sup all,

everytime I apply wax I feel as like im adding way to much, and at times way to little. after im done, my car looks a little to glossy (im doing car wash + wax no polish, and ive tryed quick detail right after on my trunk and sure didnt look good) - what steps should I follow, (already read daves thread) - when I bought my 02 M3 it looks like someone just drenched my leather with water, it looks really wet and unnatural. it also looks like its a bit loose, etc. Im also about to order Zaino and zaino my car, but the leather is really bugging me.

thanks in advance,
Andrew :buttrock

sup all,

everytime I apply wax I feel as like im adding way to much, and at times way to little. after im done, my car looks a little to glossy (im doing car wash + wax no polish, and ive tryed quick detail right after on my trunk and sure didnt look good) - what steps should I follow, (already read daves thread) - when I bought my 02 M3 it looks like someone just drenched my leather with water, it looks really wet and unnatural. it also looks like its a bit loose, etc. Im also about to order Zaino and zaino my car, but the leather is really bugging me.

thanks in advance,
Andrew :buttrock
If your leather is really shiney, then that is a sign that it has been severely neglected. To fix this problem, get a leather product called leatherique. It's a 2 step system that will re-juvinate your leather. The first step is the rejuvinator oil. This will penetrate into the leather and push up all the dirt, sweat, oil and other crap. Once it is done lifting the crap to the top, use the pristine clean to clean the gunk off. For more instructions, check out www.leatherique.com . For some before and after's of leatherique, check out these pics:

Top pic is the before. Notice how shiney the leather is.
Bottom pic is the after. The leather looks how it is supposed to look.

http://members.roadfly.com/kbia/97%20caddy%20before%20and%20after%20leatherique.jp g

As for your wax problem, you are probably using way too much. Many waxes have oils in them to enhance the appearance of your paint, thus the glossy look you are seeing. This is normal. What wax did you have this problem with?

If you are going to use zaino, then I' d strongly recco that you do proper surface prep. Clay, and most importantly, remove your swirls. Zaino is 99% optically clear. It will magnify the swirls you have. Prep is key with zaino.

Wet leather usually means using bad product on the seats. Use a quality cleaner like Lexol/Leatherique/Pinnacle followed up with conditioner.

As for wax, it sounds like either you're not applying it evenly or you're not using a quality wax. Z should be a different issue - just remember THIN layers. I believe on the e46M3 you should be able to get about 4 layers over the car per oz. Just remember, the secret to a great looking car is the prep BEFORE you apply the final sealant/wax.

I'll throw a good word in for Connolly leather care. It is not a restoration product like Leatherique so if you're leather is died, cracked, etc you may want to go with leatherquie and use Connolly as your "up keep" product. It works very well with Nappa leather, the only down side is that the conditioner must me stored in a fridge.