Getting a 'wet look' finish

[JayT]

Hi all
I recently had my zed detailed to remove light swirls and had a Nanolex sealent applied. However, after I wash it (use Meguiars Gold Class) I'm not getting the glossy wet look finish I want.

I'm thinking of using Zaino Z-6 Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray. Anyone use this or have any suggestions of what I should use to get the wet look finish?

I dont need anything with any protective properties as I already have a Nanolex sealent - just want the finish. I've got a sterling grey zed by the way if that makes any different to what product to use.

Thanks for any advice!

Jay

 

[R2eys]

Hi Jay, sorry to hear your dissapointed that the finish isn't wetter looking, this may be down to the colour of the car though, personally I'd be surprised if it shows any vaste improvement in "wetness" with other products.
Z-6 will not have any great effect, your more likely to gain something by trying Z-8 grand-finale, I hasten to add though this was applied at the end of the detail.



Different colour but same process and sealant.

 

[GAZA62]

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=10886

Some results ive had

 

[JayT]

Hi Rob
The finish it had when I picked it up from you was exactly what I was looking for. However, as I said in my email to you, now that I have given it a few washes its lost a little of that wet look finish so was looking for a product to get it back to looking the way it was.

I didnt know you also used Z-8 at the end of the detail... should I do the same after washing to get the finish thats in the first pic above?

Cheers
Jay

 

[R2eys]

Hi Jay, as long as you are washing and drying the vehicle with quality towels and mitts, then to maintain the finish all you should need to do is wipedown with a detailing spray, Z-8 will work very well in this instance.

 

[Ian_Mac]

GAZA62 that looks a lovely finish on your Z there, I think Silver has to be one of the hardest colours to get a deep shine on.

 

[sp3ctre]

I find the best way is to wash it with car shampoo and then apply a good measure of Photoshop

 

[Smokin]

If you have the tiniest bit of grit in your wash bucket or your wash mitt, you're going to re-introduce some scratches and it's going to be seen as a reduction in "wet look". Light colors will never give the depth of darker ones. Not saying they won't look great, but if you're looking to see yourself as in a mirror, you gotta go dark.

Wash it carefully, wax it when recommended, and drive it!

 

[Ian_Mac]

I always use the 2 bucket method with grit guards in both to be on the safe side when washing. Different lambs wool mits for the bodywork and door shuts etc. Wheels and other dirty bits are another kettle of fish.

Silver does have it's advantages in not showing the dirt as much though!

 

[Smokin]

I always use the 2 bucket method with grit guards in both to be on the safe side when washing. Different lambs wool mits for the bodywork and door shuts etc. Wheels and other dirty bits are another kettle of fish.

Silver does have it's advantages in not showing the dirt as much though!

Gotta give you that one. Black is awesome, but a total PITA!

 

[JayT]

Hi Jay, as long as you are washing and drying the vehicle with quality towels and mitts, then to maintain the finish all you should need to do is wipedown with a detailing spray, Z-8 will work very well in this instance.

Thanks Rob.. I think I'll get some Z-8.

Re towles & mitts.. I'm washing using 2 bucket wash with grit guard and Meguiars Lambswool Wash Mitt, drying with Meguiars Water Magnet Microfibre Drying Towel, then buffing with Zaino Finishing Towels. Are these any good or should I be using something else?

 

[Ian_Mac]

For a drying cloth I use one of these http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=64&products_id=520 you can easily dry the car in 1 go without the need to wring it out etc. I find it much better than the waffle weave drying cloths. Just my personal opinion.

ps, do you have a grit guard in both buckets when washing?

 

[R2eys]

I would not use the water magnet, they tend to go a little abrasive.
As above I only use and recommend the plush towel, http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/I4D_Uber_Premium_Drying_Towel_1.html
they get even better once they have been washed a few times in the machine.

 

[JayT]

Cheers guys.. i'll get some plush towels.

Ian_Mac no i've only got a grit guard in the rinsing buckets.. not got one in the shampoo bucket as didnt think it needed one as the mitt would already be grit-free. Is it worth getting another?

I find the best way is to wash it with car shampoo and then apply a good measure of Photoshop

In that case i'd just photoshop a Lamborghini Gallardo Spider over the top of my washed z4

 

[Ian_Mac]

JayT it won't do any harm to have a grit guard in the shampoo bucket as well. For the sake of a few pounds I'd do it. It all helps at the end of the day.

 

[Aliv6]

Providing it's well polished, contaiminent free. A hit with Machine glaze (numerous out there - I use clearkote) then a LSP will bring the depth and wetness back. Like so.



or

 

[GAZA62]

Providing it's well polished, contaiminent free. A hit with Machine glaze (numerous out there - I use clearkote) then a LSP will bring the depth and wetness back. Like so.



WOW impressive

 

[dario]

if your serious about good paint finish, take a leave out of this guys book.

scrol down a fair way and prepare to be blow away.

PS this might be a repost!:thumsup:



Click

Before


after



Click

 

[mmm-five]

A wet sand will almost definitely remove the orange peel effect from our paintwork, but it's not something you can keep doing without risking removing all the lacquer in some places.

I didn't particularly like the orange peel on mine, but just went for a good paint correction instead - the thinking being that I can wet sand it some years down the line, rather than having to respray it.

 

[R2eys]

if your serious about good paint finish, take a leave out of this guys book.

I can assure you the finish was excellent, but the OP wanted to know how to maintain it.
Wetsanding is an option for removing orange peel, not an option I'm a huge fan of though, yes it can produce a flawless finish but also involves removing a fair amount of clearcoat.