As mentioned before... We just got a black '05 LE 4x2

I fell in love with the black, and now I know I have a task ahead of me to keep this baby looking good ;) Any tips would be great :1245:

You saw the post waxing my....
I would also recommend a special dark paint wax from Zaino. Helps the black look deeper. Enjoy!

http://www.liquidglass.com/

this what I use... some recomend Zaino, but I still swear by glass...

You saw the post waxing my....
I would also recommend a special dark paint wax from Zaino. Helps the black look deeper. Enjoy!

I did see your waxing post. I also noticed you talked about a spray wax (no tennis elbows) and was wondering what you used.

What are your thoughts on this product?
http://www.homemadesimple.com/mrcleanautodry/products.shtml

http://www.liquidglass.com/

this what I use... some recomend Zaino, but I still swear by glass...

I love the crown cap
:D

It reminds me of my fav drink Crown Royal!!!

I did see your waxing post. I also noticed you talked about a spray wax (no tennis elbows) and was wondering what you used.

What are your thoughts on this product?
http://www.homemadesimple.com/mrcleanautodry/products.shtml
I just use a spray on wax that you spray on when the car is wet and as you towel dry it waxes. I use the one by eagle one but there are many out there. If I had black, I would use the zaino. I use it on the Infiniti and vette. Makes a difference. On Red Brawn it won't be that big a difference and I have enough to wax already. ;)

Thanks Triple

Finally!!!

It took 5 hours in the blazing AZ conditions, but I did it and it feels good. I actually was holding off for a while to do the 1st wash/polish on my baby. I also got some serious "Hard water spots" on the driver side of the Mada. I was scared it would not come out.

I got the Zaino goodies, and it looks simply BEAUTIMUS!! The clay bar got all the water spots off, and left trhe car feeling like silk. I now remember why I got the color black. :cool:

NICE! ;) :cool:

92TB offers good advice on how to keep it looking great. As an owner of a Galaxy Black Armada, let me say that the little gold flecks are going to have an added benefit.

Pure black shows swirl and spider marks badly no matter how you try to avoid them. With other black vehicles, for me its just been a matter of trying to minimize them.

I think this little bit of gold "sparkle" which does not detract from apperance for those of us who really like black is going to help. The tiny swirls might be there, but they will be a lot less noticable. At least that's the case so far.

I use Zaino Z2 and Z6. I use micro fiber wipe to remove Z2 and Z6, no scratch. This is my first black car. I think black color is very easy to clean because you can spot water spots and dirt very easily. I have a silver car which is very difficult to see water spots.

I like Zaino so much, and I bought the sticker and sticked it on the window.

Great replies!

I was so determine to do it right, I even followed there "Towel" rules. I bought 2 large 100% Egyptian Cotton towels, and cut off the edges. I was really looking forward to seeing what Zaino could do.

I actually like the Gold flakes... good to hear it will help with the swirls ;)

Got my curiosity, went to the Zaino website and read about their products. Made sense, so I ordered the full kit. I will let you know how it works out. Thanks for the recommend, and the continuing assistance of this forum in helping me spend my money. :teeth:

You'll love it. ;)

I have used Zaino it on my Black Stang and my truck with excellant results. We have a place called Eckler Corvettes where they stock it.

I have used Zaino it on my Black Stang and my truck with excellant results. We have a place called Eckler Corvettes where they stock it.
Hmmm. Ecklers in Titusville. Never heard of them. ;)

Used the Zaino products this weekend and I am extremely pleased. The Galaxy has never been shinier.

Used the Zaino products this weekend and I am extremely pleased. The Galaxy has never been shinier.
Good stuff! :goodjob:

I have used Turtle Wax Platnum series this weekend on my Galaxy and am very pleased. It filled in some minor swirl marks and scratches quite well. It is also very easy to work with. I can't wait to see what it does as I put more applications on. Don't get me wrong the others have great stuff, but for time effectiveness this works quite well.
I have used Mothers, Miquires, Girot's Garage items, Wash & Wax, Wizards, and a few others. This just brought out the color (or absence there of) black really nice. Plus you can find it at Wal-Mart, Auto Zone, etc.
Thanks

One of the advantages that the Zaino offers is the lack of carnuba wax that acts like a dust magnet. Lots of brands can make is shiny but the long term protection of the paint and ease of maintenance are very important. With california duster and a bottle of Z6 detailing spray it keeps Galaxy in great shape.

Steps to keeping your Mada looking new...
1) Wash Soap: Meguiars Gold Class (Shampoo and Conditioner)
2) Clay (Mothers or Meguiars) or you can also try GRIOTS
3) Polish:Meguairs Speed Glaze #80
4) Wax or Sealant: Meguiars Synthetic Sealant #21 or Meguiars TechWax or P21S
5) Meguiars Speed Shine or Griots Speed Shine (i preffer griots)

#21 does not last as long as the techwax, but gives it a deep wet look...
If you use #21 you can keep it looking nice, deep and slick by using the extremely simple to use Meguiars Spray Wax. You will love it...

www.griotsgarage.com
www.meguiars.com

Zaino is by far the best I've ever used. Heres a good read....

Q: I've heard nothing but good things about Zaino products. I'd like a show car finish. What products do I need?

A: For the ultimate in show car appearance, it is vital to get the cleanest and smoothest finish possible. We recommend washing the car with original blue Liquid Dawn only for this initial cleaning. Once you have your vehicle completely washed, follow up with the Z-18 Claybar, to remove any surface contamination. Follow up the Z-18 Claybar with a thorough wash using our Z-7 Show Car Wash.

For any Zaino polish application, it's critical to include either ZFX OR Z-1 Polish Lok. For that show car finish, we prefer to use ZFX with Z-2 Show Car Polish. ZFX replaces Z-1 and is superior to Z-1. Z-2 Show Car Polish should be applied with our 314 Polish Aplicator pad. The key to our ultimate shine, is multiple thin layers of Z-2, with Z-6 between application. The results with just two coats of Z-2 are amazing.

If your finish contains fine scratches or swirl marks, Z-5 Show Car Polish will safely fill and level minor imperfections. As you layer Z-5, these imperfections will disappear!

So for the ultimate, your shopping list includes ZFX (or Z-1), Z-2, Z-6, Z-7, Z-18 and a couple of #314's applicator pads. For minor imperfections, pick up some Z-5. If you're working on a paint finish that doesn't have a clear coat, simply replace Z-2 with Z-3.

Q: I'd like to try out Zaino polish. What's the minimum I should try?

A: You need minimally ZFX or Z-1 (ZFX is better), Z-2, and a 314 Polish Applicator pad. I would also order Z-6 Gloss Enhancer Spray to keep your car dust free and looking beautiful. Z-6 is used between coats of Z-2 to provide enhanced gloss. If you wash your car yourself, pick up some Z-7 as well.

Q: Ok, I just received my Zaino products. What should I do to my paint before applying my Zaino?

A: The first thing you should do is wash your vehicle thoroughly with Dawn (or comparable) dish soap to remove any wax, grease, and oil from your paint. Then, my recommendation is to use Z-18 ClayBar to remove any bonded surface contaminants such as rail dust, tree sap, bug marks, or hard water deposits from the paint before applying any of your Zaino products.Using Clay is optional, but it really does make a difference!!

Q: I wiped my paint down with Z-6, but I have streaks. Why?

A: Chances are, you used too much Z-6. Z-6 is SUPER CONCENTRATED and you should be able to wipe down an average size car with less than one ounce!! Apply Z-6 sparingly, and work in small sections, rubbing the Z-6 until it dries and gets slick.Also, turn your towel often to be sure that you are
not using a section of it that may be wet with Z-6.

Q: Z-2, Z-3, or Z-5 is taking hours to dry. What's wrong?

A: Sounds like you applied it too heavily. A neat trick that helps you get even coats without having to load the polish up on the paint is to lightly dampen your applicator pad, spray a couple mists of Z-6 on it, then put a few thin stripes of polish on it and spread the polish evenly across the face of the pad with your fingers. The object of applying the polish to your car is to get on thin, even coats. Putting it on heavy only wastes polish, and slows the dry time.

Also, keep in mind that cool temperatures or high humidity can lengthen the drying time of Zaino polishes.

Q: What is the best way to remove the polish residue?

A: The safest way to remove the residue from your paint is with white, made in USA, 100% cotton name brand large bath towels, such as Cannon or FieldCrest. Get them in the bath section at any major department store. The towels that you find in auto parts stores, or the auto sections of the department stores are usually not made in the USA, and even though they may say they are 100% cotton, they are not. Anything other than 100% pure white cotton may scratch your paint finish.You should use white towels because the dyes in colored towels can leave a chemical residue on the paint, and cause streaking. Also, it's important to either remove the stitched borders from your towels, or keep the towels folded in a way that keeps the borders away from the paint. The borders(edges or designs) can scratch your paint, as they may not be 100% cotton.

Wash your towels in hot water, and with a liquid detergent, like liquid Tide, or ALL. Avoid using Powdered detergents, Bleach or any kind of Fabric softeners as these products will leave a chemical residue on your towels that will cause streaking and scratching.

Q: Can I use an orbital polisher to apply/remove Zaino polish?

A: Yes, you can use an orbital to apply Zaino Z-2, Z-3, or Z-5. I don't recommend it because you waste too much polish that way. The pad on an eleven inch polisher can absorb almost enough polish to coat your entire vehicle. Each time you use an orbital to apply Zaino polish, you are probably wasting as much polish, if not more than you actually applied to the car.

Zaino polish applies easily by hand, especially if you dampen the applicator pad with water and spritz it with Z-6 before applying it.

If you use an orbital to remove the residue, you should place a white, 100% cotton towel between the pad and the paint, and keep it turned and refolded often so that you are removing the residue with a clean section of towel all the time.

Note: A single orbital pad WILL NOT remove the polish residue from an entire vehicle. You will have smears if you don't use a towel and turn and refold it frequently.

Q: Are Micro-Fiber products safe to use?


A: Zaino has been testing various Micro-Fiber products. Unfortunately, the jury is still out on them. Some of them are excellent and do not scratch. Others are terrible and definitely scratch. The quality control of these products from overseas, especially Korea, is not consistent, so you never know if they will be the same scratch-free quality. Even when using the same brand, we found the quality to be inconsistent. For now, we do not recommend using them. However, lab testing is ongoing, and we will post an update when we have more conclusive results.

NOTE: If you are already using microfiber towels, look carefully at your paint finish under flourescent light when you are using your towels. If you are not getting any swirls or fine scratches from the microfiber towels, then you are okay and can continue to use them. Remember it's better to be safe than swirly.

As the owner of a Black Armada, I use Meguiar's products exclusively! They make your car look grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat!

http://www.meguiars.com/

I cheat and use EZ Detailer/Wax.

I have a black trailblazer along with the Titan. For washing purposes I recommend the Mr. Clean carwash system. No drying at all and it doesn't leave any spots. Not even on the black Trailblazer.

Doc Harley, I hear what you saying but washing your car with DAWN liquid soap is a HELL NO... Soap is way to aggressive and concentrated...
As BG1906 said, I also use Meguiars product for all purposes to keep my Mada looking great. I've never used ZAINO but I will try it. Also, if you have residue left due to WAX you are using the wrong wax. I've used all meguiars wax line of product and no residue what so ever... I've been to the meguiars open garage, trained by professionals who show you how to use every single product they have to offer. Using and ORBITAL is best by far, a little goes a long ways... So if you are using alot off wax on orbital machine you are doing something wrong. Waxing or Polishing an Armada by hand takes a long long time... Have you ever tried Meguiars products, if not I recommend that you do... peace out...

Doc Harley, I hear what you saying but washing your car with DAWN liquid soap is a HELL NO... Soap is way to aggressive and concentrated...
As BG1906 said, I also use Meguiars product for all purposes to keep my Mada looking great. I've never used ZAINO but I will try it. Also, if you have residue left due to WAX you are using the wrong wax. I've used all meguiars wax line of product and no residue what so ever... I've been to the meguiars open garage, trained by professionals who show you how to use every single product they have to offer. Using and ORBITAL is best by far, a little goes a long ways... So if you are using alot off wax on orbital machine you are doing something wrong. Waxing or Polishing an Armada by hand takes a long long time... Have you ever tried Meguiars products, if not I recommend that you do... peace out...

I think Doc was talking about using Dawn just to clean everything down to the paint for the first waxing, and never again.

What Zaino product is equivalent to Meguiars ScratchX??? Does the clay do the same thing?

So, in the final assesment, is Zaino better for the Galaxy Black than Meguiars? Has anyone compared them?

On the application side - I don't have the energy left to wax by hand. And, I'm afraid to try an orbital. Is there any SAFE electrical assist tool that us old timers can use to wax our turcks???

I think Doc was talking about using Dawn just to clean everything down to the paint for the first waxing, and never again.

What Zaino product is equivalent to Meguiars ScratchX??? Does the clay do the same thing?

So, in the final assesment, is Zaino better for the Galaxy Black than Meguiars? Has anyone compared them?

On the application side - I don't have the energy left to wax by hand. And, I'm afraid to try an orbital. Is there any SAFE electrical assist tool that us old timers can use to wax our turcks???

I did not compare both products, but I use Zaino, and yes you are correct, Dawn liquid soup is used only the first time to clean any oils and residue, then the hard part claybar, then waxing, it's very hard to do the first time. but maintaining it is easier. :cool:

SirStrider,

I know what he meant about using Dawn, but this is not the best method.
Clay is by far the safest and best method to clean a car... Meguiars ScratchX is a very good product, but you may want to try #83 or #80
As for using an orbital, dont worry you will not burn the paint and dont be afraid to try it. Applying wax simply by hand is a pain, specially an armada a that size. I plan on detailing my MADA tomorrow, I will post before and after pix. Orbital is very ez to use...

I would recommend visiting the following link: http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2409
Simple answers to some of your questions....

ggeorgie, do you use polish for your paint finish? If so what do you use?
You may not like using clay bar, to me it's the only solution to clean the surface contaminats, bug and tar etc....

Once I am done with claying, I use #80 speed glaze polish, then I use #21 or TechWax.... After that I use speed shine or FINAL INSPECTION from Meguiars professional line of product.

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1293

Wow, where do you guys find the time to do all this? I can barely do the mechanical maintenance and wash & vacuum it once in a while, along with a bi-zillion other things around the house. Do you guys have kids? I say this because my two boys absorb 95% of my time, and now my oldest has his own truck I help him fix it and keep it running.

Wow, where do you guys find the time to do all this? I can barely do the mechanical maintenance and wash & vacuum it once in a while, along with a bi-zillion other things around the house. Do you guys have kids? I say this because my two boys absorb 95% of my time, and now my oldest has his own truck I help him fix it and keep it running.
Hell, my kids are grown and I don't have the time. I guess I will have to make the time though!

Gee, and I was trying to figure out an easy way. I'm sure I'm not up to claying my whole truck and topper - maybe a section a day or something...

any suggestions on an orbital for newbies that won't break the bank???

Thanks for all the info. Won't have weather for this for months, but needs it now...

I've never tried Zaino. I've always been a Meguire's guy. Wash, polish, wax, buff.

I really like using Meguire's product "Quik Detailer" for car shows and stuff.

Never tried clay bar, but based on everything I've heard lots of people say, I should give it a go.

Wildblue - it all depends on how fanatical you are about your car. For over the counter, you can't beat Meguiars line. I used to use the Gold Class on all my vehicles and it did a great job. The Zaino is just better. If you have a garage that really helps when working with Zaino. Don't be intimidated on all the steps that folks mention here. Since our vehicles are all new, the complete process only takes a few hours. OK - I never do the roof - that might add some time. To clay bar and do the Z-2 you are only talking a few hours. It depends on how many coats you want to put on. It dries fast and wipes off the car very easily. I think you will be impressed. The first time I put it on I could not believe the shine. Plus the surface was so slick you could not even leave a towel on the hood cuz it would slide off (serious). I saw a bird drop some of that nasty purplish mess on my hood and it just bubbled up rather than stick. That was cool.

SirStrider,

There is nothing easier than claying your car, I know, I do it all the time.
But believe when I tell you that it all pays off. I did a side by side test of DAWN Liquid soap and Claying and there was no comparison. Clay bar kick *** all over my Armada. Dawn did a good job of cleaning excess wax, oil and other foreing substance... clay bar safely, easily, and instantly removed paint overspray, fallout, environmental contaminants and more, making waxing easier and more durable. You will notice the difference...

I bought my 7424 Porter Cable Polisher for $110, I am sure you can find a deal on the net.
Autopia has a kit, SON-SFXPOL-KIThttp://us.st1.yimg.com/store1.yimg.com/Img/trans_1x1.gif$210.00 The Sonus Pads are much better than Meguiars pads, this is a pretty good deal, plus it includes a DETAILERS GUIDE http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-sfxpol-kit.html

The kit includes one Waxing Pad, Polishing Pad, and Cutting Pad... The cutting pad you won't need unless your paint is neglected...
If you have any questions, or need help with your orbital I'd be more than happy to help you learn on how to use it effectively...:cool:

Let me know when you clay your car, tell me if you noticed a difference...

BostonBob, oadmhernandez -- OK, I'm sold. Going to get the orbital and pads, and use the Zaino on all steps. Once it is done right, should be easy to maintain.

What do you use on the chrome?

SirStrider,

I've used Mothers and Meguiars for Chrome and both look good, no preference, but I hear Wenol Metal Polish is good for the most neglected chrome surfaces. If mine ever starts to look bad I will try WENOL...

You can get a lot of info and helpul tips from http://www.autopia-carcare.com , or http://www.topoftheline.com ,or http://www.meguiars.com

I'm glad to hear you are purchasing a D.P.

I will try ZAINO next time I schedule an 8 hour schedule on my mada....

Once I am done, I will post some pix of the shinny mirror

I'm looking hard at that kit with the Sonus pads...

Thanks, all of you, for your help...

Zaino has released two new products.

go to www.zainostore.com