Combination?

Klasse All-In-One
Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze
Pinnacle Souverän

And not so much from a (what kind of shine) appearance stand point, but from the criteria of ease of use, and a durability standpoint.

The above is an Auto Geeks forum favorite combo. Can anybody come up with something better? No Zaino products--remembering ease of use.

I'm considering using this combination, but I want some other options to consider, before I do a full scale paint (black paint) detail.

Thanks for your opinions.

 

I like Wizards finish cut, then shine master, and mist and shine for touch ups. You can go with the turbo cut if your needing a heavier cut, then follow with the finish cut. Love Wizards products and will never again use a different brand.

 

I know you said no Zaino products but I just can't figure out why some people think it's so hard to apply. Wash truck, Clay, ZFX, Z2-pro and then wipe off. The only extra step is applying the ZFX which is very easy. Sorry to bring Zaino into a non Zaino thread but you did mention durability. If I ever hear of a product that will out last Zaino I'll definitely give it a try! It is a little on the expensive side but here in Michigan durability of a wax job is a big plus.
FishX65

 

>>>I know you said no Zaino products but I just can't figure out why some people think it's so hard to apply.<<<

From what I read, I don't think it's so much the application, but rather the removal.

I think Zaino is pretty well known in the endurance catagory including all it's great product virtues--there is nothing better. I have no experience with Zaino Bros. other than reading. Half their camp doesn't like Zaino and it's removal issues, or being hard to work with. The other half, like you, see no problems. Again, I wouldn't have any idea why, on either counts.

Myself, I'm always taking into consideration, of the fact, I do have black paint, thus my hesitation in reference to any glint of a product that would be a bear to remove. I guess I view Zaino as more of a winter time application. During the summer months I enjoy trying different products that would create a beautiful shine. Most of the shine products I've used previously have been over the counter products, not being fully aware there are many other higher end choices other than the good ol standby (i.e.) Meguiars, Mothers.

The more I read, the more I'm also finding out, not all products work well together, while there are some that do work well with each other, as above. I wouldn't have had any idea that Pinnacle Souverän would work well with Klasse. Same would go for, NXT and PS21-S100.

I suppose paint is paint, but I like to ask these questions here, as oppesed to other forums, being I do have a Ford truck with new paint, ya know?

 

I use Liquid Glass. Lasts for a real long time, especially once you get two coats on. Plus makes your finish look like glass, if you do a good polish first. It chemically bonds to your paint and each successive coat makes your finish look deeper. It is super easy to apply, also. Takes me about an hour to do the whole truck using the Porter Cable to apply and a microfiber towel to wipe off.

 

R, I think others will agree that Zaino is actually much easier to wipe off than most other waxes. This is something else that I've read and don't understand. The biggest complaint that I've read is that it can make certain colors look plasticy. My 03 is oxford white and Zaino does make it look a little plasticy. ( Is plasticy even a word????) About 2 years ago I did half my hood with Zaino and the other half with NXT to test durability and the Z won by a good margin. I'm by no means an expert and I'm not trying to push a product but the Z stuff is the most durable wax I've found so far. I've read about some members using Zaino for it's durability and then top coating with something else to achieve a more natural shine. I didn't even know this stuff existed until I found this site!!!!

 

>>>The biggest complaint that I've read is that it can make certain colors look plasticy<<<

Yes, I've read the same. I've also read the same about Klasse. All I've used previously is #20 without a topper. I just never realized you could use wax over the top, and yes, me too, untill I signed on here. It's been a real learning experience to say the least.

>>>I use Liquid Glass.<<<

I checked out Liquid Glass alfack. It does seem like a good product from my research--sold in the high end catagory as well. What,if any,other products work well with Liquid Glass? I'm interested.

 

There is nothing hard about Zaino. Best shine I have ever had and it wipes off easy.
People that have a hard time with it are probably applying too much. A little goes along way.

 

The key is in the prep work. You have to remove all of the old wax and stuff, first. I used Meguiars #83 polish on mine, before I put the Liquid Glass on. The polish took care of some light swirl marks and hard water spots I had on my new truck. It had never been waxed before, but even if it had, the polish will take the old wax off.

I will issue a warning, though. Liquid Glass sells a pre-cleaner that you can order, too. Do not use their pre-cleaner. That stuff is abrasive and will scratch your clear coat. Use the Meguiars polish, instead. The Meguiars will make your paint look richer. If your trucks' paint is in good shape already, #80 should work. If not #83 ought to do the trick.

Once you are satisfied with the polishing results, just apply a real thin layer of LG and wipe it off. I think you will be happy with the shine and protective qualities of LG.

Of course, this is my opinion and I have refined the process over the years. It is what I ended up liking the most. I'm not going to say bad things about other products that I do not have experience with, but I had tried numerous waxes and such before I tried the LG.

Good luck whatever you decide to go with

 

Hi all I'm new to detailing and was wondering. I purchased the meguiars 3 step system. The #1 cleaner, #2 Polish and #3 wax. I was wondering do u use the cleaner and polish just like the wax. Do u put the cleaner and polish on and do one section at a time, then wipe off or do u do the whole truck. I'm hoping if weather permits to do a decent detail saturday. I picked up some NXT synthetic wax too. Could u top the NXT with the #3 and if so how long should u wait to apply it. Also how long do u wait between the cleaner, polish and wax steps. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I was thinking of getting Zaino, can u top it with the #3.

 

Hi ski -- you do use the cleaner and polish in a very similar fashion. I would recommend applying both the cleaner and polish in more of a 'work it until it starts to get slightly gummy' type of procedure though.

By this, I mean apply it to your applicator, work the product on the paint until it's starting to dry (this is the 'gummy' description) and then move to the next panel.

What you're doing is getting the maximum work out of the product. The cleaner will help to remove slight blemishing as well as oxidation that may be present. The polish will also do a similar job but will add depth and gloss.

The #3 (wax) step is simply a wipe on, dry, wipe off product. I'd work in sections of either 1/2 body panel or a single body panel. You need not allow the cleaner or polish to dry to the paint. As is true with all car care products, work in thin/even coats.

NXT can be used prior to the #3 step. I'd recommend several hours -- probably closer to a half-day at least during spring conditions -- to allow the NXT (a synthetic wax) to 'set up' and cure.

As for the #3 step over Zaino... ehh... I'd discourage you from going that route as the #3 step isn't probably the best choice being that it still has a very slight degree of cleaners. If you're wanting something as a LSP over Z, I'd pick something like #26 Hi-Tech Yellow (Meguiar's) or another pure carnauba. Be reminded though that Z doesn't recommend putting anything on top of their product.

=RP=

 

I have a 2005 F150, would I need to use the cleaner, could I just wash, clay, wash, dry, polish, NXT, then find some #26 and top with or should I wash, clay, wash, dry, cleaner, polish, NXT, #26. Should I put on 2 coats of the NXT before topping it with the #26, if so how long between coats of NXT.

Also where can I find the #26 Advance Auto doesn't have any around here. I have'nt checked autozone yet, but I think they are the only 2 autoparts stores around here.

 

The subject of detailing (waxing) comes down to how tight the owner's violin string is stretched. Is there an Obsessive Disorder here, or just a happy vehicle owner.

If taking 6 hours every 3 months (winter included) to de-wax, clay, polish, then wax your rig is a fun thing then by all means have at it. If your level is to have a better than average looking vehicle than most other pickups, then the twice per year wash and wax will do it.

For years I used a professional auto painter's liquid wax because it was easy on, easy off. However, it would last at best 45 days. Then I switched to a carnuba paste wax which gives me an easy 6 months shine and paint protection. I had been using an inexpensive Sears orbital polisher. Today I ordered a Porter-Cable 7424 with appropriate accessories because I enjoy waxing my rig like others enjoy gardening or fishing once per month. I do a section at a time as my liberal violin string dictates.

All paint enhancing products will do the trick. Others much better than others. It all depends on how light your violin string is or is not.

 

Sight unseen, I'd say you're safe to forgo the cleaner. It's probably not going to really yield much of a result for you considering that you're paint is fairly new.

NXT -- yeah, I'd go with two coats to ensure uniform coverage. You're looking at a minimum of 12 hours between coats in your climate (WV) this time of the year (please keep in mind that you need to have temps above 50'ish before you should start this process because of curing and setup times).

Lastly, as a hint, don't get discouraged if you note that the #26 yields a slightly 'smeared' look. It will go away after a good day in the sun -- those are the 'oils' in the product that will cause that. You may or may not notice this phenomenon -- it's more noticable on dark paint.

AutoZone (aka: Otter Zone), will likely have the #26 on the shelf. Pep Boys definitely stocks it as a regular product.

G'luck!

-RP-

 

GREAT post! So true...