Ok, so I have a "charcoal grey" (not sure the official color name) Patriot and I am wanting to clean it up really good, and wax it etc before summer hits full-on here in OK. So I was looking on here and saw a few people who use Zainos, so I was thinking of going with that but Im worried I will screw it up and the car will look worse then it does now! So, should I try Zainos or go with something easier? Any tips about using that particular product? I think the website said something about alternating Z2 & Z6 a couple times?

If there are any better or very good products out there that you can find at a local auto parts store that would be great too!

Do you guys recommend I test my "skills" on the Powerwagon before I do the Patriot. Hubby would never know any different if his truck looked bad! :p

wow, there are so many good waxes and other polymer products out there. It all depends on how tough you want it to be. I use Nufinish, it works well, lasts long, and is very easy to use. I used to use AstroShield, which is another polymer finish.

Hopefully someone else can answer your questions on that product.

On really fine cars, I like to use a good sealer, then wax, and buff.

You might consider using a clay bar on it before you wax to remove all the crap.

I used the ZAINO Triplets on my MGM '11 PAT. I used the All in One (Z-AIO), on the body, and the Clear Seal (Z-CS) on the roof, plus a coat of Z-CS on the hood over the Z-AIO. I use a spray detailer, Z-8, after washing. Dirt and dust do not stick to this stuff. It is VERY easy to use.

The Jeep has about 3,000 miles on the current application and has been washed 5-7 times. It has seen snow, freezing road grime, Herlong dust, San Diego sunshine, a bazillion dead bugs and the finish still beads water like crazy. I wiped down the wheels with the cloth I used to wipe off the Z-8, brake dust does not stick to the wheels...

Yep. I like it.

I tried it on my 2000 Trans Am, and it was a BEAR to get off.

I use ICE liquid on the T/A (Black). It is easy, no dust, quick, but does not last. The T/A is not my daily driver.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/6568_1085763109871_1400212990_30214071_2180785_n.j pg

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/images/z-trip.jpg

the original turtle wax and mothers always worked for me and it's pretty well priced. just takes time to do it right ya know. if you mess up(let it sit to long or little) redo the spot and it will turn out fine.

Just did my old classic (Nash Metropolitan) with a clay bar, followed by Turtle Wax Ice. Looks like a mirror. The Patriot is next. Ice is great stuff. If you get any on rubber trim, etc., it doesn't leave a white residue. Also, you can put it on in the sun or shade.

as long as you don't have any major cleaning to do (sap & tar), ICE is awesome stuff.
if you do have some tar/sap, it will remove it too, but I'd suggest getting the heavy off with bug & tar remover first.
as mentioned, if you get ICE on your black trim - no worries...

the only thing about ICE that I can say... use it sparingly

I also like to use micro fiber towels when using it.

With all of the black plastic trim on the 2011s, I wanted to find a good high-tech wax that would not leave white residue on the trim. Meguiar's Ultimate Wax Liquid was recommended to me and I have to say it is now my favorite wax. Readily available, easy to apply, easy to buff off, and yes there is no residue left behind. I did detect some streakiness which required a second application to fully eliminate. After multiple no-touch (chemical based) automatic car washes, I am very happy with the water beading, shine, and ease at which dirt, bugs, bird crap, etc. is easily washed away.

With all of the black plastic trim on the 2011s, I wanted to find a good high-tech wax that would not leave white residue on the trim. Meguiar's Ultimate Wax Liquid was recommended to me and I have to say it is now my favorite wax. Readily available, easy to apply, easy to buff off, and yes there is no residue left behind. I did detect some streakiness which required a second application to fully eliminate. After multiple no-touch (chemical based) automatic car washes, I am very happy with the water beading, shine, and ease at which dirt, bugs, bird crap, etc. is easily washed away.

For a readily-available, easy to use wax that is very durable, I would have to agree.

A possible fix for the streakiness is to take a microfiber and barely mist it with a very fine mist of water. Lightly buff the streaky areas.