machine gray color is great, how to mantain it?

Hey all,
I'm wondering if there is a special wax to use or to stay away of on the the machine gray color for the cx9.
usually there are some waxes or washing detergents that will spoil some metallic paints.

any comments?
G

zaino

I second Zaino. I have used it on my Mazdaspeed 6. I just applied Liquid Glass on my wife's CX-9. Came out great.

Another Zaino fan here. Been using it for years on all kinds of cars with consistently great results.

What specific Zaino product? Best way to apply it? Also interested in protecting my car. Can't wash it by hand on my driveway and automated carwashes are the only option without breaking the bank

Bump

I'd rather go to a spray n wash then drive through one of those machines with the railroad track guides that rash your rims. Find a well maintained one and spray the brush with the high pressure "soap" mode before you start. There's even one around here that takes golden dollar coins so if I dont use all the tokens I'm not S.O.L.

Really, any quality paste wax will work with your paint. It's the clear coat you're waxing on a modern car, not the actual paint, so don't worry too much about damaging the color. That said, Zaino is a great choice. It costs more but seems to last longer than anything. Here's a good start on what to buy.

Z-2
http://www.zainostore.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=Z&Product_Code=Z-2&Category_Code=polishshine

ZFX
http://www.zainostore.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=Z&Product_Code=ZFX

Z-18 (claybar)
http://www.zainostore.com/mm5/merch...de=Z&Product_Code=Z-18&Category_Code=washprep

Z-6 detailing spray (can be used to lubricate the clay bar – though water with a small drop of soap will work just as well)
http://www.zainostore.com/mm5/merch...oduct_Code=Z-6&Category_Code=shinemaintenance

You don't need anything fancy unless you want. Hand wash the car always (there are waterless wash products if you can't use running water for whatever reason - google Optimum No Rinse for example). Make sure you always use a soft, clean sponge or mitt together with a clean bucket. Dirty tools is how swirls and scratches get introduced to the paint. Carnauba waxes last about 2 months, sealants last a few more. Try a few and keep using what you like. Wax is gone if you can twist your thumb on the paint and it resists (ie. you get a squeaking sound). Again, use a clean microfiber applicator to wax on, clean microfiber towel to buff off.

Claybars remove surface contamination (you can google what these are), I clay once every 2 years or so since I don't have a massive problem where I live.

I clayed my new 17' a week after I got it, then applied some Optimum Gloss Coat which is a ceramic paint coating that lasts about 2 years. You can get this professionally done (the compounds they ahve access to last 5-10+ years) but costs considerably more.