It's Arctic Silver. I did everything by hand. I wanted a durable beautiful finish - wasn't really thinking about depth or gloss. I'll have to let someone else comment on Zaino's effect on depth.

Besides suggestions on the muffler tips and wheels, I also need some suggestions on the various rubber strips on the exterior. Some of them have some white stuff on them. Should I use something specifically for cleaning/revitalizing rubber to help with these places (probably will need to be applied with a q-tip).

 

Saw the pics. Very nice! How long did it take you? For me, the whole process took about 6 1/2 hours. I'm guessing that the wheels, tires, and muffler tips will take me another 2-3 (next weekend!).

 

It took me a couple hours by hand. I don't have a good orbital yet. A friend of mine said the Zaino 5 is best used with the Zaino activator. But, I'm pretty happy with the results that I got - he also agreed that my Porsche looks great. He also suggested that I buy their detailer spray and car wash to keep the shine looking its best - I'll have to wait. Don't want to waste my Maguire's car wash or quick detailer.

The one mistake I made was to try to polish the Zainos when it was still a little damp. It was pretty unforgiving - left smudges and wouldn't buff out well. But, when it was dry, it was easy.

Are you using the latest Zainos formulation, or are you using the older (and apparently more difficult) stuff? My buddies described the old process and mine was much easier. Maybe I'm doing it wrong.

I'm still very pleased with the results.
Bob

 

Zack, on those exhaust tips good old Mothers metal polish (red and white can) is a good place to start. If the suit is really down in the surface of the tips find some #0000 (4 zeros) steel wool with the metal polish. Then follow up with the metal polish again and a regular towel. Save the Microfibers for the paint an interior as you really need something with some bite like terry cloth for the tips.

Andy

 

Zack - I forgot to mention that in the 3 hours I spent on my car, I polished the body once with each solution; I polished the hood with both solutions 2 times. I also polished each of the wheels thoroughly.

Bob

 

Bob,

If you are looking into the Porter Cable random orbital polisher, the model most guys get and the model available on most car care web sites is the 7424. However, the 7336 (or 7336sp for sander/polisher) is the EXACT same random orbital polisher as the 7424 (I checked on the Porter Cable web site to compare the two models) but also has a sanding pad on it. Because it is classified as a "sander," it is available at the big hardware outlets. I got mine a Lowe's Hardware for $99.97 about 3 years ago. That was $25 to $45 less than the cost of the 7424 polisher at that time.

I thought this might be of some help to you.

 

And the 7336 usually comes with a bigger weight for 6" backing plates vs. the standard weight that comes on the 7424.

Alas, Lowes quit carrying them in stores about a year ago. My primary porter cable died last summer and my backup was at the repair shop and I tried to get one from Lowes only to find out they don't carry it anymore.

Andy

 

Bummer! Too bad, because they had a great deal on the 7336. The bigger weight has not been an issue for me, but I have not tried it with the smaller weight.

 

Get it out from under those trees, the birds are probably just waiting for you to finish!

 

On difference is vibration. My hands go numb using the machine with the smaller weight on it.

 

The directions definitely made a point of this. I was lucky to have a low humidity day in the 60s to apply the Z2 + ZFX accelerator. It was dry within 20 minutes and buffed off pretty easy with some elbow grease.

I bought my stuff two weeks ago. I'm not using the Z-AIO -- just Z2 + ZFX. I didn't use the Z5 based on feedback from others that Z2 would work well for my car color.

 

It's safely tucked away in the garage. I couldn't bring myself to drive it today because it's raining here in Austin.

 

LOL
that was me last week, cleaned it all day Sunday, rained Monday morning...but Tuesday was clear (still got it dirty though.... just didnt care! )

Its hard to dirty it up, but meant to be driven and if you love to "touch it" just clean it again (though dont be surprised when everyone from your neighbor to your wife asks "are you washing that again?)
LMAO

 

I would recommend the Meguire's Gold Class Protectant wipes. With those you can quickly hit any rubber, or plastic. Also my number one pick for wiping down the engine compartment.

 

Thanks! I'll pick some up along with the solution suggested for the muffler tips on my way home.

Now I just need some tips on the wheels (I have Zaino tire dressing)...