I have never waxed a car. I would appreciate some advice on which way I should go.

I want to maintain a good appearance for my smoke silver SL500. I want long term paint protection from UV and contaminants.

I don't think the previous owners were into car detailing at all. I've had the car for 1 1/2 years and it was likely waxed at the dealership when we bought. Maybe at the annual maintenance. But nothing since. Just hand washing.

We drive for day trips say three times a week. One of those days the car would sit outside my office for the day. Other wise it is an underground parking garage.

I would be happy to occasionally work on the polish. But in general the less time that I will have to work at keeping the system up the better. The more fool proof the system is the better.

I will be doing the work manually. No power buffing machines.

I would prefer to not have to tape up the black plastic parts.

Based on net research, recomendations from the salesman @ Canadian Tire and my own personal experience with their plastic cleaner and polish ... I have purchased the products for a Meguiars three step system. Deep Crystal System 1 Paint Cleaner, 2 Polish and (modified) 26 Hi-Tech Yellow Wax. I also bought Meguiars Quick Detailer.

I have opened nothing and can still return it if I change my mind.

I had read of Zaino. Did not see it in the stores I shoped at. I just found out Zaino products are ony sold via the internet. I found the Canadian distributor web site and did more investigations on this forum

I would concider buying Z1, Z2, Z5, Z6, Z7, Z12, Z18, ZFX and Leather in a Bottle.

As a newbie to car detailing ... which way should I go?

What would you recommend based on your experience?

I would go the zaino route. It's very easy to apply, and leaves a great, deep shine. The instructions on the Zaino Website are pretty clear and straight forward.

The stickies at the top of the forum are also a great source of "how to" information.

revstriker

Thanks for the link. I'll study up on that before making my decision.

I was hoping for more feedback from the detailing enthusiasts here.

If Ziano is so great, why do systems like Meguiar's manage to compete any longer?

Does Zaino dry white on plastic parts?

Can one mess up the Zaino application? How would one ever strip off a bothced up application?

Have been using it for years now and I love the system for the results and, for me, the ease of use.

It does not stain or leave residue. It can be done in a hurry or it can be done overnight by leaving it on for hours and it still comes off easy.

I find that the durability is my favorite thing though. An occasional wash and Z6 really bring things back in a hurry.

Others compete because Zaino is not mass-market and even if it was some would see it as 'snake-oil'. I became aware of it on the boards here and the 'vette' and porsche boards and that's why I gave it a shot. No regrets and I am enjoying the product.

Good Luck with the choice,

JR