Zaino Car Care Experiences

automophile

Just to add a little to bretfaz's information -

Glass - The Zaino glass cleaner is a little abrasive for really good cleaning. You CANNOT use it on window tint! You should also avoid ammoniated cleaners like Windex on your tint. Sprayway is the best I have tested, available at Costco.

Mitts - Also from Costco I have found Sheepskin wash/polish mitts. They work really well, and they are so soft there is little chance of scratching your car. They are great for buffing off the Zaino.

Wheels - Use the Wheel cleaner first, and then a few coats of Z2. Then, you only need to wash them as part of your normal car wash. Be sure to wash the wheels and tires last, so you don't carry the grit to the car finish. I have an old sponge I use for this.

Leather - IMHO - Lexol is still the best for maintenance. Be sure to rub it in with your hands, not a cloth. Works MUCH better.

Inside - I have been using Lemon Pledge inside the car for many many years. It works extremely well for wood, plastic, chrome, vinyl and even leather between Lexol treatments. It is self-cleaning, and the shine is not glossy. Spray a little on a soft cloth, polish, then turn the cloth over to buff. It may sound silly, but try it!

Don't forget to Scotchguard your new mats and carpets as soon as you can! It helps prevents stains from settling in.

erinx5

Hello Everyone!
I'd like to say thanks for all your advice, as you can tell I'm not really "car savvy"

I appreciate it!
~Erin

pblevine

Bret: I found Sprayway to be a great product. In fact, I've given up using my Zaino Glass Cleaner in favor of Sprayway. My only problem is that my wife tends to steal a can of Sprayway any time she can. So, if you order some, remember to order at least 6 at a time, and to hide at least one can in the trunk of your car.

Sorry I've been away for a bit again. Business out of town, etc.

General question: Is it possible to use Z1/Z2 on a polyurethane coated surface? I'm building a table which will be painted with polyurethane and would like to protect the finish. Z2 would be great but I'm not sure it will bond to polyurethane.

bretfraz

I always keep a can in my car along with a few microfibers. It sure comes in handy sometimes.

My guess with the polyurethane is Z will work fine as long as the surface is clean, but ya may want to ask Sal, just in case.

bh0001

I'm so lucky to live only about 10 minutes away from "Mike"!

graphicguy

I buy the Sprayway by the case at Costco. Great stuff if the windows aren't pitted.

I've gone totally microfiber for car cleaning....including wash mit.

They do a great job and I just throw them in the Maytag. They clean up nicely.

automophile

After weeks of on/off rain, it is nice a sunny here in L.A. so I got to wash our babies. The Zaino finish here is now 4 months old, still holding up very well! I will re-do them next month.

billyperks

We are living the same life-in terms of car .

I have my wife grey Accord and my pearl white TLS in my driveway side by side showing off the Zaino shine.

Too bad it snowed last night here Connecticut so our parade is ruin:(

fastdriver

automophile-

Sure! Rub it in with that ZAINO shine AND SUNSHINE and RAIN!! The TSX and the TL look GREAT!

We got more SNOW here today with more expected tomorrow night. What fell today in So. CT didn't pile up much on the shore. They're not too sure about what's coming tomorrow.

No Z'ing here YET! ELEVEN more days until SPRING!!

fastdriver

graphicguy

I'm sure we'll be hearing of your "Z" exploits once you dig yourself out.

fastdriver

graphicguy-

Ah yes, but between you and automophile, I don't know whose cars look better! You both have me beat. :-))

fastdriver

erinx5

Hello Everyone!
What do you all think about orbital buffers? I was thinking of picking one up, but I don't know, Sal doesn't recommend it!

Ohh, by the way, thanks for the help, my X5 looks GREAT!

~Erin

tmart

bretfraz

I don't think you need one to apply Zaino but having one for paint polishing is an absolute "must have" if you're serious about car care.

I know some people who use them to apply Z and they get good results but it's overkill unless you already have one.

automophile

I is only needed for swirl mark removal. Using a buffer for Zaino iw gross overkill, will waste a lot of expensive product, AND will prevent you from putting the Z on as Zaino suggests -

Back and forth on the horizontal surfaces and up and down on the vertical.

Once your car is clayed and smooth, Z coats go on so fast and easy. I would have the car finsihed by hand by the time it would take to get out and set up the buffer.

milsuperdoc

Hello, everyone.

I just got a new Lexus LS 430 in Crystal White. I'm about to give it its first car wash, and I'm thinking about applying its first coat of wax. What Zaino and/or other products should I be ordering? I bumped into this board for the first time, and I would appreciate all the inputs from the enthusiasts of car detailing.

Thanks!

automophile

Hi and welcome. You should really read all the FAQs and hints at the www.zainostore.com site, but basically you should get:

Z2 polish
ZFX catalyst/accelerator
Z-6 finishing spray
Z-7 car wash (PLEASE don't take that beautiful car to a car wash)

I also like the tire treatment.

Zaino can't give a while car the jaw-dropping gloss of black or dark-colored cars, but it will surely look it's VERY best, and it will also have the best possible protection.

Have Fun!

billyperks

I agree with you that Sal's tire dressing is good- not too greasy/shiny.
My neighbor came by and gave me a gallon of tire dressing he got from his Chrysler dealership.
Out of courtesy I took it but have no intention of using it-maybe I will pass it on to some friend.

automophile

billy - the dealers' tire dressing is usually that really greasy, shiny stuff! You give it to a friend, they may not STAY your friend!

Sounds like garage sale fodder to me!

I like the Zaino dressing because it dries "hard" and you can wash it when you wash the car.

pblevine

I'll agree with automophile that most such preperations are greasy. I once tried such a "rubber" protector on some of my engine hoses. The junk ran when wet and I had to spend a lot of time cleaning it up. I also have a friend who tried some similiar stuff from his GM dealer's shop. The tires did look real good until the first big rain storm. Then the stuff ran and found its way to various parts of his car's lower panels. Ugh! I've found that the Zaino Tire Gloss does dry hard and did not run when wet.

milsuperdoc

Thanks for your helpful suggestions. I have one question which I need clarification. The Zaino website states that using ZFX makes applying Z-1 Polish Lok unnecessary. Is it harmful, better, or makes no difference to use Z-1 Polish Lok first, then use ZFX before and in between Z-2 application?
Thanks again.

msf2

Hey guy's-I'm going to Zainoize my new Acura TL soon. I need to know what kind of experience people are having with lambs wool wash mits and microfiber towels. Also, does anybody use cotton terry towels for drying etc,? I'm talking about the towels one might get at Autozone or any other auto store. The microfiber seems very soft and doesn't feel like it would cause swirl marks. How do these towels compare to the towels Sal at Zaino promotes? Thanks guy's!!

hammen2

Milsuperdoc, ZFX is a complete replacement for Z-1. It's really its successor since it helps allow multiple coats of Z-2 or Z-5 in a relatively short time period. I don't think it would hurt to apply both, but there's no real reason to. The ZFX is added to the Z-2 or Z-5, not applied seperately like Z-1 is.

Re: microfiber, once you go this route, you don't go back. I personally have switched to microfiber wash mitts and towels (using my old lambswool ones for the lower, dirtier regions of the car). I'm talking about microfiber towels ordered from some of the car care web sites (search this discussion for a post from BretFraz about 6-8 months ago), not any "microfiber" or other towels you will see at AutoZone, Fleet Farm, et. al :-)

I think one of the reasons Sal doesn't just blanket recommend microfiber is that there's no real consistency - it's just a label (like "light" or "low-fat" used to be before the FDA stepped in) that people apply to their product, so you have to be careful.

Personally, I really try to use the microfiber towels for most everything because I like them so much. As my other "car towels" die I'll replace them with microfiber and not look back...

Just my 2 cents,

--Robert
(waiting and waiting for decent weather... was 62 and sunny at 11 a.m. yesterday, was 42 and cloudy/windy by 2 p.m., *sigh*)

msf2

Have you had ANY swirl marks at all while using microfiber? Your postings are very helpful.

bretfraz

Thanks for your comments, I'm glad to help.

Everytime I get a new microfiber in, I rub it vigorously on a CD and test it to see if it scratches. Only the cheapos seem to scratch noticeably.

HAMMEN2 is correct with his comment about inconsistent quality control with microfibers. Sal has tried a lot of them so if you want his thoughts, give him a jingle and ask. For me, I use towels from autofiber.com and waynestowels.com. I've had excellent luck with both suppliers.

daverose

A few users have found that there is a separate and "legitimate" use for Z-1 that is different from ZFX; additional cleaning and set up of areas that have had their Zaino protection compromised. For example, where bird droppings have been left untreated for a while; after they have been washed and dried, you would use Z-1 to further clean and prep the area for the reapplication of your polish of choice. A similar "repair" with ZFX would probably take longer and waste product. Also, once you have established a multi-layered protective foundation of Zaino that no longer improves visually, and you've run out of ZFX, there's a case for doing only "maintenance" polishing preceded periodically by Z-1. That would be more economical, because the shelf-life of Z-1 is longer than ZFX and it's cheaper.

For those unfamiliar with using Zaino, ZFX is not, per se, a substitute for Z-1, it is an alternate way of establishing the chemical bond with the paint that Zaino polish needs to work effectively. Rather than establishing that bond by applying Z-1, drops of ZFX and your Zaino polish of choice are mixed in a small separate bottle, included in the ZFX "kit" with three others, should one become unuseable. In addition, unlike Z-1, ZFX accelerates the drying and curing of the polish to allow earlier wipe off of the hazed product and the application of two more coats of polish in one day.

milsuperdoc

Thank you both for your helpful posts. My LS430 is sitting in my garage with less than 300 miles on it. This will be its first wash and Zaino application. I placed an order for ZKIT-1 from the website. ZKIT-1 did not appear to include Z-1. Should I be ordering Z-1 separately? Do you think it's helpful? Also, Lexus dealers are known to provide car wash every time the car visits the service department. Should I ask them not to wash my car? Your opinions, please...

hammen2

...tell your service advisor NEVER to wash your car. I have made a small placard "PLEASE DO NOT WASH" which I put above my instrument panel any time my car goes in for service (one time, they washed my black car and gave me free swirl marks :-(

Zaino's web site says that the ZKIT-1 doesn't contain Z-1, but does include ZFX.

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&- Product_Code=ZKIT-1&Category_Code=Zaino

I wouldn't think you'd need to buy Z-1 seperately... try the ZFX and see how you like the whole product.

--Robert

milsuperdoc

Hammen2, thanks for that helpful advise.

By the way, what products do the forum members use to clean their alloy rims?

automophile

There are many good wheel cleaners - they all seem about the same to me. However, they are VERY caustic, and you should not use them very often.

Clean the wheels once with the wheel cleaner and a brush. DON'T let it dry! Then, when they are clean and dry, put on several coats of Zaino while you are doing the car. The wheels will then be very easy to clean when you wash the car.

I have a separate old sponge I use AFTER washing the rest of the car. The brake dust, etc. come right off with the Z-7 car wash that is left over. If you use the Z-16 Zaino tire treatment, it dries hard, so you can wash the tires as well when you are doing the wheels. All wiil look GREAT when you are done!

Before treating the tires, it is VERY important to clean the tires first. It is a good idea to do this at the same time as cleaning the wheels.

I use Westley's "Bleche-White" Tire cleaner. Like the wheels, spray it on, scrub with a stiff brush like a floor scrub brush, spray some more, then hose off. You won't believe the dirt and grease from the previous tire treatments! THEN you use the Z-16 and your tires will continue to look like new.

maxpower02

I just z-2 my alloy wheels. Then I just wash them and the shine comes back. Just use a wheel brush and a separate bucket of z-7 car wash soap. Finish with a z-6 touchup. I've gotten good results this way. Hope this helps.

hammen2

If they are chromed, you probably don't want to use a wheel brush, otherwise that's fine. Like the suggestions above, I use my leftover Z-7 wash and an old sponge and towel to wash the wheel and the tire. I use the Z-16 tire gloss, and then, as mentioned above, apply several coats of Z-2 to the wheels. Even after a winter of salt, I can pretty much hose them down, dry them with a towel, and they look great.

Hope this helps,

--Robert

prionace

Well, I just purchased a Mazda 6i (2004, Lapis Blue Metallic) and have been reading these posts (and admiring the photos of cars that have been made Zainy).

I also ordered the total show room car package (or whatever it's called...) from Zaino, and am hoping to split it with a friend who seemed equally interested, maybe make it a dual prep-polish experience. One question I have is whether Blue Dawn is still the choice for the initial wash followed by claying? If so, does it matter if it's normal or the ultra concentrated type (I assume if the former is the preferred version, then merely adding water should work).

Thanks in advance.

milsuperdoc

for giving very practical advise to this newbie to the board. One more question...Can I apply Zaino product, if any, to the clear headlight lens/housing cover in order to prevent it from fading and getting dull over time? I was told by a friend that once the plastic lens cover fades and gets dull, it can be cleaned with non-abrasive toothpaste. I would rather not have to do that in the future...

In regard to post# 5553, is claying really necessary on a brand new car after thorough washing with Dawn soap?

donl68

Does anyone use ZXF in their Z2 when Z-ing wheels or just plain Z2?

hammen2

...along with the Z-2 when doing my wheels (2 steps if I'm using Z-1, just one if I'm using ZFX, obviously).

I would do the "baggie test" on a new car... with the car washed, put your hand in a baggie and run it across the surfaces of the car. If you can't feel grit, you probably don't need to clay (I never did on my wife's new GTP). Re: the headlight lenses, someone (3M?) makes a clear film that you can put over them. If I had a new car I'd seriously consider that.

Only blue Dawn I can find around here (Milwaukee area) is the Ultra type, so that's what I use. I hope the weather cooperates this weekend so I can get in the first round of post-winter cleanup...

--Robert

maxpower02

I use z-2 on my windows and all the non-black plastic on my 03'EXV6 Accord. The headlight housing is a pretty big piece of clear plastic. I just z-2 it like the rest of the car. The water beads up nicely. Just maintain the plastic like the rest of the car. There is a product called Plexus that conditions and cleans and restores the plastic lenses, you can buy it at your autostore or online, its about $9.00. Your car is brand new, I don't think you will need this product for a long time.
Claying a brand new car is no big deal. I clayed my Accord when I was ready to put my first coat of z-2 on it. After the dawn wash, I put some z-7 wash and water in a spray bottle, and clayed the car. Didn't do much but I felt the finish was perfectly clean and the Z would go on as per Sal. Great results. Let us know how everything turns out!

daverose

I would not order Z-1 at this time. Assuming a half-ounce of polish per application, the two bottles of polish and the ZFX should carry you through about 10 or more sessions of 3 coats per session. Unless you're really enthusiastic, that should take care of you for a year or two. So I'd consider waiting at least a year unless you want to take advantage of the flat shipping charge, and, perhaps, include other products that are not part of the kit, and additional applicators.

mdhauke

Before you put on the polish do you claybar your whole car or just the areas that may need it. Also do you wash with Dawn before or after you claybar?

bretfraz

I clay the car after washing. Some people wash again to remove clay residue but I don't. If you haven't clayed the car for a year or so its smart to do the entire car. Then you can spot clay as needed, like if your car gets some tree sap on it.

mdhauke

however I have driven it almost 2000 miles

milsuperdoc

It finally got sunny with 67 degree temperature here today. I got to try out Zaino products on my new Crystal White Lexus LS 430 (345 miles today) as its first wash and wax. I did the following steps as per Zaino application instructions on the website.

1)Wash with Liquid Dawn, then dry. (There was nothing to clay. Since taking delivery, I only took this car out during good weather only).
2)Wash with Z-7, then dry.
3) Apply Z-5/ZFX, then buff.
4) Wipe down with Z-6.
5) Apply Z-2/ZFX, then buff.
6) Wipe down with Z-6.
7) Repeat step 5 and 6.

Things that I noted as a Zaino first timer...
1) The brightness and clarity was amazing only after Z-5/ZFX. It got much better with subsequent steps. I had to wear my sun glasses when the sun came out at around noon just so that I can look at the area that I was working on.
2) Z-6 seems to be getting used up pretty quick. Perhaps I used too much?
3) The curing of Z-5 and Z-2 took only 30 minutes or so...and no more.
4) The Zaino cotton polish applicator is not as durable as I first thought.
5) Z-5, Z-2, and Z-6 worked great on the alloy rims, clear plastic headlight and tail lights.
6) The whole wash and finish took about 7 hours from start to finish. A lot of work, but the result was simply ASTOUNDING!

Thanks to all of those who gave me helpful tips on this great experience with Zaino.

Now, some random questions...

1)Does anyone on this forum have experience with a product called Rain-X? How does it compare with the Zaino Z-12 or Windex?
2)Which Zaino products do you recommend for the plastic cladding on my 94 Jeep?
3)Is there any carpet cleaning product from Zaino? If not, what other products do you recommend?
4) Does anyone have any experience with the "California duster"? Is it harmful to use it on cars with Zaino already applied to it?

Thanks, folks!

automophile

Congratulations and welcome to the group! It sounds like you have done a GREAT job. However - just WAIT 'till you get 3 MORE coats on!

Regarding your questions - (I am sure others will also have comments)

RAIN-X - (The water repellent) I have used this in the past. It does help shed rain in a storm, but it seemed to leave a residue, or to affect the wipers after a while. Just my experience. I see that there are other items like this now.

PLASTIC CLADDING - I assume that this is a textured (not shiny) plastic, yes? I find that the Zaino tire treatment works great on all rubber and matte finished black plastic. I deepens the color, and dries hard, not greasy.

CARPET CLEANING - I have tried SO MANY products - none seems to work any better, Good luck with this.

CALIFORNIA DUSTER - I use this all the time. It works great if your car is DUSTY and NOT DIRTY. Dust can be easily wiped off. Dirt is attached more strongly and only a wash can properly get it off. When using the duster, be sure to hold it slightly off the car so only the strands touch the car and you are not pressing down. If you dust the car every morning and evening, the car will stay really clean.

The duster also works great to dust the inside of the car - the top of the dash, etc.

Have Fun!

mdhauke

I am also waiting for a good day when I have a lot of free time to do my Zaino process. Now did I read that right that you also applies the coats of polish to your rims and headlights? Can you do that? It doesn't cloud it up or anything? What does it do to the rims? Also automophile, did you say you put 6 coats of wax on your car?

tmart

applied to the head and tail lights. It can also go on your wheel/rims to protect the finish and help in minimizing brake dust. The slick finish of the Z makes it hard for the dust to stick and easier for you to remove when washing. Also, many users have more than 10 coats of Zaino! It's so easy and looks so good. Realisticly, there is a point of no visual improvement, but it depends on your paint color and personal preference. The "problem" is, after the initial process of Dawn, optional clay, Z5/Z2/Z6, additional coats are just so quick and easy to do it's hard to stop!

luck11

on my 00 Outback, which I purchased in Dec 99.

Just thought I would check in to report back on results. First off, let me say that there were times when I had my doubts about this stuff. I had problems at one point with water spots, but with a quick z1, they would disappear.

We had some decent weather (+ 10 C)over last week up here in the Great White North, and managed to wash my car in the driveway. I am just amazed how well the shine has maintained, especially with all the salt and sand that is dumped on our roads. Last time I applied using ZFX was back in October, 3 coats (can't recall if it was z2 or z5). The depth of the winestone colour is spectacular, and water still beads!! My neighbour looked at his 5-series Beemer (5 months new), then looked at my Subaru and said "how do you do it?". I see a few spider web lines at an angle, but absolutely nothing compared to most cars up here after a dirty winter....and nothing that a bit of Z5 won't cure.

I'm waiting for some warmer weather to do my spring clay and another appl. using ZFX. BTW, I have always applied Z to my alloy wheels at same time I apply to car. I would not go near those wheel cleaners....they are WAY to caustic. In my early driving years, I destroyed the finish on some wheels using that stuff...never again. With my wheels Z'd, all I need is a wash mit in leftover z7 to clean them off...no scrubing. (BTW....always have a dedicated wash mit/sponge for your wheels and another for your car body....don't want to get any metallic particles coming off your brakes caught up in a mit you use on your paint !

Anyway, to those who might doubt, try it for a while and you'll see the results.

My Sub will be traded in this year and I will be using Z on my next vehicle.

BTW....4 years and still on my original bottles of Z1, Z2, Z5, Z7 and clay. 2nd or 3rd bottle of z7 wash. I think I have enough Z2 and Z5 to last 2 more apps each. I apply 2-3 times per year (3 coats each since ZFX), clay each spring. I don't use Z7 after every wash...only ocassionally. Just goes to show that this stuff goes a long way. Will replenish stock with the arrival of my new 05 Outback in fall.

Good luck folks!

pblevine

Given the temperatures have been too cold for me to Z the car. I just had to try something different. With some help from Sal (and Bret too), I applied Z2 to a table I just built. Its a small (4.5" wide by 11 feet) table that resides between a couch and a wall. My wife wanted it painted glossy black. The problem is that glossy black polyeurathane will scratch and this little table is also in a perfect spot for people to rest cold drink glasses. Rather than use a household wax or Pledge, I decided to try some Zaino. Z2 will protect the finish from scratches and water marks. While I don't recommend this use of Z for most indoor furniture, this was a special case due to the nature of high gloss black paint. Anyway, it (3 coats of Z2/ZFX) worked very well and you would never know there was anything on top of the polyeurathane. And the finish is absolutely perfect and very smooth too. Thanks Bret.

billyperks

I went to auto fiber and ordered several of their products- I hope they are as good as you mentioned.

I am waiting for warmer temperatures to commence my semi- annual zaino clean.

bretfraz

I hope the towels work as well for you as they have for me. And I'm glad to hear the table looks great. Now all you need is some Klasse AIO on your toilets, cultured marble sink and shower tiles and your house will be set!!

kudron

I have a 2002 black Envoy, and when I was driving on the freeway yesterday, the vehicle slightly in front of me in the next lane ran over a paint can. I swerved and avoided the can, but my Envoy's front end is now two-toned (black and light gray).

Today I was able to clean the paint (it appears to be latex based) off of the windshield with WD40 and a Brillo pad, followed with a strong ammonia/water wash. The windshield appears to have no more paint and is clean. I was a bit worried about the WD40 streaking the windshield, but it came out fine.

Now for the obvious question. How do I get the paint splatters off of the clear coat? I did wheel the finish two years ago with 3M swirl remover, but I don't want to over do it. Should I clay-bar the finish, will WD40 hurt the finish, or is there anything else that I can use.

I do have Zaino on the truck, but the last time I Z'd the truck was last autumn.

Any suggestions from the experts??

I also am posting this in the Envoy forum just to get a good cross reference of replies.