Black GT500, what are you using?

[SLB8SNK]

Ok, here is what it comes down to, Black is one of the hardest colors to keep clean and scratch free. I have seen posts here with everyones favorite wax or polish, but to be honest, most will do the job, on light colors. But what about BLACK?

 

So, if you have a black car, what are you using? did you clay bar first? and how does it look?

[SLB8SNK]

So after searching the last few hours it comes down to Zaino or ICE... and to be honest it looks like the ICE users got it! Now I just want to know how it works on the darker cars. I know Grabber and Shelbydude have good luck with it. Anyone with BLACK?

[lawdude]

So after searching the last few hours it comes down to Zaino or ICE... and to be honest it looks like the ICE users got it! Now I just want to know how it works on the darker cars. I know Grabber and Shelbydude have good luck with it. Anyone with BLACK?

I've been using Klasse for years, but This Zaino Product looks good.

[SLB8SNK]

I've been using Klasse for years, but This Zaino Product looks good.

Never heard of the Klasse product? I agree with the Zanio, just have an issue with mail order only products. If they are that good why not allow the masses to buy? Not saying it is not good, but surely with all the products out there, there has to be just as good if not better, and ICE seems to be just one product for much cheaper. Anyways, thanks!

[aobrien]

I have used Zaino and have been happy. May try Ice on another car to compare.

[ColdwaterHotrod]

Dan,

 

where are located in Michigan? Maybe we can meet part way & you can try the Meguires Clay Bar & polish system on a small spot of you car & then decide before you put the car away for winter

[mastersmech1]

Zaino Head, here... :happy feet:

[SLB8SNK]

Dan,

 

where are located in Michigan? Maybe we can meet part way & you can try the Meguires Clay Bar & polish system on a small spot of you car & then decide before you put the car away for winter

I am directly across from you, other shore, south of Detroit about 25 miles, small island! Anyways, I agree with the Zaino and Meguires. Another thing that sort of has me sold thus far on the ICE is that you can use it on the black plastic, wheels, rims, almost anything on the car, unlike traditional waxes. My brother in law has a Fararri in black and uses the NXT wax and swears by it, and his car looks great. But with all the plastic on our cars, and rubber and such, if I can get a synthetic that will work on all, will cut down on the BS involved and maybe I will do it more often. Just my thoughts thus far.

[Alloy Dave]

Never heard of the Klasse product? I agree with the Zanio, just have an issue with mail order only products. If they are that good why not allow the masses to buy? Not saying it is not good, but surely with all the products out there, there has to be just as good if not better, and ICE seems to be just one product for much cheaper. Anyways, thanks!

The masses CAN buy through mail order. The audience is selective, and the cost you must pay to the middleman is high. Think Dell....they have the same model. Think Tupperware. Think Snap-On. All three of these have the highest quality in their respective products, yet none of them is sold at the big box stores.

[SLB8SNK]

The masses CAN buy through mail order. The audience is selective, and the cost you must pay to the middleman is high. Think Dell....they have the same model. Think Tupperware. Think Snap-On. All three of these have the highest quality in their respective products, yet none of them is sold at the big box stores.

Well almost, there are Dell stores (By the way, being in the biz, they suck) and Snap On comes to your door if you are in the business (I see the truck at my brothers shop), and Tupperware can be bought almost anywhere now..... so you see, they do sell to the masses more or less. Again, not knocking the stuff, and like I said I think it is a high end product, but for what appears to be little if any difference, more cost, and issues with there it can be applied, I think right now I am heading toward the ICE. Again, I need more input from those using it on Black to totally solidify it for me.!

[ColdwaterHotrod]

meguires claybar & liquid NXT is the way to go & it will work on plastic too

[Secondo]

Just had my black GT lightly buffed (its an '05) and it looks like new again. The best wax I've ever used is 'Zymol.' After you're done waxing the car you wet it, wipe it dry and it looks even better. I also use Griots Speed Shine and Simoniz Liquid Diamond polish between waxes and the car looks like it's dripping wet!!

[SLB8SNK]

Just had my black GT lightly buffed (its an '05) and it looks like new again. The best wax I've ever used is 'Zymol.' After you're done waxing the car you wet it, wipe it dry and it looks even better. I also use Griots Speed Shine and Simoniz Liquid Diamond polish between waxes and the car looks like it's dripping wet!!

Thanks Secondo, and that is pretty strange as Consumer Reports rates all of those products fair to low in the pack? Just goes to show, I think a lot of this is the color of car, the person taking the proper time, and most of all using the product as directed.

 

This is the feedback that makes a diffrerence.... we need to hear from those with Black cars, and more so or just as important, NEW cars because there is less oxidation and junk in or on the paint. I think a lot of other products do a god job at restoring the shine, but I am looking to keep/maintain the shine. Not like you are going to get a mass improvement from a new paint job!

 

Thanks and keep it coming.

[lawdude]

I am directly across from you, other shore, south of Detroit about 25 miles, small island! Anyways, I agree with the Zaino and Meguires. Another thing that sort of has me sold thus far on the ICE is that you can use it on the black plastic, wheels, rims, almost anything on the car, unlike traditional waxes. My brother in law has a Fararri in black and uses the NXT wax and swears by it, and his car looks great. But with all the plastic on our cars, and rubber and such, if I can get a synthetic that will work on all, will cut down on the BS involved and maybe I will do it more often. Just my thoughts thus far.

The Zaino product I linked to is new and is a one-step product. Looks like you can use it on just about anything you can use ICE on:

 

Zaino is pioneering the industry with Z-CS, a self curing transparent sealer that doesn't require any buffing or final wiping. Z-CS dries clean and without residue. Use Z-CS on paint, glass, wheels, plastic, or trim for the protection, durability, slickness, and gloss that Zaino is most popular for. All surfaces are protected against potentially damaging exposure to sun or ultra-violet light with our best UV inhibitors.

 

For up to 9 months protection, use Z-CS to top coat Zaino Show Car Polish protectants, or use Z-CS by itself. You can even use Z-CS as a top coat to add high-gloss and improved durability to ANY other manufacturer's product. Z-CS extends the gloss and durability of any previously applied products. Z-CS should never be applied over uncured waxes.

 

<added> I've never used Zaino products before. I've always used Klasse. But this one step, no buffing Zaino product got my attention. I'll probably try it when I run out of my Klasse products. </added>

[SLB8SNK]

The Zaino product I linked to is new and is a one-step product. Looks like you can use it on just about anything you can use ICE on:

 

Zaino is pioneering the industry with Z-CS, a self curing transparent sealer that doesn't require any buffing or final wiping. Z-CS dries clean and without residue. Use Z-CS on paint, glass, wheels, plastic, or trim for the protection, durability, slickness, and gloss that Zaino is most popular for. All surfaces are protected against potentially damaging exposure to sun or ultra-violet light with our best UV inhibitors.

 

For up to 9 months protection, use Z-CS to top coat Zaino Show Car Polish protectants, or use Z-CS by itself. You can even use Z-CS as a top coat to add high-gloss and improved durability to ANY other manufacturer's product. Z-CS extends the gloss and durability of any previously applied products. Z-CS should never be applied over uncured waxes.

 

<added> I've never used Zaino products before. I've always used Klasse. But this one step, no buffing Zaino product got my attention. I'll probably try it when I run out of my Klasse products. </added>

Hum this sounds just like the ICE, which is probably cheaper and you can get it almost any store. I have to believe, with TW being the industry leader for over 60 years, these guys have to have a good product~! Keep the comments coming guys, more so the black cars.... THus far I have been surfing up a lot of good reviews on the ICE. THose that do not like it, sounded to me like they did not use it correctly. Oh well, the search continues, I am out of town most the week and will have to make up my mind nby next weekend!!

[ingram4868]

Any product with the word polish has an abrasive component however mild. Wax or polymer products do not. On a black car I feel it is important to stay away from all polishes. Using a claybar a couple of times each year will remove surface gunk.

 

I also use the best microfiber towels I could find. One small one to wash and two large ones for drying. Check dftowel.com and read their product care section. I also use Zaino but any quality wax with a UV rating will do.

[SLB8SNK]

Any product with the word polish has an abrasive component however mild. Wax or polymer products do not. On a black car I feel it is important to stay away from all polishes. Using a claybar a couple of times each year will remove surface gunk.

 

I also use the best microfiber towels I could find. One small one to wash and two large ones for drying. Check dftowel.com and read their product care section. I also use Zaino but any quality wax with a UV rating will do.

Thanks, and just an FYI, and something I learned in my research thus far, the words POLISH and WAX are interchangeable these days. Makers of the products use the same terminology for the basic consumer. The ICE labeled a polish actually has no abrasive compounds at all, whereas many of today's so called waxes do! It takes a lot of research to weed through all the BS and word games, but bottom line it take someone using the products to make a believer out of me. Everyone has a fav, some work some do not, and some that do - will not on Black! The only way to move to a good product is by what we teach each other on this forum!

[bradenbb]

I am trying rejex and love it so far. An exotic car dealer here will use only that on their black cars. I just put mine on for the 1st time this weekend. I had some spirited driving and the brake dust was barely noticeable. I need a few more weeks of this to rate it but so far so good.

 

Several people I know swear by it so I am trying it.

[jduffy]

Ok, here is what it comes down to, Black is one of the hardest colors to keep clean and scratch free. I have seen posts here with everyones favorite wax or polish, but to be honest, most will do the job, on light colors. But what about BLACK?

 

So, if you have a black car, what are you using? did you clay bar first? and how does it look?

 

dans500,

 

I've been using ICE since I got the car in April and as you can see by my Avatar it's black. I think it works great and I use it exclusively except for some spot cleaning with Zymol. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

JD

[SLB8SNK]

dans500,

 

I've been using ICE since I got the car in April and as you can see by my Avatar it's black. I think it works great and I use it exclusively except for some spot cleaning with Zymol. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

JD

Thanks.... I am going to buy and try this weekend! Did you use the ICE liquid or paste?

[pythonman]

So after searching the last few hours it comes down to Zaino or ICE... and to be honest it looks like the ICE users got it! Now I just want to know how it works on the darker cars. I know Grabber and Shelbydude have good luck with it. Anyone with BLACK?

 

My car is black but not in yet so my friend just bought a brand new black expedition so we tried both the Ice and Zaino on his truck so I could choose which I wanted to use when my car comes in, [ now thats a friend]. In my opinon the Ice does a nice job and is much easier to apply but we are Shelby owners and we know great things anit always easy to come by. I will be useing the Zaino this week when my car comes in. it may just be that it I get a kick out of the effort going into getting that paint to shine but I think it popped better then the ice. My two cents.

[SLB8SNK]

My car is black but not in yet so my friend just bought a brand new black expedition so we tried both the Ice and Zaino on his truck so I could choose which I wanted to use when my car comes in, [ now thats a friend]. In my opinon the Ice does a nice job and is much easier to apply but we are Shelby owners and we know great things anit always easy to come by. I will be useing the Zaino this week when my car comes in. it may just be that it I get a kick out of the effort going into getting that paint to shine but I think it popped better then the ice. My two cents.

So you LIKED the ICE, but would rather work harder with Zaino to get the same shine?

[pythonman]

So you LIKED the ICE, but would rather work harder with Zaino to get the same shine?

No, ice to me was ok good average shine on the car and easy to work with on black. the full Zaino treatment looked to me to have the edge and the extra effort for me was well worth it. if you need a quick shine the ice is the way to go but put the two together as I did panel to panel on the same car and as I said I will be using zaino.

[gennyr1]

dans500,

 

Check out the Meguiar site. www.meguiars.com. Some great info there and on the forums. Great explanation of the difference between polish and wax. Basically, a true polish conditions the paint (including clear coats) where as a wax or sealant protects. Some products claim to do both and maybe they do.

 

Also, there's different types of polishes - ones that either just condition/polish, or ones that have some amount of abrasives that will remove imperfections - from very minor swirl marks to scratches/oxidation etc.

 

With a black car, you'll find that it's just about impossible to keep it perfectly scratch/swirl free, (true of any car, but most easily seen on black with modern clearcoats) so you'll likely want to polish out the swirls/fine scratches at some point.

 

I haven't used Zainos, but I hear good things about it. I use Meguiars and I really like their products. They take more time than an 'all-in-one' product, but they're not as time consuming as Zainos and all the coats that usually go with it. I've used Meguiars both by hand (polishes, NXT wax (synth), and carnauba) and with a DA polisher (machine glaze polishes, NXT, etc) and get great results every time (IMHO).

 

The most important thing I've found though is understanding what you're putting on the car and why. (condition vs. protect vs. correction) Most products everyone here recommends are going to give you a great look.

 

Also, take a look at autopia.com (or autopia-carcare.com). More great info on car detailing. From proper washing techniques/tools, to how to use DA polishers.

 

 

Good luck. The time you put into it is well worth it - black is awesome when well detailed.

 

Rob

[Black Sunshine]

I love the finished look of my ebony GT500 after TW ICE, but since it was my first time using a liquid, I put too much on initially and it took a while to remove excess and buff to a shine. I love the fact it doesn't leave white residue on the plastric trim. I may gve the Zaino a try though.

[SLB8SNK]

dans500,

 

Check out the Meguiar site. www.meguiars.com. Some great info there and on the forums. Great explanation of the difference between polish and wax. Basically, a true polish conditions the paint (including clear coats) where as a wax or sealant protects. Some products claim to do both and maybe they do.

 

Also, there's different types of polishes - ones that either just condition/polish, or ones that have some amount of abrasives that will remove imperfections - from very minor swirl marks to scratches/oxidation etc.

 

With a black car, you'll find that it's just about impossible to keep it perfectly scratch/swirl free, (true of any car, but most easily seen on black with modern clearcoats) so you'll likely want to polish out the swirls/fine scratches at some point.

 

I haven't used Zainos, but I hear good things about it. I use Meguiars and I really like their products. They take more time than an 'all-in-one' product, but they're not as time consuming as Zainos and all the coats that usually go with it. I've used Meguiars both by hand (polishes, NXT wax (synth), and carnauba) and with a DA polisher (machine glaze polishes, NXT, etc) and get great results every time (IMHO).

 

The most important thing I've found though is understanding what you're putting on the car and why. (condition vs. protect vs. correction) Most products everyone here recommends are going to give you a great look.

 

Also, take a look at autopia.com (or autopia-carcare.com). More great info on car detailing. From proper washing techniques/tools, to how to use DA polishers.

Good luck. The time you put into it is well worth it - black is awesome when well detailed.

 

Rob

 

Great feedback, thanks! I agree with all you are saying. I did look into the ICE as a polish and they state they have no abrasives. As stated on this thread earlier post, the terms polish and wax are interchangeable these days and the means blurred somewhat. I also agree with your logic on protection and polish. Bottom line, I think most of us (IMO) would prefer shine and clean as apposed to protection being that most of us will garage our cars, drive only in good weather, and not use as a daily driver! Oh yea, and keep it covered. So my logic is, I want something I can put on that shines, and cleans up some imperfections, and still has some protective properties. But I also want that done with little work as I already have limited time to drive the car and do not want to spend more time than needed to obtain the look. So far, even thought I realize NTX and Zaino are great products, I do not think there is enough of a difference to substantiate the work! I know guys will disagree, but the basis for my thread was to hear some proven wax/polish results on black. I think the users who use ICE are very happy!

[SLB8SNK]

I love the finished look of my ebony GT500 after TW ICE, but since it was my first time using a liquid, I put too much on initially and it took a while to remove excess and buff to a shine. I love the fact it doesn't leave white residue on the plastric trim. I may gve the Zaino a try though.

Common mistake as I understand it. I am glad you like it and it works for you on black... can't wait to try it. Did you use the ICE liquid or solid?

[gennyr1]

Great feedback, thanks! I agree with all you are saying. I did look into the ICE as a polish and they state they have no abrasives. As stated on this thread earlier post, the terms polish and wax are interchangeable these days and the means blurred somewhat. I also agree with your logic on protection and polish. Bottom line, I think most of us (IMO) would prefer shine and clean as apposed to protection being that most of us will garage our cars, drive only in good weather, and not use as a daily driver! Oh yea, and keep it covered. So my logic is, I want something I can put on that shines, and cleans up some imperfections, and still has some protective properties. But I also want that done with little work as I already have limited time to drive the car and do not want to spend more time than needed to obtain the look. So far, even thought I realize NTX and Zaino are great products, I do not think there is enough of a difference to substantiate the work! I know guys will disagree, but the basis for my thread was to hear some proven wax/polish results on black. I think the users who use ICE are very happy!

 

dans,

 

What I do is use a polish first (for the GT500 I've only used pure polishes to date as I'm not trying to clean up any scratches or swirl marks yet). The polish will condition the paint and give it a good shine. This step is what will typically make the car look great. Then I wax it with NXT or a carnauba wax. Some say the carnauba gives a deeper, wetter look (the pop). I personally have trouble noticing too much of a difference, but I would agree. Either way, the wax step gives it the protection from sun, rain, contaminates. While mine is garaged and never driven in the rain (unless there's a freak storm), protection isn't my biggest concern either, but it does get dusty in the garage when not covered and I'm a bit of a freak when it comes to the finish, so I still opt for the wax/sealant protection. Point is, you don't have to polish OR wax. You should do both. I'm guessing ICE is supposed to be both in one?

 

Regardless, I think you'll get great results from the ice - never used it but people seem to love it. I'm just stuck on the need to clean, polish, protect, and maintain. If/when you do need to polish out swirls/scratches, get a good polish with deminishing abrasives. They've worked GREAT for me. (Restored the finish on my wife's mini-van after years of complete neglect and the finish looks new.)

 

btw - I did clay-bar my car when I got it. Easy and fairly quick. (for the truly anal-retentive!)

 

Have fun with it!!

 

Last comment - the most important thing is that the car looks good to you. One could argue about detailing til the cows come home - and spend thousands on it (I've seen waxes retail for over $1K - for like 26 oz!!!). But in the end, if what ever you use doesn't harm the finish, looks good to you, and you feel good about it, it's the right product for you. Especially if it does it in the amount of time you want to spend.

 

Rob

[SLB8SNK]

dans,

 

What I do is use a polish first (for the GT500 I've only used pure polishes to date as I'm not trying to clean up any scratches or swirl marks yet). The polish will condition the paint and give it a good shine. This step is what will typically make the car look great. Then I wax it with NXT or a carnauba wax. Some say the carnauba gives a deeper, wetter look (the pop). I personally have trouble noticing too much of a difference, but I would agree. Either way, the wax step gives it the protection from sun, rain, contaminates. While mine is garaged and never driven in the rain (unless there's a freak storm), protection isn't my biggest concern either, but it does get dusty in the garage when not covered and I'm a bit of a freak when it comes to the finish, so I still opt for the wax/sealant protection. Point is, you don't have to polish OR wax. You should do both. I'm guessing ICE is supposed to be both in one?

 

Regardless, I think you'll get great results from the ice - never used it but people seem to love it. I'm just stuck on the need to clean, polish, protect, and maintain. If/when you do need to polish out swirls/scratches, get a good polish with deminishing abrasives. They've worked GREAT for me. (Restored the finish on my wife's mini-van after years of complete neglect and the finish looks new.)

 

btw - I did clay-bar my car when I got it. Easy and fairly quick. (for the truly anal-retentive!)

 

Have fun with it!!

 

Last comment - the most important thing is that the car looks good to you. One could argue about detailing til the cows come home - and spend thousands on it (I've seen waxes retail for over $1K - for like 26 oz!!!). But in the end, if what ever you use doesn't harm the finish, looks good to you, and you feel good about it, it's the right product for you. Especially if it does it in the amount of time you want to spend.

 

Rob

 

Rob, thanks for the post and it makes good sense. Ice also makes a new liquid clay bar! Shelbydude and a couple others shy away from it, but I have read up on it and and somewhat undecided. Whereas traditional clay bar is great, the use of the ICE liquid clay bar generally works best on new or almost new finishes or those that do not get long term abuse. I was thinking of using it first, then use the polish and go from there. Still undecided, but again it got some good reviews and I am not sure if I really need a full clay bar on a new finish! Thanks again.

[gennyr1]

Rob, thanks for the post and it makes good sense. Ice also makes a new liquid clay bar! Shelbydude and a couple others shy away from it, but I have read up on it and and somewhat undecided. Whereas traditional clay bar is great, the use of the ICE liquid clay bar generally works best on new or almost new finishes or those that do not get long term abuse. I was thinking of using it first, then use the polish and go from there. Still undecided, but again it got some good reviews and I am not sure if I really need a full clay bar on a new finish! Thanks again.

 

My pleasure.

 

If you try the liquid clay bar, let me know how it works for you. I've never used a liquid one before. I don't think you need to use a clay bar on a new finish either (even though I did). Anyway, be careful - once you get going with detailing - and a GT500 - you might never want to stop!! (Kinda along the lines why some like to wander out to the garage for no apparent reason and find themselves just staring at the car) I've even learned a new way to wash my car!! (A black GT500 can drive you crazy - but man what a ride!!)