81Coupe

Hi,

I am getting conflicting information about paint sealant and wax:
Some say I should apply sealant first, then wax;
Some say I should wax first, then apply sealant;
Some say they are redundant, I don't need both.

Who is right? I guess I am just not certain about their respective roles.

Any help would be appreciated! TIA.

uberwgn

I would select a sealant for longevity. Forget about the wax.

If you were going to do both, you'd seal first and follow up with a "beauty" wax. (Sealants, in general, will not adhere to a wax.)

HadoukenZR

Look into getting Zaino. I've been using it for over 10 yrs on my older cars and they look better than new cars on the dealer lots.

For daily maintenance, I would get:

Z-7: Show Car Wash
Z-8 : Grand Finale Spray


For a complete detail process, I would get these.. ,and apply in this order:

Z-7 : Show Car wash - thoroughly wash your car and it also acts as a lubricant for the clay bar

Z-18: Claybar

Z-5 : PRO Show Car Polish for Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches (If needed)

Z-2 : PRO Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes - This will give you that nice deep wet look. Apply 2-3 coats

ZFX Flash Cure Accelerator Additive - Helps speed up the process between coats on Z2 and Z5. Normally you have to wait 5-6 hours depending on how humid it is, but with ZFX it'll be ~2 hours

Z-CS Clear Seal : Additional long-term protection. Easy application. Spray and let it dry.

Z8 - Grand Finale Spray - Finish her off with a coat of Z8 ! ..


Final step? .. Take a step back and put on your sunglasses. Because it WILL be blinding.

81Coupe

Thank you, uberwgn and HadoukenZR, for your replies.

Sorry, HadoukenZR, that's too many steps for me

I am looking at Wet Diamond or Adam's sealants. Just spray and wipe, may not get as good a result as a 10-step process, but much more realistic for the kind of schedule I have (hence, more likely to actually happen ).

Ideas?

Pauly001

Zaino. !!! Look at my avatar. 2 coats

HadoukenZR

For simple quick and easy steps ... and if you want to follow the path of Zaino

I would at least get :

Z-7 : Car Wash solution
Z-6 and/or Z-8 : Detail spray
Z-CS : Clear Seal spray


Basically, wash your car with Z7 car wash solution. Dry the car and then apply Z6 or Z8 spray. They are simple spray and wipe off sprays. Note that with Zaino, LESS is MORE. Especially with Z8. It is a highly concentrated solution where you need only a few drops per panel.

I would also get a Z-CS (Clear Seal) to add an extra layer of protection. This can simply be applied to the car and walk away. No need to buff off. Let it dry and do its work to protect your car for up to 9 months.


Easy enough

JFR_0612

I have used Zaino products for interior leather and conditioning and have been more than happy with the results! I have NOT used any cleaning products from Zaino, but would not expect it to be any less quality than stated above.

Just as another option, I have heard only good things from Griots Garage products also. See the link below for several cleaning videos, tips, and tricks.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/category...s.do#polishing

manup

Go here http://www.autogeek.net/ Check out products and good info on Forum too. I use sealants only on my Q5.

Otto Man

I'll never understand some folks.
1) You pay $40K for arguabley the finest SUV type vehicle on the planet and you cannot invest a weekend, once a year, to detail your investment.
OR
2) You cannot take it to a good detail shop.
Please take care of your exterior. It will take 8 hours to make it SHINE.
Bring it to me, I'll do it. It's not that hard and it is very rewarding when you are done.
Chris

81Coupe

Thank you, all for your replies. I think I will give Zaino a try.

Chris my man, I am sorry to disappoint you. Cosmatics is just a little low on my driving enjoyment priority list.

(Sorry for the short reply. I'm on the road, and iPhone is not built for long messages )