tuffcalc

Anyone into car detailing here?

I've been a Zaino guy for years... and just discovered optimum products. The result is (in my opinion) as good as Zaino in about a third of the time. I was able to wash, dry and wax two cars in about 30 minutes.

Here is a lousy iPhone picture of my c63 and my wife's glk. It's hard to tell but the shine is great. Almost on par with a Zaino Z5 detailing which would take me at least an hour from wash to wax.

I used:

- Optimum No Rinse Wash & Wax
- While drying I sprayed with Optimum Car Wax
- Sonax Wheel Cleaner
- Optimum Opti-bond on the tires

ZephyrAMG

Nice job!

Looks good....looks real good. Just look at it....just look at it....would you look at it?

Ekort

Would you loook at that!!!

black-clk500

I'm a huge detailing FREAK and have been for a long, long time.
That said, it takes me over 30 mins just to setup (not even joking)!

Zaino is good sheeet, but I only use their Z6 spray (& Z8 Grand Finale too). Plus, I use their Z-CS with Q-tips to get in the panel gaps, under the lights, around the rear window, etc. It's my own trick--it cleans up those ugly areas that are hard to reach and can't be sealed properly with a wax or sealant. My car is black so every little crevice needs to be clean and perfect to have a proper look!

I usually spend 3-4hrs for a "simple" wash and dry and quick detail w/ touch up on polish/sealant (certain areas like the front end, mirrors, etc). Doing a whole car polish and "wax" adds another 4-5 hrs and lets not forget our PITA exhaust tips--that usually takes me another 30-45mins.

Now granted, when my car is done, you could eat off it (if you like the taste of Z6 spray, of course).

Good for you for cleaning your cars in 30mins, it's a lot better than all the car wash guys on here I save the touchless carwash for my wife's BMW! (BMW's are just cars)

SaphGreyC63

That's what I was thinking. When he said 30 mins for two cars I was like I wish I could do that.

I'm not as crazy as you blackclk, but a normal exterior wash takes me about an hour to an hour fifteen these days. The opticoat really helped speed that process up. Used to spend a good two hours everytime on it.

noodleman

i had the opticoat applied on my car, so i no longer wax my car. That's a huge time saver for me haha.

I use chemical guys car soap on my car, it foams very well and smells nice.

I use to be a zaino nut too! I still use their Z6 QD and the Z10 Leather conditioner. I liked the Z16 tire shine as well, but right now I'm giving the Wolfgang Black Diamond Tire gel a try.

I find the Sonax stuff unnecessary for our wheels, provided that you already wash them on a regular basis. It's pricey stuff and to me it's only worth it if you have years of baked on crap you need to take off.

For the exhaust tips i've been using NEVRDULL wadding with great results. I give them a wipe when i'm washing my car but after a while there's still build up and the wadding takes them off quite easily.

Washing my car takes me about an hour now.

SF_C63

I use the Optimum Wash + Wax solution. It's fantastic; it works great on the windows as well and with two large waffle weave towels I can knock out washing the car super fast.

Still slightly strugglign on what kind of wheel cleaner to consistently use; I currently use Sonax but at $16 it's a bit expensive and only good for a couple of washes.

tuffcalc

I've been topping my Optimum Car Wax with Z8. It looks amazing! I've been hearing that Aquawax is a cheaper alternative to Z8. Might give that a go...

tuffcalc

It might not be spot on 30 minutes, but it is pretty close. The Optimum Wash n' Wax pretty much gets rid of the drying stage as you can dry/wax/instant detail at the same time.

CoolBDPhenom03

I also have my car treated with Opticoat. I just go to a $5 self wash stall, put on the soap spray and rinse. I could be done in about 5 minutes, but I do 10 if I really need a good clean. I also just use the brush for any gunk on the front bumper and the tires.

Microfiber towels to dry, Invisible Glass if the windows need some love and Meguiars quick detailer if there's any additional residue on the car after the wash. Taking my time, I'm done in about an hour.

Living in a condo has its challenges and I wish I were allowed to use the hose at the loading dock to do it myself by hand, but technically, I'm not supposed to.

pcho

I am also a Zaino fan for over 10 years. I spend about 3-4 hours each sat morning to wash my cars. If I polish them it means all day job. I think Zaino was one of the first few synthetic polishes but now I think they are all pretty good. It is just what you are use too.
Perry

Sidv22

mine takes around 2 hours for wash, dry and detail spray coat. Additional 1 hour for cleaning leather seats with leather conditioner, interior with interior cleaner and vacuuming entire interior. my black audi takes much more time.

black-clk500

The only two wheel cleaners I use are Sonax and p21s.
I bought the huge jug of Sonax and I refill a couple of Sonax bottles every so often.
It is pricey by the bottle, but the refill jug makes it less so.
I use a bucket full of wands and scrubbers for the wheels, so I'm sure using Sonax is overkill for me, but I LOVE overkill!! LOL

I've tried just about every hyped car care product and I have my favorites and a huge locker full of products! I have a problem!!

CoolBDPhenom03

What do you guys use on satin wheels?

SaphGreyC63

I've been on the fence recently about getting a "wheel cleaner" and here's why. What benefits does a wheel cleaner afford me? I guess what I'm saying is that my wheels look brand new after a wash. What MORE will the wheel cleaner do?

dchl21

1.5 hour just to wash and dry and tire shine. lol

AMG E Power

U guys with black cars every do a paint correction ? I want to but , it seems that wheN I get my car wash (once a wEEK) by hand it still gets RIDS Random isolated deeper scratches !
How are u guys keeping them away ? Two bucket method ? I would hate to spend all that money just to have them come back.

noXor

I use a foam gun on my obsidian black, with a sheeps wool mitt. Works really well to not get scratches. Plus seal and wax monthly.

malahhaor

Im glad i came across this post. I dont have a garage and when i go to work i park in an area that leaves a layer of dust on the car each day. Looked at the Optimum products and eager to try them. I stopped using Zano due to time availability and car deteriorated.
Hoping no rinse wash and poli seal from Optimum will help speed up the process.

Those who used it, do you think i can get away with Polish and Wax in one? Or should i do separate products?
Thanks guys.

Karl901

Anyone try GTECHNIQ PRODUCTS, the stuff is not a wax, it fantastic !