I used 1-2 oz bottle filled with ZX/Z5 on two cars....one 300M (relatively big car) and a PT Cruiser (relatively small car) and still had some left over.
I don't even put a dime size amount on the Zaino applicator for each panel. I put some Z6 on the applicator to help spread the wax. Then I put 4-5 "dots" of Zaino on the pad for each panel. After I get half the car Zaino'd, I squirt a little more Z6 on the pad while using my "dot" technique for Z2 or Z5. I put the "dots" in a "box" pattern on the applicator.
Trying to be frugal, I washed the Zaino 2 oz. bottles in my kitchen sink with Dawn. It didn't get all of the wax out of the bottle, but left my kitchen sink "Zaino'd". I ended up "tossing" the little plastic bottle I use to mix ZFX and Zaino. I tried to remove the Zaino from the sink using vinegar. Still won't remove it.
Actually, 4 coats per ounce is a maximum that I have achieved. I typically get 3+ coats per ounce.
I use the applicator provided by Zaino. I think the key is in having your applicator just damp enough so that the terry does not absorb any of the Z2/5, but not so damp that you get water on your vehicle mixed with the polish. The dampness does the following: 1. Causes the applicator to resist absorption of the Z2/5, 2. Reduces the friction during application of polish and 3. Dilutes the polish slightly. All of these factors contribute to conserving polish.
You live in a humid climate, whereas mine is very hot and dry. I typically apply Z2/5 in 75-85 degree weather with 12-18% humidity. My climate is so dry that using the two-step process (apply using circular, and immediately respread using back and forth or up/down), I have to get to the back and forth really quicky (less than 30 seconds) lest the Zaino dry in a circular pattern.
When I apply Z2/5, it dries in a snap and I continually dampen my applicator, and the more experienced I become, the more comfortable I am with the process and the less worried I am about the consequences of getting a little too much water mixed with the Z2/5. I know the excess water will evaporate from the vehicle, leaving a thin coat of Z.
I suspect that if I had to apply Z2 in your climate, I'd be starting over again to learn how to do it. I suspect that in a very humid climate, you would have to be more careful not get your applicator too damp. You may not even have the option of dampening your applicator. If I did not have the option of dampening the terry, I am sure I would need to use more Z.
By the way, you might want to ask Bret how he gets SIX coats per ounce. He certainly has me beat!!!
I had no luck cleaning out the small ZFX bottles with Dawn. Then I took a hint from members of this board, and tried using rubbing alcohol to clean out the bottle. Worked like a charm.
The only thing that makes me nervous is the question of why Sal does not recommend using alchohol to clean out the bottles. The web page recommends a dishwashing liquid, which clearly does not work.
Have had no problem cleaning the bottle. I fill it about half full, one oz., with Dawn and shake it, the bottle, for about a minute, then add water and shake it some more. After doing it twice, the bottle is usually clean.
Hello: Did a search but couldn't find anything specifically on this. Has anyone used microfiber towels to remove Z2 or Z5? I wasn't sure if MF towels would be good for this...to re-use multiple times after washing. But they are extremely soft and lint free. Anyone with firsthand experience? Thanks...cheers!
I use them for almost everything on the car including application & removal. My huge stack of cotton towels are relegated to dirty work like engines and door jambs.
I don't even try. I go to Michael's Crafts or AC Moore and buy little paint bottles - they are exactly the same as the Zaino ones. They cost less than a quarter or so each and it's easier IMHO to toss em when I'm done. I've never been able to clean one successfully.
but many of you have me beat when it comes to spreading out your Z5/ZFX mixtures. I am typically using 1/3 oz per coat on a Honda Accord. I also use the little dots (about 7 per panel) method. I first use Z6 on the applicator pad. I use overlapping strokes in the same direction to cover a panel. As for the little ZFX bottles, I just too lazy to wash them out and besides, they're cheap. If I'm going to wash something after Z'ing my car, it will be my towels. I do a good job on them with liquid Tide.
Like you, I can't get the bottle OR the applicator clean with Dawn once Z is on them.
However, alcohol will get the bottle clean. Ditto for the lids/tops on the Z bottles.
I live in a dry climate, and get annoyed when the dried Z from the lid gets on the applicator and on my vehicle.
I am still working on the applicator problem. I like the applicator that Sal supplies, but once dirt is on it (and I can't seem to keep it clean), it is there to stay.
Since I sew, I plan to make terry cloth covers that go over the applicator. The terry cloth covers will be easily removable, and then I can wash them in the washer. If I ever get around to it, I'll post the results to this board.
Most of us who are "good". Other then Bretfraz, who has reported 12 applications per bottle (6 per ounce), most of us get about 3 per ounce. Sometimes I get 4.
Note that Sal advocates 1 ounce per coat. Could it be possible that those of us who do "better" than 1 coat per ounce, are actually not applying enough?
cost the same as my 1 coat...and I've "saved" time by not applying 2 additional coats. What's expensive is Sal's S&H if you just need one bottle of Z2!
"mf" meaning microfiber not mother @#$ ...so i take it you use mf for applying /removing z? it seems like the properautocare site had the most auto oriented mf...am planning on ordering a batch. of all their options(which seem very similar), which ones do you use for washing, applying/removing z, drying etc. do you use the same type towel as an all purpose towel, or have you found specific ones work better for specific tasks- im gonna give em a try-thanks
I use the Sal-approved cotton terry applicator to apply Zaino but have also used a MF app with fine results.
I use regular sized (16x16) MF towels to remove Zaino.
To dry I use a large waffle weave towel which works incredibly well.
For window cleaning I have a dedicated window towel, the Viper glass cleaning towel you see at CMA's website. I keep this towel in a ziploc and use it for this one purpose only.
For dirty, grimey work I used my stack of cotton terry towels.
So, yeah, I use different towels for different tasks.
I only get about one use out of Sal's applicators. They are just too difficult to keep clean and fall apart when I "wash" them aggessive enough to get them clean.
So, my quest is on to find a better applicator. I don't sew and I like the idea of a "sponge" wrapped in a cotton cloth material.
Any ideas?
Thanks for turning me on to "michael's" craft store for the little bottles. I'm not going to try to wash those anymore now that I've got a healthy supply.
As much as I detest going into that place, I will tolerate it long enough to buy my bottles. I had received a catalog at work from a packaging company and was about to order a gross of the bottles when my wife told me I could buy the same thing at the crafts store. Of course she won't go there for me - claims she would become an enabler to my habit.
After looking everywhere, except Michaels, for those plastic bottles, I decided to use 4oz baby food bottles. The glass is easier to clean than plastic. I just mark the side of the bottle at two ounces. I also was not able to get the Zaino applicators clean, so I got some of the sponge type applicators at Wal-Mart. I believe they are made by Meguiars and they work fine for me.
robr2--I know how you feel setting foot into Michael's. I felt like I was going to be taken over by lady in the "bead" dept when asking where I could find the bottles. She seemed disappointed when I told her I used them to wax my car, almost a sacrilege by the look on her face.
donl68--can you give me a description of the applicators you found? Are the 100% cotton?
I agree that it's virtually impossible to get a Zaino applicator totally clean after one use.
But if you wash the applicator in Tide and scrub both sides thoroughly by hand or with a soft brush (rinse well), you've actually removed almost all of the "removable" dirt. What's left won't do any harm at all (at least in my experience in keeping two light-colored cars Zainoed).
I get multiple applications from an applicator and only discard one after it starts to come apart.
Just purchased our 2003 Ody EXL a month ago. Heard about this wonder drug called ZAINO.
Is this product a wax or just a polish? Went to the site and got more confused. How do I configure my order. What / which to buy? How to use and so on.
Truth of the matter is, regardless of the nomenclature that Zaino uses, it is not a polish in the traditional sense. Polishes have loosely been defined as having some sort of fine "grit" to them to remove minor swirls and as a wax "prep".
Waxes (which is what Zaino really is) are "shine enhancers" and, more importantly, protection for your car's surface. This is something Zaino does better (according to most tests and posters here) than any other product out there.
You can find Zaino at www.zainobros.com depending on where you are in NJ, Zaino is in Howell. Maybe you can go directly to them and pick some up. If not, you can send and order to them and have it shipped.
At a minimum, I would order the Z7 car wash, ZFX accelerator and Z5. Clay is optional, but highly recommended, as is Z6 gloss enhancer.
Let us know if you need any help. Everyone here is more than willing to share what we find works.
How does it fair as far as bleeding the rain and protecting the car.
Don't get me wrong, the pictures I have seen are very impressive. The post I have read on using it on a 10 year old car is impressive. Sounds so good I was thinking if I was reading the script to an infomercial.
I guess what I am saying is I am willing to sacrifice A LITTLE bit of the shine if I were to get really good protection. Would Zaino still be the way to go?
Here is what was recommended for me to buy: ZFX, Z5, Z7 and Z18.
My situation is as follows: the car is garage kept and only used during the weekends. From what I understand you are suppose to apply one and then the other. My plans are to apply one application everyday during the week when I get home from work. Is this correct?
Next is, in which order do I apply these products?
Any suggestion on what to use to apply or take off the polishes? My (don't laugh now) Turtle was came with a sponge and I just use a towel to take off the wax. Again, remember I'm a rookie at this.
I have also read of washing the car with dawn. I washed the car last weekend using the Blue coral cleanser with the wax in it. What should I do.
Any tips, advice, or notes is greatly appreciated.
Wash with Dawn. This will help take the wax off your car. You want to remove the wax before applying Zaino.
Use the clay bar. This will help remove contaminants from the paint. Be sure to lubricate the bar, using a combination of Z-7 wash and water.
Next, you can either do another Dawn wash, or a Z-7 wash (I've seen both approaches).
Mix the ZFX and the Z-5. Apply this to the car, hopefully using the applicator Sal provides. After it dries, use a made-in-USA 100% cotton towel (Cannon or Fieldcrest) with the edging removed, or a microfiber towel, to remove.
I highly recommend the Z-6 gloss enhancer, applying this to the car in between coats of Z-5 and ZFX. After about 4-5 coats of the Z-5, I'd recommend either the Z-2 or Z-3 (only get the latter if you have non-clearcoat paint) in place of the Z-5.
Sal has some good tips on his web site, and there are some decent ones in prior messages here.
I've been using Zaino for 5 years. Won't use anything else.
The only think I'd add is to maek certain that you use Zaino sparingly. If it is applied to thick, smearing will be the result. I noticed that you didn't buy any Z6. That's OK.
Sal is going to send you a cotton applicator. I'd dampen the applicator with a little bit of water. Make a very thin "X" pattern with the Z5 on the applicator. Do that application for each panel of your car. You'll think you aren't using enough, but you are. Then all you do is wipe it off.
To give you some idea of how long Zaino lasts, I had one of the harshest winters in recent memory. I hadn't Zaino'd my car in 6 months. First wash this spring, the shine came back and the wax was still beading/sheeting.
There are a bunch of us with new rides on the Ody board that would be interested in the results of Zaino on the new ride. If you wouldn't mind sharing your experience over there. I used 303 on the interior and pinnacle and I like the results. Have not tackled the exterior. Only have 90 miles.
I doubt it. It is a polymer sealant, not a wax at all as far as I am concerned. Case in point - you can remove waxes with Dawn, but Dawn will not remove Z.
It is my personal opinion that polymer sealants could very well render waxes obsolete except for a very narrow application (e.g. show cars), similarly to digital technology's rendering the Swiss analog design obsolete for watches and clocks.
Being that I was new, I just called Zaino and told the guy which car I have. He's the one that gave me my shopping list, and the only option item he said was the Z18 bar. He said it was optional, but highly recommended.
Glad to share my views anytime. As soon as I am done I will everyone here know. Just to recap, here is my entire shopping list that will arrive tomorrow (Friday) Z5 Zaino Bros' Z-5 Polish for swirl marks & fine scratches
Z7 Zaino Bros' Show Car Wash (concentrate)
Z18 Zaino Clay bar (removes airborne & paint contaminants) (2 bars per order)
ZFX Zaino Flash Cure Accelerator Additive for Z-2, Z-3 and Z-5 *****NEW*****
From what I understand this is the way I am suppose to use this stuff, thanks to Hammen and Graphicguy
1) Wash the car with Dawn.
2) THIS STEP SCARES ME. Rubbing a CLAY BAR on the car, I am picturing my kid doing a job on the car with a rock. Anyway, from what I understand I use teh Z7 with water and this Bar.
3) repeat either steps 1 and 2 or just one of them.
4) Dry off the car
5) apply the ZFX
6) Once I finish applying the ZFX, I apply the Z5. I let this dry overnight and remove with a 100% cotton towel
7) I repeat steps 5 & 6 the following day.
The next time I do this after step 7 for step 8 I apply the Z6.
a) claying. I can understand your concern, I felt the same way the first time I did it. The clay is, or should become, somewhat pliable. A little like firm play-doh. You need to apply lubricant (mix half-and-half water and Z-7 wash in a spray bottle), and apply a spritz or two to the clay bar, then work it out of the bar shape a little bit.
Spray one spritz onto the car, then use the clay bar to gently "rub" over the area you spritzed onto. Don't use too much lubrication or the bar will start to disintegrate (you will leave little spots/chunks of the bar on your paint's surface). Periodically (every 3-4 spritzes) take the bar and "fold" it. As you are rubbing the bar across your paint surface, it is (in theory) removing contaminants from the paint. You periodically want to "fold" the bar so that you're not rubbing them back into the paint job.
This brings up another issue: if you drop the clay bar, throw it away. It will pick up dirt/gravel from the ground, and you will scratch your paint. Not worth the risk.
b) after you clay the car (you washed with Dawn first), wash with Z-7. Rinse (I use a hose w/no nozzle, and take advantage of Z-7's great "sheeting" action to literally "push" the water off the car). I also use a California Water Blade, which makes a world of difference in removing 90+ percent of the water from the car. Dry, being careful not to "rub" too hard, or to go in a circular direction.
c) ZFX is a new thing. Before ZFX, there was Z-1, which was sort of a "base coat" you had to apply. You'd put Z-1 down, then apply Z-5 or Z-2/3. Now, you mix the ZFX and the Z-5, and make one application. As others have said, treat the ZFX/Z-5 mixture like it's made from gold, and apply sparingly. It's not a wax that you apply very "thick" to the car's paint surface; it should be almost like it's not there.
d) I'm not sure you need to let it dry overnight. Dry times will depend upon the temperature and humidy in your climate, as well as how thickly you applied the ZFX/Z-5 combo. Of course, I also find the full Dawn wash/clay/wash cycle to take me an extremely long time (I'm particularly thorough/anal), so you might be too tired and want to do it the next day. In the upper Midwest, in spring/summer, I've never had to wait more than 2-3 hours for it to dry.
e) Removal - use similar 100% made-in-USA cotton towels (Cannon or Fieldcrest, edging and tags removed) or a microfiber towel. Resist the urge to rub in circles, and go front-to-back on the flat surfaces (hood, roof, trunk), and up-and-down on the more vertical surfaces (fenders, doors, etc.) You should find the ZFX/Z-5 exceptionally easy to remove.
f) Admire the amazing glow of your car's finish. If you have the werewithal, I strongly recommend Z-6 gloss enhancer, to be used "in between" coats of ZFX/Z-5. It's kind of like a "quick detailer" spray, in that it spritzes on and gets rubbed/distributed on.
g) After 4-5 coats of ZFX and Z-5, I'd "graduate" to the Z-2. Z-5 is designed to fill small scratches (if you have deeper ones, you should do something about that before applying Zaino - see 3M products). Z-2 makes the car "glow" even more (more reflective optical properties.
As to why Sal may have recommended Z-5 first, most cars, even if new, do have tiny scratches (unless you explicitly tell the dealership to keep their 17-year-old "prep technician" kids away from the car, they'll pre-scratch it for you before you take delivery :-). If you can't see them after 1-2 applications of ZFX/Z-5, I'd graduate to the Z-2 at that point (you can use the Z-5 on the significant other's car :-)
I hope this helps. I've been using Zaino since August of 2001 and couldn't be more pleased. I've been too busy to hand-wash or apply Zaino to my car (not garaged) since early November, and the water still beads/the car still "glows".
Oh, that's one more reminder: after you wash your car, NEVER take it through a car wash that isn't "touchless" (i.e. the thing that moves around your car = good; the "assembly line" your car moves down/hits the brushes = bad). Also, just buy the cheapest wash package (i.e. don't let them put any wax onto your car).
It will seem like it takes an exceptionally long time to go through these steps (Dawn wash, clay, wash, ZFX/Z-5, et. al.), and that this process is complicated.
Once you complete this process, your maintenance (wash/another coat) gets MUCH easier and less time-consuming.
After you get that first coat or two of Zaino on your car, bugs (scourge of car detailers everywhere), bird crap, tar, etc. will come off VERY easily.
It may take me hours and hours to wash/prep my car (black '98 Aurora), but once I've applied Z, I can wash and dry the car in about 20-25 minutes (California Water Blade is exceptionally helpful here), and it looks outstanding. If I have another 1-2 hours, I can apply another coat of Z-5 or Z-2, and it looks even better.
Keep this in mind the day after you do all of the setup routine, when your back, knees, muscles, etc. hurt :-)
Regarding Z5 vs Z2, no particular reason recommending one over the other. I happen to alternate applications between the two. Z5 will cover very minor swirls. Z2 will give a slightly better shine. Both are equally durable. I would say that "Z-ing" a new vehicle may make a case for using Z2 solely, at least initially. Typically, dealers run a car though their "brushes" automatic car washes before deliver. This is a definite "no-no" as that will cause swirls (or worse). Bottom line, don't worry about the differences between Z5 and Z2. If you become a "fanatic" like most of us here, then you'll quickly develop your own preference and routine.
Clay sounds intimidating, but really shouldn't be. As mentioned, if you drop the clay, toss it. What I suggest is to cut the clay into two pieces. You'll only need half to do your whole car, anyway. That way you'll have a 2nd piece available if something happens. Use about a 4:1 ratio (water to Z7 ratio) as your lube. Spray your lube on half a panel at a time and rub the clay on the surface until the panel feels smooth. Fold the clay over on itself after each panel is complete. I like to form the clay into the form of the palm of my hand. If the lcay "snags", use more lube. After you finish the clay routine, re-wash with either Z7 or Dawn.
Then dry and start applying ZFX/Z5 as described. Drying time should be "nil" since ZFX dries quicker than the old Z1/Z2 or Z5 routine. Then just wipe off.
Subsequent use of ZFX should be used every 5-6 coats. You can just use Z5 (no ZFX mix) for additional coats.
Don't know that Zaino can be categorized as a wax, polish or sealant. I just know it gives the best shine and durability over anything else I've ever used. Last Fall, I finally tossed all my Mequiars (although, I do like their Endurance tire shine), Collinite, P series, Mothers, Zymol and a few others in the trash.
Z2 provides much more shine than does Z5. Even Sal's documentation on the web says "always end with Z2". Of course, you get good protection with Z5, but Z2 and Z6 will make your car glossier.
I will probably be placing my second order next week. I will order the Z6 and also the Z2.
Sorry one more question if you guys don't mind.
When do I just use the Z7 by itself just to wash the car? Do I use this just when I want to wash the car?
Also after several rounds of the Z5, then I will alternate between Z5 & Z2, and in between each round I apply Z6. Is this correct? Do I apply the Z6 after the current round?
Use Z7 whenever you wash the car. First and foremost, it's meant to be a car wash, although we use it for a clay lube, too. Don't continue to use Dawn, except for the very first wash you do to remove the old stuff the dealer put on.
Z6 can be used before and/or after Z2 or Z5 applications. I also use it after I just do a wash with Z7. Sometimes I don't use it at all.
I just finished my spring detail. I washed with Z7. Then I used Z6. Went onto application of ZFX/Z5. I did another Z6 routine. Put on a coat of Z2 and finished with another Z6 application. I'm set to just wash with Z7 and apply Z6 until about July, when I do another detail as desribed above.
It will enhance the shine and also make applying Z2/Z5 easier.
My routine is almost identical to to that described by graphicguy. At first, my goal was to only go through the Z2/Z5 process twice per year, only using Z7/Z6 the rest of the time.
But I think Z2/Z5 requires refresh more often than every 6 months. In my area, it will go strong for at least 4 months, but then I notice a decrease in protection after that.
I am so excited like a little kid I can't sleep. I may just pass out and fall into the bucket while washing the car. Look at the time it is 2AM, and I want to go out and wash the car.
Again, everyone, thank you. I will keep you posted.
Maybe I ain't as fussy or as astute, but the last time I applied Z-1/Z-2 to my car's brilliant silver finish was October. It now has about 10 Z-2 coats, and all I've done since is an occasional Z-7 wash. The car is garaged, rarely driven in snow (D.C. area had a tough winter, but I'm retired and can stay home!), and the finish still beads and sheds water like crazy after more than six months.
Next week I'll reapply Z1 and Z-2, but that (to me) is just a refreshening of the Z already applied. BTW, the finish is still smooth to the touch under a plastic baggy-covered finger (Bret's acid test about whether or not to clay).
Perhaps the following impact the longevity of Z application:
1) Intensity of sun. (I drive my car every day, and we have extremely high UV, even in winter.) 2) Frequency of washing. (I wash my car every week.) 3) Amount applied at each application. (I only use 4 oz of Z2/Z5 per year.)
Who knows? Maybe I need to apply more and wash the car less often to maximize benefits. All I know is that my last application was in November (3 coats Z5 and 3 coats Z2), and the car began "sheeting" in March.
I wrote an email to Sal inquiring about whether there was an optimal amount of Z per coat, particularly since he states on his web site that we should get about 1 ounce per coat.
Sal responded by saying that he gets three coats per ounce on a Corvette!!
Maybe Sal should take lessons on his own stuff from bretfraz. :-)
I'm using this polish with great results, however last year, during my first polishing, I rinsed out one of the little vials (after using)with water, and then proceeded to empty it onto my driveway (exposed aggregate). I rinsed the area, but as you'll see later on, not nearly enough. The vial had included some ZFX Accelerator to speed up the drying process. The next day, I noticed a dry white patch on my driveway where I had emptied the vial. I tried cleaning it with just about everything I had, but to no avail so I decided to leave it and hope our Wet Coast fall/winter rains would eventually break it down and wash it away. Well, that didn't work, but then I thought for sure my annual Spring power washing would surely do the trick. Unfortunately, that didn't work either. So, here I am a year later still trying to remove this stuff from my driveway. Can anyone prescribe something to remove it? If not, would anyone happen to know what's in that ZFX stuff? Perhaps if I knew some of the chemicals, I could then pass this along to my local Home Depot and they could prescribe a removal product.
Try some concrete cleaner or oven cleaner. Apply directly to the concrete without diluting. Let dwell for a couple of minutes, agitate with brush and powerwash. Since dawn will strip zaino, oven cleaner or concrete cleaner is a slightly more alkaline cleaner than is dawn. This should end your problem.
Comments
I don't even put a dime size amount on the Zaino applicator for each panel. I put some Z6 on the applicator to help spread the wax. Then I put 4-5 "dots" of Zaino on the pad for each panel. After I get half the car Zaino'd, I squirt a little more Z6 on the pad while using my "dot" technique for Z2 or Z5. I put the "dots" in a "box" pattern on the applicator.
Trying to be frugal, I washed the Zaino 2 oz. bottles in my kitchen sink with Dawn. It didn't get all of the wax out of the bottle, but left my kitchen sink "Zaino'd". I ended up "tossing" the little plastic bottle I use to mix ZFX and Zaino. I tried to remove the Zaino from the sink using vinegar. Still won't remove it.
This is some tough wax.
I'm puzzled, as I had little trouble cleaning out the little 2-oz bottle. I might have dropped a little Z7 in when I started...
I use the applicator provided by Zaino. I think the key is in having your applicator just damp enough so that the terry does not absorb any of the Z2/5, but not so damp that you get water on your vehicle mixed with the polish. The dampness does the following:
1. Causes the applicator to resist absorption of the Z2/5, 2. Reduces the friction during application of polish and 3. Dilutes the polish slightly. All of these factors contribute to conserving polish.
You live in a humid climate, whereas mine is very hot and dry. I typically apply Z2/5 in 75-85 degree weather with 12-18% humidity. My climate is so dry that using the two-step process (apply using circular, and immediately respread using back and forth or up/down), I have to get to the back and forth really quicky (less than 30 seconds) lest the Zaino dry in a circular pattern.
When I apply Z2/5, it dries in a snap and I continually dampen my applicator, and the more experienced I become, the more comfortable I am with the process and the less worried I am about the consequences of getting a little too much water mixed with the Z2/5. I know the excess water will evaporate from the vehicle, leaving a thin coat of Z.
I suspect that if I had to apply Z2 in your climate, I'd be starting over again to learn how to do it. I suspect that in a very humid climate, you would have to be more careful not get your applicator too damp. You may not even have the option of dampening your applicator.
If I did not have the option of dampening the terry, I am sure I would need to use more Z.
By the way, you might want to ask Bret how he gets SIX coats per ounce. He certainly has me beat!!!
The only thing that makes me nervous is the question of why Sal does not recommend using alchohol to clean out the bottles. The web page recommends a dishwashing liquid, which clearly does not work.
I also use the little dots (about 7 per panel) method. I first use Z6 on the applicator pad. I use overlapping strokes in the same direction to cover a panel. As for the little ZFX bottles, I just too lazy to wash them out and besides, they're cheap. If I'm going to wash something after Z'ing my car, it will be my towels. I do a good job on them with liquid Tide.
However, alcohol will get the bottle clean. Ditto for the lids/tops on the Z bottles.
I live in a dry climate, and get annoyed when the dried Z from the lid gets on the applicator and on my vehicle.
I am still working on the applicator problem. I like the applicator that Sal supplies, but once dirt is on it (and I can't seem to keep it clean), it is there to stay.
Since I sew, I plan to make terry cloth covers that go over the applicator. The terry cloth covers will be easily removable, and then I can wash them in the washer. If I ever get around to it, I'll post the results to this board.
Note that Sal advocates 1 ounce per coat. Could it be possible that those of us who do "better" than 1 coat per ounce, are actually not applying enough?
You've got to get 3 coats per ounce otherwise Zaino gets really expensive.
I use regular sized (16x16) MF towels to remove Zaino.
To dry I use a large waffle weave towel which works incredibly well.
For window cleaning I have a dedicated window towel, the Viper glass cleaning towel you see at CMA's website. I keep this towel in a ziploc and use it for this one purpose only.
For dirty, grimey work I used my stack of cotton terry towels.
So, yeah, I use different towels for different tasks.
So, my quest is on to find a better applicator. I don't sew and I like the idea of a "sponge" wrapped in a cotton cloth material.
Any ideas?
Thanks for turning me on to "michael's" craft store for the little bottles. I'm not going to try to wash those anymore now that I've got a healthy supply.
donl68--can you give me a description of the applicators you found? Are the 100% cotton?
But if you wash the applicator in Tide and scrub both sides thoroughly by hand or with a soft brush (rinse well), you've actually removed almost all of the "removable" dirt. What's left won't do any harm at all (at least in my experience in keeping two light-colored cars Zainoed).
I get multiple applications from an applicator and only discard one after it starts to come apart.
Is this product a wax or just a polish?
Went to the site and got more confused. How do I configure my order. What / which to buy?
How to use and so on.
Where can I get some in the NJ area?
Sorry if these are stupid questions.
Waxes (which is what Zaino really is) are "shine enhancers" and, more importantly, protection for your car's surface. This is something Zaino does better (according to most tests and posters here) than any other product out there.
You can find Zaino at www.zainobros.com depending on where you are in NJ, Zaino is in Howell. Maybe you can go directly to them and pick some up. If not, you can send and order to them and have it shipped.
At a minimum, I would order the Z7 car wash, ZFX accelerator and Z5. Clay is optional, but highly recommended, as is Z6 gloss enhancer.
Let us know if you need any help. Everyone here is more than willing to share what we find works.
Don't get me wrong, the pictures I have seen are very impressive. The post I have read on using it on a 10 year old car is impressive. Sounds so good I was thinking if I was reading the script to an infomercial.
I guess what I am saying is I am willing to sacrifice A LITTLE bit of the shine if I were to get really good protection. Would Zaino still be the way to go?
Here is what was recommended for me to buy:
ZFX, Z5, Z7 and Z18.
My situation is as follows: the car is garage kept and only used during the weekends. From what I understand you are suppose to apply one and then the other. My plans are to apply one application everyday during the week when I get home from work. Is this correct?
Next is, in which order do I apply these products?
Any suggestion on what to use to apply or take off the polishes? My (don't laugh now) Turtle was came with a sponge and I just use a towel to take off the wax.
Again, remember I'm a rookie at this.
I have also read of washing the car with dawn. I washed the car last weekend using the Blue coral cleanser with the wax in it. What should I do.
Any tips, advice, or notes is greatly appreciated.
Use the clay bar. This will help remove contaminants from the paint. Be sure to lubricate the bar, using a combination of Z-7 wash and water.
Next, you can either do another Dawn wash, or a Z-7 wash (I've seen both approaches).
Mix the ZFX and the Z-5. Apply this to the car, hopefully using the applicator Sal provides. After it dries, use a made-in-USA 100% cotton towel (Cannon or Fieldcrest) with the edging removed, or a microfiber towel, to remove.
I highly recommend the Z-6 gloss enhancer, applying this to the car in between coats of Z-5 and ZFX. After about 4-5 coats of the Z-5, I'd recommend either the Z-2 or Z-3 (only get the latter if you have non-clearcoat paint) in place of the Z-5.
Sal has some good tips on his web site, and there are some decent ones in prior messages here.
Hope this helps,
--Robert
I've been using Zaino for 5 years. Won't use anything else.
The only think I'd add is to maek certain that you use Zaino sparingly. If it is applied to thick, smearing will be the result. I noticed that you didn't buy any Z6. That's OK.
Sal is going to send you a cotton applicator. I'd dampen the applicator with a little bit of water. Make a very thin "X" pattern with the Z5 on the applicator. Do that application for each panel of your car. You'll think you aren't using enough, but you are. Then all you do is wipe it off.
To give you some idea of how long Zaino lasts, I had one of the harshest winters in recent memory. I hadn't Zaino'd my car in 6 months. First wash this spring, the shine came back and the wax was still beading/sheeting.
The more coats you put on, the better the shine.
Good Luck.
Out here in Ca. I have never seen Zaino.
It is my personal opinion that polymer sealants could very well render waxes obsolete except for a very narrow application (e.g. show cars), similarly to digital technology's rendering the Swiss analog design obsolete for watches and clocks.
It has worked wonderfully since them. Lasts for 4-6 months.
Zaino has only a limited number of dealerships. Most of us have to mail order. See www.zainobros.com.
If it were I, and I had to make a choice, I would choose Z2.
I second the recommendation not skip Z6. It is like the icing on the cake.
So why / why not Z2 or Z5? Can anyone explain?
here is my entire shopping list that will arrive tomorrow (Friday)
Z5 Zaino Bros' Z-5 Polish for swirl marks & fine scratches
Z7 Zaino Bros' Show Car Wash (concentrate)
Z18 Zaino Clay bar (removes airborne & paint contaminants) (2 bars per order)
ZFX Zaino Flash Cure Accelerator Additive for Z-2, Z-3 and Z-5 *****NEW*****
99 Napa 100% Cotton Wash Mitt 8x14 (Large)
1) Wash the car with Dawn.
2) THIS STEP SCARES ME. Rubbing a CLAY BAR on the car, I am picturing my kid doing a job on the car with a rock.
Anyway, from what I understand I use teh Z7 with water and this Bar.
3) repeat either steps 1 and 2 or just one of them.
4) Dry off the car
5) apply the ZFX
6) Once I finish applying the ZFX, I apply the Z5. I let this dry overnight and remove with a 100% cotton towel
7) I repeat steps 5 & 6 the following day.
The next time I do this after step 7 for step 8 I apply the Z6.
Once the swirls are gone, I can use Z2.
Spray one spritz onto the car, then use the clay bar to gently "rub" over the area you spritzed onto. Don't use too much lubrication or the bar will start to disintegrate (you will leave little spots/chunks of the bar on your paint's surface). Periodically (every 3-4 spritzes) take the bar and "fold" it. As you are rubbing the bar across your paint surface, it is (in theory) removing contaminants from the paint. You periodically want to "fold" the bar so that you're not rubbing them back into the paint job.
This brings up another issue: if you drop the clay bar, throw it away. It will pick up dirt/gravel from the ground, and you will scratch your paint. Not worth the risk.
b) after you clay the car (you washed with Dawn first), wash with Z-7. Rinse (I use a hose w/no nozzle, and take advantage of Z-7's great "sheeting" action to literally "push" the water off the car). I also use a California Water Blade, which makes a world of difference in removing 90+ percent of the water from the car. Dry, being careful not to "rub" too hard, or to go in a circular direction.
c) ZFX is a new thing. Before ZFX, there was Z-1, which was sort of a "base coat" you had to apply. You'd put Z-1 down, then apply Z-5 or Z-2/3. Now, you mix the ZFX and the Z-5, and make one application. As others have said, treat the ZFX/Z-5 mixture like it's made from gold, and apply sparingly. It's not a wax that you apply very "thick" to the car's paint surface; it should be almost like it's not there.
d) I'm not sure you need to let it dry overnight. Dry times will depend upon the temperature and humidy in your climate, as well as how thickly you applied the ZFX/Z-5 combo. Of course, I also find the full Dawn wash/clay/wash cycle to take me an extremely long time (I'm particularly thorough/anal), so you might be too tired and want to do it the next day. In the upper Midwest, in spring/summer, I've never had to wait more than 2-3 hours for it to dry.
e) Removal - use similar 100% made-in-USA cotton towels (Cannon or Fieldcrest, edging and tags removed) or a microfiber towel. Resist the urge to rub in circles, and go front-to-back on the flat surfaces (hood, roof, trunk), and up-and-down on the more vertical surfaces (fenders, doors, etc.) You should find the ZFX/Z-5 exceptionally easy to remove.
f) Admire the amazing glow of your car's finish. If you have the werewithal, I strongly recommend Z-6 gloss enhancer, to be used "in between" coats of ZFX/Z-5. It's kind of like a "quick detailer" spray, in that it spritzes on and gets rubbed/distributed on.
g) After 4-5 coats of ZFX and Z-5, I'd "graduate" to the Z-2. Z-5 is designed to fill small scratches (if you have deeper ones, you should do something about that before applying Zaino - see 3M products). Z-2 makes the car "glow" even more (more reflective optical properties.
As to why Sal may have recommended Z-5 first, most cars, even if new, do have tiny scratches (unless you explicitly tell the dealership to keep their 17-year-old "prep technician" kids away from the car, they'll pre-scratch it for you before you take delivery :-). If you can't see them after 1-2 applications of ZFX/Z-5, I'd graduate to the Z-2 at that point (you can use the Z-5 on the significant other's car :-)
I hope this helps. I've been using Zaino since August of 2001 and couldn't be more pleased. I've been too busy to hand-wash or apply Zaino to my car (not garaged) since early November, and the water still beads/the car still "glows".
Oh, that's one more reminder: after you wash your car, NEVER take it through a car wash that isn't "touchless" (i.e. the thing that moves around your car = good; the "assembly line" your car moves down/hits the brushes = bad). Also, just buy the cheapest wash package (i.e. don't let them put any wax onto your car).
Hope this helps,
--Robert
Once you complete this process, your maintenance (wash/another coat) gets MUCH easier and less time-consuming.
After you get that first coat or two of Zaino on your car, bugs (scourge of car detailers everywhere), bird crap, tar, etc. will come off VERY easily.
It may take me hours and hours to wash/prep my car (black '98 Aurora), but once I've applied Z, I can wash and dry the car in about 20-25 minutes (California Water Blade is exceptionally helpful here), and it looks outstanding. If I have another 1-2 hours, I can apply another coat of Z-5 or Z-2, and it looks even better.
Keep this in mind the day after you do all of the setup routine, when your back, knees, muscles, etc. hurt :-)
Showing my age,
--Robert
Regarding Z5 vs Z2, no particular reason recommending one over the other. I happen to alternate applications between the two. Z5 will cover very minor swirls. Z2 will give a slightly better shine. Both are equally durable. I would say that "Z-ing" a new vehicle may make a case for using Z2 solely, at least initially. Typically, dealers run a car though their "brushes" automatic car washes before deliver. This is a definite "no-no" as that will cause swirls (or worse). Bottom line, don't worry about the differences between Z5 and Z2. If you become a "fanatic" like most of us here, then you'll quickly develop your own preference and routine.
Clay sounds intimidating, but really shouldn't be. As mentioned, if you drop the clay, toss it. What I suggest is to cut the clay into two pieces. You'll only need half to do your whole car, anyway. That way you'll have a 2nd piece available if something happens. Use about a 4:1 ratio (water to Z7 ratio) as your lube. Spray your lube on half a panel at a time and rub the clay on the surface until the panel feels smooth. Fold the clay over on itself after each panel is complete. I like to form the clay into the form of the palm of my hand. If the lcay "snags", use more lube. After you finish the clay routine, re-wash with either Z7 or Dawn.
Then dry and start applying ZFX/Z5 as described. Drying time should be "nil" since ZFX dries quicker than the old Z1/Z2 or Z5 routine. Then just wipe off.
Subsequent use of ZFX should be used every 5-6 coats. You can just use Z5 (no ZFX mix) for additional coats.
Don't know that Zaino can be categorized as a wax, polish or sealant. I just know it gives the best shine and durability over anything else I've ever used. Last Fall, I finally tossed all my Mequiars (although, I do like their Endurance tire shine), Collinite, P series, Mothers, Zymol and a few others in the trash.
Sorry one more question if you guys don't mind.
When do I just use the Z7 by itself just to wash the car? Do I use this just when I want to wash the car?
Also after several rounds of the Z5, then I will alternate between Z5 & Z2, and in between each round I apply Z6. Is this correct? Do I apply the Z6 after the current round?
Ooops I lied, more than one question.
Z6 can be used before and/or after Z2 or Z5 applications. I also use it after I just do a wash with Z7. Sometimes I don't use it at all.
I just finished my spring detail. I washed with Z7. Then I used Z6. Went onto application of ZFX/Z5. I did another Z6 routine. Put on a coat of Z2 and finished with another Z6 application. I'm set to just wash with Z7 and apply Z6 until about July, when I do another detail as desribed above.
It will enhance the shine and also make applying Z2/Z5 easier.
But I think Z2/Z5 requires refresh more often than every 6 months. In my area, it will go strong for at least 4 months, but then I notice a decrease in protection after that.
Again, everyone, thank you. I will keep you posted.
Next week I'll reapply Z1 and Z-2, but that (to me) is just a refreshening of the Z already applied. BTW, the finish is still smooth to the touch under a plastic baggy-covered finger (Bret's acid test about whether or not to clay).
Maybe I'm just lucky!
1) Intensity of sun. (I drive my car every day, and we have extremely high UV, even in winter.)
2) Frequency of washing. (I wash my car every week.)
3) Amount applied at each application. (I only use 4 oz of Z2/Z5 per year.)
Who knows? Maybe I need to apply more and wash the car less often to maximize benefits. All I know is that my last application was in November (3 coats Z5 and 3 coats Z2), and the car began "sheeting" in March.
Sal responded by saying that he gets three coats per ounce on a Corvette!!
Maybe Sal should take lessons on his own stuff from bretfraz. :-)
Help!