mart found (can't remember the brand) upholstry cleaner to spot clean my carpeted mats. After a few years, I'll try the wand method above and just replace them if they are beyond repair. |
Your process is very good..and very well documented!
My only comment..and upon review I follow much the same routine(s) ... is that I've recently used Einszett Glanz Wax on the MINI and I really like the results. Much less involved to apply and I really like the look and feel. Beyond that I'd just say that anybody who questions your routine as over the top....isn't sufficiently dedicated! Peter |
Agranger/ Brad B,
Great write up!! :thumbsup: I appreciate you taking the time to share this info with us! WOW!! I printed it out and it will be a mainstay in my garage. Two quick questions for you. Why are you switching to the foam applicators? Why are they better than the 100% cotton? Who makes the "safest" foam applicators to use? Also, I noticed that you don't use the z-1. The directions say to apply this prior to z-2 as a pre-cleaner. Is this step not necessary? Thanks for your help!! |
In regards to Z1: It is my understanding that Z1 is no longer needed when you use Z-2 or Z-5 (Zaino polishes) with ZFX (fast activator). I ordered the biggest of the Zaino kits about a year ago and Z1 did not come with it.
In regards to the foam applicators: BradB listed a slew of reasons to switch to foam applicators vs. the 100% cotton ones. The most important one is the ability to apply a thin, even coat of Zaino. I'm always frustrated with the Zaino 100% cotton applicator as it seems that half of the Zanio I mix up is still on the applicator at the end of covering the car. Brad mentioned in another post, being able to give 2 coats to a friends car with just an ounce of Zaino. I've done my car with just under an ounce, but 2 coats? No way! I also find it kinda difficult to apply it evenly at the beginning until the applicator has soaked up enough of the polish as to have a saturated surface. I believe that there is also a quality concern with the applicators (Zaino-brand applicators are always 100% cotton, but most are 100% cotton covers with nylon stiching that can scratch your clearcoat). The foam applicators on autopia-carcare with the little handles seem very cool from an ergonomic point of view as well... http://www.autopia-carcare.com/vk-101.html As for the process being over the top... My wife thought so too until people started asking her how she kept her car so beautiful. I had been waxing (Nu-finish or Meguiars Gold Class) every 6 months for years, but nobody mentioned it until I switched to Zaino. I parked her SUV outside of a cellular phone store the other day and went into the shop next door. One of the sales guys came running out when he saw us come back... their staff had been talking about the finish for several minutes and they had to know how we did it. |
Thanks for the advice. I figured most of these questions for myself by 1) Late-night from your pamphlet:lol: , and 2) Diggin a little deeper in the zaino web site. Thanks for the tip on the good foam applicator.
I placed my order for a little kit I created. Z2 Z5 Z6 QD Zaino Leather Cleaner Zaino Leather Conditioner ZFX 2 applicators (got a 3rd one free!) From Microfibertech: 1 Large Waffle Weave microfiber Towel 10 Pack polishing microfiber towels 2 buffing towels 2 glass towels Along with all the other junk I have in my garage, this oughtta be a pretty good start:thumbsup: . My wife is starting to look at me like ths:eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2: !! It sure is frun though. Thanks for the advice! |
Nice write-:thumbsup: up
And thanks for the links....it did lighten my wallet a bit though:lol: |
Great writeup! Very detailed, and lots of good info.
You can also save yourself a boatload of cash and time, by using Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax and get a result that looks better and offers more protection. Two thin coats of NXT is better than 12 coats of Zaino and it smells wonderful!!! :thumbsup:
Originally Posted by CoopLex
Nice write-:thumbsup: up
And thanks for the links....it did lighten my wallet a bit though:lol: |
Originally Posted by OctaneGuy
You can also save yourself a boatload of cash and time, by using Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax and get a result that looks better and offers more protection.
Just one of many tests of Zaino vs NXT durability. |
how come this thread isnt stickied!
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ive been using zaino for awhile now.. i gotta say it's probably the slickest stuff ive used ever!
i do have one question though.. ive looked over the zaino of those who wrote their method... is it true that after buffing off zaino, i can lay down a fresh layer with no reprecussion? i looked on zaino's website and it recommends that i wait 12-24 hours before i lay the next coat to make sure the first layer has cured... bradb, aranger.. you guys want to fill me in on that? |
If you use ZFX, the Zaino polymer accelerant, you can lay down 2-3 coats in a 24 hour period with no problems. After that, you want to give the 2-3 layers a chance to tighten up (cure). If you choose not to use ZFX, I would stick to 1 coat per day.
Thanks for resurrecting this thread... I hate bumping just for the sake of bumping and I'm surprised this hasn't gone 'sticky'. |
My vote for a "sticky" as well. :thumbsup:
While there is never one way to do anything, this thread is a wonderful, well though out resource that many people have commented on how much they have enjoyed it once they "found" it. |
sticky this up!
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You need to add Z8 to the process! The stuff is addictive, It makes a huge difference with wiping bugs off. Its like the car is made of non-stick teflon!
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