[Jumbo Jet]

I'm a big Menzerna fan. They work great and are super easy to apply and remove.

Menzerna SIP 1500 - for light no medium polishing and correction.
Menzerna SF 4000 - jeweling and light polish.

You'll need more pads, I'd recommend an orange pad for polishing and light correction. And use a white pad for jeweling and light polish. Grab a couple of each color so you have extra on hand.

Waxes and sealants are subjective, everyone likes something different.

Some of my favorites:

Zaino Z-2
Zaino Z-5
Menzerna PowerLock
FourStar PUPP
FK1 1000p
Collinites #845 - can be found at most auto parts stores.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

Is it safe to assume clay bars are all made alike? I could just grab one from auto zone or Wally World correct?

Yes and no. There are fine grade clays and medium grade clays. Most everything you'll find in an auto parts store will be a fine grade clay, which is what you'll want. Medium grade clays are mostly used in body shops and can lightly scuff the paint. The scuffs will come out with polish, but if you dont plan to polish its always better to use the fine grade. The medium grade clays are for removing heavy amounts of over spray.

I buy Clay Magic, Mothers, Sonax or Griots clays. Sonax can only be found online, but the others you'll find in the stores.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

I'm a huge fan of Zaino. It's what I use on my vette and what I will use on the Tundra as soon I get a free minute. The first time, it's a pain to do, but the finished product is awesome.

I love Zaino too, but I never get why people think its such a pain in the ass to use. I find it no more time consuming than any other sealant I use. What part of the process are you finding difficult?

 

[Jumbo Jet]

No problem. We support Phil and Detailers Domain here. He's a great guy, great products and great service.

Another vote for the Nano Skin. A real time saver.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

No need for Dawn, its high alkaline content is terrible for plastics and trim. Any car wash shampoo is fine if you are claying before applying. Claying will remove any contaminants and leave the surface prepped and ready for Zaino, or any other sealants. If you decide not to clay, a quick 50/50 IPA wipe down works just as well.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

Opticoat is a great paint sealant. Works just as well on wheels too. It's a long term paint sealant.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

Yes, much different than PL. Opticoat 2.0 seals the paint with a permanent, clear resin coating. PL can be removed with a quick claying or IPA wipe down. With Opticoat, once its on, it's on. You must bring your A game when doing your prep work prior to applying Opticoat.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

You can top it with PL. Prep work should be pretty good, because once you put it on, that's what you'll be looking at for awhile.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

Makes perfect sense, and that about wraps it up. It basically means extra protection and less waxing. Somebody on AutoGeek did a good write up with a 15 month durability test last year. It's an interesting review.

Optimum Opti-Coat Review - Update after 15 Months - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum