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Zaino Car Care Experiences

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  • tempustempus Member Posts: 7
    You're absolutely right. Not having a digital camera, I can't take a shot, look at it, discard it, and take another. I had no idea how these photos would turn out. I'll take some more with reflection in mind.

    -T
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    You all provide an argument AGAINST purchasing black/red cars.

    Geez. I spend enough time researching and applying car detailing products. That's all I need - to be unable to resist the temptation to become an auto photography buff on top of that!!!
    ;-)
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    atoews-

    LOL.... You have plenty of time to take pics, since you're not spending it "waxing". STOP researching. How much better shine/endurance/protection do you want than what ZAINO gives you?

    fastdriver
  • jgriffjgriff Member Posts: 362
    Not sure where to post this [here / over on CL], but I know you are a Zaino nut. I remember you getting your CL about the same time as I. You coming from a bad 300M experience, me a bad Olds Intrigue. Your comments & PIXs back then [3 years], were the main reason I switched to the Z stuff.

    I notice you just experienced the CL tranny glitch, [I was notified via e-mail]. I also got nailed @36k, but had a pretty good experience on the repair side.

    To me Acura simply tone down the AT, via ECU, and it really never had the same get up and go. Kind of masking the problem rather then fully addressing it.

    I was just wondering if you plan on keeping your CL long term. I decided to ditch mine while the value of the car was still good [last year & new ones are heavily discounted], plus I feel the problem will re-occur as it has for others.
  • jgriffjgriff Member Posts: 362
    I'm getting ready to place my Z order, for my new black Mz6.

    Do I need to get Z5 and/or Z2, or will just the Z2 do the trick ??
  • daverosedaverose Member Posts: 233
    Dawn wash and see if you have any scratches/swirls after you rinse and dry it. If you do, include Z-5.

    However, if you're getting ZFX, keep in mind that one unit of ZFX should treat at least 16 ounces of polish, which translates to however many coats you get from an ounce. (I helped a guy do his Chevy Avalanche; we averaged 1/2 ounce of polish using Z-6 on the applicators to coat the vehicle one time.) Bottle(?)/container of ZFX contains 80-90 drops to be used @ 4-5 drops per ounce of polish. So with 80 drops at 5 per ounce, that's at least 16 oz.; if you have 90 drops and use it at the rate of 4 per ounce, that's 22.5 ounces of polish. So be sure you get enough polish to go with the ZFX AND remember that you do not have to accelerate the polish every time you apply some. Also, it takes about 10 coats in quick succession to max out how good you can get your car to look.

    While I have not discussed this with Sal, I believe you can get the last of the ZFX mix out of the bottle with Z-6 sprayed into it. You may be "wasting" some Z-6, but that strikes me as cheaper than not making use of the residual polish mix or believing that you have to mix more to finish the vehicle.
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    Did you really mix Z2 and Z5?
  • jgriffjgriff Member Posts: 362
    THX, I know I converse with you a couple of times 3 years ago when doing my CL. The ZFX was just a rumor at the time, sounds like it should make the job a little easier.

    I currently do NOT have any known scratches, my thought just in case I did find some scratches, I would have some Z5 handy. And I would not have to pay for shipping a second time. -Or- should I be using only one or the other Z2/Z5.

    Things are heating where I live, like mid-90's, but I do have a garage to work in. Is this kind of heat a good/bad thing.??
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    A minority of posters prefer Z5 to Z2 and don't even use Z2.

    Most, I think, prefer Z2, which provides a mirror-shine.

    If you are trying to economize, and you have a new car, your best bet is to go with Z2 over Z5. You really don't need Z5 on a new car, in my opinion. A few posters even claim that Z5 does not cover swirl marks.

    However, if you are not trying to economize, you might want to get both, so you can see for yourself which you prefer, and in which combinations.
  • jgriffjgriff Member Posts: 362
    Z2 it is then. That was the kind of info I was looking for, as I have never had any experience with Z5 and or a black car.

    Can it get too hot outside even in the shade, to do a complete Z job??
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    Definitely have different issues associated with them.

    I live in the Mojave desert, and most of my Z experience is in hot, dry weather. I try to apply in the morning, but inevitably some will be done in 90+ degree weather.

    The upside is that you don't have to wait long at all for the Z to haze/dry.

    The downside to hot/dry is:

    1) Maintaining enough dampness on the applicator to get the Z to spread. Not damp enough and the applicator absorbs the Z; too damp and you get water on the car.

    I have, of late, taken to applying dime sized Z applications directly to the car, as opposed to putting Z directly on the applicator. This minimizes the amount of Z absorbed by the applicator and/or the Z that dries on the applicator. Also, if you follow Sal's directions and first apply in a swirl fashion, and then redistribute in a back-and-forth motion, you have to be really quick, or the Z will dry before you get to back-and-forth.

    I do, say half my roof, swirl, then back-and-forth, then do the other half of the roof, swirl, then back and forth. It is too hot AND dry to do the entire roof at once.

    2) Keeping the Z from drying into little pieces that clog the opening of the bottle. I continually wipe the opening as I am applying the polish. I also find myself closing the lid on the bottle whenever there is more than about 30 seconds that I will not be applying the Z. Once the Z dries around the opening, it is really difficult to get if off, and you keep getting little dry pieces on your car. Pain.

    I have no idea on how to apply in hot HUMID weather.

    It is the dryness, more than the heat, that forces a different approach.
  • johnstone53johnstone53 Member Posts: 13
    I have been using Zaino products since Day 1 when I purchased my 02 Santa Fe. The products are great. I just have one question to ask. With the record amount of rain in the Northeast this Spring I was wondering what do you do after it rains. Years ago I used to go out with a towel and wipe off the water with a towel. Now with concerns of acid rain I am sure that is not a good thing. Do you just let the water dry off by itself? I have already picked up a lot of useful tips from this thread and am just curious to hear what everyone else does.
    Thanks
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    Yes, it would be better to dry off your Santa Fe after each rain storm. Unfortunately, in the NorthEast, that could be a full time job this year. I've given up drying my Accord after each bout with the wet stuff. I just don't have the time. But I've used a lot of Z6 on my car after each washing, and that seems to help a lot. Although "Acid Rain" is a real environmental problem, you'll find that Z2 and Z5 are very tough customers. Despite all our terrible conditions, three coats of Z2/Z5 lasted from last October until now, and the shine is still there.

    My recommendation would be to dry off the Santa Fe when you do get a chance but don't drive yourself crazy if you can't do it every time.
  • sequoiasoonsequoiasoon Member Posts: 223
    If your really concerned take the hose without nozzle and let the water run gently and most of the contaminated rain water will run right off. Follow with California Water Blade. If the hose is not handy, just CWB. 95% of the water will be off in less than 2 minutes.
  • jgriffjgriff Member Posts: 362
    Heck my previous 2 orders (3 & 1.5 year ago) were via check & snail-mail, I always got my stuff in 7-days.

    Holy smoke, place my order via Z's web site (6/24 approx. 2pm CDT), recd. my order next day same time. Yes on the 25th that is a 24-hour delivery time. I had to double check, thought maybe I ordered on the 23rd. We're talking to Wichita, KS. WOW, dang quick both on Zaino side & UPS.

    I may have to move up my Z D-day.

    The ZFX is was a surprise, real small package. I better read the instructions carefully.
  • daverosedaverose Member Posts: 233
    By wipe off, I hope that you mean towel off chamois style. That technique means to grab the corners of you towel, tossing the loose material out over the horizontal panels and pull the towel (chamois) by the corners toward you, letting gravity "grab" the material as it moves across the surface. Watch for and remove any loose matter on the surface before going over it. Wring the moisture out of the material. Repeat the process until all horizontal surfaces are towelled. Again holding the towel by the corners, let the towel hang down and slide the material across the vertical surfaces; kind of like a bullfighter. Wring and repeat until all vertical surfaces are dry. Any residual moisture you should dab, not wipe, up. This technique minimizes scratching. Of course, the recommended white, 100%, made in USA, cotton towels should be used. Second choice would be The Absorber or any other brand of synthetic chamois. Third choice would be a natural chamois.
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    There are new versions of Z2 and Z5 available. Sal's made some improvements to each product.

    The new Z2 offers a higher gloss than the old Z2 (if that's possible) but the biggest improvement IMO is the gloss and slickness remain at a high level after multiple washings. The new Z2 is very light pink in color, lighter than the old Z2.

    The new Z5 offers much of the same improvements as the new Z2. Better gloss, better optical longevity, etc. Its a cream/vanilla-look in color instead of orange but its easily noticed by its new bottle - white with a black label.

    Another benefit to both products (esp Z5) is that they are thinner than before. Neither seems to stick to the insides of a ZFX mixing bottle ensuring little waste. Also the thinner consistency provides for better mixing with ZFX.

    All in all both products offer noticeable improvements. Personally I'm most happy with the consistency of them as it makes it even easier for me to apply a super thin coat.

    Its my understanding that all orders direct from Zaino or their website are being fulfilled with the new products. If you buy from a distributor, I suggest you call them first and ask about their inventory.
  • lapvnlapvn Member Posts: 455
    Of Course we knew that. I've know that for a while now. I think your starting to lag behind in the information highway. Just Kidding.

    Bret, how could you state that we may know this, come on, you are the guru here. I know between you and your 10 million bottles of cleaning, polishing and waxing products in your garage, I'd be shocked if I knew something that you didn't.

    Nice of you to give some of us credit. hehehe.

    Thanks Bret,

    BTW, have you stateted to empty out your garage yet.
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    When did Sal make these changes? My last order of Z5 came in the "old" bottle. Does this mean I should replace my last order?
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    AFAIK, Sal makes running changes to his products. The first public announcement I'm aware of was yesterday.

    I don't know if an immediate upgrade is necessary but it's your call, of course. From what I've seen the new Z5 is more "Z2ish" but I have not noticed much change in its swirl filling ability.
  • daschtickdaschtick Member Posts: 63
    and I'll admit that I have really high expectations after reading all of these positive comments. I have always used Meguiars with great initial results, but it's the longevity I have an issue with. Less than a month after application, it always appears that I need to re-apply. I will probably continue using Meguairs Clay Bar with Quik Detailer, and Car Shampoo, as it's available locally, but if this Zaino snake oil (as my wife calls it) lasts longer, I'll be really happy.

    I'll check back in the future with my results. Stay tuned....
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    "...but if this Zaino snake oil (as my wife calls it) lasts longer..."

    LOL - that's what I call it!! I guess if you're happy with the results, that's all that matters. I don't buy into magnetic bracelets but there are plenty of people who swear by them.

    I just did our Ody yesterday for the first time since November. It was still very smooth but I know the Z had worn off after the harsh winter we had.
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    If Z5 does not cover swirl marks, what do you use it for? I presume you use Z2, so why do you get Z5?
  • lapvnlapvn Member Posts: 455
    Finally after so many drenched weekends I was able to wash wash our car. This time, I only did a Z7 wash and the spritz of Z6. I was very impress on the outcome without applying any Z2/5. You can tell the difference because there were little area that I missed on the wash, ie, the areas right around the mudguards, the fenderwell and so on.

    PROBLEM: After our long trip (4 hours) I knew we had hit some bugs. Then with the wet days and also coming home around 8PM after work, I believe the bugs got caked on. I rub and rub, to no avail. What do you guys use to take off these little critters?
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Use your clay bar to remove stuck on bugs.
  • lapvnlapvn Member Posts: 455
    Thanks Rob.

    FYI, pretty impressive, 10 runs b4 any out.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Well it was the Marlins. They're not as tough as those terrifying Devil Rays!!
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    I carry an old Z6 Bottle filled with water and some Z7 car wash just for this purpose. After I find a new collection of dead bugs on my front bumper and hood, I spray my little water/Z7 mixture on the affected area and let it sit for about a minute. Then I spray again and wipe off. If that doesn't do it, then its time to bring out the Clay Bar.

    Bret: Thanks for the new product info. I'm glad that Sal is always seeking to improve his products. I just wish I knew about this improvement in advance.
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    I have Z5 just so I can play with another product and compare it to others. I've compared Z5 and Z2 side by side and can't tell a big diff. I was using Z5 but switched to Z2 just for the heck of it.

    I'm hearing the new Z5 fills swirls better so I look forward to that improvement.
  • kourykoury Member Posts: 225
    But the Sox gave up 8 runs in the last two innings the next day - and lost by 1. Not too impressive. We have the D-Rays tonight.
  • lapvnlapvn Member Posts: 455
    I now know how to take the dried up bugs off of the car.

    What do you guys use to keep the bugs off of the car to a minimum. Last night I was driving through the NJ Turnpike and notice this morning that the entire bumper was covered with splatter. I remember driving in Orlando and many drivers had this net in front of their cars. In fact some of the rest areas had this public spray area where you just drive through to get a quick clean up of the bugs. Are these nets worth it? Should I should resort to the fact that there is nothing out there?

    It really bothers me the way the car looks now, I feel like going home early just to wash the car. NO not vacuum the house, maybe vacuum the car. :)
  • lapvnlapvn Member Posts: 455
    I don't get it?

    oh well
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    Yep, bugs are certainly a big problem, and I've tried all sorts of things to keep them off my car. Lets see... First, I tried a scare crow mounted on my hood. Didn't stop the bugs, attracted tickets.

    Next, I tried mounting speakers up front to scare 'em off. Well, at 80mph, the speakers got coated with the bugs. Then, I tried some of those ultra-sound gizzmos advertised on TV. 'Didn't stop many bugs, but local dogs loved it. Really bright lights came next. Nope, but a lot of cars got into accidents whenever I turned on my search lights.

    One day, I came upon an Indian Guru who stated that his chanting would drive all the bugs away. It seemed to work, only my wife objected to always having him sit in the front seat. So we had him stand with his head through the moon roof. Unfortunately, he didn't make it through a short trip in that position. He became totally covered in bug bites, and I had to let him go.

    By process of elimination, I came to realize that the only way to stop flying bugs from impacting on a car is to NOT DRIVE the car.

    But a good second choice is Z6. It actually works. If you clean and use Z6 after every rain storm, it will help keep the finish slick which will make it harder for bug parts to stick. And it makes it easier to clean them off too.
  • lapvnlapvn Member Posts: 455
    pblevine - you had me on the floor. Maybe I can tie someone on the hood and while I drive keep spraying Z6 just to make sure. Other than that I guess I will just have to wash the car, oh no, like I don't like to do that.

    Robr - sorry, it just hit me. I now get it. And it only took me 2 large cup of jave and how many hours? Sorry it must be the fumes from the Zaino again. oooops, I just notice you deleted that post, man, I am really behind today.

    I can't think anymore, I think my brain is full now, I better go home and wash the car.
  • lapvnlapvn Member Posts: 455
    I didn't get home until about 8, but still insisted on cleaning the bugs out. I will say this, it was very easy to take the bugs off on the areas that I do Z6 with. Now I can't wait for the weekend so I can do the entire bumper knowing what this stuff can do besides adding the mirror shine.

    I didn't have a spray bottle handy, so I use the left over lubricant from Clay Magic. Nope don't worry, I didn't use "Clay Magic" on the new car, just on the old one. The new car gets all Zaino products.

    Anyway, does anyone know if this lubricant is harmful to all the layers of Zaino that I put on? Is it just a mixture of soap and water?
  • londinelondine Member Posts: 32
    Okay, did the soup-to-nuts Zaino on my new car. Dawn, clay, Z7, Z5, Z6, Z5, Z6, Z2, Z6, Z2, Z6.

    End result: Smooth as glass. Looks great, too. Car is garaged.

    THEN drove it around a couple of days. Maybe 100 miles. No rain. Heavy traffic. Pollution. Diesel exhausts. Construction dust. The usual stuff.

    Next day, ran my hand over the finish. Noticed some of the same kinds of gritty little spots/lumps that I felt before claying.

    Maybe a dumb question, but is this normal? Just pollution, dust and other crap in the air hitting the finish?

    Car LOOKS great; can't really SEE the crud. And I don't want to have to wash it every time I drive it. :-)

    Penny for your thoughts.
  • tmarttmart Member Posts: 2,402
    Have you tried Z6ing an area? If it comes "clean and smooth" again, then it's just normal surface dust. A car duster is an easy fix.
  • lapvnlapvn Member Posts: 455
    At first glance at your post, the first thing I notice was that you have a total of 4 coats of the Z2/5 together. When using ZFX, (since you didn't mention it) you can apply 3 coats within 24 hours. If you are not using ZFX, I believe you are suppose to use Z1 with a coat of Z2/5, and then wait 24 hours before applying the next coat.

    As for the spots/lumps, the way I see it is, if you got into this cult, the car will never be shiny enough. The car will never be clean enough. Others here wash their car every week and Z every week. I thought they were nuts, but look who is following and doing the same, yours truly. Though the things that you feeling are normal, the best test for your satisfaction is to feel it after you have done everything to the car. As for any crud on the road, well, it might as well be a showroom car if you weren't willing to get it dirty every few days. Right now I am fighting all these bugs that seem to be attracted to my car. I think they are attracted to the fumes from Zaino, but who isn't. :)
  • londinelondine Member Posts: 32
    Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated!

    Tmart, I tried Z6, and bingo, the bumps go away. Some needed a fair amount of rubbing with a clean towel -- heavy duty grit/polution particles maybe.

    Lapvn, I used ZFX, put on 2 coats of Z5 and 1 coat of Z2 the first day; then another coat of Z2 the next day.

    You've got a point about the car never looking clean enough, but I've gotta draw the line somewhere! If I could just keep it in the garage... :-))
  • daschtickdaschtick Member Posts: 63
    and I plan on doing the "treatment" this weekend. I am somewhat disappointed in the "ZFX" kit though. I realize that only a few drops of ZFX is required, but to only send a 1/2 full vial for $19.95/kit seems a little steep. I'll bet just one 55 gallon drum of ZFX in Sal's basement has made him a millionaire. Capitalism in action!
  • daschtickdaschtick Member Posts: 63
    Sorry....;)
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    According to the website, the 1/2 full vial of ZFX will have 80-100 drops and will work with 16-20 oz of polish.

    My ZFX so far has been enough for a whole bottle of Z5 and half of Z2 and I still have plenty left.
  • lapvnlapvn Member Posts: 455
    I know and understand that you paid so much for something so little but all you need is 2 drops for every once. You should be able to use one ZFX kit for 16 coats as per Sal's advice.
  • tmarttmart Member Posts: 2,402
    not two.
  • jgriffjgriff Member Posts: 362
    The little bottles that come with the ZFX kit, they are of 2 ounce size?? It would be kind of handy to have 1-oz indention marks on them.
  • sploguesplogue Member Posts: 53
    The bottles that come with the ZFX are two ounces. You'd think for $20 they could include some markings, or at least a little graduated ruler.

    Sean
  • behhppbehhpp Member Posts: 51
    Had a great 4th morning putting 2 coats on Z2 on my two cars. I need to hurry up and use my supply so I can order the new formula!

    Happy 4th weekend to all.
  • jgriffjgriff Member Posts: 362
    on the new formula??? Was it the Z2, I can't seem to locate the post. If it is the Z2, figures as I just bought 2 bottles, which unless I go Z-nuts should last me a while.

    What has improved ??
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    Post 4975. Both Z2 and Z5 have improved.
  • jgriffjgriff Member Posts: 362
    THX for the reference. I have some leftover old Z2 and I compared to my recent order. Looks like I got some of the new stuff. Indeed a lighter shade of pink. It also has a white cap instead of red.

    Any suggestions on what to do with about 2 ounces of the old stuff. I was just going to mix it with the new stuff, now I' not sure what to do. Hate to waste it, maybe use it as for a winter application.
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