Zaino Z-5 with an orange pad?

[98gtx]

Hey everyone. I'm new to the site- great stuff here!! I just received a new PC7424 with an assortment of Wolfgang pads. I am wondering if I can use my Z5 Zaino on the orange-light cut pad? Or should I use the white polishing pad? I've always applied products by hand, well except for the $30 Sears 9 inch orbital- which I hope the PC leaves in the dust. I'm sure it will as I've been reading great things about it.

Just a summary of my car- very clean black paint with the small scratches from washing/drying. Little to no paint impediments etc... I was looking to polish it up to rid some of those tiny scratches. I've always applied zaino polish by hand... and it's been pretty good at removing most of the small scratches. I bet the PC can work it even better.

Thanks in advance...

[Craigster]

Hello, and Welcome!

The Orange cutting pad is really best used for polishing with an abrasive polish to eliminate swirls or marring. The Z5 has no abrasives but rather fillers to hide the swirls. You would be better off removing them by using the polish of your choice (Z-PC, Menzerna, Poorboys SSR etc), but that takes time and work.

If you chose to do that, always start with the least agressive route, such as a white polishing pad with a mild remover. If that doesnt get your desired result, step up to a more agressive polish or pad.

Since you said you have had success with Z5 by hand, I think your swirls are probably minimal. If you want to try the PC and a pad, I would first try the Z5 with a grey finishing pad first. That would be better than you could do by hand, and you may be happy stopping right there.

I think you will find though that the PC is addicting, and you will probably want to "be all you can be". Give it a try, everyone here is very helpful. Just ask if you need suggestions along the way. If you mention the car type, color, etc you can get more specific experiences and recommendations. Good Luck!

[98gtx]

Hey Craigster... thanks for the welcome and advice!! Also, I've seen some of the threads with your Mach- really nice and clean! Nice car.

Would you (or anyone) be able to comment on any of the Meguiars products- like the glazes? It's all for my 1998 Mustang GT. Like I said, the black paint is real clean, but for the baby scratches from washing and drying.

[Craigster]

Thanks for the kind words.

I'm sure you'll get a lot of responses about Meguires. They are awesome products that are easy to obtain. I havent used many personally, but others here have. I love NXT which is my go to for most family and friends who pester me for a freebie. It's easy to use, and is killer on darker colors. It also fills in minor swirls which is a plus. The only downside is that its durability is not as great as some of the other boutique products, but its so easy to use and most of us detail for a hooby so longevity is usually no a factor. I recently did the wifes car with it. You can see it here:

http://www.detailcity.com/showthread.php?t=13815

I have a friend with a 2001 GT and all he uses is NXT. I have also used Speed Glaze, Final Inspection, Yellow Wax and their #20 Selant. I also think that the NXT Glass cleaner is the best I have ever used.

I'm sure you'll get more replies, but if you want products you can buy without paying shipping, Meguiars is hard to beat.

[JeffM]

With the PC, i would pick up some Speed Glaze, and top it with NXT. It will look fantastic.

Or get crazy, and get internet stuff.

[98gtx]

Originally Posted by JeffM

With the PC, i would pick up some Speed Glaze, and top it with NXT. It will look fantastic.

Or get crazy, and get internet stuff.

Thanks Jeff. Is there a specific Speed Glaze number that you would recomend? I've read the forums on this and there seems to be different numbers? Should I be using #80? I'm getting the impression that the lower numbers (i.e. #7) are for more serious imperfections in finishes.

[Craigster]

There is no specific Speed Glaze number...#80 IS Speed Glaze. #5 IS New Car Glaze, #20 IS PolySealant, etc.

Here is a link to an Acronym table. It will help you decode a lot of the abbreviations mentioned here.

http://www.detailcity.com/showthread...=abbreviations
#80 followed by NXT will be jaw dropping. Just remember, whatever you decide to use, good prep work is a must to get the best end results.