wash/wax kits

[vinkalmann]

I've got the Zaino kit, I put on two coats of Z5 and it lasted forever, I'm really happy with the product. One of these days I'll do the Z5/Z2 buildup

Definitely do this when you get the chance. The results are well worth it. When you do it though, you really only need z5 as one of base coats. You would normally do a coat of z2, then one or two coats of z5, then z2, z6 (shine enhancer), z2, z6...up to I *think* three coats in 24 hours. I did it the first time without adding the z6 step. The second time I added the z6 in there and it looked great.

If you don't have it already, the z6 shine enhancer is a great addition that you use inbetween the bi-yearly z2/z5 treatment.

 

[vinkalmann]

your wasting wax....the only layer tahts adhering to the surface is that initial first layer.

unless im misunderstanding you. you dont remove anything until the final layer?
those other coats of wax arent adhering to the paint surface, they are adhering to that initial layer, and it all gets wiped off when you buff it off...

Agreed. With natural waxes you can't build up layers in the same way you can with synthetic products. By doing two coats you may have more of a guarantee that you have full coverage, but you won't end up with more protection.

 

[Olestra]

For the comments on hand polishing. I've tried it on my Mazda3 to get rid of some of the scratches on the bumper and it is a complete waste of time. It doesn't really matter what product you have, you just can't produce enough friction and heat by hand to do anything worth while. I realized I was wasting time only after a few minutes.
Machine is the way to go for polishing.

 

[squabbin]

For the comments on hand polishing. I've tried it on my Mazda3 to get rid of some of the scratches on the bumper and it is a complete waste of time. It doesn't really matter what product you have, you just can't produce enough friction and heat by hand to do anything worth while. I realized I was wasting time only after a few minutes.
Machine is the way to go for polishing.

+1...PC 7424 with white and Yellow cutting pads. Use Optimum Polish and/or Optimum Compund if u have more serious swirls and scratches.