Raptor2k

I've had fine swirls for a while now. I've always used microfiber towels to wash/dry/wax my car. I usually use an up and down motions instead of circular motions. I tried the Zaino Z-PC Swirl Remover today and I don't think I see a difference under flourescent light.

I've come down to two things:

1). Zaino's website says to use 100% cotton towels, made in the US. My towels are apparently made in Korea. Anyone have suggestions on what towels I can buy, preferably online?
2). Maybe I need more than one coat of Z-PC before I see a difference?

playdoh43

how long did you leave ZPC on there? it works fine on my car, removes all types of stuff

Raptor2k

I immediately started using ZFX/Z2...oops.

playdoh43

I usually let ZPC stay on there for a hour before I remove it so it will desolve the swirls.
and If you put a layer of Zaino or wax over the swirl, then use ZPC it wont work well. you have to remove the swirl first before you put on Z2 etc otherwise the swirl is covered under the layer of wax and ZPC cant get to it.

Raptor2k

k. How do I get the wax off now?

playdoh43

im not certain since i never had to remove my wax. but im pretty sure, you can apply some Dawn's dish washer detergent on the little area you want to remove it. and rub it hard for a min or two. that should get rid of the zaino. i hope you are applying extremely thin layers of zaino, if you mix a full applicator (those little tubes that come with ZFX) it should be enough to do 3-4 layers. the thinner the better it looks! and you should probably google for instructions on how to use zaino for the best results. theres many lengthy step by step guids on various forums

Raptor2k

Once I was done with a coat of ZFX/Z2, Z6, ZFX/Z2 again, Z6 again the sun was gone. I think it looked really good from what I can see, but I'll see in the morning. I only used a few drops of the applicator and maybe an ounce of Z2. Thanks for the help.

Btw, do you think microfiber towels are ok for buffing and applying?

playdoh43

yeah, they are what youre supposed to use if you dont want to scrach your car.

Raptor2k

From Zaino's website:

Q: Are Micro-Fiber products safe to use?

A: Zaino has been testing various Micro-Fiber products. Unfortunately, the jury is still out on them. Some of them are excellent and do not scratch. Others are terrible and definitely scratch. The quality control of these products from overseas, especially Korea, is not consistent, so you never know if they will be the same scratch-free quality. Even when using the same brand, we found the quality to be inconsistent. For now, we do not recommend using them. However, lab testing is ongoing, and we will post an update when we have more conclusive results.

NOTE: If you are already using microfiber towels, look carefully at your paint finish under flourescent light when you are using your towels. If you are not getting any swirls or fine scratches from the microfiber towels, then you are okay and can continue to use them. Remember it's better to be safe than swirly.


That's where I got confused, because I thought it was pretty much confirmed that microfibers don't scratch.

playdoh43

actually not all microfiber towels are created equal, theres great ones and theres crappy ones. thats what they are talking about. in general if they should be fine.

Raptor2k

Yea. They feel really smooth anyway.

Raptor2k

Btw: I'm assuming the swirls came from using the same sponge 3-4 times when I first got the car. Yea, bad idea.

Chrisbert

I have water spots to deal with. I'd love to know the best way to get them out.

fredw1

Details covered in another thread. White vinegar in water seems to work for most.

Astral

I no longer agree with Zaino's insistence on 100% cotton towels. I am now a 100% microfiber fan. Quality microfiber towels are amazing.

Try the CD test--take a plain unscratched unmarred CD and rub your Korean towel into it. I bet you will get some fine scratches. I get fine scratches with my the cheap microfiber (MF) towels I bought from AutoZone. I even get fine scratches with 100% cotton!

However, the MF towels I got from Excel Detail, namely Monterey Waffle Weave Drying Towel and Blue Supreme Polishing towels, don't scratch the CD.

Mind you the CD surface is much softer than the car's clearcoat, but if the quality MF towels don't scratch the CD, then coupled with the advice for many paranoid and obsessive-compulsive people from Autopia, I am 100% confident about using them. My 100% cotton Made in USA towels are now reserved for cleaning wheels.

For more info, search for microfiber towels on www.autopia.org