Okay after doing some more reading I've started up a shopping list of stuff I need to buy to maintain and make my MINI sparkle. If you experience and competent detailers would please look it over and let me know if there's anything I really don't need, or really do need, or something you'd recommend over what I have please let me know!

Shopping list~

Zaino kit 1~ from Zainostore.com ~ 90.00
- ZFX™ Flash Cure Accelerator Additive
- Z-2 PRO™ Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes
- Z-5™ Show Car Polish for Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches
- Z-6™ Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray
- Z-7™ Show Car Wash
- Z-18™ ClayBar
- 2 Zaino Custom Polish Applicator

Vinylex ~ locally ~ 10.00

5.5 sq. ft. chamois ~ locally (costco) ~ 10.00

6 pk. of microfiber towels ~ locally (costco) ~ 10.00

Supplies ~ from autotopia.com ~ 70.00
- OXO Wash brush
- Meguiars interior scrub brush
- Meguiars versa-angle tire brush
- Meguiars lock detail brush
- Meguiars ultra plush chenille wash pad x 2
- Stoner Tarminator Tar, Grease & Sap remover
- OXO good grips mini car duster
- Sof Touch water blade

A toothbrush and jar of peanutbutter for stray wax :D

TOTAL: About $190.00


I included prices becuase I am on a budget. I'm willing to spend to make sure Kavan gets the best care, but I do need to penny pinch where I can. Also, I noted that the chamois and microfiber will be bought from costco in case someone had a concern I was buying a cheapo brand x crap towel. If you still think it'd be better to buy something else though, please let me know.
I apreciate all feedback. To quote the autotopia guide, the most difficult part of any new skill is knowing how to get started. Detailing is no different. So thanks for helping me getting off my feet. :smile:

 

Looks like your all set

I use a micro drying towel, it only feels damp after drying the whole car. Don't know where all that water goes:smile:
I lay it on, rather than rubbing.
Those swiffer duster things work great on vents and controls,*****.I keep one in the car all the time.
Have fun

 

Don't forget to pick up some spray bottles to mix up various things like clay bar lube (z-7 and water is a typical example). Walmart garden spray bottles are good for this. Be aware that the garden spray bottles put out more volume than others.:smile:

Rob

 

Don't forget to set aside your weekend to finish this job............

 

don't pinch your pennies in the area of the towels. BradB here on NAM gives great recommendations in the detailing arena.

 

I can understand your wanting to work on a budget here...that first hit to get started on the detailing front can be a big one.

Here's my 2 cents. Assuming you've got the Zaino end covered...fine. Assuming you've got the washing end covered (w/ good cotton chenille mits/pads/whatever)...fine. Drying, however, is a very critical phase....imo, most potential scratching occurs here....so watch out.

First...rethink the need for a water blade. There are other lower risk options. A water blade gone bad is really bad. Consider nixing this.

Second...rethink the Costco chamois. Not needed.

Third...rethink the Costco microfiber. If it is really good, no problem, but beware...there is a lot of general purpose, discount microfiber out there right now that will, in fact, scratch your paint. Be very, very sure. Frankly, I'm not, but others may vouch for this product.

So..what to do?? I use a technique NAM's own BradB proposed and, sure enough, it works. Elegantly simple...safe...and not all that pricey, really.

You need: 1) the Absorber...a highly absorbant synthetic chamois, commonly available; and 2) a set (large and small) of good waffle-weave microfiber drying towels. I've ordered all these on-line...haven't seen them in stores.

Step one: After washing, working in sections, repeatedly place the Absorber on your paintwork...blotting up most of the water...and then remove, lifting it up from the paint. Don't rub...just place the Absorber on, and them remove. Most of the water is now gone.

Step two: Wipe up any leftover water with the waffle-weave drying towel. These are highly absorbant and will not harm your paint. I generally use one set (a large towel and a smaller one typically come in a set) to dry the entire car.

That's it! One Absorber and one set of towels could get you started. I have two Absorbers and at least four sets of towels collected, but that's mostly to help w/ frequency of laundering.

I think starting w/ the right products save a ton of money on the long run. If you're gonna Zaino, you're obliged to get the higher-risk drying task properly nailed.

Good luck!!

 

I agree on the first two points: avoid the water blade. Avoid the chamois.

On the third point, the Costco microfiber towels are exceptional, properly bound, and won't scratch (remove the label tag as with all towels). They are one of those underground secret values that enthusiasts have picked up on, and the word is getting around about them.

One additional tip would be to pick up the wool mits at Costco also, but cut off the hanging tab. Don't use the mesh side, or allow it to contact your finish.

 

I agree with JDS on the Abosorber towels they are great, however we all have own "twist" on detailing. I use three different colored absobers making sure the one I use on the paint work doesn't get used on the lower body/fender areas and a third one for the engine bay, door jams, wheel wells etc, whatever places carry potentially more dirt even after washing.

After three years of ownership I have only had to clay bar twice and the second time was becasue I shipped my Mini over to the UK.
Not sure why you would need all those Oxo brushes unless you are constently detailing the engine bay.

 

Hey, that's awesome...everybody loves a "secret value"!!! Do you recommend them for drying, or are them better for polishing/glass?

 

Okay after the feedback and some personal though, I've updated my list.

Shopping list~

Zaino kit 1~ from Zainostore.com ~ 90.00
- ZFX™ Flash Cure Accelerator Additive
- Z-2 PRO™ Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes
- Z-5™ Show Car Polish for Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches
- Z-6™ Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray
- Z-7™ Show Car Wash
- Z-18™ ClayBar
- 2 Zaino Custom Polish Applicator

Vinylex ~ locally ~ 10.00

6 pk. of microfiber towels ~ locally (costco) ~ 10.00
Empty spray bottles ~ costco ~ 5.00

Supplies ~ from autotopia.com ~ 75.00
- OXO Wash Brush
- Meguiars interior scrub brush
- Meguiars versa-angle tire brush
- Meguiars lock detail brush
- Meguiars ultra plush chenille wash pad
- Stoner Tarminator Tar, Grease & Sap remover
- Soft Scrub Insect Sponge
- OXO good grips mini car duster
- Sonus Ultimate Detailing Towels, Pkg/2

A toothbrush and jar of peanutbutter for stray wax :D

TOTAL: About $200.00

The big thing is following the advice on drying products. Also added a bug sponge, to do spot cleaning while on the road from bugs and birds.

I'll be ordering in about a week, so any more feedback is always apreciated. Again, thanks for all the input already. NAM is aces!

 

I wouldn't use a bug sponge, personally. For such "offenses" I use lots of quick detailer and a microfiber polishing cloth. I go easy and let the QD do most of the work. A sponge may be too harsh. Same for bird poo. Anything harsher will potentially introduce scratches. I'd recommend just buying extra polishing cloths...that way you can wash a load of like items all at the same time. Simplifies things.

As an aside, this has been one of the big unforeseen plusses of a clear bra. Yes, it protects from rocks and such, but it also protects my paint from bugs during those "special" times of year when the whole front end of my MINI gets plastered. The clear bra is tough and can take it...along with all the cleaning I care to dish out.

Another budget note, fwiw...if you want to jump in w/ Zaino great...based on popular consensus, it's the best around. Credit where credit is due. But Klasse also offers a very, very good alternative (All-In-One and Sealant Glaze) for what approximates half the price. I prefer it for a number of practical reasons...but it still shares the best qualities of Zaino (acrylic, long-lasting, heat resistant). I'm not trying to change your mind at all...others may be looking for a good, comparative alternate. I think there's something to be said for jumping right in w/ Zaino and getting your regimen set from the start.

 

I too would stay away from the bug spoonges. Like jds said, lots of QD, let it soak in, wipe it off with a good micro towel, then buff up with a micro buffing towel.
I did a big load of washing my towels this weekend. I washed them with about 1/4 of the soap for the load amount, and did a full tub of water, even though it could have been set at small. I then rinced it twice more.
Then I set the dryer on delicate, and let them tumble.
They came out great, clean, no stains, and oh so soft.
My buffing towels seem to work better after the wash

 

Personally, I dry the finish with them. I also have a "ranking" system:

One MF towel for the first pass to absorb/remove most of the water. This will later be demoted to dry under the bonnet and to dry the rims.

Second dry MF towell goes back over any droplets left behind, then gets used as the door jam towel.

Third dry MF towel is used with Z6 or Z8 quick detailer.

Fourth, older MF towel (as they age, they get demoted) to wipe up Z16 tire gloss, which I apply with an applicator sponge to the tire and spats. These towels get washed separately, and never re-classify regardless of being washed.


I have also bought 3 heneously expensive "Made in America" cotton detailing cloths (which fray like the dickens ) that impress me less than the Costco MF towels. I do use them to buff off the coats of Z5 or Z2-Pro polish when I Zaino.

 

Alright your list looks pretty good, but I have a few comments as well:

As long as you're already ordering from the site, you should throw in at least one good drying MF towel. You won't regret it, I garauntee you that. They are a lot thicker and plusher than the cotsco one and will get your mini dry with just one towel instead of the whole pack of cotsco MF's.

Second, not sure if you need it, but like i said, since you are already ordering you could pick up some polish as well. the sonus 3 step kit has gotten good reviews or you can jsut risk it and get one of the Z-PC.

Lastly, realize there are tons of things you will end up buying that you didn't think you'd need. For example, tire shine, glass cleaner, possible a Porter Cable dual action polisher? but overall things are off to a great start. And don't forget the coupon for autopia.

 

MOST IMPORTANTLY: DON'T WAX YOUR CAR UNTIL IT IS AT LEAST 6 MONTHS FROM THE FACTORY! WAXING A FRESH PAINT JOB WILL RUIN IT.
I worked with a professional detailer last summer, and we would turn away business because a new Mercedes would pull in and want a wax. We would have to tell them we would ruin their paint if we waxed it.

Let's cut down on that budget...
I have a mobile detailing business, so I buy from wholesale,you will have to see if the following products are available in your area. I buy from D & M Supply in Nashville, and I use Checkered Flag products.

Checkered Flag Showroom Shine-$15/gallon
Buy the gallon, pour half a regular size spray bottle with water, and the other half with showroom shine. Spray it on your car, wipe with a a terry cloth towel. Wipe the streaks and moisture away with a microfiber. That's it for a wash. No rinsing, no drying. Two steps, its clean. Its great for mobile detailing like mine, and I even use it at home on my MINI. Its a great product that even contains some wax. If your car is nasty with mud, I would spray it off. This way, you don't have to bother with a chamois, a water blade, leaf blower, etc.

Polish and Wax are up to you. I like Mother's three step system, but you can go with Zaino if you like.

You can use water with a clean towel and a seperate microfiber on your windows.

Use simple green/a degreaser for your wheels.
Anything is good for your tire shine. Some are better than others, though.
Feel free to use simple green on everything except paint.

Checkered Flag also makes a great interior shine and tire shine $15-$18/gallon.

Clay Bars are good, I like Mother's. Just be sure to lube, lube, lube.

Basically, it is really easy to spend a lot of money on stuff that you don't need. However, the hard part is finding checkered flag products. It would be wise to talk with the person who sells them just to learn the technique a little better.

Hope that you can find these great products, they're great, and a lot less expensive.

 

Not sure about the product you speak of, but I have heard from other detailers,NOT to wax, or do much but wash a car for 6 months.
Then I have heard to do it right away.
I waited, not because I knew who to trust, but because I had no time, did not feel the need.

All I know is that washing, keeping it clayed, and waxing with NXT
gets this now

 

I don't mean to come off as rude, but the above post is LOADED with BAD ADVISE!

Quick-detailing, or washing from a spray bottle is very dangerous unless the car is already impecabbly clean. Use plenty of fresh, running water BEFORE washing your car to flush away as much abrasive stuff as you possibly can before ever touching the car.

Use a mit with deep nap (pref. wool, and non-synthetic) and rinse it often! Visually check it to ensure debris hasn't caught up in it. A terry towel WILL cause scratches and swirls, and I'm sorry, but should never come in contact with your paint's finish. Coupled with the previous advise to wash an un-rinsed car with a terry towel is just begging to drag some piece of crud across your clear coat! There isn't enough nap in terry cloth to hold debris away from the finish as you pass it over the paint.

He advises you not to use Simple Green on painted surface, but recommends it on your wheels? Your rims are PAINTED! And Clearcoated.

As for not waxing for 6 months, this is not an issue with MINI paint, which is baked during its application process. If you go to a body shop that sprays on paint, you must let it cure for several months (6????) and I can't comment on the process used by Mercedes, but the MINI literature even advises you that you CAN and SHOULD wax/polish your MINI without the need to wait, as the paint is pre-cured as part of the process.

However, you SHOULD clay-bar the car even though it's brand new. The reason is that industrial fall-out, rail dust, and brake dust from shipping and manufacture has already imbedded into the finish. Clay bar it then wax/polish it.

 

Here's my 2 cents... this and another 19,998 of them will get you some detailing supplies:

I love the Zaino! If this is one of the Zaino kits, you will probably save a bit. I like the Z7 show wash, but I've found that the Meguiars NXT wash is very nice and you can buy half a gallon at Target for the same price as 12 oz from Zaino. Good choices all around so far.

I've never used Vinylex, but I've heard good things about it. I use 303 protectant on the interior now and Meguiars #40 (or is it #42? I can't remember, but it's on the "Detailed Detailing" thread) on the exterior. The Meguiars product lasts about twice as long on the outside and I like the low-gloss appearance. It goes on all my exterior rubber, plastic and tires.
6 pk. of microfiber towels ~ locally (costco) ~ 10.00
Empty spray bottles ~ costco ~ 5.00

Wow... lots of brushes in this! I wouldn't let any brush touch the paintwork on my car and only use brushes to reach the back side of wheels that I can't reach without the use of a jack and a lug wrench. I use a nice wool wash mit (www.autopia-carcare.com) for the paintwork and a retired chenile wash mit for the tires and wheels.

The tar remover will strip away waxes and Zaino, so you will have to reapply after use. It's probably worth having something like this in your arsenal anyway... I've got a Turtle Wax product called "Bug & Tar Remover" that is probably very similar.

Skip the bug sponge... another cause of swirlmarks. Keep a good base of Zaino sealant on there and the bugs will come off easier than you have ever seen before. Just spritz the bug w/ Z6 as soon as you notice it and it will probably just wipe away.

For the exterior? I use the full size OXO car duster for the exterior (nice product) and Swiffers for the inside... cheap, locally sourced and disposable.

Towels:

I've got a bunch of Target Microfibers... the cheap ones. They are better than rags, but I've gone a step up since writing my detailing guide and I love the new ones. I still use these cheapies to clean the interior and do the nasty stuff. They don't touch the paintwork anymore, but they are a cheap place to start.

I've got 2 of the Sonus Drying Towels (blue waffle weave microfiber) that are very cool and very thirsty. One will do a MINI nicely after using the BradB Absorber procedure above.

I also picked up a couple of the Sonus ultimate buffing towels... Very deep microfiber on one side for use with detailing sprays (Z6) and a shorter, denser nap on the other side for a bit more scrubbing action (bugs). I want some bath sheets made of this stuff, excep the microfibers are so grabby on your skin that they tend to grab on and not let go.... Maybe it's time to take a claybar into my shower. :smile:

 

Before you read this, a disclaimer:

I mean no offense to any previous poster as I'm always happy to see everyone sharing their procedures and thoughts on products... It's just my honest opinion that some procedures mentioned above could be better. As I've mentioned in other threads, there is always a trade off for money, quality or time... With my cars, I spend way too much money and time to get the best quality... most sane people wouldn't do what I do...

Ditto! Tarzan just saved me a bunch of typing! The previous poster may have worked in a detail shop, but he'd never touch my car with these procedures. His work probably looks good, but the procedures you are setting up for are a HUGE step above this quality of work. These procedures are setting you up for micromarring and swirlmarks over time.

I use Simple Green to degrease my engine bits, but I'd never use it on a Clearcoated finish (like your wheels). There are lots of wheel cleaners out there which are made specifically for the job. I've heard of people using SimpleGreen on their wheels with no problems and I've also heard of horror stories of wheel finish nightmares (dulling and peeling). I'd go the safe route and use a clearcoat-safe product that was made for wheels. I just use my normal wash water with a good soaking for 5 min or so before I work on them. I've read good reviews of P21S wheel cleaner and I like their other products that I've tried.

More excellent advice!

Modern factory finishes are baked on and are cured by the time the leave the factory. That, along with the extra time to reach your dealer in transit, means double safety. I still wait 4-6 months before waxing/sealing paint from a body shop, but any factory paint sprayed since the early '90s should be safe. I'd be willing to bet that the poster is either over 50 or learned from someone who is still sticking to the old rules of old paint technology... Some may say better safe than sorry, but any new car I get will be promptly clay-bared and get several coats of Zaino.

 

This is what I use for drying.

Just keep it away from the ground

http://www.redmax.com/productcart/pc...7&idproduct=28

 

As you can see everyone has an opinion when it comes to detailing and your list adds up to some a lot of dough. Unless you are independently wealthy I would wouldn't get all those brushes it just doesn't make any sense. If after a few months, once you have gotten use to the way you clean your car and you think you still need the brushes than get them but I think you are waisting your money on all that hardware IMHO

And nightbirdflyin that is the best damn leaf blower in the entire world. I own one and nothing beats it hands down! Not sure I would use it on my car though and if I did I would recommend that you make sure you have a full tank of gas in the car and someone sitting in the car when you go to blow dry it or the car will get blown away with that leaf blower

 

Landscaper friend of mine recommended the Red Max.
Very satisfied with normal use.

It works great on the car.
Like I said, don't point it at the ground and it will dry your car pretty fast.
Water rolls right off.

 

Everyone's an expert. There is no ONE holy way to detail a car. I just thought I would give some advice on how I detail my car and get the same results as you Zaino guys.

Sorry the camera sucks.

Dr Doogie MD, enjoy detailing your car, sorry to add more stress and confusion.

 

OK, I will add my two cents here, and i will preface it by saying that I diodn't read any body elses comments so I apologize if I offend anyone or repeat information. I will add my comments in RED.

- ZFX™ Flash Cure Accelerator Additive Yes, great.
- Z-2 PRO™ Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes Yes, great.
- Z-5™ Show Car Polish for Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches Email me direct about this.
- Z-6™ Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray Absolutely.
- Z-7™ Show Car Wash Yes, great.
- Z-18™ ClayBar Yes, fine. (Or I love this DEAL.)
- 2 Zaino Custom Polish Applicator (Much prefer pure foam.)

Vinylex. Good stuff. I prefer 303.

5.5 sq. ft. chamois ~ locally (costco) Hate Chamois'. BAD!
Get a waffleweave microfiber instead. These are fantastic!


Bag of microfiber towels ~ locally (costco) Gag! Get these. Great towel. Great deal! I have 30 of these!

Supplies ~ from autotopia.com ~ 70.00
- OXO Wash brush Only for lower sills. Not main paint. Could skip this.
- Meguiars versa-angle tire brush Brush ok, handle too long. But you can switch with interior brush.
- Meguiars small detail brush I like this one a lot.
-ultra plush chenille wash pad x 2 Chenile is ok, but this pad is too fat. I prefer WOOL. or chenile mitt.

- Stoner Tarminator Tar, Grease & Sap remover Good stuff. But do you have tar issues?

- OXO good grips mini car duster OK. But the small are only useful for the interior.Large are best for exterior.

- Sof Touch water blade NO! NO! NO!

You need a decent interior cleaner for carpet stains. Get the 303.

A toothbrush and jar of peanutbutter for stray wax :D You won't need it with Zaino...no residue! And NEVER a toothbrush...they scratch.

There is probably more I am forgetting.

Confused yet?

 

Okay after continued fine feedback, I've refined my list even further.

Shopping list~

Zaino kit 1~ from Zainostore.com ~ 90.00
- ZFX™ Flash Cure Accelerator Additive
- Z-2 PRO™ Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes
- Z-5™ Show Car Polish for Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches
- Z-6™ Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray
- Z-7™ Show Car Wash
- Z-18™ ClayBar
- 2 Zaino Custom Polish Applicator

Vinylex ~ locally ~ 10.00

Supplies ~ from autotopia.com ~ 100.00
- Meguiars interior scrub brush
- Meguiars versa-angle tire brush
- Meguiars Triple Duty Detail Brush
- Geniune Wool Wash Mitt x 2
- Stoner Tarminator Tar, Grease & Sap remover
- OXO good grips car duster
- Sonus Ultimate Drying towel
- Blue Perl Microfiber Polishing Towel, Pkg/6

TOTAL: About $200.00

And nightbirdflyin, thanks for the suggestion, but that's a bit much for now.

A hearty thanks for everyone's input!