DFWdude

My stash of Zaino has dried up after all these years. I want to apply a great finish (like Zaino) to my 2016 E350. But I'm keeping my eyes open for newer or easier to apply products. Opinions requested, please.

larrypmyers

When I'm shopping for car car products I generally go to the website, " Autogeek". The selection is huge, containing numerous high end products used by professionals.

That said, Zaino at one time was my favorite, used exclusively for many years.

VegasE

For the past several years, Consumer Reports rates NuFinish paste as the # 1 wax. It lasts far longer than any other and is low abrasion. Other top waxes, though not quite as good is NuFinish liquid and most of the Maquire products. Zaino is now just average.

abqhudson

IMO Zaino would no longer be at the top of the list.
However, the newer-better coatings are not super easy to apply.
If you are willing to do a bit of work in preparing the car finish - polish to remove swirls and other imperfections. The newer Quartz coatings like Car Pro C Quartz are wonderful.

I'm doing my convertible as we speak - just spreading it out over a few days. At 80, I tire easily.

Ariesfamous

That's awesome you're still enjoying a good day in the garage
I hope at 80 I'm still tearing into my cars, doing things like that.
I'm also doing my own ceramic coat as well, but I'm half your age.
Kudos my man.

Mud

Lots of decent products and tons of opinions Just basic exterior and interior care is what I do.
I like to use a fine grade claybar once a year on my vehicles followed by either Collinite 845 or NuFinish. My MB got the Collinite and our truck got the. NuFinish. I think the NF lasts longer but both give a nice gloss finish as far as I'm concerned. Sometimes I'll rewax after 6 months but both are vehicles are garaged at home so finishes generally last longer for me.
Curious about the ceramic finishes though.

DFWdude

Well, the Zaino is tedious to apply, but it will last for years. On my previous MB, I'd say the shine and water beading is good to go for 5-years, at least (my cars are always garaged). That's why I have so much left over...

E250_92101

I'm about to start experimenting with ceramic coatings. I bought couple bottles a while back (one for paint and another for exterior plastics) and was going to coat my E250 with them, but I just picked up a 2004 Volvo convertible with 19K miles so I'm going to practice on that first before moving to the Mercedes.

I've been ordering my cleaners, sealers, polishes etc from Detailed Image for years. They have a pretty good blog that features articles, product reviews, and comparisons written by professional detailers. Quite a bit of info ceramic coatings and how to apply them. https://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-Pro/ I am in no way associated with them... Just a happy customer.

Buffalo MB

I just picked up Black Fire Wet-Ice Over Fire kit from Autogeek (Palm Beach Motoring Group). They seem to have a sale every weekend so just keep an eye out for when they have 20-30% off. I probably won't do the full detail until the end of the month, but I'll be sure to post pics.

belarus27

Who uses what tools/machines? I been using my orbital polisher , but time to upgrade i think even thos its been working okay.
any inexpensive suggestions?

Buffalo MB

I ordered Griots Garage 6 inch Random Orbital, but it's on back order right now. This will be my first experience using a polisher. I'm hoping to achieve better results with less effort. What do you have now?

KEY08

I have been using Turtle wax ICE liquid. Yeah, I know. I have spent hundreds of dollars on products in the past and quite frankly I'm not spending big money on waxes anymore that take hours to apply. I do clay and take care of my paint, but I want to be done with wax in an hour.

E250_92101

Another thumbs up for the Turle wax's ICE products... They are super easy and quick to apply and can be used not only on paint, but glass and plastics too. Both the detailer and the wax are quite good and leave a great shine with minimal effort.

KEY08

larrypmyers

I buy car products at the same rate my wife buys beauty products.

Have reached the point my locker has reached capacity. When I get something new have to select something to discard. Not easy.

DFWdude

I really would like to discuss Zaino products. So far, I've not read anything to indicate it is better than Zaino (criteria below). Reapplying any shine every 6- months is nowhere on my agenda. Zaino lasts for years.

Has anyone else here used Zaino like me? And what do you like about it?

Shine?
Durability?
Water beading?
Application procedure?

Buffalo MB

I think Duragloss is a similar product to Zaino for less money that is well reviewed. I used it on my VW and was very happy with the first three except the application process was longer. I didn't mind too much because I only did it twice a year, spring and fall. I sold my car at 6 years/99,xxx miles and the paint still looked great. I would give that a look if you are interested in a good sealant/wax.