Some Answers (in addition to Don's) - Detailing and Car Care Forum

What is the right type of wax / system to buy that would be able to cure the swirl marks and protect my MDX and still be able to awesomely protect my X5?

Answer: Unforutunately, no such product exists as of yet, especially if the vehicle is swirled badly. You're going to have to take a multiple step approach toward correcting the problems.

I would suggest that on the Acura, you start with a high quality compounding agent such as 3M's Finesse-It II or Meguiar's Dual Action Cleaner Polish, applied with a Porter Cable Random Orbital Buffer and a yellow foam cutting pad from CMA. Be sure to use the proper technique for using the Porter Cable for best results.

Once you've used the FI-II (or DACP), you'll want to try something with a bit more "polishing" ability - so, I'd switch to 3M's Swirl Mark Remover for Dark Cars with the PC and Yellow Pad from CMA. Again, use the same technique as described in the link from above.

After that, you'll need to apply a glaze, and my all time favorite glaze is the P21S Gloss Enhancing Paint Cleaner. Apply it with the PC and a White Foam Polishing Pad from CMA. (Same technique)

Now comes the hard part...the wax decision. Were I you, I'd want a polymer or acrylic on my car (both the X5 and the MDX). You have a few choices: BlackFire, Klasse, Liquid Glass/Finish First, Platinum, or Zaino.

I much prefer Zaino over all of those - I've had the best luck with it. You might want to buy our report, however, and decide for yourself. We tested all of those products over an 8 week period, and while Zaino came out on top, each has its own merits.

Should you go the Zaino route, I'd buy:

Qty 1: ZFX (don't skip this. it would be worth it if it cost 3x as much)
Qty 1: Z5 Polish/Protectant
Qty 2: Z6 Quick Detailer (you'll go through this faster, so get 2)
Qty 2: Z7 Wash (the best stuff on earth. period.)

Mix the Z5/ZFX as described by Zaino. Wash your vehicle with Z7 first -- even after all of the work listed above was done. You need to do this to remove any excess oils that will exist from the prep product application process. It's a critical step, so don't skip it. Dry it extra well, with my favorite towel, the Big Blue Drying Towel from CMA.

Wipe down the vehicle with Z6 (use very little! Less than 1oz should be enough for the whole SUV). I prefer to use a quality microfiber towel for this step.

Apply the Z5/ZFX mixture as described by Zaino's instructions. Remember, LESS IS MORE - 1oz should do your MDX 3 times, easily!! If you can see it on the car, you've used too much. Believe me- apply it with no pressure, just glide it over the surface. It helps to dampen the applicator first with water; this is a little trick I learned a few months ago.

By the time you're done with the first coat, it'll be ready to buff off. After buffing (use a MF towel again), wipe it down with Z6 and repeat the application process/Z6 wipe down 2 more times.

Finish with a final wipe of Z6, and all should be glorious. In the future, wash with Z7, and do a Z6 wipe down after each wash. You'll be pleased with the results.

I would prefer to go with one brand / system if possible. I read a lot about Zaino, but I am confused about the function of each "formula" and what I really need. I want to protect my finishes, get rid of the swirl marks on the Acura, and the wheels / tires. I have just gotten Wheel Wax that was recommended to me about 3 weeks ago and have not had a chance to apply. I also use Tire Wax to give the tires the once over, but wonder if there is better out there. I do not have anything figured out for the plastic on the BMW yet. I am willing to dedicate a day to each of my vehicles, but want minimum upkeep / maintenance.

Answer: Zaino isn't all that confusing once you get it in your hands. The site is a bit tricky for someone new to the system, which is why I believe Sal Zaino prefers most sales to take place through a distributor - the distributor can answer questions "on the spot".

As mentioned above, you'll want:

ZFX: The accelerator/catalyst to make Zaino Polish stick to your car's surface. Without it, Zaino takes nearly *forever* to dry/cure. Again, it's worth its weight in gold. I'd happily pay 3x the price for it if I had to.

Z5 or Z2: These are the actual polishes/protectants. The difference between the two is very minimal. Some claim that Z5 helps hide swirls/defects, but I've yet to see that happen on my cars. I always have to prep them 100% before applying any Z product. Z2 is supposed to give a slightly higher amount of shine, while Z5 is supposed to be slightly darker shine/more deep. When choosing one or the other, I always recommend Z5 to folks - protection is the same between either product, it's just the "look" that's slightly different.

Z6: The quick detailer. It's a magical product. Not only does it help protect against dust build-up, it also adds additional shine/gloss/protection to the surface. It contains polymers in addition to the carrier agents to help refresh the finish. Also smells good... :-)

Z7: The wash. A great wash that really cleans well, and helps to further enhance the Zaino protection. It is perhaps Zaino's most under-hyped product. It creates a ton of suds, lifts away dirt like nothing else, and helps the water sheet off when rinsing, which makes drying easier. It also contains polymers and is completely pH neutral (7.0).

Z16: My current all-time favorite tire dressing. Has a nice mild shine to it, and is very durable, as long as you clean the tires well prior to applying it. It's a liquid with a pour spout, so it's easy to apply it to a rag/sponge for application to the tires. Smells like citrus and lasts for weeks, even after washes (if the tire was clean when you put it on the 1st time). Has yet to "sling" on me, which is also a bonus. I also use it for trim dressing, including body/belt-line molding (if it's black plastic).

I know I sounded like a Zaino commercial, but I've been using it for the past 1.5 years now with nothing but fantastic results. I can't say the same for all of the other products I've tried - Zaino has a bit of a learning curve, but once you master it (it's not hard), you'll fall in love with it. It's one of the only products that really lives up to the hype, which is a pleasure for me.

Other products you might want to check out:

Clay: My favorite clays are the Mothers Clay (available at most auto parts stores) and Clay Magic's Blue Clay Bar (available at some auto parst stores, or www.autodetail.com). Nick T wrote an excellent Clay How-To a while back. Learn it, Live it, Love it. It's the way to go. In the grand scheme of things, I would clay after the first wash and prior to using the FI-II or DACP.

Tire Cleaner: My favorite: Eagle One Tire Cleaner. Use it on cold, dry tires - spray on, let sit about 30 seconds, aggitate with a nylon brush, then rinse clean. Works wonders.

Wheel Cleaner: My favorite: P21S Gel or Eagle One A2Z. Spray it on a cold, dry wheel (I clean tires first, so the wheel may be slightly damp from tire cleaning, it's ok), let sit about 30 seconds, aggitate with a wheel-only wash mitt (sacrifice one), rinse clean.

Lastly, do you have any recommendations on a treatment / cleaner for the underbody just in case we get salt? Both of these vehicles are the best I have ever owned, and if possible I would like to keep them for a LONG time. Additionally, any tools (power buffers, etc...) you recommend?

Answer: Not much you can do for the underbody. Both of your vehicles should have excellent body panels and paint methods - double galvenized, no exposed seams.

Tools: Porter Cable Random Orbital Buffer (PC7424 or PC7336), available from properautocare.com or coastaltools.com or your local Lowes. See my thread from above for more info. Only buy high quality pads for it (also in thread from above).

If I need to buy a report, let me know, but I am really looking for "the answer" so that I can get this started.

I'd suggest you buy the report, because I think you'd benefit from the tips/tricks/info/ that's in the report (aside from the wax info). We've sold a bunch of copies now, and no one has complained yet....well, a few mfg's have, but that's about it. :-)

Hope this helps,
Steve

-Steve

GURU REPORTS: Unbiased, imparital, practical testing and evaluation of car care products.