I am now all ready for a nice weekend of detailing... [Archive] - Honda Element Owners Club Forum

: I am now all ready for a nice weekend of detailing...


spdrcr5
03-25-2005, 05:55 PM
My Porter Cable 7424 Variable Speed Random-Orbit Buffer arrived today!

I received my order of pads and other accessories from Classic Motoring Accessories yesterday. :)

Will be breaking out the Zaino to detail my E for the first time since I got it. Also have to do my Mom's car.

The E will be clayed, then fully detailed both inside and out. I will post many pictures as soon as it is finished.

Here are all of the pics of what I got:

http://pictureposter.allbrand.nu/pictures/larrytt/hondaelement/car+care/img_0019+medium.jpg

http://pictureposter.allbrand.nu/pictures/larrytt/hondaelement/car+care/img_0020+medium.jpg

http://pictureposter.allbrand.nu/pictures/larrytt/hondaelement/car+care/img_0021+medium.jpg

http://pictureposter.allbrand.nu/pictures/larrytt/hondaelement/car+care/img_0022+medium.jpg

http://pictureposter.allbrand.nu/pictures/larrytt/hondaelement/car+care/img_0023+medium.jpg

http://pictureposter.allbrand.nu/pictures/larrytt/hondaelement/car+care/img_0024+medium.jpg

http://pictureposter.allbrand.nu/pictures/larrytt/hondaelement/car+care/img_0025+medium.jpg

special k
03-25-2005, 06:25 PM
That should last you forever, I used to use porter cable power tools when I was an electrician.

special k
03-25-2005, 06:32 PM
You ought to post a before and (many) after pix. I did a drive by of the dealer (my E was driven up today, fortunately I live 3 minutes from the dealer). I waited til after the dealer closed (or was in the process of closing) before I did this, unfortunately they were still there so I did the drive by without getting out so I wasn't recognized.

At least I make my family laugh.

I've cleaned out the garage so I can put the floor mats, splash guards and maybe cloud rider in tomorrow.

punkgeek
03-25-2005, 07:04 PM
I just put a couple of layers of zaino on my E last weekend. It looks real pretty now. I just used a towel because it is so easy to apply, but the buffer looks damn spiffy.

spdrcr5
03-25-2005, 08:39 PM
I plan on taking before pics and many, many after pics. :)

As for Zaino... I have been using it for over 5 years. I know how easy it is to use, but I have a few scratches on the hood of the E and my Mom's Camry needs some major detailing done to it.

I plan on Using the Zaino Claybar on the E first, then going through the rest of the procedure for it.

cjmclean
03-25-2005, 10:36 PM
Zaino is the bomb!

Looks like you could polish the paint right off with that buffer!

:shock:

cidrivera58
03-25-2005, 10:37 PM
You guys out on the Island sure know how to live!

Enjoy & looking forward to the pics!

spdrcr5
03-26-2005, 12:04 AM
Zaino is the bomb!

Looks like you could polish the paint right off with that buffer!

:shock:

Not at all... this buffer is very, very safe. Nearly impossible to burn the paint with it even. I have so many friends with the same buffer and it does an amazing job, even with Zaino. :)

Snarf77
03-26-2005, 08:13 AM
I don't even know what Zaino is but after reading this post, I'm going to buy some! I just have the cheapo wal mart buffer and it seems to do OK. I can't image how good it would look after using the proper equipment!

spdrcr5
03-26-2005, 11:26 AM
I don't even know what Zaino is but after reading this post, I'm going to buy some! I just have the cheapo wal mart buffer and it seems to do OK. I can't image how good it would look after using the proper equipment!

Zaino] Brothers (http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc) Best product out there bar none... Nothing oes on easier let alone comes off easier than Zaino. :)

Snarf77
03-26-2005, 03:25 PM
Wow! That stuff reads great in reviews. Which product do you get. There are several different kinds of the "show car polish" that might work on the E. Do you use the one for clearcoat? How does the clay bar work?

spdrcr5
03-26-2005, 04:38 PM
Wow! That stuff reads great in reviews. Which product do you get. There are several different kinds of the "show car polish" that might work on the E. Do you use the one for clearcoat? How does the clay bar work?

At a minimum you want the following:

Z1, Z2, Z6 and Z7. Their Z-16 tire treatment is really good too. It is not shiny, but instead leaves a nice finish and doesn't attract dirt and dust like many other products.

Also get their applicator pads; 314. I have one for each product, don't mix them up.

You also want 100% Made in the USA Towels and cut off the tags.

Keep in mind, you don't need as much Zaino as other products out there. A little goes a very long way. It also dries fast, wipes off easily and can be left on for days if you can't finish it and then willwipe off just as easily as if you just put it on. I have used it down to 27*F and it doesn't freeze and removes easily.

You'll enjoy it and be amazed at the shine.

wmas1960
03-26-2005, 04:54 PM
I am not a real particular person as far as these things go. In my case, what is a selling point is the durability of a finish and that it makes the car look nice and will hold up to and protect the car from some of the harsh conditions here like tree sap and bird crap construction dust and dirt... Whether it has a deep shine and looks like something that belongs on the floor at a major auto show is not of concern to me. The car will just look like crap in a few days anyways.

I just placed an order for some Klasse based on how it looked on my brother's Acura. Also, it has a finish that will last for 6-8 months which, as I said above, is of major concern. I can't make any comparison to Zaino as I haven't used it or seen it(zaino) used. From what I was reading though, using All In One and then following with a few coats of Sealant Glaze will give better and better results. I even read that some might put about 6 coats of the Sealant Glaze on then follow with a Carnuba Wax which really gives a deep shine. Like I said, I don't know that I would go to that extent though.

I bought a box of stuff that contains 16.9 oz bottles of All In One and Sealant Glaze. A couple applicators (microfiber) and a Microfiber polishing cloth. I then added a few more cloths and applicators for about $60.

I see all this mention of Zaino. I tried to read the review and comparison test on the Zaino page but found that I couldn't read the chart, (too small) and I wasn't going to pay for access to the review. Then I find problems comparing costs of the products as I don't know what Zaino product or package is being recommended here. Zaino has many products.

I guess, I was wondering, what would compare to the package of Klasse that I bought, as mentioned above and What would that kind of kit cost.

As for Klasse, if anyone has any experience, I read in the literature that came with my order that it can be used on any non-pourous surface. It mentions kitchen appliences, counter tops, mirrors and windows Scuffed and scratched CDs (reduces or eliminates skippint)... As for the car it says to use it on the Windshield as well plastic trim. Anyone have any experience with this. I am, personally, hesitant to put it on the windshield as it might streak etc. when the wipers are working. Also chances for fogging or other distracting distortions. My brother says that he used it on his headlight and tail light lenses and it makes them look really nice. What about using it on the plastic panels on an EX. Would it be OK there or would it leave the same discolorations, streaking, white marks.... that wax does. Further, one suggestion in the package was to put a small amount into the wash water with your car wash detergent. Anyone done this before?

I do see a lot mentioned of Zaino, and have read a lot of praise, but, I haven't seen much detail written on Klasse. However, I have never read anything bad about Klasse. I do recall someone saying, one time, that Zaino was pretty expensive. Is that right?

What opinions, good or bad, do others have of Klasse.

So far, my basic intention with the Klasse is to use All in One on the painted surfaces when the weather gets nice. Then, after the next 3 or 4 washes, follow with a thin coat of Sealant Glaze and then repeat the process next fall before winter sets in.

spdrcr5
03-26-2005, 05:15 PM
Just to give you an idea as far as durability. I will have to go searching for it later, but someone on an Acura NSX Website that was a HUGE backer of Zymol decided to do a very long term test. He took an NSX Hood and divided it up amongst 8-12 different products and kept track of the results. Zaino lasted the longest... and he didn't even apply it "properly"! lol

Like I said I will go and find it for everyone to read, it really was a good test.

Edit: Just found the link...

NSX Wax Test (http://www.nsxsc.com/nsexcitement/waxtest.html) I thought there were more waxes involved... maybe there was another one of these. I'll keep looking.

Edit 2: Here is another wax test...

Guru Reports (http://www.gurureports.org/specialreports/waxtest.1.html)

punkgeek
03-26-2005, 08:54 PM
I typically reapply my Zaino only twice a year and it looks good and keeps beading water consistently.

Super easy to apply.

Smells good too. ;-)

spdrcr5
03-26-2005, 11:56 PM
I typically reapply my Zaino only twice a year and it looks good and keeps beading water consistently.

Super easy to apply.

Smells good too. ;-)

I like to go for the nice layers. I had over a dozen coats on my TT... it looked wet! :) Going to try for the same look on the TT, but won't be doing it by hand this time.

mix300
04-22-2005, 11:16 AM
I have the pc buffer and all I can say is wow. The buffer makes the Car's finish look outstanding.

I use Poorboys SSRs and the Klasse all in one and sealer. Cars look off the wall. Autopia.org and Detailcity.com have good info.

For those that have no plan on spending the time or money on fully detailing your car. You should just go to Wal-Mart and buy the claying kit with lube and some NXT wax. You will be blown away after this. Oh and you will want more shine.

cai88
04-24-2005, 11:45 PM
So Larry what time should I drop off my E again? :lol:

steelhead
04-25-2005, 01:12 AM
I have a question about zaino. I was checking it out and saw that they only offer a polish. Do you still need to use a seperate wax?

spdrcr5
04-25-2005, 11:34 AM
I have a question about zaino. I was checking it out and saw that they only offer a polish. Do you still need to use a seperate wax?

No, they don't call their product a "Wax", they call it a polish. Much better than carnauba based waxes...

Just get Z1, Z2, Z6 plus Z7(car wash). It is all you need.

spdrcr5
04-25-2005, 11:35 AM
So Larry what time should I drop off my E again? :lol:

Anytime you want... but with this crappy weather I have not even gotten mine done yet. :( Hopefully over Mommy's Day Weekend I will be able to get it done then.

steelhead
04-25-2005, 01:22 PM
No, they don't call their product a "Wax", they call it a polish. Much better than carnauba based waxes...

Just get Z1, Z2, Z6 plus Z7(car wash). It is all you need.


Thanks. I think I will give it a try. I have been using the Meguiars NXT and like that alot. But I want to give Zaino a shot.

cai88
04-25-2005, 11:28 PM
Anytime you want... but with this crappy weather I have not even gotten mine done yet. :( Hopefully over Mommy's Day Weekend I will be able to get it done then.


It snowed a bit up here today!!!!! I thought I was in the twilight zone :shock:

Bothell_E-Owner
05-23-2005, 02:29 AM
Add me to the Happy Zaino crowd.

See my post in the Gallery for picture of my E after giving it a 1st Birthday detailing. I did not use a buffer.

I did use the Clay Bar first, which is a bit tedious, but well worth it, especially if you have never protected the surface, or have used cheap products in the past.

Washing with Dawn, the using the clay bar will give you a perfect shiny clearcoat surface with no wax or contaminants left on it.

Once you get the surface clean, applying Zaino to an E, using ZFX accelerator is a snap. About a 45 minute job at most.

And the Z6 gloss spray looks great on the fender panels too.!

hiker chick
05-23-2005, 12:51 PM
Put my 5th and 6th coats on yesterday and it's starting to pop! (GGM) Soon as I figure out how to make picture files smaller I'll post some. Sure do appreciate the plastic cladding and that every inch of plastic is less paint to polish.

Started with Zaino 4 years ago on my light blue Miata -- spectacular shine! And easy once you get the steps down. Probably had 30+ applications before I sold it.

Yesterday I also helped a friend Z their dark green '96 Nissan Pathfinder. Had never been waxed before. We clayed it and then applied one coat of Zaino (Z-2 w/ZFX) and it looks terrific.

Have to keep the Z-6 detailing spray handy for touch-up, too.

Dave_C
05-29-2005, 11:38 PM
One other great benefit to using Zaino is the support you get from Sal and his crew...I've been using it for years on all my cars past and present. The team at Zaino will get back to you usually within a day to answer any questions or concerns, or even if you've never used it and have a question about ordering or what they recommend for your particular vehicle. A first class company for sure. I'm not knocking Klasse or other polishes, as they're all good in their own right, but how many of the other companies will offer you the support if you email them with questions? Just something to think about if you ever have doubts about Zaino's products...no I don't work for them, just love their products and their customer service.

Dave.