Since buying my E in January, I gave my E its first day of attentive cleaning. After reading through all the posts here, I decided to try out a bunch of the different "neato snake oil" cleaning ideas. I washed with the Eagle Bucketless Wash, when they say use just a little, they definitely mean it. I bought a full size bottle and a little sample came with the wax as you dry. I barely dented the tiny sample bottle. :shock: The stuff worked great though.

Next, I used a Mother's Clay Bar. All the nice stuff people say about claying is true and it was so easy. There were a couple of spots I didn't get along the leading edge of the hood because I couldn't see them until the E was dry. They look like old bug splat trails. Will the wax as you dry seal them in or will I be able to clay those out at a later date?

After that I finished with the Eagle wax as you dry. Not bad, but I need to get better drying clothes, I was afraid it would streak, but so far it hasn't. The one thing I'll definitely change is next time I won't let it anywhere near my windshield, there it did kind of spot and streak. I tried cleaning it off with some glass cleaner but it doesn't budge, any suggestions? Otherwise, I'll just need to wait until I switch out windshields after this coming winter. (It probably should be done now, but why chance dinging up new glass when I've got beater glass now.)

Oh, I also got some of those mr clean wheel erasers. Truly amazing stuff. Wiped dirt off my wheels like they were coated with teflon. I also picked up an auto swiffer for the interior, but now I need to research what little bottled or boxed miracle I'll use inside. :grin:

The one thing I did find out by doing this, some sort of hood protection is necessary. I found three tiny chips in the paint from rocks, plus all the hard to release bug splats I wasn't able to find upon claying.

All in all, a lot of cool little bottles and boxes of "snake oil" out there. Good stuff!

Wax wears off and even with the more durable Zaino polymer the clay bar still does its stuff.

A side effect of getting more attentive in detailing -- especially when concentrating with the clay bar -- is that you'll notice every little imperfection. Chips, scratches and swirls you would not have paid attention to before.

Congrats on great results! :)

The Wax As You Dry sepcifically mentions to spray it on while the E is still wet...was the windshield still wet? If it was, you shouldnt of had any problems. If it has mostly dried this would probably explain why. Happened to me once...the next time I made sure it was wet and never noticed the overspray.

Yeah, it was still wet. I was nervous about it drying out too soon so I was constantly applying a new "coat" of water to the sections I hadn't gotten too yet. I thought it might be heat, but the rear and passenger sides had all the sun and heat and they actually came out the best. :confused:

Washed, clayed and waxed my E for the first time 2 weeks ago. First time I've ever clayed a car. Makes quite a difference. None of my previous Hondas (I've had 4) have looked this good.

Gorgeous RR, rhansen. :)

Makes me want to go clay mine right now. Have never done it, but have the clay.

Makes me want to go clay mine right now. Have never done it, but have the clay.


You're going to enjoy doing it -- dramatic result. Especially on the lower sections of the panels. You will hear the stuff being picked up by the clay.

And if you're clay is still in decent shape when you're done with the paint, don't forget to do the alloy wheels and, lastly, the front license plate if it's got baked on bugs.

By the way, I clay and Zaino my wheels -- helps immeasurably in minimizing brake dust build up.

Makes me want to go clay mine right now. Have never done it, but have the clay.

[Marge Simpson Zombie Voice/] Yes, try it. It's bliss. [/Marge Simpson Zombie Voice]

I use the Eagle 1 WAYD and haven't had any problem with it on the windows.
The trick I find with it is to use TWO old towels (or whatever). You MUST apply it in the shade on a wet or even damp car. Applying it in the sun is definitely a problem. I spray it on (shaking the bottle well before use) use one towel as a squeegee, which ends up getting soaked pretty quick and the second towel is used to lightly buff after the soon to be wet towel wipe down. You can FEEL when the shine rises with the second towel. The second towel stays relatively dry. This sounds like more effort than it is, and actually is done pretty darn quick and easily.

It can go on panels windows whatever so not having to be dainty with it keeps it moving fast.

Biggest problem might be finding some shade if you don't have a garage.

Something to bear in mind for those using claybars.

In addition to any impurities, the claybar removes wax from the paint.
It is extremely important to wax the paint after using the claybar in order to protect it.
Eagle One wax as you dry is not the kind of wax you should be using.

Eagle one is great as a supplement to regular waxings, but it's not a substitute for regular wax.

Something to bear in mind for those using claybars.

In addition to any impurities, the claybar removes wax from the paint.
It is extremely important to wax the paint after using the claybar in order to protect it.
.

Claybars do not remove Zaino - a polymer.

Where can I get the Mr clean wheel erasers??

I got mine at Target in the automotive section, although they do feel exactly like the wall erasers, but I won't vouch that they are completely the same. There is no mention of any chemicals contained in the pad, but as easy as it went, there has to be. Whether those chemicals are the same, I dunno.

Claybars do not remove Zaino - a polymer.

Clay bars most certainly do remove zaino. In fact, Zaino sells a clay bar to do just that.

SC~

Clay bars most certainly do remove zaino. In fact, Zaino sells a clay bar to do just that.

SC~

Exactly.

Don't buy the marketing hype.

pol·y·mer ( P ) Pronunciation Key (pl-mr) n.
Any of numerous natural and synthetic compounds of usually high molecular weight consisting of up to millions of repeated linked units, each a relatively light and simple molecule.

Many car waxes can be considered polymers.
:roll:

Clay bars most certainly do remove zaino. In fact, Zaino sells a clay bar to do just that.

SC~

I've been using Zaino and Zaino claybars for five years. The claybar might remove some Zaino molecules but it absolutely does not remove all the Zaino, nor even any discernable amount. from the car.

If you want to remove the Zaino you have to let it wear for a long, long time or use isopropyl alcohol.

Ever used Zaino, Chimp or Ranger?



Z-18 ClayBar™ is a pliable, synthetic bar that quickly and safely removes imbedded contamination from all glass and painted surfaces. Used for years by automobile manufacturers and auto body shops, paint cleaning clay is an excellent choice for removing contamination that cannot be removed using conventional cleaning methods.

Z-18 ClayBar™ is non-abrasive and works like no cleaner, compound or chemical can. When used as directed, it is safe for use on all paint finishes.

I have never "clayed" a car before.
I wash the E weekly and use the Eage1 WAYD. It looks fantastic.
I can not imagine spending several more hours "claying" the car and then having to apply a real wax.

What do you use to apply the real wax? Buffer? Just something else I would need to buy.

Is the benefits really that better?

I have never "clayed" a car before.
I wash the E weekly and use the Eage1 WAYD. It looks fantastic.
I can not imagine spending several more hours "claying" the car and then having to apply a real wax.

What do you use to apply the real wax? Buffer? Just something else I would need to buy.

Is the benefits really that better?

Took me 30 minutes to clay the E (not including the top, which I have not yet done). After the E is a year or two old, claying will make a tremendous difference. It really is indescribable in how it smooths your finish. It's like going from stubble to clean-shaven.

My then brand new 2001 Miata was three months old when I clayed it and the difference was amazing. Truly amazing. But the Miata's are built in Hiroshima and get a lot more gunk on the finish from being transported by ship and rail. The E's assembly in nearby Ohio made claying it after owning for a few months not so dramatic. However, it was very noticeable on the lower parts of the doors which pick up so much crud.

what do you use after you clay?
I just read the zaino site and they have what appears to be several products that do the same thing and they tell you to "use A before B, but you could subsitute C for A".
Seems a little confusing at first.

What do you use?

I got mine at Target in the automotive section, although they do feel exactly like the wall erasers, but I won't vouch that they are completely the same. There is no mention of any chemicals contained in the pad, but as easy as it went, there has to be. Whether those chemicals are the same, I dunno.

Thanks! Once they finish remodeling my local Target (I dont think they know where they are putting the auto section yet-- its ALL ove the place!), I will pick one up... :)

what do you use after you clay?
I just read the zaino site and they have what appears to be several products that do the same thing and they tell you to "use A before B, but you could subsitute C for A".
Seems a little confusing at first.

What do you use?

MTP - I wrote a long response early this morning and it would not post.
So here goes a short one first to see if it's working now.

First, I clay once a year -- early spring. That's what I did with my Miata for four years and that was fine.

I use Z-2, the polish, mixed with the ZFX additive so it will set up faster and I can do 3 coats in three hours. Takes me an hour to wash and do a single coat of Z-2 (mixed with a few drops of ZFX). Five coats is about maximum depth. My Miata looked like it was dipped in crystal, the curves and the color accentuated so nicely.

Not to sound stupid, but I never have waxed any car in the 20+ years of driving. Never saw the point. I quess I never own a vehicle I want to look clean :D

Do you do you waxing job ever week when you wash your car?
Because of my job, my car gets dusty, sea salty, and anything else you can thing of weekly, hence my weekend washing and drying with Eagel1 Wax as you dry. Car looks great until about Tuesday afternoon. Then the dust starts to get thick.

It's working, good. Irritating to spend 15 minutes drafting a reply only to have the post languish in endless spooling. Back to Zaino:

After a coat of Z-2/ZFX, I spritz with the Z-6 detailing spray. That's a very casual step using minimal product and quick towel wipes. Also good for getting the occasional bird drop off before it etches the finish (plain old water can prevent that, too).

Every time I wash the car I at least spritz it with Z-6. Doing both takes 30 minutes. Little longer if I scrub the wheels.


So here's the deal: the Zaino shine requires three products: Z-2, ZFX, Z-6. :)

The claybar is Z-18

Whether you're using Zaino or some other brand or wax, you should wash, dry and buff the car with 100% cotton towels (washed only in liquid detergent, not powder). Some use a power buffer and I have a Porter-Cable but it's not necessary with the Zaino and would only waste product. I use the Porter-Cable on the windshield with the Zaino glass polish.

I use two buckets: one being dedicated to the grimier lower parts and, afterward, the wheels.

To throw another number in the mix, Sal Zaino recently came out with Z-8, a super-duper detailing spray that costs twice as much as Z-6. I have some and love it so will probably use up the remaining Z-6 and not replace that.

The rest of the Zaino line includes some terrific products that I also use, such as: Z-9 and Z-10 (leather/vinyl cleaner & conditioner, smells like new leather), Z-12 (glass polish -- also takes old stickers right off), Z-16 (tire dressing, nice matte finish instead of silicone dust-magnet crud like Armor-All).

And I do use the Z-7 car soap. A capful will do the E.

Z-5 is a polish that has near the optical clarity of Z-2 but whose primary purpose is filling in swirls. Some people like it because Z-5 is a little less glossy than Z-2.

I prefer the dipped in crystal look, especially on metallic paints and medium to light colors.

A car care freak friend of mine started Zaino when I did -- and was impressed. But on his black Mercedes he prefers Meguires Gold Class.

He is now a claybar devotee. Claying's benefit applies to polish and wax.

To illustrate how Zaino transformed me. My first Miata was silver and I washed it maybe twice a year and used Nu Finish. Rarely drove that car (46,000 miles in ten years) as I walked to work. It was merely a convertible grocery hauler and transportation to golf courses.

what does the zaino do to the plastic panels? do you have to watch it when you wax? do you use something else on the panels?

Oh.....and thanks for the information :)

what does the zaino do to the plastic panels? do you have to watch it when you wax? do you use something else on the panels?

Oh.....and thanks for the information :)


You're very welcome. :)

The Z-2 is not meant for the panels and I steer clear of getting any on them. I don't use anything on the panels except soap. They look fine.

I wrote another lengthy Zaino dissertation but it again was lost in an interminable spool and I had to end the program. Will try again later.

A car care freak friend of mine started Zaino when I did -- and was impressed.

I believe that is what they call the pot calling the kettle black.
:-P

I believe that is what they call the pot calling the kettle black.
:-P

You got that right! :)

Actually, I wasn't before the 2001 Miata. And I'm really not with the E -- with the Loadwarrior on top and bike rack on the back and GGM paint, it looks appropriate to be wearing some mud.

And it is wearing plenty of mud after this past weekend -- inside and out. My white dog isn't even white anymore. Have to detail her first!