Zaino Car Care Experiences

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Comments

  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    congratulations on your TSX. We bought one (graphite) about 3 weeks ago, and we are constantly amazed at how great this car is. I was able to bring it home with the protective films still on it, and avoid the lot boy's initial scratches in the finish. I did the full prep and 3-layers ZFX, and today added a 4th of Z2. It seemed to take the shine another step - see the photo below. Your black finish must be even more amazing!

    For the dust spots - If they come off with a light pass of the Califoria Duster, great. If not - I leave them till the next Sunday wash. Too much chance of causing scratches otherwise.

    For Bugs and Bird poop - I flood the area with the hose to soften the offending item, and then gently scratch it off with a fingernail while running water on it, then wash the entire panel. A bit of work, but worth it.

    image
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,147
    mbdriver....I do have a CWB. I use it mainly on the windows, hood, top and trunk areas. On more complex curves (like sides), I usually use the "absorber" for those area. The "stream of water" for final rinse is a great time saver, too. I can see the CWB working well on the TSX.

    Automophile, beautiful car. I've not driven one, but everything I've read says they are wonderful driving machines. Great job using Zaino, too. NOt only do you have a great machine, it looks "mahhhvelusss", also.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • lapvnlapvn Member Posts: 455
    Went on a long trip this past weekend (Sesame Place) and when we came out, Big Bird decide to give us a souvenier on our car. Everyone started to talk about oh no, I'm going to have to wash the car.
    Just like a true boy scout, I came prepared, out of the trunk came a bottle of Z7+Water spray and my Z6. They all laugh. But that's ok, my car was still the best looking one out there.
    They thought I was nuts that I actually came prepared for this occasion. They said, I would be ok if I forgot the stroller, but probably would drive back if I forgot my Z7 spray and Z6.
    hhhhmmmmm, I wonder if I would even forget about the Z7 bottle and Z6. :)
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    The TSX is really awsome, and the overall quality is amazing. There are even plastic covers over most of the bottom for streamlining. Even with 200 hp, it is rated 32 mpg highway!

    The dark Graphite color really responds to Zaino, it is quite gratifying. The clean lines enable very fast application. The fresh, dark paint has made me more paranoid about swirl marks, and I went through my stack of car towels and found several with polyester in them that I removed. I am determined to keep this car swirl-free for as long as possible.

    The only problem with the car? It's my wife's, and she won't let me drive it!

    Can we see your RX-8? It is also an amazing car - congratulations.
  • daschtickdaschtick Member Posts: 63
    So there in my garage, are my 2 perfectly Zaino'd cars, then sitting in between is my 18' boat. So I thought, "Corvettes are Fiberglass, so Zaino should work well on the boat too!". Seven hours later (over five in just cleaning and surface prep), the boat looks just awesome also!

    I've gotta stop with this - It's getting way out of hand!
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    LOL LOL

    My FIL waxes his 38' travel trailer every spring with Nufinish. I think he's nuts for doing that thing.
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    Automophile: Wow, just wow! Your TSX looks just great! 'Love that Graphic color and Z really brings out the shine! I noticed you said that you didn't let the dealer do their normal "wash" and mineral oil bit. That was very smart. That's the first step to not obtaining swirls. I wasn't so smart back then, and didn't even know about Zaino for a year after I purchased my car. BTW, that's one of the best pictures I've ever seen. You should really send it to Sal for inclusion in his new website. Perfect shine! (Now, about getting your wife to let you drive it....)

    lapvn: I've been there. I once forgot a package of food my wife was bringing to a family gathering, and tried to cool her down with a few well directed sprays from my bottle of water/Z7. I'll never do that again!

    graphicguy & stachey: I too have heard good reviews of the MF towels. But I've been very happy with my Fieldcrest cotton ones. I think the trick is to keep them very clean. I wash them using liquid Tide and don't use any fabric softener in the drying cycle. Still, I may try a MF towel just to see the difference.
  • morrymorry Member Posts: 24
    Hi Fellow Zainoholics,

    I just returned from a 1100 mile trip. Because of the bugs and dirt, I had to go through a "touchless" carwash while away fom home. It looked just fine and still had the great Zaino shine. Now that I am home, I want to give it a couple more coats of Z-2. Other than washing with Z-7, do I need to do anything special to remove any waxes that the car wash put on?

    Thanks guys,
    Morry
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    Thanks for the compliments on the TSX. We were lucky - the car had come in the same morning we called about it, so I begged them to leave the film on. I know they thought we were crazy, but wait 'till they see it for the first service!

    By the way - I DO get to sit in it when I am cleaning it!

    I love daschtick's story about doing the boat! It's probably faster, and will stay cleaner, too. I bet he used more than 1/2 ounce, tho!
  • robertp4robertp4 Member Posts: 22
    I too have the Carbon Grey TSX. Did you clay bar the car prior to the ZFX/Z2?
  • daschtickdaschtick Member Posts: 63
    "I love daschtick's story about doing the boat! It's probably faster, and will stay cleaner, too. I bet he used more than 1/2 ounce, tho!

    The funny thing is, I mixed up 1 ounce with ZFX, hoping to do one coat. Well, it turns out that I used about 3/4 of an ounce on the first coat, and was able to easily recoat with the remaining 1/4 ounce! It seems once you get the application pad damp, you rarely have to re-dampen it. I did the entire boat too, the top, the sides, as far as I could reach on the bottom, the splashwell, and even the engine! I did 2 complete coats with a Z6 spritz in between in just under 2 hours (not including the nearly 5 hours of prep!).
  • mralanmralan Member Posts: 174
    I know claying and dawn washing is recommend to remove wax before Z2 + Zfx, but do you have to remove other sealants, e.g. Klasse?
  • sgrd0qsgrd0q Member Posts: 398
    I need your help guys. I finally decided to Zaino my two cars. I have a bottle of Z2 that I bought a couple of years ago but never used. Do you think it is still good?

    Secondly, I'll get any claybar from the local auto store. The question is do I really need Z1 or ZFX? Has anyone tried just using the Z2? I want to apply the Zaino this weekend, and I don't want to wait for another product to ship - hense I wanted to just clay and apply Z2. Is this a bad idea?

    Any advice is welcome! Thanks!
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    Yup, gotta use ZFX or Z1 prior to Z2, 3, or 5. They act as bonding agents allowing Z2 to work. I've tried Z2 and Z5 without them and got nothing but a streaky, smeary mess.

    ZFX makes Z2 really useable as it acts as an accelerator too. Apply Z2 + ZFX to your entire car and its ready to be wiped off ASAP. With Z1 there can be a lengthy wait until Z2 has cured.

    I'm sure your old Z2 is fine as long as it hasn't frozen solid or been exposed to real hot temps. If it looks, feels, and smells OK, it prolly is.

    Call Sal and ask for a local distributor. You might be able to get some product immediately instead of waiting for a shipment. That's what I do when I need Zaino stuff in a hurry.
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    Just use "Dawn" dish washing liquid instead of Z7 to wash your car prior to applying the Z2. That should eliminate any of that cheap wax commonly used by commercial car washes. I'll bet most of it has already worn off anyway!

    mralan: The same recommendation, wash with Dawn.

    sgrd0q: I agree with Bret. In addition, Sal's new website (www.zainobros.com) now has enabled on-line purchases which should decrease shipping times (and make it easier to make direct purchases).

    automophile and daschtick: I too got a kick out of that boat story. But you have to be careful. The water under the Z'd boat may tend to bead up! LOL.
  • sgrd0qsgrd0q Member Posts: 398
    bretfraz, pblevine - you are the best! thanks!
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    robertp4 - The car was so perfectly smooth, and since I got it with the protective films still on, I chose not to clay. However, the paint has a tiny bit of orange peel that keeps it from being the perfect mirror our Accord was, so I may do a machine glaze on it in a few months when it is necessary to re-zfx or Z1. This MAY reduce the orange peel a little.

    We love this car, and I am looking forward to a new TL for myself. The spy photos show it as a bigger version of the TSX.

    daschtick - I think you may have set a record for the most "miles per ounce". A whole boat! However, you are correct- a lot soaks into the pad, and if you pay attention, you can see that it is still going on, even if you haven't re-applied more to the pad.
  • swordfish555swordfish555 Member Posts: 28
    Just wondering, I just received my Zaino order & the ZFX small blue bottle was only half full. Is this normal? Also, has the Z2 formula been changed since my last order some 3 months ago? It seems slightly different. Or is it jusy my imagination?
  • daschtickdaschtick Member Posts: 63
    I think part of my good mileage comes from this tip directly from the Zaino site:

    "Just slightly dampen the applicator with water or Z-6 "Gloss Enhancer" spray. Apply Show Car Polish directly to applicator. This technique will help increase flow and spreadability on the paint surface and yield more coats per bottle."

    Before starting out, I lightly dampen the applicator with water, to aid in reducing absorption into the pad, and it also makes the pad easier to grip. Then during application, if the pad begins to 'drag' even though it has polish on it, I lightly spray just a little bit of Gloss Enhancer on it, and it glides much easier. I generally add a spritz of Gloss enhancer twice per coat of an entire vehicle.

    On a side note, it rained really hard here tonight, and the 2-month-old Zaino on my car was beading as good as the day I applied it. Picture this; I walk out to my car after work, and there I am, standing in the rain, admiring the beading! I really need HELP!
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    The Zaino site states the ZFX bottle is half full and is enough for 80-120 drops yielding 16-20 oz of polish.
  • lapvnlapvn Member Posts: 455
    I think of how, when to apply my next Zaino while sitting on the bus on the way to work. I actually can see myself doing the entire process and it puts a smile on my face. I really should stop sneaking into the garage and smelling the fumes of this stuff.
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    There is always an endorphin-like rush after a good Zaino job - you all know what I mean. Then - comes the nagging urge - just one more coat. . . . .
  • daschtickdaschtick Member Posts: 63
    "Then - comes the nagging urge - just one more coat. . . . ."

    Whew, I'm glad I am not alone!
  • lapvnlapvn Member Posts: 455
    Since ZFX is fairly product, does anyone know if this stuff has an expiration date?

    As per Al, they suggest that you only need to apply ZFX twice a year, and we all understand that one order of ZFX is good for 16 once's of Z2/Z5.
    NORMALLY this would mean that using ZFX 2x a year, will last me 8 years. However, I am one of the sick minded people here that I probably will be using ZFX 3 -4 times a year, Spring and Fall, and assuming 2 more times when I just can't help the urge to do more coats. Even at 4 times a year, this means this one order of ZFX should last me 4 years.

    Will the ZFX last 4 years or a normal 8 years????
  • sgrd0qsgrd0q Member Posts: 398
    I don't know if this helps, but I spoke to Sal before placing my order yesterday and asked if I need to replace an old bottle of Z2 (two or three years old). He said I should replace it.
  • daverosedaverose Member Posts: 233
    No, I'm not THAT particular or patient to use distilled water to wash. It's just that claying and spot cleaning tend to be times that you move on from when you first spray, so using distilled water in the spray bottle avoids water spotting if you leave the area long enough, to clay to rest of the vehicle, or you spot clean and only have enough time to to get a bird dropping or tree sap rehydrated and drive off.
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    The only way to get the detergent and dirt out of MF towels is to hand rinse them.

    Even then, it is difficult.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,147
    RX8 was ordered and not expected to be in until the end of this month.

    Dealer's been good in letting me know where it's at in the delivery process. It hit the West Coast shipping dock yesterday. Dealer said that they'd "prep" it at the dock for truck shipping. That takes about a week. Why that long, I don't know. Then they distribute all the orders to trucks. He said their next scheduled truck shipment is last week in August. Dealer said he's got 8 of them that are supposed to be delivered that week....all are pre-sold.

    I'm debating whether I want them to leave the plastic shipping material on it for delivery to me. The dealership service manager said I should let them detail it for me since they have to do more than just remove the plastic sheeting. He said they also come totally covered in some sort of ugly, "gunky" glaze that they cover the cars in to keep all the dirt from getting on the finish during the boat ride from Japan. I'm getting a mental picture of the cars being stored in the belly of this greasy, nasty tanker until it hits port. They even leave the gunk on the car during truck shipping in the U.S. Apparently, either the dealership or Mazda uses trains for delivery once inside the U.S.

    Again, being anal, I told the service manager they could detail it if he would let me bring all my Zaino gear and let me instruct his detailers how to use it. I plan on bringing my own towels, too. They must think I'm nuts, but he agreed. I told him that I'm going to ask them to do a "clay job" before the Zaino wax. He's familiar with using clay but asked why I wanted to clay a new car? The service guy understood the need for a Dawn wash though. He mentioned that they use a special compound to remove the shipping gunk and then do a Dawn wash to remove any residual. There isn't a "brush car wash" at the dealership site, nor one within 5 miles of the dealership. They hand detail every new car.

    I can see I'm going to have to "slide" the new car detailer an extra $20 bill to do it the Zaino way.

    As soon as I get the RX8, I'll get pictures up.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • rerenov8rrerenov8r Member Posts: 380
    To think that a Mazda store is more willing to work with their customers than most luxury dealers is both surprising and sad.

    Can't wait to see your RX in all its splendor!
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    Let them do the interior and the mechanical. Don't let them do the outside. I guarantee that they won't do the same quality job as you, and won't know how to use the Zaino.

    The gunky glaze is probably the same as on the TSX. It looks horrible! You put a a lot of water on it to soften it, then start peeling it off from the edge while keeping the water on it. It comes off mostly in large sheets. The ONLY problem areas are the edges where a little residue can remain, and you have to scrape it with your fingernail. It's NOT a big deal, and factory fresh, swirl-free paint is a sight to behold!

    Here's what the gunk looked like:

    image
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,147
    Is that the residue from the plastic sheeting? I was under the impression, according to the Mazda dealer, that it was some sort of thick "oily glaze" that they put on the entire car.

    Yours looks like some sort of adhesive they used to keep the plastic sheets from coming off.

    Thanks for the pointers on removing the "gunk". Can the residual be removed by claying?

    You're right....I know I'll do a better job than the "lot boys/detail crew" at the dealership. I was trying to get them to let me detail my own car at the dealership detail shop. Ridiculous and vain, I know, but I don't want to drive the car back home from the dealer looking crappy.

    I'll let them do the underhood and the interior prep/detailing. If need be, I will bring it home to do a "proper" Zaino job.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    That is exactly how the car came, before I touched it. It seems as if they use some spray to anchor the sheet, OR that the spray hardens to become the sheet. Claying would easily remove any residue.

    I can't imagine that they would use anything that was not water soluble on the car - i.e. oily, etc.

    Just drive it home as-is, who cares, and do it properly without rushing! Drive it home in the evening like we did, and no one can see it!

    Have Fun!
  • robertp4robertp4 Member Posts: 22
    I finally had a chance this weekend to apply the Zaino treatment to my new TSX.It looks super.Like daschtick says the urge for one more coat. Will it look better, or will the shine be deeper. I feel like an addict. Just one more time.The neighbors think I'm a nut,but they all stop and stare at the shine when they walk by. I took my Black 02 corolla type S to the toyota dealer and parked it next to a 04 corolla that was just preped for delivery. I asked my salesman which car looks better. He stared at my car for awhile and said you know I think your car has the edge. It was a no brainer.
  • bh0001bh0001 Member Posts: 340
    Finally, a perfect day for Z'ing. I thought I would share my Zaino Commandments with the rest of the group. Enjoy!
    Brad

    Thou shalt use ONLY 100% cotton, white, made in North America towels,
    Thou shalt use separate towels for each different step,
    Thou shalt use different towels for top panels, bottom panels, and wheels,
    Thou shalt use two buckets to wash – one for soap, one for rinse,
    Thou shalt Dawn wash before any other Z step,
    Thou shalt Z18 clay a new car and twice yearly thereafter (YES, I said clay a NEW car),
    Thou shalt use water/Z7 mix as the clay lubricant,
    Thou shalt discard any Z18 clay that ever touches the earth (even once),
    Thou shalt perform a Z7 wash after clay,
    Thou shalt thoroughly dry car before next steps (California Water Blade and one towel),
    Thou shalt apply ZFX/Z5(OR 3 OR 2) after wash and within 6 hours of mixing,
    Thou shalt apply no more than 3 coats of ZFX/Z5 within 24 hours,
    Thou shalt slightly dampen ZFX/Z5 applicator with water and Z6,
    Thou shalt use ZFX/Z5 SPARINGLY (you’re still using too much),
    YOU’RE STILL USING TOO MUCH!!!!!,
    Thou shalt apply ZFX/Z5 in straight lines front-to-back on hood, roof, and trunk,
    Thou shalt apply ZFX/Z5 in straight vertical lines on side panels,
    Thou shalt apply Z6 between coats of ZFX/Z5 and following last coat of ZFX/Z5,
    Thou shalt not panic if ZFX/Z5 appears to smear or leave lines because thou knows that thou screwed up by using too much and thy mistakes will be forgiven by Z the next time you use Z7 wash (or maybe even Z6 will help it),
    Thou shalt apply Z16 to tires and vinyl trim,
    Thou shalt not forget to clean glass,
    Thou shalt clean interior (negative pressure cat-frightening devices with long hose attachments are particularly useful for this step),
    Thou shalt summon spouse to admire the gleaming object in driveway,
    Thou shalt not become angry with spouse for not understanding the importance of the gleaming object in driveway,
    Thou shalt dust gleaming object with California Car Duster at least once a day, followed by a light treatment of Z6 with a new towel each time,
    Thou shalt carry a bottle of Z7/water mix, bottle of Z6, and supply of pristine towels in trunk of gleaming object in case of attack by white gravelly substances dropped by winged attackers,
    Thou shalt perform Z7 wash as often as required to maintain object in gleaming state,
    Thou shalt apply additional coats of Z5/Z2/Z3 as required, with or without ZFX, in order to maintain personal zen-like state (or more appropriately Zaino-like state) offered by gazing at gleaming object,
    Thou shalt describe in as much detail as required the means by which inquisitive passersby can have their own gleaming object too,
    Thou shalt defend thy sanity against any and all individuals who feel the need to question thy sanity for worshiping Z, 100% cotton, white, North American towels, and the gleaming object in driveway.
  • sgrd0qsgrd0q Member Posts: 398
    I am about to use Zaino on my cars. What size towel (I know - cotton, white, made in USA) do I need to buy? Isn't a bath towel pretty big for the job? Thanks!
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    Works well for me and does the job.
  • tmarttmart Member Posts: 2,406
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,147
    I find the bath towels to be a bit big. Don't know what the next size down is, but that's what I use.

    Finally put in an order for microfiber towels from Classic MOtoring Accesories. If I get them this weekend, I'll report back next week. I forget the exact ones I got, but they better be good since I ordered $80 worth.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    Thou shall do a good job!

    Graphicguy and Automophile: I had no idea that a dealer would let you take a new car without their prep. work. And to cooperate with your wishes including applying Zaino? Wow! BTW, that oily glaze you mention is what they normally apply after taking the plastic stuff off the car. It is a combination of wax and mineral oil. Looks great until it washes off.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,147
    Well, I had my "first dance" with microfiber towels. I got them from Classic Motoring Accessories. I used the "big blue" towel to dry after a wash.

    I have mixed feelings. They do, indeed, hold a lot of water. They also tend to move water around the vehicle as opposed to absorbing most of it. It's probably a cross between a chamois and a regular 100% cotton towel. Verdict? I'll stick to using my synthetic chamois, The Absorber, which does a much better job of soaking up the water.

    I did get some polishing cloths and wax applicators that are made from microfiber. I like these. Matter of fact, the polish applicators are bigger and feel softer than Sal's applicators.

    The polishing cloths are very soft, as are the applicator pads.

    If I can ever be succesfu at posting pics here that I have stored on my computer, I'll show the Zaino job I did on my new Winning Blue RX8.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • sploguesplogue Member Posts: 53
    I agree with you about the absorber. I have lots of different towels, but the absorber works best for drying. I like the California Water Blade too, for getting off 90% of the water with little effort. It doesn't get all the water off, but it is quicker and easier than anything else. Always a possibility it could scratch if the car isn't clean enough, though I haven't had a problem with it.

    Sean
  • daschtickdaschtick Member Posts: 63
    I like my Absorber too. Mine is 10+ years old, and it still works really well. If it gets dirty, I machine wash it, and put it back in the tube damp.
  • pathfinder13pathfinder13 Member Posts: 110
    I just got ZFX pack but I found that the small bottle only contains half of ZFX. I was wondering if it only comes in half or did I get the used one.
  • tmarttmart Member Posts: 2,406
    a "used" one. Remember you use only 4-5 DROPS per ounce of Z2/Z5 etc. so it goes a long way.
  • stacheystachey Member Posts: 16
    I know that parents are supposed to rescue their kids from cults, but I've just turned my son onto Z with his 2 yr old Infiniti and older Miata. he did the Dawn and claybar tonight, Z7 and Z5 tomorrow. The claybar on the older black Miata may have sold him. Also got his towels from Tampa, even though he lives in St. Pete.

    Since we can't stop this cult, how do we convert the real (dumb) people? This isn't anal, it's easy and lasts a long time. Darn sight better than that can of TurtleCrap that took me 3 hours to buff off. Ok, I'm lazy, but proud.
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    Actually, THAT is the easy part. They only have to look at your car to be converted. Of course, there are those that don't care and will still take their cars to brush-type car washes. However, those that DO care will eventually come around seeing your car look great while theirs deteriorates.

    Have fun with your cars, and just wait 'till you see what the 3rd coat brings!
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    I recently applied the Z1 and Z2 to our new MPV. I plan on re-applying once a year. I always wash using a good car wash solution so the wax isn't removed. My question is this, when I re-apply, do I need to wash with Dawn, then apply Z1 and Z2, or can I just apply another coat of Z2 over what is already on the van?
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    The Dawn is applied to remove residual wax. Under normal circumstances, you should never need to do a Dawn wash again.

    I think it is rare for a Z application to last 1 year. Twice per year is more normal, and in my case, I think I need new applications three times per year.

    Z1 or ZFX need to be part of the process at least once per year. Once you have met the once-per year minimum for Z1 or ZFX, you can apply extra coats of Z2 without Z1 or ZFX.
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    After conducting my own experiment using Z1 and Z2, I don't think it's rare at all for this stuff to last a year. I applied one coat of each to our last vehicle (a Dodge Intrepid) during the summer of '00, and other than for washing the vehicle, I did absolutely nothing to it until it was turned in (lease end) last month. The paint was still beading water. I think this stuff will easily last a year if it's not taken care of, longer if nothing but a good car wash is used to wash the vehicle. From what I've seen, I don't see a need to apply more than once a year unless you're just applying the Z2 or ZFX to achieve a deeper shine. Applying it more than once a year for protection is a waste of time and product in my opinion.
  • mbdrivermbdriver Member Posts: 426
    Regarding how often that Z-1 should be used, the following is a quote from the Zaino website:
    "Z-1™ Polish Lok is recommended twice a year on everyday vehicles and once a year on show cars."

    Using ZFX with Z2, Z-3 or Z-5 eliminates the extra "wipe on" step of applying the Z-1.
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