Charlotte Zaino Clinic Sat 11/11
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 798
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte, NC
Lee, you will be amazed with your Zaino results. Since the clinic starts with wash and clay, you don't need to do any special prep work beforehand. Steve accepts plastic as well as cash. I use 3 DF Towels during the various stages of polish removal. You can get pre-washed ones from Steve at the clinic.
You might consider taking off your wheels and cleaning them from the backside before coming since you won't have time to spend on that during the clinic. Retorque at 88ft.lbs.
You might consider taking off your wheels and cleaning them from the backside before coming since you won't have time to spend on that during the clinic. Retorque at 88ft.lbs.
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
LeeL,
I will try to explain a little more about the event, since I have attended, participated, and helped Steve out with several of these in the past few years.
First, to answer your questions in your posting. Yes, the application method at these clinics is by hand. I have a Porter Cable 7424 polisher that I plan to bring with me to help people remove swirls or mild-moderate scratches, but for the most part, everything you do at this event will be done by hand. Yes, Steve accepts cash as a form of payment for the products. I think he also accepts VISA/MC as well, but check with him on that to make sure.
I will preface my posting with a plug for all of Steve Treece's services. We need to make this event worthwhile to Steve, as George and Tarzan already mentioned in their postings above. Steve takes the time out of his schedule to help us out (for FREE), and we should make it beneficial for him, too. I believe that you should support Steve and buy all your Zaino stuff (and DF towels) from him. Also, if you have ever considered a clear bra (3M paint protection film) installation on your MINI (or any other car you might have), there is nobody around who can do it better than Steve. We have it on Robin's MINI, my Honda Accord, and my brother has it on his S2000, and we are all very pleased customers. I don't think I will ever have another car WITHOUT the UltraShield 3M film. So, all that said, please buy your products from Steve so we can have these clinics again in the future.
Details about the detailing clinic:
There are several benefits of having an event like this, but the main one is for everyone to learn how to properly clean their own car (using the Zaino products and DF towels, of course). Throughout the course of the day, you will wash your car, use a claybar to remove surface contaminants from the paint, apply (up to) 3 coats of Zaino polish, and enjoy a fun day of detailing with other MINI enthusiasts and owners. Lunch is also provided for participants.
Steve is an expert with the Zaino family of products, and he can explain anything you want to know about them in a way that is easy to understand, no matter how much or how little you know about detailing.
The timeline of events for the day is as follows: Upon arrival at 9am, everyone will wash their car using Dawn. This will remove any old wax or wax residue from the paint, and it starts the paint preparation process. Then, as people finish washing, the cars will be pulled inside, and Steve will do a demonstration on how to properly use a claybar and lubricant solution to remove additional surface contaminants from the paint. After this brief demo, everyone will clay their own car and head back outside to do a quick second wash with Dawn. This 2nd wash ensures that any claybar residue is removed, and it is followed by a very thorough rinse. After rinsing, cars are again pulled inside and dried off. Next, Steve will do another demonstration, this time showing you how to properly measure and mix the appropriate Zaino polish (i.e. Z-2 or Z-5, mixed with the Z-FX accelerant) for your car's specific paint color. He will also explain a few tips and tricks that maximize the shine, reflectivity, and durability of the polish. After applying the first coat of polish, you will simply remove it. That is followed by a quick wipe down using a clean DF towel and the Z-6 Gloss Enhancer Spray. This step ensures that you remove all of the previous polish before applying another coat. Repeat these two steps until you have applied and removed 3 coats of polish, remembering to wipe down with Z-6 in between coats. After finishing, you can do a final wipe-down with the Z-8 Grand Finale Spray Seal. Then, grab something to drink, sit down and rest, and admire your shiny, glowing MINI!
Summary of Supplies to bring (or buy at the event):
1) old bed sheet or towel, to lay down on the ground to catch your claybar when you drop it.
2) 16+ oz. spray bottle, for claybar lubricant solution.
3) enough towels to dry your car one time
4) DF towels, at least 1 to use w/Z-6, and at least 1 to use for removing polish
5) Zaino stuff (plenty to choose from: Z-2 or Z-5 polish, Z-FX accelerant, Z-6 Gloss Enhancer spray, claybar, Z-7 car wash soap, Z-8 Grand Finale Spray Seal, etc., etc., etc.)
6) yourself
7) your MINI
Hope this long-winded response helps prepare you for what to expect from the detailing clinic.
Chris Miller
I will try to explain a little more about the event, since I have attended, participated, and helped Steve out with several of these in the past few years.
First, to answer your questions in your posting. Yes, the application method at these clinics is by hand. I have a Porter Cable 7424 polisher that I plan to bring with me to help people remove swirls or mild-moderate scratches, but for the most part, everything you do at this event will be done by hand. Yes, Steve accepts cash as a form of payment for the products. I think he also accepts VISA/MC as well, but check with him on that to make sure.
I will preface my posting with a plug for all of Steve Treece's services. We need to make this event worthwhile to Steve, as George and Tarzan already mentioned in their postings above. Steve takes the time out of his schedule to help us out (for FREE), and we should make it beneficial for him, too. I believe that you should support Steve and buy all your Zaino stuff (and DF towels) from him. Also, if you have ever considered a clear bra (3M paint protection film) installation on your MINI (or any other car you might have), there is nobody around who can do it better than Steve. We have it on Robin's MINI, my Honda Accord, and my brother has it on his S2000, and we are all very pleased customers. I don't think I will ever have another car WITHOUT the UltraShield 3M film. So, all that said, please buy your products from Steve so we can have these clinics again in the future.
Details about the detailing clinic:
There are several benefits of having an event like this, but the main one is for everyone to learn how to properly clean their own car (using the Zaino products and DF towels, of course). Throughout the course of the day, you will wash your car, use a claybar to remove surface contaminants from the paint, apply (up to) 3 coats of Zaino polish, and enjoy a fun day of detailing with other MINI enthusiasts and owners. Lunch is also provided for participants.
Steve is an expert with the Zaino family of products, and he can explain anything you want to know about them in a way that is easy to understand, no matter how much or how little you know about detailing.
The timeline of events for the day is as follows: Upon arrival at 9am, everyone will wash their car using Dawn. This will remove any old wax or wax residue from the paint, and it starts the paint preparation process. Then, as people finish washing, the cars will be pulled inside, and Steve will do a demonstration on how to properly use a claybar and lubricant solution to remove additional surface contaminants from the paint. After this brief demo, everyone will clay their own car and head back outside to do a quick second wash with Dawn. This 2nd wash ensures that any claybar residue is removed, and it is followed by a very thorough rinse. After rinsing, cars are again pulled inside and dried off. Next, Steve will do another demonstration, this time showing you how to properly measure and mix the appropriate Zaino polish (i.e. Z-2 or Z-5, mixed with the Z-FX accelerant) for your car's specific paint color. He will also explain a few tips and tricks that maximize the shine, reflectivity, and durability of the polish. After applying the first coat of polish, you will simply remove it. That is followed by a quick wipe down using a clean DF towel and the Z-6 Gloss Enhancer Spray. This step ensures that you remove all of the previous polish before applying another coat. Repeat these two steps until you have applied and removed 3 coats of polish, remembering to wipe down with Z-6 in between coats. After finishing, you can do a final wipe-down with the Z-8 Grand Finale Spray Seal. Then, grab something to drink, sit down and rest, and admire your shiny, glowing MINI!
Summary of Supplies to bring (or buy at the event):
1) old bed sheet or towel, to lay down on the ground to catch your claybar when you drop it.
2) 16+ oz. spray bottle, for claybar lubricant solution.
3) enough towels to dry your car one time
4) DF towels, at least 1 to use w/Z-6, and at least 1 to use for removing polish
5) Zaino stuff (plenty to choose from: Z-2 or Z-5 polish, Z-FX accelerant, Z-6 Gloss Enhancer spray, claybar, Z-7 car wash soap, Z-8 Grand Finale Spray Seal, etc., etc., etc.)
6) yourself
7) your MINI
Hope this long-winded response helps prepare you for what to expect from the detailing clinic.
Chris Miller
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
So, I have some small MF towels. What sizes do we need for this? I am wondering if I should buy some more. Using DF Towel sizing, I use a 29x16 towel for removing polish and a 19.5x19.5 with the detail spray. You will need at least two of the latter. For the clay bar you will need a 100% cotton U.S. made towel. Claying is a "wet" process, so I don't think your MF towels will handle that. If the MF towels you have are not scratching or causing swirl marks they're probably OK. The only towels Zaino recommends is a DF Towel or a 100% U.S. made cotton towel.
I am assuming bringing cash to the event will be fine for purchases? Cash always works.
I have never used Zaino before, is all the application by hand and how much prep should I do beforehand? As I said I have not been able to keep up this summer and I hate looking at my car now but I wonder if I might need to apply some mild cleaner to get it how I would like it. All of the application is by hand unless someone wants to use Z-PC Fusion Paint Cleanser and Swirl Mark remover. Z-PC is more easily accomplished by machine. Most folks do no advance prep. Each car will be washed, clayed and then have polish applied by its' owner. Anything done in advance is up to you.
I guess a general rundown of what will go on would be helpfull and probably answer most of my questions. Like I said I ahve never used Zaino, but I have seen some cars around here that have and they look awesome so I think I am ready to give it a try. See reply in paragraph above.
I am assuming bringing cash to the event will be fine for purchases? Cash always works.
I have never used Zaino before, is all the application by hand and how much prep should I do beforehand? As I said I have not been able to keep up this summer and I hate looking at my car now but I wonder if I might need to apply some mild cleaner to get it how I would like it. All of the application is by hand unless someone wants to use Z-PC Fusion Paint Cleanser and Swirl Mark remover. Z-PC is more easily accomplished by machine. Most folks do no advance prep. Each car will be washed, clayed and then have polish applied by its' owner. Anything done in advance is up to you.
I guess a general rundown of what will go on would be helpfull and probably answer most of my questions. Like I said I ahve never used Zaino, but I have seen some cars around here that have and they look awesome so I think I am ready to give it a try. See reply in paragraph above.
Just to clear up an ambiguity in a post made above, this is a Zaino Clinic as the thread title indicates. If a person were thinking of using another product at this event they should remove their name from the list.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte North Carolina
Hey George
After trying to get into one of these for over a year, at the Car Show today won over $100 worth of Meguiars products.. So take me off the list and let someone else in. I will be there but let someone else have my spot. I probably got enough product til I die!!!! Thats life. Luke
After trying to get into one of these for over a year, at the Car Show today won over $100 worth of Meguiars products.. So take me off the list and let someone else in. I will be there but let someone else have my spot. I probably got enough product til I die!!!! Thats life. Luke
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
From: Morrisville, NC
OK, that helps. I have clayed before so I know the overall drill. I will probably wash it the weekend before to include the inside of my wheels as it will be about time for a tire rotation then anyway.
I'll probably bring the smallish towels I have and buy a couple as well.
I'll probably bring the smallish towels I have and buy a couple as well.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte North Carolina
George
after waiting all this time to get Z'd, I was at car show at shrine club this past weekend and won enough Meguiars, Micro fiber towels, cloths and black magic to last me til I go to the happy motoring skies. So that said please remove me and let someone else get Zaino Special. I will still drop by and give my morale support. Luke
after waiting all this time to get Z'd, I was at car show at shrine club this past weekend and won enough Meguiars, Micro fiber towels, cloths and black magic to last me til I go to the happy motoring skies. So that said please remove me and let someone else get Zaino Special. I will still drop by and give my morale support. Luke
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
I have added you to the list. Glad you can join us.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
From: Morrisville, NC
OK, one more complication. I broke down and let the guy that does a bunch of people's cars here at the office do my car and now I have some minor swirl marks. (I know, I know, but the guy is higly recommended and there are several people that have nice cars here that use the guy so I figured I would be alright) The rest of the people here at the office do not even see them and think the car looks great, but I do. I take it that all of the Zaino products have no cleaner at all, so I need to start with a totally pristine car? Should I hit it with a cleaner wax the weekned before as well or will I have time to do it at the clinic.
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
The Zaino Z-PC product will take care of any swirls you have, but not sure there will be time for many people to use the Porter Cable polisher at the clinic. If anyone else has a PC polisher and can bring it to the clinic, that may help.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
From: Morrisville, NC
Crap, we have some tile ordered for a backsplash that is going to be late. We are hosting a ton of people for Thanksgiving this year so it has to be done before then.
Look like I have to back out of this event.
Look like I have to back out of this event.
I hate to do this, but I need to drop off the list... both MINITiger and MINIGamer.
Laura has taken a new job and will be gone for the week before and after this event and this will be the only day I would get to see her.
MINIGamer also has to work that day.
Sorry for any inconvience and lost revenue. Hopefully someone will take my spots.
Chris
Laura has taken a new job and will be gone for the week before and after this event and this will be the only day I would get to see her.
MINIGamer also has to work that day.
Sorry for any inconvience and lost revenue. Hopefully someone will take my spots.
Chris
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Less than a week to go until the M2C2 Zaino Clinic at Import Paint and Body! Please remember to bring the following:
One towel for use while using clay bar
16oz or greater capacity spray bottle
Enough towels to dry the car one time
At least one towel to use with Z-6
At least one towel for polish removal
There will be no "loaner" towels available.
Special pricing on DF Towel products for this event only!
Medium Small **19.5 x 19.5** $ 7.35
Medium ********16 x 29.5*** $ 8.50
Wash Mitt ********7 x 10**** $ 5.00
***Prices above are $1.00 off regular price***
DF Concours Detailing Tote $ 125.00 (1 In Stock, 2-3 week delivery on other orders)
We recommend at least one Medium and two Medium small towels not including the towel(s) for use with clay and drying. Pre-orders will be washed and ready for your use at the clinic. Please e-mail towel orders to me at cashine@juno.com.
All of the Zaino products will be available for purchase and use at this event.
Lunch provided.
Steve
www.zainocharlotte.com
www.ultrashieldofcharlotte.com
www.zainostore.com For complete Zaino product info.
One towel for use while using clay bar
16oz or greater capacity spray bottle
Enough towels to dry the car one time
At least one towel to use with Z-6
At least one towel for polish removal
There will be no "loaner" towels available.
Special pricing on DF Towel products for this event only!
Medium Small **19.5 x 19.5** $ 7.35
Medium ********16 x 29.5*** $ 8.50
Wash Mitt ********7 x 10**** $ 5.00
***Prices above are $1.00 off regular price***
DF Concours Detailing Tote $ 125.00 (1 In Stock, 2-3 week delivery on other orders)
We recommend at least one Medium and two Medium small towels not including the towel(s) for use with clay and drying. Pre-orders will be washed and ready for your use at the clinic. Please e-mail towel orders to me at cashine@juno.com.
All of the Zaino products will be available for purchase and use at this event.
Lunch provided.
Steve
www.zainocharlotte.com
www.ultrashieldofcharlotte.com
www.zainostore.com For complete Zaino product info.
5th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 965
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
MiniNC... I will not be able to make the Zaino Clinic on the 11th. I apologize, but I will be out in Anaheim CA until Sunday... Hopefully you can fill my place and I can make the next one...
Thanks...
Mike
Thanks...
Mike
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Last day to order towels and have them pre-washed is Thursday. E-mail orders to: cashine@juno.com.
Steve
Steve
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Durham, NC
There is an off chance that I won't be able to make the clinic.
I'm Loooosiana now, and not exactly sure when I'll be heading back. I'll know better Thur. Night.
I'll do my best to get there... The MINI is filthy.
Worst scenario, I'll be driving through Charlotte that morning and will stop by to pick up some supplies
I'm Loooosiana now, and not exactly sure when I'll be heading back. I'll know better Thur. Night.
I'll do my best to get there... The MINI is filthy.
Worst scenario, I'll be driving through Charlotte that morning and will stop by to pick up some supplies
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Haven't received your order. Did you send it to cashine@juno.com? Maybe it's best just to PM orders for towels.
Steve
Steve
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Near Charlotte, NC
Sorry, but I too will probably not be able to attend.
My aunt is in serious condition in the hospital, and the doctors & family have decided to take off her of life support soon, so I have to spend time with them.
I'll come by if possible.
Thanx.
My aunt is in serious condition in the hospital, and the doctors & family have decided to take off her of life support soon, so I have to spend time with them.
I'll come by if possible.
Thanx.
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
I will give Steve a call tomorrow to see what he thinks.