Need tips on detailing the exterior.

Krzy604 · 07-31-2008

I am a new to owning a SLK 350 and I've never actually did fine work on a car before so I am looking for tips on what products to use, and what not to do when washing my car. Im a huge n00b

. But yeah stuff like spraying the car with a hose to clear the soap is a good thing or not. :P

**jfsully** · 07-31-2008

great informative site and link for "proper" way to wash your car.....keep in mind that dring is what many times cause additional scratches etc.

http://www.autogeek.net/exterior.html

XBarbarian · 07-31-2008

First off, Welcome to the boards Krzy604! A wonderful group of MB SLK Enthusiasts here!

I would say that the SLK, while being the best of the best vehicles around, is after all, still, a car. Detailing it doesn't require any specific special stuff than anything else.

For soap and water part, using products made for car care is best. I have been a Zaino product user for a few years with my previous cars, and now my SLK. I would say that its not recommended to use harsh dish washing liquid soaps too often. In fact, never is a good idea, or maybe just the first time, if you want to prepare it for using a clay bar, to get it squeaky clean, in advance of layering a quality polish.

As far as using the hose, sure man, its not fragile. The one thing to be careful of is water spots; if you live in an area that has hard water, then be careful to not let the water dry too much and make spots, they are hard to remove.

Beyond that, one piece of wisdom I would pass is regards to polishes; its about layers, more than anyone single uber coat. I enjoy my time in the car port "loving " my SLK. Its a good work out, and pays in the end to keep the SLK looking better than new. So I like to layer often, especially in the first few months. Its way easier to protect the finish when its new, than to go back later and try to restore it. Ive been traevling alot with work, since I ve had my SLK ( only about 1 month ) and I have still managed to get 3 coats on mine. I'm using the newest Zaino product, Z-CS, and so far, I am liking it alot.

Good luck!

**UK-C200** · 07-31-2008

+1 on the Zanio recommendation. All of XBarbarian's suggestions are spot on, and they would only differ from mine in that I use the "older" Zaino products.

Layers really are the key, following the manufactures recommendations. Washing with soap products not specifically designed to leave the wax / coat on the car is not a good idea at all - dishwashing soap will actually remove everything on the car down to the clear coat.

Pick up a good wash glove - deeeeeeep pile microfiber ones are available at AutoZone for $9usd, and a couple of WalMart buckets are good for your wash and rinse pails.

Zaino suggests using Dawn to prepare your car the first time your detail it, in preparation for clay-baring. I do Z5, Z6, Z5, Z6, Z2, Z6, Z2, Z6 at least once every six months, and usually just wash and Z6 inbetween. If I have free time, I'll occasionally throw a "z2, z6" at it.

Couple of suggestions - keep an eye on the WalMart / Home Depot sales papers and pick up an electric leaf blower for drying the car. I ended up with a Black and Decker model for all of about $25us, and it's a great time saver - you really don't want to let water dry on your car at all if you can avoid it.

Bed, Bath, and Beyond has great sales on deep pile cotton towels, great for drying the car. I use microfiber buffing cloths for polishing, and have been thinking about picking up an orbital buffer - still a bit iffy on this one, but I have friends who absolutely swear by them.

Both of my cars are "dark" - black and Jasper Blue. Darker colors show swirl marks easier than lighter colors, so take your time on the base coats. The key is to never have any dirt on your washing glove whilst washing, and rotating your polishing cloths.

Personally, I think wash and wax is a great way to get to know your new baby, and I find it a great way to spend an afternoon - nothing like waking up on a wonderful Saturday morning and seeing your beautiful ride just begging to be taken out for a run!

Link to the Zaino website instructions : http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...de=APPLICATION

**etyu** · 07-31-2008

Welcome Krzy604. I too am a Zaino product user.

The first episode of car wash with Dawn, claybar, car wash with Z7, then Z5, Z6, (Option: repeat Z5, Z6 to reduce swirl marks esp on dark coloured vehicles), Z2 and Z6 takes the most time. Otherwise, I mainly do a weekly wash followed by Z6. Every 3 0r 4 months, I'd do the Z5,Z6,Z2,Z6 after the car wash.

Other members here also like AutoGlym products but I have no experience with these.

**FishtailnZ** · 07-31-2008

The guys have pretty well covered it all - one thing I will add though is when possible, don't wash/wax your car in direct sunlight. Water beads can act as tiny magnifying glasses which is particularly hard on rubber trim/seals, keep these areas treated with a good protectant as a final step in your detailing. I'm another Zaino user (10+ years now), but I like Mother's "Back to Black" for that last step - it's not as greasey or shiney as some others, but seems to last longer and gives a deeper sheen IMO.

**-1-** · 07-31-2008

Try the Mr Clean system. I use it on all our vehicles. No drying required with minimal spotting. Overall, it works well.

Krzy604 · 08-01-2008

Thanks for the great feedback guys, I read the guide jfsully gave me and I thought it was really helpful. I think im going to try those Zanio products you guys recommended but I did not get the Z# washes you were coming up with

.

This have helped me alot and greatly appreciate you guys for spending the time to reply.

Thanks alot guys.

**dsb** · 08-02-2008

Another Zaino user. Highly recommended. Here's a link that expains some basics. I also use two buckets. One for wheels only and another for car only. They never mix, nor do their towels. I use white 100% cotton bath towels. Not only does Zaino recommend this technique but it is much quicker than the old sponge.

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...de=APPLICATION

**jfsully** · 08-02-2008

Two bucket technique is using one bucket for suds (soap) and the other for rinsing. That way when you are "re-sudsing" your sponge you are not putting it in water with dirt in it. Dip sponge in suds, wash panel, rinse sponge in second bucket, dip sponge in first buckey to re-suds, wash panel etc etc.

Never use the same bucket for wheels and your body work, the brakedustis extremely abrasive....

I know Zaino has a big following but there are many products superior (IMO) that are many times less expensive.

For looks here was a test done recently on LSPs (Last Step Products) http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/...ead.php?t=4778 & http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=79876

**Dolebludger** · 08-02-2008

Hi, and welcome to the board!

I have a bit different method to share with you. To wash, I first spray everything down with a pressure washer with the pressure dialed down and the head set to a broad fan spray. I do the tires and wheels first, using PS 21 spray cleaner and a boars' hair brush, along with smaller brushes for tight areas on the wheels. Then, I apply Meguair's Gold Class detergent with a hose-end garden sprayer. Washing of painted surfaces is done with a larger boars' hair brush. Then a rinse with the pressure washer.

I agree 100% on the use of an electric leaf blower to dry the car. My car is well waxed, so the blower gets off about 98% of the surface water. The rest comes off easily with a waffle weave microfiber towel. At this point, I have maybe 20 minutes or so in the job. If the wax beads water well during the wash, that's it. If it does not (about every year), then it is a polish and wax.

For polishing and waxing, I use products a bit different than Zaino. After using mild abrasive polish with a Random Orbital Buffer (ROB) to remove swirls and small scratches (if there are any), I rub my hand over the paint surface and identify any "gritty" areas. I use a clay bar with plenty of lube on these areas to get the grit off. Then, I apply Autoglym Radiant Wax Polish (also sold as Super Resin Polish) as a chemical cleaner, filler, and glaze. After that is dry and buffed off, I apply Autoglym Hardwax1 (also sold as Extra Gloss Protectant), let dry, and buff off. I use a microfiber covered foam applicator to apply these things, and a microfiber cloth to buff off. All of this polishing and waxing takes me less than an hour.

I find these Autoglym products to be equal in finish to Zaino, and this was apparent when I parked my car among others that were dripping in Zaino at a car club event. a polish and wax job with these Autoglym products lasts me about a year, with my cars garaged when not in use.

Enjoy!

bobsquad7 · 08-02-2008

One more idea that I came up with several years ago, . . .use about a 1/4 cap full of liquid Calgon water softener in your suds bucket and in your rinse bucket. This {almost} prevents water spots from the get-go. In the USA, most grocery stores & Wallmart carry it.

**Dolebludger** · 08-02-2008

Bob, my friend:

That is a great idea!

I'll bet I could incorporate it into my power washer and garden sprayer routine very easily, as the power washer has a chemical application function.

bobsquad7 · 08-02-2008

Dole, . . .That should work, . . .might also keep mineral deposits from accumulating in your sprayer. I also dilute it with water in a spray bottle & use it on the shower walls, . . .keeps them clean too!

**etyu** · 08-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobsquad7

One more idea that I came up with several years ago, . . .use about a 1/4 cap full of liquid Calgon water softener in your suds bucket and in your rinse bucket. This {almost} prevents water spots from the get-go. In the USA, most grocery stores & Wallmart carry it.

Great tip bobsquad7

XBarbarian · 08-14-2008

bobsquad7 ... d00d! that's a rocking idea! Lately, here in Florida, I have stopped hand washing and just used a local diy carwash because FL water is chock full O' lime.

Good stuff man

SLK320AMG · 08-18-2008

Flawless Results

Griots Wheel Cleaner
NXT Generation Car Wash
Clay Bar with Wizards Wipe Down
Wizards Mist-N-Shine
NXT Tech Wax 2.0
Meguiars Hot Shine Tire Spray

Twice a year I will also include the three step wax system from MOTHERS, but with the NXT Tech Wax. I highly recommend this.

07-31-2008	#1 (permalink)
Krzy604 SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver BC Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 4 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Need tips on detailing the exterior. I am a new to owning a SLK 350 and I've never actually did fine work on a car before so I am looking for tips on what products to use, and what not to do when washing my car. Im a huge n00b . But yeah stuff like spraying the car with a hose to clear the soap is a good thing or not. :P

07-31-2008	#2 (permalink)
jfsully Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Palm Beach Vehicle: SLK55 Posts: 152 Country: Thanks: 10 Thanked 46 Times in 11 Posts	great informative site and link for "proper" way to wash your car.....keep in mind that dring is what many times cause additional scratches etc. http://www.autogeek.net/exterior.html __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 2006 Obsidian SLK55 w/030 package 2000 BMW E-39 1985 BitterSC

07-31-2008	#5 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 376 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	Welcome Krzy604. I too am a Zaino product user. The first episode of car wash with Dawn, claybar, car wash with Z7, then Z5, Z6, (Option: repeat Z5, Z6 to reduce swirl marks esp on dark coloured vehicles), Z2 and Z6 takes the most time. Otherwise, I mainly do a weekly wash followed by Z6. Every 3 0r 4 months, I'd do the Z5,Z6,Z2,Z6 after the car wash. Other members here also like AutoGlym products but I have no experience with these. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

07-31-2008	#6 (permalink)
FishtailnZ Don't feed the trolls... Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Nfld., Canada Other Toys: Wife, kids, dogs... Posts: 1,490 Country: Thanks: 285 Thanked 211 Times in 94 Posts	The guys have pretty well covered it all - one thing I will add though is when possible, don't wash/wax your car in direct sunlight. Water beads can act as tiny magnifying glasses which is particularly hard on rubber trim/seals, keep these areas treated with a good protectant as a final step in your detailing. I'm another Zaino user (10+ years now), but I like Mother's "Back to Black" for that last step - it's not as greasey or shiney as some others, but seems to last longer and gives a deeper sheen IMO. __________________ - Bill Waiting on a 2009 C63 Opal Fire Red/Alpaca Grey R.I.P. 2006 SLK55 Caspian Blue/Beige Stock 1/4 mile results: ET 12.72, trap 110.80, 60' 1.80 Some guys they just give up living and start dying little by little, piece by piece. Some guys come home from work and wash up and go racin' in the street... - B. Springsteen

07-31-2008	#7 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,224 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	Try the Mr Clean system. I use it on all our vehicles. No drying required with minimal spotting. Overall, it works well. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

07-31-2008	#3 (permalink)
XBarbarian SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Tampa Bay, FL Vehicle: '09 SLK350,AMG Appearance Kit, Media and Premium,Red and Beige Other Toys: Computers, Skateboards Posts: 45 Country: Thanks: 20 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	First off, Welcome to the boards Krzy604! A wonderful group of MB SLK Enthusiasts here! I would say that the SLK, while being the best of the best vehicles around, is after all, still, a car. Detailing it doesn't require any specific special stuff than anything else. For soap and water part, using products made for car care is best. I have been a Zaino product user for a few years with my previous cars, and now my SLK. I would say that its not recommended to use harsh dish washing liquid soaps too often. In fact, never is a good idea, or maybe just the first time, if you want to prepare it for using a clay bar, to get it squeaky clean, in advance of layering a quality polish. As far as using the hose, sure man, its not fragile. The one thing to be careful of is water spots; if you live in an area that has hard water, then be careful to not let the water dry too much and make spots, they are hard to remove. Beyond that, one piece of wisdom I would pass is regards to polishes; its about layers, more than anyone single uber coat. I enjoy my time in the car port "loving " my SLK. Its a good work out, and pays in the end to keep the SLK looking better than new. So I like to layer often, especially in the first few months. Its way easier to protect the finish when its new, than to go back later and try to restore it. Ive been traevling alot with work, since I ve had my SLK ( only about 1 month ) and I have still managed to get 3 coats on mine. I'm using the newest Zaino product, Z-CS, and so far, I am liking it alot. Good luck!

07-31-2008	#4 (permalink)
UK-C200 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: London, UK & Baton Rouge, Louisiana Vehicle: 04 RHD C200K Coupe, 06 LHD SLK-350 Other Toys: Nacra F18 Posts: 576 Country: Thanks: 37 Thanked 124 Times in 78 Posts	+1 on the Zanio recommendation. All of XBarbarian's suggestions are spot on, and they would only differ from mine in that I use the "older" Zaino products. Layers really are the key, following the manufactures recommendations. Washing with soap products not specifically designed to leave the wax / coat on the car is not a good idea at all - dishwashing soap will actually remove everything on the car down to the clear coat. Pick up a good wash glove - deeeeeeep pile microfiber ones are available at AutoZone for $9usd, and a couple of WalMart buckets are good for your wash and rinse pails. Zaino suggests using Dawn to prepare your car the first time your detail it, in preparation for clay-baring. I do Z5, Z6, Z5, Z6, Z2, Z6, Z2, Z6 at least once every six months, and usually just wash and Z6 inbetween. If I have free time, I'll occasionally throw a "z2, z6" at it. Couple of suggestions - keep an eye on the WalMart / Home Depot sales papers and pick up an electric leaf blower for drying the car. I ended up with a Black and Decker model for all of about $25us, and it's a great time saver - you really don't want to let water dry on your car at all if you can avoid it. Bed, Bath, and Beyond has great sales on deep pile cotton towels, great for drying the car. I use microfiber buffing cloths for polishing, and have been thinking about picking up an orbital buffer - still a bit iffy on this one, but I have friends who absolutely swear by them. Both of my cars are "dark" - black and Jasper Blue. Darker colors show swirl marks easier than lighter colors, so take your time on the base coats. The key is to never have any dirt on your washing glove whilst washing, and rotating your polishing cloths. Personally, I think wash and wax is a great way to get to know your new baby, and I find it a great way to spend an afternoon - nothing like waking up on a wonderful Saturday morning and seeing your beautiful ride just begging to be taken out for a run! Link to the Zaino website instructions : http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...de=APPLICATION

08-01-2008	#8 (permalink)
Krzy604 SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver BC Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 4 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the great feedback guys, I read the guide jfsully gave me and I thought it was really helpful. I think im going to try those Zanio products you guys recommended but I did not get the Z# washes you were coming up with . This have helped me alot and greatly appreciate you guys for spending the time to reply. Thanks alot guys.

08-02-2008	#9 (permalink)
dsb Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: '06 slk55 Posts: 1,176 Country: Thanks: 67 Thanked 120 Times in 42 Posts	Another Zaino user. Highly recommended. Here's a link that expains some basics. I also use two buckets. One for wheels only and another for car only. They never mix, nor do their towels. I use white 100% cotton bath towels. Not only does Zaino recommend this technique but it is much quicker than the old sponge. http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...de=APPLICATION __________________ SOLD! 06 Mercedes Benz SLK55 Caspian Blue / Black & Ash *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

08-02-2008	#10 (permalink)
jfsully Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Palm Beach Vehicle: SLK55 Posts: 152 Country: Thanks: 10 Thanked 46 Times in 11 Posts	Two bucket technique is using one bucket for suds (soap) and the other for rinsing. That way when you are "re-sudsing" your sponge you are not putting it in water with dirt in it. Dip sponge in suds, wash panel, rinse sponge in second bucket, dip sponge in first buckey to re-suds, wash panel etc etc. Never use the same bucket for wheels and your body work, the brakedustis extremely abrasive.... I know Zaino has a big following but there are many products superior (IMO) that are many times less expensive. For looks here was a test done recently on LSPs (Last Step Products) http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/...ead.php?t=4778 & http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=79876 __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 2006 Obsidian SLK55 w/030 package 2000 BMW E-39 1985 BitterSC

08-02-2008	#11 (permalink)
Dolebludger Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Yukon, OK Vehicle: '07 SLK 280; '04 C 320, '01 Honda S 2000, '98 Ford Ranger truck. Posts: 546 Country: Thanks: 39 Thanked 76 Times in 51 Posts	Hi, and welcome to the board! I have a bit different method to share with you. To wash, I first spray everything down with a pressure washer with the pressure dialed down and the head set to a broad fan spray. I do the tires and wheels first, using PS 21 spray cleaner and a boars' hair brush, along with smaller brushes for tight areas on the wheels. Then, I apply Meguair's Gold Class detergent with a hose-end garden sprayer. Washing of painted surfaces is done with a larger boars' hair brush. Then a rinse with the pressure washer. I agree 100% on the use of an electric leaf blower to dry the car. My car is well waxed, so the blower gets off about 98% of the surface water. The rest comes off easily with a waffle weave microfiber towel. At this point, I have maybe 20 minutes or so in the job. If the wax beads water well during the wash, that's it. If it does not (about every year), then it is a polish and wax. For polishing and waxing, I use products a bit different than Zaino. After using mild abrasive polish with a Random Orbital Buffer (ROB) to remove swirls and small scratches (if there are any), I rub my hand over the paint surface and identify any "gritty" areas. I use a clay bar with plenty of lube on these areas to get the grit off. Then, I apply Autoglym Radiant Wax Polish (also sold as Super Resin Polish) as a chemical cleaner, filler, and glaze. After that is dry and buffed off, I apply Autoglym Hardwax1 (also sold as Extra Gloss Protectant), let dry, and buff off. I use a microfiber covered foam applicator to apply these things, and a microfiber cloth to buff off. All of this polishing and waxing takes me less than an hour. I find these Autoglym products to be equal in finish to Zaino, and this was apparent when I parked my car among others that were dripping in Zaino at a car club event. a polish and wax job with these Autoglym products lasts me about a year, with my cars garaged when not in use. Enjoy! __________________ The SLK -- What the SL was supposed to be.

08-02-2008	#12 (permalink)
bobsquad7 SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: OKC, Ok Vehicle: slk350 Other Toys: R1200GS, Freightliner Class-8-RV conversion Posts: 33 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 12 Times in 5 Posts	One more idea that I came up with several years ago, . . .use about a 1/4 cap full of liquid Calgon water softener in your suds bucket and in your rinse bucket. This {almost} prevents water spots from the get-go. In the USA, most grocery stores & Wallmart carry it.

08-02-2008	#13 (permalink)
Dolebludger Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Yukon, OK Vehicle: '07 SLK 280; '04 C 320, '01 Honda S 2000, '98 Ford Ranger truck. Posts: 546 Country: Thanks: 39 Thanked 76 Times in 51 Posts	Bob, my friend: That is a great idea! I'll bet I could incorporate it into my power washer and garden sprayer routine very easily, as the power washer has a chemical application function. __________________ The SLK -- What the SL was supposed to be.

08-02-2008	#14 (permalink)
bobsquad7 SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: OKC, Ok Vehicle: slk350 Other Toys: R1200GS, Freightliner Class-8-RV conversion Posts: 33 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 12 Times in 5 Posts	Dole, . . .That should work, . . .might also keep mineral deposits from accumulating in your sprayer. I also dilute it with water in a spray bottle & use it on the shower walls, . . .keeps them clean too!

08-14-2008	#16 (permalink)
XBarbarian SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Tampa Bay, FL Vehicle: '09 SLK350,AMG Appearance Kit, Media and Premium,Red and Beige Other Toys: Computers, Skateboards Posts: 45 Country: Thanks: 20 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	bobsquad7 ... d00d! that's a rocking idea! Lately, here in Florida, I have stopped hand washing and just used a local diy carwash because FL water is chock full O' lime. Good stuff man

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08-18-2008	#17 (permalink)
SLK320AMG SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 21 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Flawless Results Griots Wheel Cleaner NXT Generation Car Wash Clay Bar with Wizards Wipe Down Wizards Mist-N-Shine NXT Tech Wax 2.0 Meguiars Hot Shine Tire Spray Twice a year I will also include the three step wax system from MOTHERS, but with the NXT Tech Wax. I highly recommend this.