You just didn't know it but you guys are part of some religous cult. There is just no way a car can get this shiny without making a deal with the devil. And I am trying to figure out when it was this past weekend that I made the same deal. I think my conversation with the devil went something like this;
me;I want to have a shiny car; shiny enough to see my future Devil: ok here is some zaino, just give me your soul me: ok
I am not kidding you, I can see my future through the shine of my car.
Just so everyone knows my real opinion, (what I didn't state it in my last statement) I think this stuff is great. I was a bit disappointed at the outcome of my second ZFX+Z5, I thought it wasn't as shiny as the first time I applied it. It could also be that I was expecting more shine. Not sure but still in the end, the 1 ounce was enough to apply it twice on my minivan.
Here are the steps I took yesterday, maybe someone can pinpoint exactly where I went wrong that my legs and back is hurting.
I am ordering my Z1, Z2, and Z6 today. The way I see it for next weekend (or my next free weekend)
Is this part correct??
Z7 Wash Z1 Z2 Remove polish Z6
After this is done, I would just wash the car and apply Z6. I am thinking of reapplying the polish around Sept/Oct to get it ready for the Winter. Is this OK?
That sounds pretty good. I note that there would be no need to z7 wash after the application of ZFX+Z5. In fact, the next best step after the removal of ZFX+Z5 would be to repeat that application to give two coats of the z5. (Unless you had driven the car prior to the wash.)
YOur second list looks good, although there is no need to use Z1 more frequently than once or twice a year, at the most, and never if you are using ZFX. Read Sal's application notes on the Zaino Brothers web page.
As for the guy with the driveway problem, don't bother with Dawn. The comment that Dawn will strip off Zaino is wrong. Dawn will strip off wax, and is used to remove wax and other gunk from a car before applying Zaino. Alcohol will strip off zaino, so maybe that might work on the driveway, but there is no telling what kind of chemical reaction happened when that ZFX hit the pavement. Maybe your best bet is to match the color of the pavement and just get some spray paint to make the spot less conspicuous.
Before I waste any Zaino can someone tell me if it is worth it to do my 10 Year old Integra. You can feel how rough the paint is, the clearcoat is gone. We washed it and also turtle waxed it yesterday and the shine, well lets put it this way, WHAT SHINE.
I am assuming that to do this little car, 1/2 ounce is more than enough to polish it twice, the other 1/2 once I can do the van one more time.
So is it worth it to even try it on the Integra? Will it restore the shine that my first baby use to have?
Sal is the man you should be building your shrine to. I'd call him and ask for do's and dont's.
If the clearcoat is really "gone" then there really isn't much hope for it. Has it been peeling? Does it look like the pics here (see Photo #1 and #2)? http://www.autoint.com/oemclearcoatfail.htm
You said a few post back "Subsequent use of ZFX should be used every 5-6 coats. You can just use Z5 (no ZFX mix) for additional coats"
Do I understand you correctly, after my rounds of ZFX+Z5/Z2 I can use the Z5 or Z2 without Z1 or ZFX? I was under the impression that you always needed to have a base coat of Z1 or mix in ZFX.
Again I think I am getting too carried away with this, but if I am going to hell then let me do this process right. The way I understand it, since I already finished my initial process of Zaino, my next steps look like this
Z1 is used as a base coat before the first coat of Z2 or Z5 is applied. It does not have to be reapplied before every coat but I used to use it proior to the first coat every spring.
ZFX is mixed in with Z2 or Z5. It allows you to skip the initial Z1 step and it reduces curing time. It allows you to apply multiple coats of Z2 or Z5 without the recommended 24 hour wait between Z2 or Z5 by itself.
So yes, since you've already used ZFX you can apply single coats of Z2 or Z5 alone every 24 hours or multiple coats mixed with ZFX in one day.
Personally, I went to ZFX last year and will probably never buy Z1 again. I generally apply 2 ZFX'd coats to my vehicles twice a month during the warm months.
I really have to thank you for all your advice and tips. Makes the process fun and interesting.
How stupid was I to think that Turtle Wax was good enough. hehehe
Lastly, how do I care for the roof? I can't get to it, only 5'8. I was just thinking of using the turtle wax here since no one will see it. But will the residue of the wax come into play when I am washing the van?
I have an Odyssey as well. I do the roof with Z as well. I usually am able to reach all of the roof by using the sills in the open doors and the rear tires as footholds. Often, I'll pull out a stepladder.
My Ody is white so I find the roof tends to get very cruddy with bird presents and tree sap.
Just wondering, is the lack of shine also due to a wax build up? Should I wash with dawn then use wax or Zaino?
No, the lack of shine is due to no wax at all on the paint. That Turtle Wax you used to use lasted no more than 60 days. Since then its been the elements that have oxidized and damaged your paint. Washing and Zaino won't do a thing. It needs to be polished and cleaned properly to restore the shine (what's left of it). Then something like Zaino can be applied.
Your wipers can be fixed easily by removing them, scuffing them with a ScotchBrite pad, cleaning them with a wax & grease remover, then painting them. They should look like new after this process.
Everyone else gave you the answers before I could.
For posterity's sake, before ZFX was introduced, you had to put a Z1 base coat down and put either Z2/Z5 on top of it for your first Zaino coat. ZFX makes Z1 unnecessary. I use ZFX in combination with my Zaino wax routine about every 3rd or 4th coat of Z2 or Z5.
Now that you have your FFX/Z5 basecoat down, you can apply only coats of Z2 or Z5 without using ZFX unless "the spirit moves you".
Agree with bret about your Integra. Zaino will look as good as anything else on silver, but won't be as dramatic looking as it is on darker colors. Also, if the finish is rough, then you'll at least have to clay it. More likely, you'll have to use something a bit more abrasive like a glaze or fine cut. EINZETT is a product that's pretty agressive. I've used it on a friend's badly neglected finish and it did a decent job. Won't bring back a weathered finish, but will add a bit of lustre. I think he bought the stuff at autopia-carcare.com. It's difficult to work with, though.
I'm jealous! You got to do a SPRING Z coat? I'm STILL waiting for Spring to arrive here in So. CT!!!! It's freezing! Still have not Z'd since last August!
lapvn-
LOL... Welcome to the ZAINO cult group!! There are regular ZA (Zaino anonymous) meetings all over the country! :-))) I know how you feel because I have been using Zaino since the summer of 1998 and I STILL can't get over that luscious shine! Of course, both cars that it has been used on are/were RED! Heads still turn when people see my shine. If you click on my name above, and scroll past the Chrysler crap, you can see that Zaino shine up close and personal!
Regular use is addicting! However, the shine just keeps getting better and better!
First lapvn-your list shows using Z6 before you wash. I'm sure you understand NOT to use Z6 on a dirty car. It is the last step after washing and polishing with Z2 or Z5. Also, understand that you never need Z1. ZFX is the new and better replacement for Z1.
Also, some are saying to use Z2 or Z5 without ZFX. My opinion is you should always mix the ZFX with Z2 or Z5. Sal's instructions for ZFX state that ZFX enables Zaino Car Polish to cure instantly and increases durability.
Ok lets see, I sold my soul to the devil, and I have gotten my hands slap several times by all of you. Thats fine with me, like I said I am a rookie at this, and the only way to learn is the hard way. So for peace of mind, mine or yours, take your pick, here is my schedule. Before I forget, I really do appreciate every single advice given here.
The next sunny weekend (not this weekend, mother's day for those who need reminding) Z7 Wash, Dry Z6 ZFX+Z2, remove Z2 Z6 ZFX+Z2, remove Z2 Z6
My maintenance schedule (weather permitting) of every two weeks would be Z7 Wash and Dry Z6
Every May and Sept I will do the following Z7 Wash, Dry Z6 ZFX + Z2/Z5, Remove polish Z6 ZFX + Z2/Z5, Remove polish Z6
Fastdriver is not alone! I too have not had a chance to do my "spring cleaning". In my case, the build up of yug (technical term for road salt, sand, mud, and brake dust) requires a full wash, claying, additional wash, and then and only then will I apply ZFX/F5.
Ah spring! (Where is it?)...
Welcome aboard Lapvn. Have you had the fun of shopping for 100% cotton towels made in USA? Just wait 'till your wife learns that the towels are for the car! Once you've gotton past that, you will be a full member.
I am holding off on that one. She already yelled at me for spending $100 for car cleaning products.
How do I explain to her about the towels when we had a huge discussion on Ralph Lauren towels. I told her my body couldn't tell the difference and my body wouldn't care if they were Kmart or Polo towels. Now I am suppose to tell her that I must get the best towels out there for the car but I can live with the cheap stuff for us.
I can see I will be sleeping with the dog tonight or the sofa. Lies lies lies, maybe I will get the towels for her mothers day gift this way she can drive around in a shiny van.
That won't work. If I keep spending like this, she will like ask for a diamond ring to go with the shiny car.
Dear Evil brothers & sisters,
Please tell me your preferences on the towels and also where I may find them.
Cannon or Fieldcrest. Or, try microfiber (something I'd like to do, but I'm holding off on spending $$$ with the economy and uncertainty at my employer). If you have Kohls Department Stores in your area (I'm about 10 miles from their corporate HQ), they often have white sales where you can pick these up for a decent price.
Hope this helps,
--Robert who is embarassed not to have done his "spring cleaning" yet either. Maybe this upcoming weekend, weather permitting...
I too have not done my spring cleaning yet. Last weekend was my first one home in almost a month and it was spent doing yard work and shuttling kids to soccer and birthday parties.
lapvn - BE A MAN!! Just go down to Kohl's, Bed Bath & Beyond, or Linens & Things and buy your towels. Then go into the next strip mall to Michael's Crafts and get your little paint bottles. Then go home and hide it all from your wife like the rest of us!! :-)
The comment that Dawn will strip off Zaino is wrong.
Ever measure the pH of dawn? It is highly caustic. If you think it won't remove zaino try giving your car a good wash with a 10:1 dawn and water solution. If left on the vehicle long enough it will permanently stain your clear coat and etch your windows.
The consensus is that 100% US Made cotton towels are of a higher quality than imported towels. It is possible that the hems are sewn with synthetic thread which may scratch your finish as opposed to cotton thread that has a lower likelihood to do so.
Then again, US Made includes products from Guam, American Somoa, and the Northen Marianas Islands.
I bought my towels at SAMS. Not too expensive, I think about 5 or 6 dollars each for the large size. I also buy the hand towels for the washing task. I think they are Royal Velvet. Just be sure they are 100% Made in USA.
The small paint bottles are replacements if you need more bottles. Some say they have trouble cleaning the Zaino bottles or they just don't want to bother so they use a new one each time.
Dawn has a pH of 9.1, making it pretty alkaline. Apply Dawn full strength to your paint and leaving it there overnight would not be smart but that's not what is suggested. Washing with Dawn (specifically Dawn and water mixed in a bucket) will do a good job of stripping of old wax and worn sealants. We're talking 5 gallons of water and about 3 ounces of Dawn, or a ratio of 213:1.
A 10:1 ratio of Dawn to water would be stupid in the extreme - no sane person would use a half-gallon of Dawn detergent mixed with 5 gallons of water just to wash their car.
Just for grins here are some other pH ratings of various items. Remember, high pH is alkaline, low pH is acidic:
Water - 7.0 (neutral)
Eagle One Wet Wipe & Shine - 7.3 Eggs - 8.0 Blackfire shampoo - 8.6 3M Swirl Mark Remover - 8.7 NuFinish - 9.0 (yeow!!) Dawn detergent - 9.1 Simple Green - 9.7
Milk - 6.5 Sparkling Mineral Water - 6.0 Esophageal Acid - 5.0 hydrogen peroxide - 3.5 Diet Coke - 3.4 Lemon juice - 3.0 Coca-Cola - 2.9 Pepsi - 2.6 Stomach Acid - 1.0 to 3.0 (depends on factors)
We've only had a few "warm" days so far! Lately, it's been cloudy, drizzly and cool. NO desire to Z until it warms up here. Besides, like others here, winter AND that damn cloth strip car wash, have taken their toll on my poor car. Hey, it's 26 months old. Can't stay "pristine" forever.
I need a full weekend to get things back in shape. One of these days maybe we'll have sun AND warmth at the same time! ;-)
What is the reccomended protocol for cleaning the cleaning equipment. I have polishing pads that have been exclusively used for one product, say polish, or carnauba wax and various towels that have been used to buff off product. How do I remove excess build up. I have tried the washer and dryer with limited success, but they always have to run twice to eliminate the residue. Can things be presoaked in something to cut the wax? Dawn? Any help would be appreciated.
First of all, your last process hit the nail on the head. You may have to do a Z process more than once every six months, but if so, you'll be able to tell.
As far as the bottles go, the ones that come with the ZFX work fine, but we've decided that they are a #$@%) to clean, and Sal warns against reusing bottles. Many board members think it is easier to just buy extra ones from the craft store than to try and clean out the original ones.
By the way, I finally was able to clean a ZFX bottle with alcohol, but then you have to make sure you get the alcohol out.
Your routine is "dead on". You'll have the shiniest car in the neighborhood, by far. You'll also find that subsequent Zaino applications are very east compared to the first one you did.
It's to the point where I put a coat of Zaino on just about every time I wash my car. It only takes an extra 20-30 minutes. I bet I've got about 20-25 coats on my (soon to be departed) Chrysler 300M.
My PT Cruiser is only on about it's 6th or 7th coat. Both look great, particularly since I've been able to get the Spring detail done.
pblevine and fastdriver....we've had a few good weekends already here in the Ohio Valley. I was in Chicago a couple of weeks ago for work. I was surprised that the temps never got above about 50 degrees while I was there.
I've already put two coats of Zaino on since Spring hit. I'll put another on this weekend since it's supposed to be in the '70s on Saturday.
I can see you guys getting the wash bucket out the first time the temps warm up.
During this past winter, I resisted going to the "cloth car wash" places, although I was tempted given how bad my cars looked around February and March. I did go to the "touchless" places a couple of times. They do a poor job, but at least I got some of the salt and grunge off.
All kidding aside, this stuff is great. I have told other people about it, but I also warned them that if you get excited from the shine you get from a car wash, then this might not be for you. I say that because I know these people, they are the ones not willing to put the time and effort to clean the car, and get really excited at what a real shine is. To them they couldn't tell the difference between the shine from a car wash to what we are getting. I spent the whole day last Sunday (North NJ) doing the car, and my wife came out to ask me if I was washing our neighbors cars as well. The only time I went in was to eat lunch.
As crazy as it sounds, I didn't not mind spending 9-5 on washing one car. I go as far as taking all the seats out to vacuum every bit of the car. I do a better cleaning on the car than the house, now that should be enough to put me in the nut house. And I think that is where we set ourselves apart from other drivers.
It's almost like we have to ask ourselves all the time, how much shine will it take for me to be happy? All of us are happy, but I don't see myself stopping or anyone here saying they reach the point where it is good enough. Enough is never enough.
now back to reality, my wife last night was telling her friend about my lovely day last Sunday. I had to open my big mouth and say, "see if you take care of me, I would take care of you like the car." I think the rest of you know what happened.
Already planning ahead. What do you guys do during the winter months
Is it back to the car wash (no wax of course)? If so, how can you tell which car wash is safe or not? I've gone through so many car wash, some that actually use soap, some just use the bubble stuff my son uses when he take a bath, how can I tell which one will be safe for my Zaino?
anyway, I got my 03'Accord in December. I'm in the same weather as you, (NYC) and it killed me that I could not get a good layer of Z on because of the cold temps and all the snow we had this winter. The thing is, taking your car to the car wash gets all of the winter stuff off, but dealing with the guys that dry the car with dirty towels, is probably a lot worse than leaving it on until you get a day above freezing so you can do it yourself. Now around here, "touchless" means wash, not dry. The prewash consists of some guy with a "broom" dipped in soap doing the bottom and bumpers and some other guy spraying water-soap on the car. Scary stuff(broom-towels, questionable soap and you pay them for this "service". I went out the first day it was above freezing with rubber gloves, raincoat, hat, and washed my car with z-7, dried with 100% USA cotton towels and took it for a quick spin on the highway to dry everything else. Felt good after it was done too!
max, I didn't do anything but ask stupid silly questions that all of you already knew. I am extremely greatful to everyone here, for all the advice. To think just a couple of weeks ago I was ready to put on Turtle Wax. And not knowing anything, I would have been happy. All of you opened my eyes, (well now I need sunglasses with the shine from the car) to this product. Thanks again everyone.
Max, I agree with you, after all the hardwork we all do to take care of the car, how can we even think of handing it over to a group of people who don't care since it is not their cars, and also probably are bitter that they have to work outdoors during the bitter cold. I know it would be very hard for me to be in good spirits if I had to work outdoors in some of those freezing temps. we had this winter. Maybe if they were paying me something like $80 an hour, but at last look all those guys were all getting paid minimum wage. I think I will follow your advice and just pile on all the thick clothing, and actually run through the process of washing the car in the winter myself. FYI, I think I already got my moneys worth from my snow blower just from this past winter. I also did my 3 other neighbors driveway as well just to help out.
What about those $2 do it yourself places. What I was thinking was just bring my own bucket with some Z7 in it, basically just use the facility for spraying the car with water and rinsing it. This way, I am sort of enclosed on two sides, I use my Z7, and if there is no line I can do the Z2 or Z5 and run home. I mean it might mean just one coat of the Z2 or Z5, but maybe just maybe I can do the next coat the following weekend. Will the outcome be different if I drive the car after applying the Z2 or Z5?
The only thing I do in the winter is go to the "touchless" places that have a big "blower" at the end. No one puts a cloth on my cars, even during winter.
This past winter, I actually Zaino'd once on one of my cars. It was only 40 degrees outside and my fingers were numb by the time I washed dried and put a coat of Z5 on it. It was the quickest I had ever done a wash/wax....the whole job was done in 40 minutes.
Usually during the winter I can catch one or two days where it approaches 50 degrees that allows me to get the crud off my car and put a coat of Z5 on it.
lapvn: Very good questions. Once a year, Fieldcrest has an on-line sale of near-perfect but factory seconds. One or two threads out of line and its classified as a second. The savings were great, but I don't remember when they hold the sale. I think it was around this time of year. Check it out online.
Because my car was used daily for commuting in the North East, I have to clay it every spring. In addition to the visible dirt, road salts, and mud, a lot of street level brake dust gets into almost everything. Try rubbing your hand across a freshly washed car. If you feel those tiny little rough spots or the finish is just not absolutely smooth, chances are that brake dust has found a home on your car. This dust is metalic in nature and is a by-product of all the cars and trucks you see on the road. Although very small, dust particles attach themselves to everything and are hard to wash off. Because this dust has microscopic sharp edges, it can become embedded in the finish of a car. Actually, it will embed into the top layer, be it Zaino, wax, or clear coat. After rusting out, the dust then leaves tiny pib marks in the finish. This speeds up the aging of the paint. Claying removes this brake dust with a minimum of damage to the Zaino and/or clear coat. It actually pulls the dust out of the surface. Afterwards, you car's finish will feel very smooth and your finish will last longer too.
Do any of those brushes harm the Z? I thought most car washes had the blowers and I guess from what you are saying you tell the guys to skip the rags.
Aren't the internal, spinning, gadgets more harmful?
You know I see some of these gas stations here where you get a car wash for free or $2.99 with a fill up. I tried it once, had the guy with the broom stick, then it was a short wash and rinse and the blower. What do you expect for $2.99. Anyway, it sounds like, minus the broomstick guy, this type of cleaning may be safe and good enough to get the crud off of the car from Old Man Winter. Is that a safe assumption?
That was a great second paragraph. If you don't mind I would like to share it with the people at the forum, Honda Ody, Prices paid. They were asking me whats the deal with the clay. Obviously I was in no position to say so, but I like your explanation.
...I spent the whole day last Sunday (North NJ) doing the car, and my wife came out to ask me if I was washing our neighbors cars as well. The only time I went in was to eat lunch...
When I Z'd my Envoy last week, I had my wife bring lunch out to me (so that I would have more time for the Z!!
Comments
me;I want to have a shiny car; shiny enough to see my future
Devil: ok here is some zaino, just give me your soul
me: ok
I am not kidding you, I can see my future through the shine of my car.
FYI, I saw hell.
OK, where is my welcome party to this cult.
Here are the steps I took yesterday, maybe someone can pinpoint exactly where I went wrong that my legs and back is hurting.
Dawn
Dry
Clay
Rinse
Z7 Wash
Dry
ZFX+Z5
remove polish
Rinse
Z7 Wash
Dry
ZFX+Z5
remove polish
Now to my question:
I am ordering my Z1, Z2, and Z6 today. The way I see it for next weekend (or my next free weekend)
Is this part correct??
Z7 Wash
Z1
Z2
Remove polish
Z6
After this is done, I would just wash the car and apply Z6. I am thinking of reapplying the polish around Sept/Oct to get it ready for the Winter. Is this OK?
That sounds pretty good. I note that there would be no need to z7 wash after the application of ZFX+Z5. In fact, the next best step after the removal of ZFX+Z5 would be to repeat that application to give two coats of the z5. (Unless you had driven the car prior to the wash.)
YOur second list looks good, although there is no need to use Z1 more frequently than once or twice a year, at the most, and never if you are using ZFX. Read Sal's application notes on the Zaino Brothers web page.
As for the guy with the driveway problem, don't bother with Dawn. The comment that Dawn will strip off Zaino is wrong. Dawn will strip off wax, and is used to remove wax and other gunk from a car before applying Zaino. Alcohol will strip off zaino, so maybe that might work on the driveway, but there is no telling what kind of chemical reaction happened when that ZFX hit the pavement. Maybe your best bet is to match the color of the pavement and just get some spray paint to make the spot less conspicuous.
I am assuming that to do this little car, 1/2 ounce is more than enough to polish it twice, the other 1/2 once I can do the van one more time.
So is it worth it to even try it on the Integra? Will it restore the shine that my first baby use to have?
lapvn - sounds like you need something to remove any oxidation from the paint on the Integra. Bret should have some ideas.
Who is Sal?
Are they the evil twins that I sold my soul to?
Bret is bretfraz who posts here. A cornicopia of knowledge wrt detailing products.
Sal is the man you should be building your shrine to. I'd call him and ask for do's and dont's.
If the clearcoat is really "gone" then there really isn't much hope for it. Has it been peeling? Does it look like the pics here (see Photo #1 and #2)? http://www.autoint.com/oemclearcoatfail.htm
If so, its history. The car needs a respray.
This page has pics of all sorts of paint damage. Viewer discretion is advised: http://www.autoint.com/tech__tips.htm
Pic #2 is what my wipers look like since it is black. Is it safe to say that looking from my wipers, the body is probably just as bad?
Just wondering, is the lack of shine also due to a wax build up? Should I wash with dawn then use wax or Zaino?
"Subsequent use of ZFX should be used every 5-6 coats. You can just use Z5 (no ZFX mix) for additional coats"
Do I understand you correctly, after my rounds of ZFX+Z5/Z2 I can use the Z5 or Z2 without Z1 or ZFX? I was under the impression that you always needed to have a base coat of Z1 or mix in ZFX.
Again I think I am getting too carried away with this, but if I am going to hell then let me do this process right. The way I understand it, since I already finished my initial process of Zaino, my next steps look like this
Next process
Z6
Z7 Wash, dry
apply ZFX + Z2, remove polish
re-apply ZFX + Z2, remove polish
Z6
Maintenace wash, which is wash every two weeks will be
Z6
Z7 Wash and dry
Z6
Every 4 months
Z6
Z7 Wash, dry
apply ZFX + Z2 (or Z5), remove polish
re-apply ZFX + Z2 (or Z5), remove polish
Z6
At what point do I not use the ZFX? Also how often do I swtich back between Z2 and Z5?
ZFX is mixed in with Z2 or Z5. It allows you to skip the initial Z1 step and it reduces curing time. It allows you to apply multiple coats of Z2 or Z5 without the recommended 24 hour wait between Z2 or Z5 by itself.
So yes, since you've already used ZFX you can apply single coats of Z2 or Z5 alone every 24 hours or multiple coats mixed with ZFX in one day.
Personally, I went to ZFX last year and will probably never buy Z1 again. I generally apply 2 ZFX'd coats to my vehicles twice a month during the warm months.
How stupid was I to think that Turtle Wax was good enough. hehehe
Lastly, how do I care for the roof? I can't get to it, only 5'8. I was just thinking of using the turtle wax here since no one will see it. But will the residue of the wax come into play when I am washing the van?
My Ody is white so I find the roof tends to get very cruddy with bird presents and tree sap.
No, the lack of shine is due to no wax at all on the paint. That Turtle Wax you used to use lasted no more than 60 days. Since then its been the elements that have oxidized and damaged your paint. Washing and Zaino won't do a thing. It needs to be polished and cleaned properly to restore the shine (what's left of it). Then something like Zaino can be applied.
Your wipers can be fixed easily by removing them, scuffing them with a ScotchBrite pad, cleaning them with a wax & grease remover, then painting them. They should look like new after this process.
For posterity's sake, before ZFX was introduced, you had to put a Z1 base coat down and put either Z2/Z5 on top of it for your first Zaino coat. ZFX makes Z1 unnecessary. I use ZFX in combination with my Zaino wax routine about every 3rd or 4th coat of Z2 or Z5.
Now that you have your FFX/Z5 basecoat down, you can apply only coats of Z2 or Z5 without using ZFX unless "the spirit moves you".
Agree with bret about your Integra. Zaino will look as good as anything else on silver, but won't be as dramatic looking as it is on darker colors. Also, if the finish is rough, then you'll at least have to clay it. More likely, you'll have to use something a bit more abrasive like a glaze or fine cut. EINZETT is a product that's pretty agressive. I've used it on a friend's badly neglected finish and it did a decent job. Won't bring back a weathered finish, but will add a bit of lustre. I think he bought the stuff at autopia-carcare.com. It's difficult to work with, though.
Just wanted to know what the experts had to say.
I'm jealous! You got to do a SPRING Z coat? I'm STILL waiting for Spring to arrive here in So. CT!!!! It's freezing! Still have not Z'd since last August!
lapvn-
LOL... Welcome to the ZAINO cult group!! There are regular ZA (Zaino anonymous) meetings all over the country! :-))) I know how you feel because I have been using Zaino since the summer of 1998 and I STILL can't get over that luscious shine! Of course, both cars that it has been used on are/were RED! Heads still turn when people see my shine. If you click on my name above, and scroll past the Chrysler crap, you can see that Zaino shine up close and personal!
Regular use is addicting! However, the shine just keeps getting better and better!
fastdriver
Also, some are saying to use Z2 or Z5 without ZFX. My opinion is you should always mix the ZFX with Z2 or Z5. Sal's instructions for ZFX state that ZFX enables Zaino Car Polish to cure instantly and increases durability.
We all have our opinions. These are mine!
Hope this helps. Best of Luck,
CUSAFR
I'm in a state of shock!
The next sunny weekend (not this weekend, mother's day for those who need reminding)
Z7 Wash, Dry
Z6
ZFX+Z2, remove Z2
Z6
ZFX+Z2, remove Z2
Z6
My maintenance schedule (weather permitting) of every two weeks would be
Z7 Wash and Dry
Z6
Every May and Sept I will do the following
Z7 Wash, Dry
Z6
ZFX + Z2/Z5, Remove polish
Z6
ZFX + Z2/Z5, Remove polish
Z6
January will be similar to the above just no ZFX
Ah spring! (Where is it?)...
Welcome aboard Lapvn. Have you had the fun of shopping for 100% cotton towels made in USA? Just wait 'till your wife learns that the towels are for the car! Once you've gotton past that, you will be a full member.
How do I explain to her about the towels when we had a huge discussion on Ralph Lauren towels. I told her my body couldn't tell the difference and my body wouldn't care if they were Kmart or Polo towels. Now I am suppose to tell her that I must get the best towels out there for the car but I can live with the cheap stuff for us.
I can see I will be sleeping with the dog tonight or the sofa. Lies lies lies, maybe I will get the towels for her mothers day gift this way she can drive around in a shiny van.
That won't work. If I keep spending like this, she will like ask for a diamond ring to go with the shiny car.
Dear Evil brothers & sisters,
Please tell me your preferences on the towels and also where I may find them.
Thanks,
Lapvn
Hope this helps,
--Robert
who is embarassed not to have done his "spring cleaning" yet either. Maybe this upcoming weekend, weather permitting...
lapvn - BE A MAN!! Just go down to Kohl's, Bed Bath & Beyond, or Linens & Things and buy your towels. Then go into the next strip mall to Michael's Crafts and get your little paint bottles. Then go home and hide it all from your wife like the rest of us!! :-)
Ever measure the pH of dawn? It is highly caustic. If you think it won't remove zaino try giving your car a good wash with a 10:1 dawn and water solution. If left on the vehicle long enough it will permanently stain your clear coat and etch your windows.
My wife gave me permission that it was ok for me to tell everyone that I run this relationship.
Since you guys mentioned Kohls, I don't think I will get that much slack for that one.
Whats wrong with using 100% cottong terry towels? They seem soft enough.
Then again, US Made includes products from Guam, American Somoa, and the Northen Marianas Islands.
Or am I just being gullable?
I bought my towels at SAMS. Not too expensive, I think about 5 or 6 dollars each for the large size. I also buy the hand towels for the washing task. I think they are Royal Velvet. Just be sure they are 100% Made in USA.
The small paint bottles are replacements if you need more bottles. Some say they have trouble cleaning the Zaino bottles or they just don't want to bother so they use a new one each time.
Best of Luck,
(Bright Silver 2001 Infinit I-30)
CUSAFR
A 10:1 ratio of Dawn to water would be stupid in the extreme - no sane person would use a half-gallon of Dawn detergent mixed with 5 gallons of water just to wash their car.
Just for grins here are some other pH ratings of various items. Remember, high pH is alkaline, low pH is acidic:
Water - 7.0 (neutral)
Eagle One Wet Wipe & Shine - 7.3
Eggs - 8.0
Blackfire shampoo - 8.6
3M Swirl Mark Remover - 8.7
NuFinish - 9.0 (yeow!!)
Dawn detergent - 9.1
Simple Green - 9.7
Milk - 6.5
Sparkling Mineral Water - 6.0
Esophageal Acid - 5.0
hydrogen peroxide - 3.5
Diet Coke - 3.4
Lemon juice - 3.0
Coca-Cola - 2.9
Pepsi - 2.6
Stomach Acid - 1.0 to 3.0 (depends on factors)
We've only had a few "warm" days so far! Lately, it's been cloudy, drizzly and cool. NO desire to Z until it warms up here. Besides, like others here, winter AND that damn cloth strip car wash, have taken their toll on my poor car. Hey, it's 26 months old. Can't stay "pristine" forever.
I need a full weekend to get things back in shape. One of these days maybe we'll have sun AND warmth at the same time! ;-)
fastdriver
As far as the bottles go, the ones that come with the ZFX work fine, but we've decided that they are a #$@%) to clean, and Sal warns against reusing bottles. Many board members think it is easier to just buy extra ones from the craft store than to try and clean out the original ones.
By the way, I finally was able to clean a ZFX bottle with alcohol, but then you have to make sure you get the alcohol out.
It's to the point where I put a coat of Zaino on just about every time I wash my car. It only takes an extra 20-30 minutes. I bet I've got about 20-25 coats on my (soon to be departed) Chrysler 300M.
My PT Cruiser is only on about it's 6th or 7th coat. Both look great, particularly since I've been able to get the Spring detail done.
pblevine and fastdriver....we've had a few good weekends already here in the Ohio Valley. I was in Chicago a couple of weeks ago for work. I was surprised that the temps never got above about 50 degrees while I was there.
I've already put two coats of Zaino on since Spring hit. I'll put another on this weekend since it's supposed to be in the '70s on Saturday.
I can see you guys getting the wash bucket out the first time the temps warm up.
During this past winter, I resisted going to the "cloth car wash" places, although I was tempted given how bad my cars looked around February and March. I did go to the "touchless" places a couple of times. They do a poor job, but at least I got some of the salt and grunge off.
As crazy as it sounds, I didn't not mind spending 9-5 on washing one car. I go as far as taking all the seats out to vacuum every bit of the car. I do a better cleaning on the car than the house, now that should be enough to put me in the nut house. And I think that is where we set ourselves apart from other drivers.
It's almost like we have to ask ourselves all the time, how much shine will it take for me to be happy? All of us are happy, but I don't see myself stopping or anyone here saying they reach the point where it is good enough. Enough is never enough.
now back to reality, my wife last night was telling her friend about my lovely day last Sunday. I had to open my big mouth and say, "see if you take care of me, I would take care of you like the car." I think the rest of you know what happened.
BTW, anyone have a spare room?
Is it back to the car wash (no wax of course)?
If so, how can you tell which car wash is safe or not?
I've gone through so many car wash, some that actually use soap, some just use the bubble stuff my son uses when he take a bath, how can I tell which one will be safe for my Zaino?
Is it one of those do it yourself $2 places?
Any preferences?
Max, I agree with you, after all the hardwork we all do to take care of the car, how can we even think of handing it over to a group of people who don't care since it is not their cars, and also probably are bitter that they have to work outdoors during the bitter cold. I know it would be very hard for me to be in good spirits if I had to work outdoors in some of those freezing temps. we had this winter. Maybe if they were paying me something like $80 an hour, but at last look all those guys were all getting paid minimum wage. I think I will follow your advice and just pile on all the thick clothing, and actually run through the process of washing the car in the winter myself. FYI, I think I already got my moneys worth from my snow blower just from this past winter. I also did my 3 other neighbors driveway as well just to help out.
What about those $2 do it yourself places. What I was thinking was just bring my own bucket with some Z7 in it, basically just use the facility for spraying the car with water and rinsing it. This way, I am sort of enclosed on two sides, I use my Z7, and if there is no line I can do the Z2 or Z5 and run home. I mean it might mean just one coat of the Z2 or Z5, but maybe just maybe I can do the next coat the following weekend. Will the outcome be different if I drive the car after applying the Z2 or Z5?
This past winter, I actually Zaino'd once on one of my cars. It was only 40 degrees outside and my fingers were numb by the time I washed dried and put a coat of Z5 on it. It was the quickest I had ever done a wash/wax....the whole job was done in 40 minutes.
Usually during the winter I can catch one or two days where it approaches 50 degrees that allows me to get the crud off my car and put a coat of Z5 on it.
Because my car was used daily for commuting in the North East, I have to clay it every spring. In addition to the visible dirt, road salts, and mud, a lot of street level brake dust gets into almost everything. Try rubbing your hand across a freshly washed car. If you feel those tiny little rough spots or the finish is just not absolutely smooth, chances are that brake dust has found a home on your car. This dust is metalic in nature and is a by-product of all the cars and trucks you see on the road. Although very small, dust particles attach themselves to everything and are hard to wash off. Because this dust has microscopic sharp edges, it can become embedded in the finish of a car. Actually, it will embed into the top layer, be it Zaino, wax, or clear coat. After rusting out, the dust then leaves tiny pib marks in the finish. This speeds up the aging of the paint. Claying removes this brake dust with a minimum of damage to the Zaino and/or clear coat. It actually pulls the dust out of the surface. Afterwards, you car's finish will feel very smooth and your finish will last longer too.
Aren't the internal, spinning, gadgets more harmful?
You know I see some of these gas stations here where you get a car wash for free or $2.99 with a fill up. I tried it once, had the guy with the broom stick, then it was a short wash and rinse and the blower. What do you expect for $2.99. Anyway, it sounds like, minus the broomstick guy, this type of cleaning may be safe and good enough to get the crud off of the car from Old Man Winter. Is that a safe assumption?
When I Z'd my Envoy last week, I had my wife bring lunch out to me (so that I would have more time for the Z!!
Just WHERE is that soon to be departed 300M beauty going?
fastdriver