BA Mustang

Zaino is the only wax I have every bought that has a sheet of paper front and back telling you how to use it.

MarcHarris

Except that Zaino isn't a wax, it's a sealant. And part of Zaino's great marketing strategy: the same prep work which will make nearly every sealant give you a great result.
That's not to say it's not a great product, because I do believe it is.

BA Mustang

So I bought meguiars ultimate compund to try and get rid of some of my water spots. Can I apply that and then my zaino products?

MarcHarris

You can give it a try for sure. If by machine - awesome, if by hand... eeek. Going to be tough. By hand make sure to use circular motions and take your time.

AlsCobra

I got some fine lines in the clear from a wash towel or chamois. Any recommendations? I do have some of the megs compound but didn't use any yet. Black paint is scary.

MarcHarris

The finish needs polishing AKA the mechanic releveling of the clear-coat. Chamois trap dirt and grime which scratches the finish. Bad towel / bad wash methods increase the risk of swirling in the paint which are shallow very fine scratches. First look into proper washing techniques (two-bucket method with Grit Guard inserts) as having the car properly polished isn't cheap, and it won't last if you continue to do the same things that caused the damage in the first place.
Don't let any of it get you down though: we all start somewhere and can learn quickly. Researching proper car care will lead you to not waste money on products you don't need, while spending money on the right things leading to your car looking better-than-ever.

AlsCobra

Well from what I was informed from a pro detailer I met. It was the chamois. It's now in the garbage. Need some tips on repairing the damage done. Nothing deep but noticeable to me for sure. I've got tools but never did any polishing on black. Hate to make things worse.

MarcHarris

Very well could have been, though I've seen a lot more damage done by the actually wash process.
Polishing is what will fix it, but it's hard to truly recommend someone do something this risky I hope you can understand. Basically, you'll need to shave down your clear-coat to have a completely level and scratch-free finish. Of course I'm only talking somewhere from 2-5 thousandths of a millimeter.

BA Mustang

Yeah I only wax my car by hand. Usually takes me an hour just to partially clay bar and wax the entire car. So I figure about 4 for this.

MarcHarris

I'll give you a hint: it'll take a lot longer than 4 hours. The following took 14 hours with two guys working:




See the full documentation of this one here: https://themustangsource.com/f659/70...k-life-499135/

BA Mustang

Yeah reading that thread made me make this one. I have next Thursday off so I think ill do all of it then.

MarcHarris

If you want to read an even more in-depth write-up on a black car, take a look at this:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=412599

AlsCobra

Cool man. Any other links you can post up for polishing and paint correcting black cars will be greatly appreciated.

tetstang

Holy Cow !

MarcHarris

All of the following are black:

VW GTI with LOTS of work:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/click-b...utolavish.html


Buick Grand National with wet-sanding:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/click-b...utolavish.html


600hp SL55 AMG:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/click-b...-michigan.html

Camaro SS:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/click-b...kerckaert.html

Porsche 911 Turbo Cab:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/click-b...even-pham.html

CTS-V:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/click-b...otography.html

Audi RS-4:
http://www.autopia.org/forum/click-b...utolavish.html

AlsCobra

Thanks man. I'll do some studying.

1999 Black 35th GT

This is so true Marc! The prep work is key to great results. It seems you're though process is very similar to mine. Are you a member on Meguiars Online, too?

MarcHarris

Very much so! I don't post on MOL (especially with Mike Phillips leaving), nor even autogeekonline anymore. Most posting is on local sites, or Autopia and Autopiaforums.

AlsCobra

Great info here Marc. I'm debating right now on just paying a pro to take care of my finish. Any product or technique tips on temporary cover ups of swirls or light scratches until I can drop it off for a few days. Too bad you guys aren't located down here. You would have my business for sure.

tetstang

So, I'm new to the clay bar and Blackfire method, but find that it's really easy to do and lends great results. . . . at least on my blue granite metallic duramax. My black GT ( on the way) might be more challenging.

So. Marc, Question: If I wash/dry properly, clay bar every 4 to 6 months followed by BFWD, can I expect a deep black shine for many, many years? If so, I can definately keep up with that routine...

Again, thanks for your great input on this thread.

Best,
TS