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Comments
YES - Zaino is more optically clear than wax. You will never get the real 'Z' shine with a "dirty" wax coat underneath. Blue Dawn works great, but if it is not available, any grease cutting dishwashing detergent without additives or lanolin will work.
Love Bugs -
They ARE terrible. To mitigate the damage, be sure to wash them off as soon as possible after the "splat". Otherwise, the bug juice continues to eat away, and may even get through Zaino!
Clear Hood Cover
The Z6 should be a good treatment for this as you are doing your car.
Traveling down US27 at night just 2 weeks ago, you'd have thought it was raining hard due to the number of bugs hitting the windshield - be sure your washer reservoir is full before making the trip as you'll need all the liquid you can carry. I still ran out of fluid in my wife's Explorer!
I always hose down the vehicle as soon as I complete the trip (usually late at night), then do a heavy wash the next morning. The vehicles which I've driven through this area have not been Z treated.
I own a Miata '00SE, purchased ~6 weeks ago which I gave the full Z treatment to. Honest to God, when I look at the side mirrors it really looks as though there's a thin film of clear glass over the paint. That's how good the Z shine is!
Back to the bugs - I would be willing to bet the Z treatment will probably have an effect similar to the way Rain-X does on a windshield... the bugs will probably splat and spray off.
Good Luck and enjoy the shine.
Jim M.
Thanks for the scotchgard idea - I wouldn't have thought of it. In my past car ( '91 Red Talon) I always had towels on the floor that matched the interior (after 10 yrs the carpets were still brand new). However, now I am trying to be not as psycho about dirt in my car (and avoid the abuse of friends who don't understand)but still keep it looking great.
I am condisering a kit made by X-Pel. One of the FAQs from their site addresses waxing (I know, I know: it's a POLISH).
"What if I want to take my car through a car wash or have it waxed?
You can do anything to the shield that you normally do to the rest of the car's finish. The shield will accept wax and polishes just as your paint does and will last longer with regular applications."
Once I get my Z's I spot test, and make certain their is no problems.
A few points that address comments made above in this forum:
Use BLUE Dawn to wash car prior to using Zaino. I'm not sure if the yellow Dawn is as effective (Sal would know).
DON'T use baby diapers on your car. Sal recommends 100% cotton, made-in-the-USA Cannon or Fieldcrest towels for washing, drying, wiping off Zaino Z-2, 3, 5 and 6. Other fabrics/towels might scratch or leave swirl marks.
Use Z-6, regardless of car's color. It really enhances the shine. Instead of washing, if your car isn't too dirty, dust it off lightly (no pressure) with a clean towel, then use Z-6.
Whether to clay a new car or not is personal. For a black or dark colored finish, I would clay first (after washing with blue Dawn). For a light colored new car, Sal recommends always claying, but my '00 MB E320 with brilliant silver finish actually is BRILLIANT, and I did not clay first. I now have about 6 coats of Z-2 on it and frequently use Z-6.
Instead of using a group purchase of Zaino products, contact Sal and ask if there is a local Zaino distributor nearby. Dave Rose, who frequently posts here, serves the metropolitan D.C. area, and he's knowledgeable, quick to respond and has competitive pricing (compared to mail ordering Zaino and paying shipping charge). I've never gone directly to Sal -- Dave is too good! He delivers and will demo the products if appropriate.
What is 3M Clear Protection? Can you please describe the product and say what is its purpose. What's in the kit made by X-Pel? Am I missing something important?
Sorry for the dumb quetions.
The Lexol, however, is REALLY good - I have been using it for over 20 years with great results, so I haven't gone out of my way to try something else. Between Lexol treatmetns, Lemon Pledge is the way to go, and good for the rest of the interior too, except for cloth. If you use the lexol, be sure to put it on with your hands, then towel off.
FYI - 3M is discontinuing Scotchguard as environmentally harmful, so if you want to protect your next few cars, you better stock up NOW.
Basically it is a clear plastic film that has a light adhesive and is heated transported onto your front hood [I also have it on my side mirrors].
The principle is the same, to avoid those costly and unsightly rock chips. You will hardly even notice that it is there, except for a small line where the film ends. Plus there is none of the headaches that come w/ a black bra ie. looks, dirt under, movements, paint scrapes and fading etc. etc.
Jim M.
Just for everyone's information, the Participant Agreement has recently been updated and clarified. You might like to reread it. Believe me, it is a LOT clearer than it used to be! :-)
Pat
Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
Thanks,
Rich
After a good washing, most of the evidence is gone, but you can still see the outline of the large spots. Should I clay the hood to remove the spots, or is there some other solution??
No more parking near planters!!
Question about windows - has anyone used Z5 or Z6 on them. Thanks, Sally
I use the same stuff I put on the tires on our black trim. I am currently using Turtle Wax 2001 tire gel. It dries hard and not greasy. AFter I'm done with the tires, I wipe the damp rag along the trim. Looks good and protects. I am planning to try the Zaino tire treatment next order.
Thicks23 - While Z5 can work wonders, if you have really visible swirls and scratches, I advise using a glaze or polish first, then the Z products. I have about 6 coats on our '97 Accord, and while greatly reduced, the swirls are not gone. I will glaze it some time in the future, adn then re-Z for the glass-smooth finish I have on the the other, newer car.
Keep up the good work in providing valuable info in this forum, Dave!
one4thegipper: The Zaino Z-12 Glass Polish CAN be used on inside glass and in fact, was developed to get rid of those curing plastic residues which somehow attach to your glass parts.
Thanks for your help
ruking1: Great idea, I'll now keep a small spray bottle in my trunk. Every time I drive up to the Bershires, my car establishes a whole new collection of bugs.
theresa11: I think the Z-7 bottle says 3 caps full per gallon. A little really does go a long way. I use a slightly more scientific method (which is also a bit faster). As I start to pore, I say the word "enough" and stop.
I was a little nervous after putting the first coat of Z1 & Z2 on - there was some haze and streaks. But the next morning I applied a second coat of Z2 and it was just incredible. It definitely looks better then when I bought it.
Thanks again for all your help everyone! I am a believer now!
Thanks in advance,
Rich
Rich
The same dilution rate for your car wash bucket, 2 to 3 capfuls!! then siphon some off for your spray bottle!
The initial Z-1 / Z-2 (or Z-5) layers do take a longer period of time to dry. They are affected by both temperature and humidity. But if your initial Z layers are really taking much too much time to dry, please give Sal a call.
Rich
<< especially the product in the other forum...which makes me wonder if one product can really be that much better, or are people just tired of waxing every 2-3 months? >>
The answer in one word?...BOTH
Zul