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Best wax/polish for Winter Grey?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by PriusRos, Aug 30, 2009.

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  1. PriusRos

    PriusRos A Fairly Senior Member - 2016 Prius Owner

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    I've decided to go with the Zaino since I have a lot of it still.

    Okay to use on trim?
     
    #21 PriusRos, Sep 20, 2009
  2. SW03ES

    SW03ES Senior Member

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    The Zaino shouldn't hurt the trim.

    Thats why I don't like Zaino though...too much drama...much of which is probably hype.
     
    #22 SW03ES, Sep 20, 2009
  3. yadax3

    yadax3 Member

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    I've always used Nu-Finish. You can't beat the combination of price, ease of use, and results. And you can buy it just about anywhere auto products are sold.

    http://www.amazon.com/Nu-Finish-Liquid-Car-Polish/dp/B000BPSW7C
     
    #23 yadax3, Sep 20, 2009
  4. SW03ES

    SW03ES Senior Member

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    Ehhhh...NuFinish has a lot of abrasive cleaners in it, stains trim, and is in general a lot harder to work with than a lot of other more modern products out there...certainly not in the same class as Zaino.
     
    #24 SW03ES, Sep 20, 2009
  5. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    If it gets on the black trim around the windshield wipers etc, it will not leave white residue but I wouldn't intentionally put it on there... No reason to.

    It also is great to use on the wheel covers, rims etc.
     
    #25 Paradox, Sep 20, 2009
  6. yadax3

    yadax3 Member

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    Wow, that's harsh. I guess I must be easy to please. ;)
     
    #26 yadax3, Sep 20, 2009
  7. PriusRos

    PriusRos A Fairly Senior Member - 2016 Prius Owner

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    Thanks - I was wondering about the wheel covers. What would be better to use on the trim, then?
     
    #27 PriusRos, Sep 20, 2009
  8. SW03ES

    SW03ES Senior Member

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    Its the truth though. Try some other good products. I've used a lot of products over the years, both professionally and personally including NuFinish, and IMHO NuFinish doesn't belong on a modern vehicle. I'd call it pretty nasty actually.

    If you like NuFinish and you are an over the counter cleaner wax kind of guy try Meguiar's NXT or Eagle One's Nanowax line.
     
    #28 SW03ES, Sep 20, 2009
  9. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    As long as trim you just mean the black plastic around the wiper blades at the base of the windshield, the black on the b pillars between the front and rear doors etc I use the vinyl and rubber dressing griotsgarage sells. Apply, let it sit a few minutes and then you can wipe it a but with a microfiber if it didn't 'soak in' which it should. You don't put it on heavy, jut spray on an applicator pad and rub in. The vinyl and rubber dressing is great on the tires and dash as well if you want to use it there as well. It will not be greasy or lead to dash cracking like armor all will...
     
    #29 Paradox, Sep 20, 2009
  10. PriusRos

    PriusRos A Fairly Senior Member - 2016 Prius Owner

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    Yes, that's what I mean. But is there anything I can buy from a regular auto supply store or department store, since I don't want to have to order it and wait?
     
    #30 PriusRos, Sep 20, 2009
  11. SW03ES

    SW03ES Senior Member

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    Armor All is way too greasy for a dash I agree, but it won't contribute to dash cracking. They changed the formulation years ago and its a water based dressing that won't harm the dash should someone want to use it.

    I actually use plain ol Armor All on tires, looks good and its cheap.
     
    #31 SW03ES, Sep 20, 2009
  12. yadax3

    yadax3 Member

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    Actually, I'm not any kind of 'guy' and I was just offering an opinion - not looking for advice. Thanks but I think I'll stick with the 'nasty' product that has served me so well.
     
    #32 yadax3, Sep 20, 2009
  13. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Meguiars products have always been a quality stand in, and this one has gotten good reviews. I have not used it, but I have had friends say it doesn't leave the typical armor all greasy feel behind.

    Meguiar's Direct Quik Detailer Interior
     
    #33 Paradox, Sep 20, 2009
  14. Jon S

    Jon S Member

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    Priusros,
    Here are some pictures of my wife's Lexus ES350 in Winter Gray Metallic. It is finished with Zaino Z-5 Pro and Zaino Clear Seal.... BTW< Zaino AIO should not be layered as it removes any previous Zaino coats. AIO can be used as a base coat with Z-5/Z-2 following....
     

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    #34 Jon S, Sep 20, 2009
  15. Bobsprius

    Bobsprius BobPrius

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    Pics are great! That Zaino stuff sounds like I should give it a try on the new Prius in Winter Grey as well....I bet it would look outstanding. Any special application tricks? Car is 4 weeks old?
     
    #35 Bobsprius, Sep 20, 2009
  16. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    I've mentioned in a few threads how to apply it to a vehicle for the first time but here's Zaino's page on the application process:

    Application: Zaino Store

    Some say it sounds tricky and difficult but it really isn't. Other here have tried it for the first time on their 2010 and I think most if not all have been satisfied. On dark colors use Z5 and light colors use Z2. It is recommended that Z2 always be the last coat applied though...
     
    #36 Paradox, Sep 20, 2009
  17. Bobsprius

    Bobsprius BobPrius

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    Thanks again! I would think since it's only about 4 weeks I should not need any clay bar, so far things are perfectly smooth.
    Appreciate it. And now saved the instructions! ;)
     
    #37 Bobsprius, Sep 20, 2009
  18. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Not a problem Bob, but don't rule out claying a vehicle only because it is 4 weeks old. Many people recommend claying a vehicle after taking delivery because of rail dust and other contaminants which can be on the surface of the paint. Even something like tree sap can be on your paint. Zaino is only a sealant, it has no polish/cleaners in it, so if not properly prepped, your just sealing stuff in under it. Honestly, it sounds like a pain, but once the car is washed and you rinse it off don't dry it. Just mix up some car wash concentrate in a spray bottle with water and mist it on the wet body of the car and begin claying. Then rewash the car real quick once done. Do all this out of the sun... I can clay the whole car in 15 minutes doing it like this.
     
    #38 Paradox, Sep 20, 2009
  19. PriusRos

    PriusRos A Fairly Senior Member - 2016 Prius Owner

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    Thanks for all your tips, Paradox.
     
    #39 PriusRos, Sep 20, 2009
  20. PriusRos

    PriusRos A Fairly Senior Member - 2016 Prius Owner

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    Nice pictures.

    I didn't realize about not layering AIO and I think that's the mistake I made with my silver Gen II. I had been using the Z2/Z5/Z6. Then a year or so later bought the AIO and Clear Seal and used that because I thought it would be faster. I wasn't particularly impressed with it because it didn't seem to be very durable.
     
    #40 PriusRos, Sep 20, 2009
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