Any car detailing buffs in here?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 293
Likes: 24
From: Toronto
C63
Any car detailing buffs in here?
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
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
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: California
C63
Would you loook at that!!!Nice job!
Looks good....looks real good. Just look at it....just look at it....would you look at it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF8GhC-T_Mo
Looks good....looks real good. Just look at it....just look at it....would you look at it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF8GhC-T_Mo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,021
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From: Massachusetts
'14 911S (garage queen) '13 X3 (family hauler)
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) 
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)
Last edited by black-clk500; May 21, 2013 at 11:31 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,610
Likes: 46
2012 C63 AMG Sedan
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)
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) 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.
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,288
Likes: 9
From: Canada
2014 E63S Wagon
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.
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
2009 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.
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.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 293
Likes: 24
From: Toronto
C63
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.
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Walnut Creek, CA
Vivid Racing '09 C63 AMG
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.
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 261
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Diamond White C63 coupe + PP
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
Perry
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 961
Likes: 16
Audi A5 6MT, C63 AMG
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,021
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From: Massachusetts
'14 911S (garage queen) '13 X3 (family hauler)
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!!
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!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,610
Likes: 46
2012 C63 AMG Sedan
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!!
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!!
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 6
E55 amg
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.
How are u guys keeping them away ? Two bucket method ? I would hate to spend all that money just to have them come back.
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 4
From: ChiTown
06 Carrera4
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.
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.
