STI Forum  |  Shop  |  Sponsors  |  Advertise Rules  |  FAQ  |  Members List  |  Calendar
IWSTI.com: Subaru STI Forum
 
Home  |  Register  |  Today's Posts  |  Go Premium Mark Forums Read Create a Member Journal  |  Vendor Deals  |  Member Classifieds

New IWSTI license plate promotion!PLEASE VOTE/RESPOND TO THIS THREAD!Special Order 2008+ IWSTI Gear!

Welcome to IWSTI.com, the largest STI specific forum on the internet, where you can interact with other STI enthusiasts, create a member journal, and receive answers to your questions. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free, so please register today to start enjoying IWSTI membership privileges! Problem registering? Please contact support.
Go Back   IWSTI.com: Subaru STI Forum > Owners' Lounge > Detailing & Car Care


Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 05-18-2005, 07:58 AM   #16
S204 Racer
 
Car: 06 IX MR
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 3,667
Join Date: Mar 2002
Trader Rating: (12)
Send a message via MSN to 91TB78 Send a message via Yahoo to 91TB78
Default

zaino..smaino!!

I agree with Mkiv....I use the Klasse products and they are awesome! Not only are they super easy to use, but they last. Water continues to bead up on my glass and car even after months. Another good thing about Klasse is you don't have to worry about it accidently getting on a black piece of trim and worrying that it will stain it white. I use the Klasse with microfiber cloths....very good combo imho.

Check out. www.properautocare.com


This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.
91TB78 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-2005, 12:29 PM   #17
Moderator Elite
 
Car: 04 Subaru WRX STi, W
Fav Mod: KartBoy SS & Bushings
Location: Illinois
Posts: 8,745
Join Date: Jan 2001
Trader Rating: (0)
Send a message via AIM to MKIVSupra Send a message via Yahoo to MKIVSupra Send a message via Skype™ to MKIVSupra
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by KarlSTI
MKIV, thanks for the tip. What brand of carnauba do you use?

I just found out that my car will not arrive from Japan until end of June.....DOH! So, I think I'll go buy these products and try them out on my wife's Acura this weekend.....That way if I screw it up, hey, at least it's not on the STI!!!
I have been using Pinnacle Souveran carnauba wax, but that stuff is around $70 a can. I got a half price deal so I figured I would see if it's as good as they say. One thing though, I bought this can a few years ago and have still not used it up so even though it is expensive, you get a lot of uses out of it. I like it a lot and even use it on my Supra over Zaino. I tired it once for shats and giggles on my Supra since they say it is so good on black, and really liked the result. Prior to that I was using Zaino so it's kind of like using it over Klasse since Zaino is a synthetic product also. After I use the Pinnacle stuff up I might try P21S that I have heard good things about and it is a lot cheaper than Pinnacle Souveran.
MKIVSupra is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-2005, 04:32 PM   #18
Titanium Member
 
Fav Mod: Bill
Location: Neptune Bch, FL
Posts: 4,200
Join Date: Mar 2005
Trader Rating: (1)
Default

So I swing by the local Autozone today to buy all the goodies and "NO KLASSE". Please tell me I can buy this without doing the mail order thing.......I will if I have to but I'd like to buy this stuff locally if possible.

Thanks for all the input on this incredibly important topic. As Bruce has suggested, I will be getting your input on laundry secrets next.....uh, no.
KarlSTI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-2005, 05:11 PM   #19
Muller Chevrolet
 
Fav Mod: a new 08 STi
Location: Milford, NJ
Posts: 10,010
Join Date: Oct 2004
Trader Rating: (11)
Send a message via AIM to VSGTS14
Default

from being a car detailer, claybarring and polishing right away isn't something i would agree on doing.
VSGTS14 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-2005, 06:04 PM   #20
Junior STI Driver
 
Car: Driving my STI.
Fav Mod: Subaru salesman:)
Location: NE PA
Posts: 76
Join Date: Apr 2005
Trader Rating: (0)
Default

Zaino is the best hands down. Of course if you don't have a budget and have all the time in the world that is. But still the best.
heavyweightboxer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2005, 12:14 PM   #21
Moderator Elite
 
Car: 04 Subaru WRX STi, W
Fav Mod: KartBoy SS & Bushings
Location: Illinois
Posts: 8,745
Join Date: Jan 2001
Trader Rating: (0)
Send a message via AIM to MKIVSupra Send a message via Yahoo to MKIVSupra Send a message via Skype™ to MKIVSupra
Default

It does not hurt to clay bar or use a polish on a new car. Wash and dry a new car and run your fingers over the surface... if you feel little bumps then it could use a clay bar. Most new cars will have this. Then look at the finish, even on a new car... see any light scratches or swirls? If so, it could use a polish. I would not go to town but giving it a polish by hand would not hurt. Now a freshly painted car is a different story.

I just re-read my above post about what I did right after I got my STi. I actually did not do #5 on my list till the detail of the following spring, a year after I got it. I did use 3M swirl remover though and applied it by hand before the clear bra was put on.

As far as Klasse, I have never seen it in a store.

Last edited by MKIVSupra : 05-22-2005 at 12:16 PM.
MKIVSupra is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2005, 07:09 PM   #22
Spec C Club
 
Car: 04 Focus SVT
Location: Clermont, FL
Posts: 1,473
Join Date: Apr 2005
Trader Rating: (1)
Default

I just used Rejex for the first time, initial impressions are very nice. We'll see how easy it is to clean with future washings and how durable the finish is.
shftat6 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-23-2005, 08:32 AM   #23
Titanium Member
 
Fav Mod: Bill
Location: Neptune Bch, FL
Posts: 4,200
Join Date: Mar 2005
Trader Rating: (1)
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MKIVSupra
It does not hurt to clay bar or use a polish on a new car. Wash and dry a new car and run your fingers over the surface... if you feel little bumps then it could use a clay bar. Most new cars will have this. Then look at the finish, even on a new car... see any light scratches or swirls? If so, it could use a polish. I would not go to town but giving it a polish by hand would not hurt. Now a freshly painted car is a different story.

I just re-read my above post about what I did right after I got my STi. I actually did not do #5 on my list till the detail of the following spring, a year after I got it. I did use 3M swirl remover though and applied it by hand before the clear bra was put on.

As far as Klasse, I have never seen it in a store.


I'll ask the dealership on this as well. Seems like there ought to be plenty of time for the paint to cure during the boat ride over from Japan! Anyway, I'll skip the clay bar if I can't feel the lumps. I now the online Klasse info indicates the product is fine on new car paint.

With regards to Rejex, people on other threads indicate it really helps on the wheel cleaning....considering the stock pads seem to make a mess. I wonder if Klasse would help nearly as much?

Hmmmmmm, now to find the best place to order the dang stuff.
KarlSTI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-23-2005, 10:03 AM   #24
Super Moderator
 
Car: 08 DGM STI
Fav Mod: My wife :)
Location: Brooklin, Ontario
Posts: 5,542
Join Date: Oct 2003
Trader Rating: (0)
Default

The big thing about Zaino is that it lasts. My detailer showed me a car cleaning product shootout from a mag called "Guru" (or something like that). Out of 50 some odd waxes and polishing products, Zaino took first place. It lasts longer, protects better, and gives a better shine (when applied correctly) than anything else out there. I also like the idea of having a polymer-based wax over a Carnuba solution. Polymer waxes aren't affected by heat as much, last longer, and can be used regularly without creating tons of microscratches; many Carnuba waxes are ever-so-slightly gritty.

You only really need two Zaino products: Z2 Pro (polish) and Z8 (detail spray.) I do buy the wash and Z6 as well. Z6 is great for quick touch-ups and Z8 is mind-blowing for doing detail work. Z2 Pro is also a great improvement over the original Z2, which was harder to apply, took longer to buffer off, and didn't last as long.

Typically, two coats of Zaino seems to last about 2-4 months, depending on your climate. Mine lasts about 3 months.
Digitalfiend is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-23-2005, 10:48 AM   #25
Moderator Elite
 
Car: 04 Subaru WRX STi, W
Fav Mod: KartBoy SS & Bushings
Location: Illinois
Posts: 8,745
Join Date: Jan 2001
Trader Rating: (0)
Send a message via AIM to MKIVSupra Send a message via Yahoo to MKIVSupra Send a message via Skype™ to MKIVSupra
Default

I have that same issue... www.thewaxtest.com Zaino came out on top but Klasse was not far behind in regards to synthetic products. PS21 was the best carnauba. Overall it was Zaino 1, PS21 2, and Klasse 3. Which is also why I want to try PS21 next after I use up the Pinaccle stuff I have. You can't beat a synthetic for protection and durability which is why my base is Klass AIO and then a few coats of Klasse Sealant Glaze. A synthetic gives more shine than anything, some have described it as a sort of sterile bright shine, which can actually highlight scratches and swirls. On dark colors you want more color depth and liquidity not so much shine and this is where a carnauba works best, which is why I like a few coats of a carnauba over the top of a good synthetic. As far as carnauba waxes being gritty, the product I use is not and after multiple coats I see no scratches. I originally used Zaino on my black Supra and loved it. I was never able to test it's durability though cause my Supra is never driven in rain or snow and thus seldom needs washing. When I first heard about Klasse I got some to try on my daily driver where I was more concerned with durability and protection then how it made the car look. I was amazed at how long it lasted and it made the finish look good which is why I have stuck with it. I guess technically my Supra still has Zaino on it, I have just been applying a fresh coat of carnauba wax every spring. Either way, Zaino or Klasse, if you use either one your vehicle will look good.

Last edited by MKIVSupra : 05-23-2005 at 11:18 AM.
MKIVSupra is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-23-2005, 11:08 AM   #26
Moderator Elite
 
Car: 04 Subaru WRX STi, W
Fav Mod: KartBoy SS & Bushings
Location: Illinois
Posts: 8,745
Join Date: Jan 2001
Trader Rating: (0)
Send a message via AIM to MKIVSupra Send a message via Yahoo to MKIVSupra Send a message via Skype™ to MKIVSupra
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by KarlSTI
With regards to Rejex, people on other threads indicate it really helps on the wheel cleaning....considering the stock pads seem to make a mess. I wonder if Klasse would help nearly as much?

Hmmmmmm, now to find the best place to order the dang stuff.
I was going to try Rejex but decided to just stick with Klasse on my wheels. Every spring before I put my stock BBSs back on I coat the entire wheel with a coat of Klasse AIO and then 3 coats of Sealant Glaze. Not sure if it is as good as Rejex but it helps.

I get my stuff from www.properautocare.com and www.autopia.org
Depending on the product one place is sometimes cheaper than the other. Both those sites also have good info and tips on detailing.
MKIVSupra is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2005, 04:32 AM   #27
Titanium Member
 
Fav Mod: Bill
Location: Neptune Bch, FL
Posts: 4,200
Join Date: Mar 2005
Trader Rating: (1)
Default

Cool. I ordered from properautocare and it arrived 2 days later. Time to wear my arm out on the wife's car......

Thanks for all the great input guys!!!


This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.
KarlSTI is offline   Reply With Quote
 
Reply


Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 06:34 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Designed & Powered by Domain Architect