What kind of wax/polish does everyone use?
I've tried Tutle Wax, Mothers, and some other OTC polishes but I just cant get those swirls off.
Does that mean I have to use a buffer machine or take it to a professional detailer or, is there a hand wax that can take out those swirls?

What kind of wax/polish does everyone use?
I've tried Tutle Wax, Mothers, and some other OTC polishes but I just cant get those swirls off.
Does that mean I have to use a buffer machine or take it to a professional detailer or, is there a hand wax that can take out those swirls?

I use Zaino, you will not find it in stores, but you can go to their website www.zainostore.com :cool:

Another vote for Zaino.

Joe

Try searching on http://www.autopia.org/ they really have an itch when it comes to what waxes are best and how to apply it.

Another vote for Zaino here.
They have a swirl remover polish too. I havent tried it but their regular polish is great.

I think the problem is more on your polishing rag/cloth than the polishing liquid/paste. Question, have you ever taken your truck to the public car wash and used the so called soft brush to wash your car? Combination of a good wax paste/liquid and polishing cloth/buffer should do it! Oh and many layers of wax!
I used Zymol for my old car that was riddled with swirls, worked wonders. I chose Zymol because it was the most expensive wax at the time, LOL.

I use Mequiars professional series. It has a variety of products for different needs to get your vehicle finish back to it's original luster.

I use the Mequairs yellow wax. Before waxing I hand wash (never used or gone to a car wash) and hand dried.
I figured out what was causing those swirls. It was my chamois. I was using the absorber but talked to detailers around town and they all said that the absorber picks up water really good but also picks up dust and dirt that didnt fully wash off the mada, and it was all that dirt that was causing the swirls.
Finally bought a really good chamois that they recommended. Problem solved.

I figured out what was causing those swirls. It was my chamois. I was using the absorber but talked to detailers around town and they all said that the absorber picks up water really good but also picks up dust and dirt that didnt fully wash off the mada, and it was all that dirt that was causing the swirls.
Finally bought a really good chamois that they recommended. Problem solved.

Are you sure about the ABSORDER? I have been using the ABSORBER chamois since I had my 90 Mitsubishi Eclipse. I even use it on my custom painted House of Kolors trueblue pearl 98 Nissan Maxima and no problems. Maybe you're using the wrong soap since you're not getting all the dirt off the vehicle during the wash.

I'd believe it. If the paint isn't squeeky clean whatever is left on the surface will be drug around by the absorber as there isn't any nap to pick it up. I only use 100% cotton towels made in the USA. This is per guidance from Zaino. I guess some of the foreign made towels will use polyester thread in the hem.

I decided to give Waynes Towels microfiber a try http://waynestowels.com/. Their waffle weave gives the towel a fairly thick nap and others on the freshalloy detailing thread have had good results. I ended up spending a $100 on towels/claybars as they were on sale....sounds like something my wife would say....but I bought 3 of everything just about.

Zaino - is the best I have found. A close second is Meguiar's Gold Class. If you do the Zaino thing right - it will blow your mind. 100% cotton towels are a must with Zaino. I have been using the Absorber for over 10 years. I think there is some merit to the fine scratches issue - but that is more likely due to my failure to properly wash/rinse the Absorber between washings. I also use the California blade to wipe off the bulk of the water. It does a fantastic job on glass to eliminate water spots.

I also use the absorber, but I'm really careful with it. First, I make sure the car is wet before wiping. If it dried some, I wet it again. This means I'm constantly wringing out the water, dirt with it. Second, I only dry in straight lines front to back on all panels. Never wipe in circles. Third I go from top to bottom, leaving the lower panels for second to last, then the wheels for last. If you want to use towels, use only US made cotton. The foreign stuff still scratches. Cannon I think was a good brand.

Oh, and I also use a spray wax when I dry. It applies to a wet surface and waxes while you dry. This puts a good layer between your absorber and the paint. If you always have wax, you won't have the swirl marks. You need to be waxless to really dig them in. Zaino is the best wax and swirl remover. Good luck. :hi:

I use Zaino, you will not find it in stores, but you can go to their website www.zainostore.com (http://www.zainostore.com) :cool:
What Zaino products should I start off with? I just purchased a 06 Smoke Armada and want to keep that new car shine.

What Zaino products should I start off with? I just purchased a 06 Smoke Armada and want to keep that new car shine.

I bought the $ 84.00 kit, and that was enough for the car, and if you go to their web site. they do have instruction on how to use each product and when.:cool:

P.S. I use it on my Black ford Explorer and my Armada, you will not be disappointed if you do it right, even if it take some time to do it the first time. :cool:

If you go to the website - get the starter kit - it will last for years - if you have minor scratches start with Z-5 then move to Z-2. Actually - start with the claybar - that will get rid of lots of stuff. Then hit Z-5 then Z-2. Zaino will give you that wet look. I have smoke and it looks awesome. Plus the zaino makes your paint so slick and smooth most dirt will not even stick to it. I have literally seen purple bird poop simply bubble and slide off my hood. That was cool.

The most important thing is prep work on your Mada when using Zaino. That stuff is like "buttah":D

Another vote for Zaino. I've been using it for years. Its seen 2 Altimas, 2 Maximas, (a Dodge in between) and soon the Mada. (just bought an 05 4x4 LE yesterday)

Another vote for Zaino. I've been using it for years. Its seen 2 Altimas, 2 Maximas, (a Dodge in between) and soon the Mada. (just bought an 05 4x4 LE yesterday)

Welcome and congradulation on the new purchase, its good to have you:cool:

Another vote for Zaino. I've been using it for years. Its seen 2 Altimas, 2 Maximas, (a Dodge in between) and soon the Mada. (just bought an 05 4x4 LE yesterday)
:hi: welcome! nice to have ya aboard:)

hmm..from all these posts, i might need to get some Zaino :d

I use premium Ezwax it works wonders check it out www.premiumEzwax.com

Zaino - is the best I have found. A close second is Meguiar's Gold Class. If you do the Zaino thing right - it will blow your mind. 100% cotton towels are a must with Zaino. I have been using the Absorber for over 10 years. I think there is some merit to the fine scratches issue - but that is more likely due to my failure to properly wash/rinse the Absorber between washings. I also use the California blade to wipe off the bulk of the water. It does a fantastic job on glass to eliminate water spots.

Outstanding post.....and I agree 100% I used Zaino on my recently traded Acura MDX.....and the results were phenominal. It is a pain in the *** to use though (it has to be FULLY dry before you wipe it off, and that could take 1/2 a day).

I'd like to add: about the Absorber, if you just lay it on the surface, and then drag it across the panel from the front to back.......it works best. And it won't leave "swirls". And again......keeping the absorber perfectly clean in key. If you drop it on the ground, just throw it away!

I have a Blizard white Armada, and I will probably use the Mother's carnuba wax in my shed. It is easy to use, and looks almost as good as the zaino. With such a large vehicle, I don't think the Zaino is worth my time.

PS.....what is with this spell checker? I shouldn't have to download some crazy program....should I?

My vote goes to Zaino too...best on the market.

Outstanding post.....and I agree 100% I used Zaino on my recently traded Acura MDX.....and the results were phenominal. It is a pain in the *** to use though (it has to be FULLY dry before you wipe it off, and that could take 1/2 a day).


PS.....what is with this spell checker? I shouldn't have to download some crazy program....should I?

I've never had zaino take more than 1/2 hour to dry and I live in probably one of the most humid places in the US, Houston. I use the zfx though so without it maybe it will take forever?

What spell checker are you talking about? I downloaded the google toolbar and it has a spell checker in it.....though I frequently forget to use it:)

I was going to start a thread about waxes and washes and see what everyone was doing on their cars. Looks like alot of votes for Zaino. For the past few years I have been using the products from www.griotsgarage.com (http://www.griotsgarage.com) - if you have not already selected car care products I have been a big fan of these products.

For car wash, I have been a big fan of Meguiar's.

What are you typically using on the exterior black surfaces (tires, running boards, top of bumper, etc)? Some products makes the surfaces too slick (armour all) and others seem to atract alot of dust and dirt.

i have mine done professionally 2x per year ($120.00/ea). They wash, clay bar, wax and polish...in between i use Stoner Speed Bead form Stoner Products....I use all of Stoners products for detailing

i have mine done professionally 2x per year ($120.00/ea). They wash, clay bar, wax and polish...in between i use Stoner Speed Bead form Stoner Products....I use all of Stoners products for detailing
We got a detailer here at my job and he starts at $145 for trucks like ours. I haven't let him near the truck yet. But it is winter time and I don't have a covered area to detail it in myself!

Maybe we could get up a list of good and reliable detailers. Anyone use one they really like in the Atlanta, GA area?

UNLIMITED DETAILING in Oyster Bay, NY (Long Island)

the blue zymol is what i use

too poor for zaino

the blue zymol is what i use

too poor for zaino
Any good detail place here In Los Angeles? I must take my two Armadas to one of this place soon.

Maybe we could get up a list of good and reliable detailers. Anyone use one they really like in the Atlanta, GA area?


im in the ATL also! i need someone to wax and clay bar "Fatz" (thats the armada!) i can wash him but DANG if im gonig to wax him... :p