WAX/Sealant Decision

[Jet6525]

Its been a little over a month since i picked up my AW M4, so I'm thinking it's time for a sealant. My plan was to perform the normal pre-process and then finish it off with sonax pns. Then my friend told me he would lend me his finesse desire to try instead, which he swears by.

Question is, would there be any added benefit to applying the pns first letting that cure and then applying the desire or would that be a waist? If it only makes sense to use one, any recommendations on which i should use to yield the best result? All of my searches have indicated both products are well recieved.

[gthal]

Put CQuartz UK on the car and call it a day. Prep it, ensure the paint is clean with all other products removed and apply this. It sheds dirt like crazy, gives the car a great look and lasts for upwards of 2 years if properly maintained in my experience. Easy to apply too!!

[Money2536]

I'm not sure if PNS and AF Desire play nicely together. AF Desire is much better looking than PNS. I didn't test topping and did a coat of AF Desire, let it cure over night, and add a second coat. My guess is that AF Desire isn't going to last quite as long as PNS.

Both PNS and AF Desire look much better than any coating on the market.

[Gstone]

I have used zaino for my black cars, only 2 so far. I think it is great and repels water.
It is a little labor intensive at the first application. But after that I juat wash, spray with Z6 gloss enhancer and apply one more coat of the zaino(Z2 or Z5).

Any opinions on the zaino vs others?

[gthal]

Originally Posted by Gstone

I have used zaino for my black cars, only 2 so far. I think it is great and repels water.
It is a little labor intensive at the first application. But after that I juat wash, spray with Z6 gloss enhancer and apply one more coat of the zaino(Z2 or Z5).

Any opinions on the zaino vs others?

Not bad but dated. Harder to apply than other coatings and doesn't last as long.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by gthal

Put CQuartz UK on the car and call it a day. Prep it, ensure the paint is clean with all other products removed and apply this. It sheds dirt like crazy, gives the car a great look and lasts for upwards of 2 years if properly maintained in my experience. Easy to apply too!!

Do you have any opinions on Opti Glass Coat?

[gthal]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Do you have any opinions on Opti Glass Coat?

I haven't tried it yet so no meaningful opinion.

[Jet6525]

Ok so i'm going to give the desire a try ( esp since it's free to use for a trial run). I looked over the car a few times and am not seeing any real imperfections, could be the AW hiding it. But im flirting with wash, autoscrub, right to sf4500 (least abrasive pad) then desire. I know 4500 is a finisher, but im not seeing the need for anything else other then some added gloss before wax. I know this isnt the most common formula, but given the condition do you think ill get a decent result?

[Money2536]

Originally Posted by Jet6525

Ok so i'm going to give the desire a try ( esp since it's free to use for a trial run). I looked over the car a few times and am not seeing any real imperfections, could be the AW hiding it. But im flirting with wash, autoscrub, right to sf4500 (least abrasive pad) then desire. I know 4500 is a finisher, but im not seeing the need for anything else other then some added gloss before wax. I know this isnt the most common formula, but given the condition do you think ill get a decent result?

As a single step, I prefer to use SF4000 with medium stiffness polishing pad. I use Detailer's Domain green pad. Reduce pressure as you make each successive pass. I use SF4500 as a follow-up to FG400.

[RocketBoots]

Originally Posted by Jet6525

Ok so i'm going to give the desire a try ( esp since it's free to use for a trial run). I looked over the car a few times and am not seeing any real imperfections, could be the AW hiding it. But im flirting with wash, autoscrub, right to sf4500 (least abrasive pad) then desire. I know 4500 is a finisher, but im not seeing the need for anything else other then some added gloss before wax. I know this isnt the most common formula, but given the condition do you think ill get a decent result?

I've read about pro detailers using 4500 as a 1-step, using a black LC pad, and saying it has enough cut and of course finishes awesome. Granted the car was in pretty good shape to start, but sounds like yours is that way.

Also, u probly just forgot to say this, but might want to iron-x before u autoscrub. Less work, just in case.

I think I'm gonna give Opt Gloss Coat a try. Was a toss up between that or CQUK, but I think the OGC will be easier to apply. I'm willing to sacrifice a little looks for functionality/longevity.

Btw, Money, how often did u clean the auto scrub pad when u did the GT3, and what did u clean it with? This will be the first time I'm using it. Also, how often did u change or clean pads when you did the jeweling? Thnx.

[Money2536]

Originally Posted by RocketBoots

Btw, Money, how often did u clean the auto scrub pad when u did the GT3, and what did u clean it with? This will be the first time I'm using it. Also, how often did u change or clean pads when you did the jeweling? Thnx.

The Auto Scrub pad doesn't need to be cleaned. Just keep the thing soaking wet with clay lube/detail spray and you're good. Rinse it off in the sink when you done and let it sit to dry. Piece of cake...

I usually brush the pad often and will typically use two 6.5 inch pads, one 5 inch on the Duetto, and a 4" on the small Griot's. It's more important to reactivate a microfiber pad than brushing a foam one. I just brush it with a pad brush every so often out of habit.

[Mortis]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Do you have any opinions on Opti Glass Coat?

I opt-coated my last car (435i) and it's worth it imho. It's much easier to keep the car clean (I also had MG so that was important!) and if you also coat the rims that makes brake dust removal much easier. Also gives you some protection from rock chips. Just make sure it's applied correctly and has time to fully dry/cure (at least 12 hours from application I think). Cheers

[RocketBoots]

Originally Posted by Money2536

The Auto Scrub pad doesn't need to be cleaned. Just keep the thing soaking wet with clay lube/detail spray and you're good. Rinse it off in the sink when you done and let it sit to dry. Piece of cake...

I usually brush the pad often and will typically use two 6.5 inch pads, one 5 inch on the Duetto, and a 4" on the small Griot's. It's more important to reactivate a microfiber pad than brushing a foam one. I just brush it with a pad brush every so often out of habit.

Thanks

[NorCal f80]

What are you guys talking about? Anyone in So Cal wanna detail my AW?

I have a brand new bottle of Menzerma [sp?] from last year when I had my GTR. Is that stuff any good? Can anyone use it here?

[Vectors2final]

Paint correction and care! The best subject!


I am way out of practice, for sure. Haven't detailed in a while due to work.

[Money2536]

Originally Posted by 0-100 nga real quick

What are you guys talking about? Anyone in So Cal wanna detail my AW?

I have a brand new bottle of Menzerma [sp?] from last year when I had my GTR. Is that stuff any good? Can anyone use it here?

Drive to FL. I'll help....for $1,000.

[Tony007]

Originally Posted by Money2536

As a single step, I prefer to use SF4000 with medium stiffness polishing pad. I use Detailer's Domain green pad. Reduce pressure as you make each successive pass. I use SF4500 as a follow-up to FG400.

I've been using Menzerna 4000 & 4500 for about the past 10 years. This past year I was turned on to HD Polish by HDcarcare.com As a final finish polishing product I haven't used anything better. Work it in really really slow on a high speed DA polisher for best results and watch the magic.

For best jeweling results I suggest the butter soft gold jeweling pads. They're the softest jeweling foam pads on the market.

http://www.autogeek.net/gold-da-pad.html

All I polish is black.. Never gone back to Menzerna since.

[cctm4me]

Originally Posted by Money2536

Drive to FL. I'll help....for $1,000.

I'm local...wanna help me for free I am so bad at this stuff it's crazy. The only thing I am good at is staying away from mobile gas station car washes and BMW complimentary car washes.

[IMMLaw]

I paid $750 to have CQuartz Finest on my car. No regrets. It's gorgeous!

[Money2536]

Originally Posted by cctm4me

I'm local...wanna help me for free I am so bad at this stuff it's crazy. The only thing I am good at is staying away from mobile gas station car washes and BMW complimentary car washes.

Shoot me a PM if you want to come up and dial your paint in. I'd be happy to help. Are you going to Ultimate Auto Cars and Coffee tomorrow? I'll be there.

[cctm4me]

Originally Posted by Money2536

Shoot me a PM if you want to come up and dial your paint in. I'd be happy to help. Are you going to Ultimate Auto Cars and Coffee tomorrow? I'll be there.

That is really kind of you for sure. Unfortunately, I am in testing mode all weekend for launch of a new version of a site I manage, so no fun car activities for me. I will PM you later next week when I slow down a bit.

[Detailers Domain]

you can always try both, get a couple parts of the car in Desire and in PNS and try it out.

after PNS is cured you can top it if you like, I have heard some waxes will decrease the durability of PNS.