How to keep the Zed clean (and healthy!)

[liTTle wHitE sHarK..]

Hi guys,

I just washed and waxed my Zed last Saturday and with it being white and being still kinda winter, it's a bit mucky again today with some mud stains. I've been told that I can't wash it every week because it will strip off the paintwork and 'protective layers'. How often do you guys wash and wax your Zeds? And are there any other safe ways that I can keep my Zed clean or will I just have to leave the mud on until it rains - yes now I realise it is a silly idea to buy a white car

 

[Anonymous]

Mine gets a wash at least once a week, even this time of year. Maybe a polish once every couple of months if I get chance. Never heard of this "washing will strip the paint", sounds like some lazy bugger who can't be bothered! Don't listen to 'em!

Cheers

E's Dad.

 

[GAZA62]

Check my reply to your other post http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3290&p=46757#p46757

You can wash your car as much as you want will not do the paintwork any harm.

Wax layers will be removed over time from washing and the elements but nothing drastic and depends on what wax you use as some are more durable than others.

Have just finished washing mine after a two hour run out this morning and looks like new again.

Washed
QD
Dressed tyres

 

[Flycaster]

Let me just add my 2-cents for you guys on the other side of the pond...or anywhere there are elements that dirty up our little beauties.

I'd suggest giving up on using wax(es). Wax certainly gives a great shine, but it won't last. Wases are very volitile and will readily evaporate over relatively short periods of time. Or, they will simply rub off. Try looking into using sealants. They will offer far better and more durable protection to your car's surface than any wax. And, of course, if you like wax that much, you can always use a sealant then wax over it. Although, I'll be that in time, you'll stop waxing and just use sealant polishes and top coats.

I have no commercial ties to any one product, but have been using Zaino products (as a detail enthusiast) for 6 years on my 325 and Z4, and couldn't be any happier than a pig in sht. Zaino's line of products are very well tested and consistently have offerred up a great shine with great durability (like 6-9 months of very tight water beading). Rather than go into all its details (I am lazy), let me refer you to a couple of net sites that will give you an idea of what I'm talking about:

Zaino's site: http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=Zaino
BTW I can personally attest to whatever they say about their product are true and tested

A professional detailers' forum: http://www.detailersclub.com/forums/
Although most of these guys are Zaino fans, they do appear to be honest and are looking for products that will make their jobs easier but will also give their clients the most for thier money

Once again, I have no personal investment in Zaino products, but I'm simply trying to pass on a good thing to my fellow Z4 neighbors.

 

[ovrkll]

Haha, another Zaino enthusiast! I am sure that 20Ducks will be along shortly to give his homage to Zaino products

 

[GAZA62]

I always have a polish and sealant under my wax for a good base.

Have looked at Zaino and won some Zaino products and have yet to use them will be trying the CS soon but i do not machine polish my car so have not got the perfect swirl free finish that people say you need with Zaino as it will show imperfections even more.

Agree that if you are not into waxing on a regular basis sealants are the way to go

 

[Yal]

My paint is a mess, but I still Zaino the car and it's done a great job of making bad paint look better. I swear by the CS now that i've used it a few times.

 

[Flycaster]

My paint is a mess, but I still Zaino the car and it's done a great job of making bad paint look better. I swear by the CS now that i've used it a few times.

After using ZCS, top off with Z8 ahnd you'll swear even more...

 

[Yal]

I've got most of the line now, but I think I like the Mother's detail spray better than Z8. Between my car and my wife's truck, this gets to be a rather expensive addiction...

 

[WaZZZZman]

My paint is a mess, but I still Zaino the car and it's done a great job of making bad paint look better. I swear by the CS now that i've used it a few times.

After using ZCS, top off with Z8 ahnd you'll swear even more...

A few years ago I acquired a used car that had a clear sealer used on it. I do not know if it was the Zaino product or not, but over time it started to come off and the car looked as though it had advanced stages of skin cancer. Has anyone had similar experience? I think they called it a clear coat, but is that the same thing as a sealer in you best knowledge?

 

[GAZA62]

How long do you folks find the CS takes to cure depending on temp ?

 

[Flycaster]

My paint is a mess, but I still Zaino the car and it's done a great job of making bad paint look better. I swear by the CS now that i've used it a few times.

After using ZCS, top off with Z8 ahnd you'll swear even more...

A few years ago I acquired a used car that had a clear sealer used on it. I do not know if it was the Zaino product or not, but over time it started to come off and the car looked as though it had advanced stages of skin cancer. Has anyone had similar experience? I think they called it a clear coat, but is that the same thing as a sealer in you best knowledge?

Personally, I've never had that happen with me. And, for the 7, or so, years I've been following Zaino threads, I have never seen this mentioned. I jsut don't think that something like this could happen with Zaino.

 

[Flycaster]

How long do you folks find the CS takes to cure depending on temp ?

From some of the detail forums I've seen folk allowing a few hours up to 12-24 hours before topping ZCS with Z8

 

[GAZA62]

My paint is a mess, but I still Zaino the car and it's done a great job of making bad paint look better. I swear by the CS now that i've used it a few times.

After using ZCS, top off with Z8 ahnd you'll swear even more...

A few years ago I acquired a used car that had a clear sealer used on it. I do not know if it was the Zaino product or not, but over time it started to come off and the car looked as though it had advanced stages of skin cancer. Has anyone had similar experience? I think they called it a clear coat, but is that the same thing as a sealer in you best knowledge?

Did they mean clear coat failure ?