posted 02-22-2005 03:42 PM                  

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Originally posted by Xray:
WHAT IS BEST TO USE REGULAR CAR WAX LIKE meguires or a Nano wax , or also I keep hearing about an acrylic treatment you do every six months? has anyone had this done, I belive the product might be called auto bright?

your advise is appreciated

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quote:

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Originally posted by ssknar:
What product is best based on:
1. ease of use.
2. ease of application.
3. good maintenance products in between waxing.
Thanks for your help, Steve

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quote:

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Originally posted by RADCAT RICH:
GO FOR IT GRROWL,WERE WAITING.................

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Wow. Two requests before 9 AM - and it's a weekday. "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in." (say that in your head with a Michael Corleone/Al Pacino accent).

Is there a Zainoholic 12-step program? (never mind, I'm already 80% there, I'm down to just the paint products, don't intend to use their new ZFX, moved on to the Porter-Cable Dual-Action Random-Orbital polisher approach - but still end with Zaino).

There's two approaches to Zaino - the absolutely best-looking showcar-winning finish. Just ask MeanGene what he did to win the show at Leonardtown Spring Fling a couple of weeks ago.

And then there's the high-durability/long-lasting easy approach that looks good (not GRReat).

I have used Zaino for the last 6 years because I'm lazy - once per year full job for 2-3 hours in the Spring; one 1-hour job before winter; and just washes and quick-detailer as needed in between. Always shiny, always beads water, protects during the winter, minimal investment of time, looks good.

If you haven't noticed, I'm an engineer and usually take the analytical approach (NOT abbreviated anal approach) to most things. This usually starts with a baseline and then comparisons to the baseline. Using this approach, I have found better (or equal and less expensive) products to all of the Zaino non-paint products (303 for leather/interior; Lane's for tires and wheels; QEW - Quick and Easy Wash by ProtectAll for winter washes - that's a PHENOMENAL product, BTW). In any case, when I say I use Zaino because it's best for me, I have gone through more than a minor amount of comparison products.

From all of the data points that I have collected, which is extensive, Zaino is the unquestionable universal baseline to start with - it's been around for years; it's universally recognized as the longest lasting; universally recognized as the easiest on/easiest off (this is EXCLUDING preparation, which, in my opinion, SHOULD BE the same for any product - the "Zaino is too difficult" charge is a combination of Sal Zaino's horrible writing style, and their marketing of the product to the "showcar winning" crowd, which takes preparation work); the only criticism is that some do not consider it the "best looking" because there's a "plastic" appearance ON SOME COLORS (however, nobody can agree what this color set is). Enough to say that it's a very well-regarded finish system that has held that position for years.

Over the past year, the big manufacturers have started coming out with competitive products to Zaino. Meguiar's nxt Tech Wax is one.

Here's some data points on Meguiar's nxt:

Early reviews say it looks good and may have better swirl-filling capability than Zaino (Z has a separate swirl-filler in addition to their main "polish". BTW, everything discussed here refers to synthetics, not waxes - there's no carnauba and no "polish" in the abrasive sense.)

The nxt package says that it makes your paint appear "darker and richer". Z's approach is to add clear depth without changing the color in any way (thus the "plastic" appearance to some)

Meguiars claims that it's the longest-lasting product THEY have ever made. The industry concensus is that Zaino is the longest lasting, and Meguiar's doesn't seem to be disputing this. Early reviews are starting to indicate that nxt does not have the durability of Zaino.

Here's an unconfirmed datapoint - when I was at the Meguiars detailing seminar, they gave out some nxt sample packets - he said, "let me give you enough to do your car - 5 should cover it". If this is true, you should be able to do 10-20 prowlers with 5 ounces of Zaino. I'd be interested in how much nxt it takes.

In summary, to answer the first question of "ease of use, ease of application, interim maintenance", I'd suggest starting with Zaino that has a history and known baseline of meeting these requirements. I can attest that twice per year keeps the protection in place (actually, I've gone as long as 8 months and still have beading). After that, I'd say to compare the others (starting with nxt) to see if there is a difference in appearance (depth, color "enrichment", durability). If it works for you, switch.

Personally, Zaino meets my needs (mostly the proven durability) and I'm moving up to better preparation, ala the Porter Cable DA mentioned above (and illustrated in other posts).

This is just touching upon the subject - if you want to go into depth, go over to www.autopia.org. There's also a post here about Guru Reports.

Questions? (I am NOT a Zainoholic).

-GRROWL