Zaino Car Care Experiences

musafir

Just received my shipment of Zs. I am going to use the following sequence, please let me know if I got this right:
Blue Dawn, Clay, Z7, Z1, Z5, Z2, Z6.

I have couple other questions,

My car is titanium silver and I see no swirls do I need to do Z5 or go straight to Z2?

Car is less than 2 months old, should I let the paint cure for at-least 3 months before applying the Zs?

Thanks for your help, I have enjoyed reading this forum and it has helped make up my mind.

theresa11

I plan to Z my car today - rain or shine. I am going to Dawn, Z1, then Z2. Here's my question - I know that I will need to let the polish dry a while because it is so humid here. Tomorrow I will buff off the remaining Z2, will wait 24 hrs. to apply my 2nd coat of Z2. The car will remain in the garage. Do I need to Z7 the car before I Z2 again or can I just Z2? I do not have Z6. Thanks for your help. By the way, Sal mentioned that the temperature extremes either hot or cold or both are what hurts the product when storing. Now I've got to find room in the house :-)

mbdriver

musafir - Your order of application is correct. But there's no need to do the Z-5 if there aren't any visible swirl marks or scratches in the clear coat -- you can do the Z-1, then Z-2 right over the Z-1 and wait for both to dry thoroughly. And you don't have to wait at all for the paint to cure. Go ahead now with the Z treatment and enjoy the shine! But remember that a little Z-2 goes a long way -- less is more!

theresall - Don't Z-7 after you've just buffed off the Z-2. The Z-7 is to wash the dirt and grime off the finish. Just make sure you wait 24 hours between Z-2 applications. And I strongly recommend that you buy several spray bottles of Z-6 Gloss Enhancer. I use more of it than any Z product. It will "deepen" the shine after using Z-2. If later, after several days or so you have only light dust on the finish, you can remove it with a California Duster or by using a clean towel (don't apply any pressure) to go over the car -- then use Z-6. But if there's much dirt or grime, wash it with Z-7 first.

One last thought -- After five months of using Zaino on two cars, I finally tried Z-16 Tire Gloss and Protectant. It, too, is the best product for its purpose that I've ever used.

Hope this helps. And be sure to use 100% made-in-US cotton towels (Cannon or Fieldcrest).

fastdriver

Here are some clay tips. If you print this out or just read Sal's directions, you'll be fine! I got this info from Chris Parrish who WAS a regular here in Edmunds.

A clayed paint surface is much easier to apply polish to and remove polish from. Also, if some of the contaminants that claying removes were left on the paint they could significantly shorten the life of the paint. As simple and easy as clay is to use, it only makes sense that it should be included in the maintenance of your pride and joy's paint finish.

First of all, before claying, you need to wash the vehicle thoroughly. This removes any grease, oil and road film as well as dirt and grit to eliminate unnecessary scratches. I recommend using Dawn dish soap for the initial pre-clay scrub wash because it is very effective in removing grease, wax, and oil film form the paint without harming the paint it's self. I have used others but I feel that Dawn is the most effective. About an ounce of Dawn to a small (2.5 gal.) bucket of water should do the trick. Most clay products contain no abrasives and should leave no scratches as long as there is no dirt or dust between the clay and the paint. It is really important to do a good, thorough wash before starting with your clay scrub.

I should also add that you should never use clay on a paint surface that is hot to the touch. This will cause the clay material to drag on the paint surface and leave clay material transfer. You can get the transfer off but it can be a pain and it is totally unnecessary.

The next step is to decide on which lube you will use with the clay. All clay manufacturers sell a product that they recommend as the lube with their clay but I have found that some of them leave what appears to be either an oily film or a soapy residue. I use Zaino products and use Zaino's Z7 car wash mixed with water. I mix about one cap full of Z7 car wash to 16 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Zaino Z6 also works well as a lube for clay but it is more expensive than Z7 and I prefer saving it for wipedowns between coats. I only use Z6 as a lube if I am claying a small section to remove localized surface contaminants that do not affect the entire car.

I have used dish soap and other car washes mixed with water as a lube before but I like the Z7 better as far as lubricity and it does not leave a greasy/oily or soapy film. If you use Zaino polish and use something besides the Z7/H2O as a lube I recommend a second Dawn wash after the clay scrub to remove any possible film if you want optimal results.

To begin the clay scrub, form the clay bar into a flat, half palm sized shape. Spray a section of the clean, cool paint surface with the lube of your choice (I prefer approx. 3' X 3' or so) and simply lay the clay flat on the paint surface and while applying light pressure to the clay gently slide it back and forth across the section that you lubed.

Scrub the section until you feel it getting slick and the clay glides across the paint more easily. While scrubbing with the clay make sure to keep the area lubed with the spray to avoid dragging and clay material transfer. When the paint feels slick stop scrubbing and wipe the area dry with a 100% cotton towel. The area you clayed should feel slick when you run your fingers across it.

Before going to the next section you should fold and knead the clay to expose a fresh, clean side of the clay and form it into a flat, half palm sized shape again. Then just spray the next section and repeat until the entire painted surface of the vehicle is as smooth as a baby's butt. Overlap the sections to insure that you clay every inch of paint. Also, make sure to refold and knead the clay between each section or panel so that you are rubbing the paint surface with a clean portion of the clay bar.

When the clay bar looks dark or dirty even after folding and kneading discard it and get a new one. A single 80 gram bar should do a car 5 to 7 times before needing to be discarded as long as you don't drop it or get dirt into it from other sources, such as missing a spot when washing before the clay
scrub.

**Important**- If you drop the clay bar onto the ground, THROW IT AWAY. It can pick up grit and leave some NASTY scratches. The odds of you picking all the dirt and grit out of the clay are slim and a new clay bar is far cheaper than a paint repair if you get scratches that can't be polished out.

After the entire vehicle has been clay scrubbed you should wash and dry it, then apply a good paint protectant ASAP. As well as removing bonded surface contaminants, the claying process removes any and all wax from the paint, leaving it exposed to the sun(UV), acid rain, and other elements. I recommend Zaino Bros Show Car Polish if you want the best looking, longest lasting shine and protection. Zaino polishes are also the easiest to use that I have found.

**Note to Zaino users**- If you plan to use Zaino polish and you use Zaino Z6 or Zaino Z7/H2O as your clay lube you need not do another Dawn wash afer claying. Simply rinse thoroughly and dry and you are ready for Z1. If you use ANY other lube you will want to do a Dawn wash to insure that you remove any possible oily or soapy residue from the paint before starting the Zaino process to obtain optimal results with Zaino polish.

***************************************************

fastdriver

bo9877

Hey everyone,

I haven't posted in awhile, but I have a question for ya'll. I currently have about 2 coats of Z2 on my Black Pearl Honda Civic and recently the swirl marks from the dealer new car "detailing" have started bothering me more and more. I want to use Z5 to get rid of them...will putting a coat of Z5 on top of the Z2 get rid of the swirl marks or do I need to remove the Z2 first? If I have to remove the Z2, how do I go about doing that? Will blue Dawn cut through Z2? Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

chris168

As of right now my Black MB ML320 seems to be reflecting like it never has before. After the pleasant process of Dawn, Clay, Z1, Z5, Z6, Z5, Z6, Z2, Z6 over a two day period, I can definately say I am now a lifetime buyer of ZAINO. The truck definately looks more like it belongs in a car show then on the streets of California. And the fact of having no swirls on my paint (YES!) I no longer fear having to look at my MB in direct sunlight. I can't wait to see it after a couple more coats of Z2!

Zaino is everything its hyped up to be and more. I will have pics of my personal Zaino treatment soon to share with all. This stuff is too good to be true! It's definately worth the time and effort if you appreciate having a flawless paint finish.

Thanks,

Chris

fastdriver

bo9877-

No need to remove anything. Just apply Z-5 on top of the Z-2, followed by Z-6. Depending on the severity of the swirl marks, you might need additional coats of Z-5. When you are satisfied with the look, then finish up with the Z-2 application after waiting the appropriate time and finish up with Z-6.

fastdriver

ruking1

#531

I would add a 10-4 to your post!!

boord

I have a new Avalon. I blue dawned it. I clayed it. I put on z1 and z2 and got really good results. I put on enhancer and another coat of z2 and got an even better shine.

But when I wash the car it rapidly loses shine and slickness on the surface. I didn't order Z wash and have used armorall car wash in a very limited quantity (the bottle claims it won't strip wax).

I paid attention to Sal's directions and remember using very little z1. Could it be I used too litle z1 and the z2 is not bonding to the paint surface. If so, do I have to strip off everything that's on the car now and start all over, or can I apply a new coat of z1 over the remaining z2.

Or am I just using the wrong car wash stuff.

Any help would be appreciated.

daverose

It sounds like your soap might be leaving a film behind, or, perhaps may contain some abrasive. As a polymer, it is my understanding that it takes isopropyl (sp?) alcohol and a great deal of elbow grease to remove. So, unless your soap contains this, it strikes me that it is hazing the polish rather than removing it.

While it seems unlikely that you underapplied Z1, Z1 can be reapplied on top of Z2, Z3, or Z5 to re-establish the chemical bond needed for 2,3, or 5. It should only need to be applied to a well-protected car once a year; a car more exposed to the elements would need 2 or 3 applications in a year's time. OR if you are an enthusiastic polisher, Z1 should be applied between each 10 total applications of 2, 3, and/or 5.

graphicguy

Someone asked earlier whether Sal peruses this topic. He does, on occasion! He doesn't respond publicly to any of the posts at Edmunds, however. He has been a regular contributor to the LS1 (Corvette, Z28, Firebird) boards, though.

koury

I clayed my new car back in April, then applied 2 coats of Z5 and two coats of Z2 over the next two months. If I clay again before winter, will I need to re-apply Z1, effectively starting the entire Zaino process again?

bo9877

I asked Sal this exact same question a few weeks back when a fine mist of tar was distributed all over my Z'd car. I first tried just washing, but the tar wouldn't come off...so I clayed it. According to Sal, a normal claying should not remove Zaino. In effect, you are removing any contaminants from the Zaino and not the paint. Then just reapply more Z2 and you should be fine!

daverose

You've asked a compound question: "If I clay before winter, will I need to re-apply Z1 ... ?" The answer is "No," and "Yes." You would not NEED to re-apply Z1 because you clayed, but just before Winter would seem to be a good time of year to apply Z1 as either the time to establish the annual "refreshing" of the chemical set-up that Z1 provides, or as a weather-based point in a year to be applying Z1 if your vehicle is exposed to the elements and would need a second or third application. Zaino says once a year for show cars and twice a year for regular cars. My everyday vehicle is exposed 24/7; I consider being exposed to the sun as much as mine is, a reason to use Z1 three times a year. So, my schedule for applying Z1 is November, March, and July/August. I'm not a particularly consistent faithful applicator of Z6, so am not refreshing the UV protection as much as I probably should.

While this would be " ... effectively starting the entire Zaino process again ... ," I find subsequent uses of Zaino to be easier each time.

koury

for the responses - I'd forgotten that re-applying Z1 should part of the regular maintenance. The thought of the clay/Z1/Z2 process doesn't thrill me, but I'll go on record as saying that my car still beads like you wouldn't believe - and the last application of Z2 was back in early June.

artoo

if Sal Zaino reads this forum. I can unequivocally state that "yes, he does". How do I know? A while back I Z'd my Mustang GT and put up some pics of it on my site. I posted the link to my site here so people could see what a black Zaino'd car looks like.

The next day I got an email from Sal Zaino saying the car looked great and thanking me for the endorsement since he was a word of mouth business.

Unless somebody sent him the link, I don't see where else he could have gotten it.

cheers,
Phil

lmc18

Does anyone out there use this duster? I have one from my old car (That I didn't use Zaino on)and I am wondering whether I should use it as a quicker alternative to Z-6. Will the parrafin wax on the duster dull the Zaino shine?

Thx for any thoughts.

musafir

thanks for your response.

sallygeee

lmc18,

I use a California Duster, but for dusting purposes only, every couple of days if the car needs it. It does not dull the shine. I still use the z6 gloss in addition, but not at the same time that I dust.

Sally

fastdriver

lmc18-

I've had the CA duster since 1990 and I still use it too! I use the Zaino on a regular basis also and have found no side effects with using the duster. I am on my 3rd plastic handle and it still has that "school custodian" wax smell to it! I have never washed it! No problems noted.

fastdriver

automophile

Just DON'T use it if the car surface is hot - it will melt some of the paraffin and streak your car!

Also - when you use it - Don't press it down - hold it up off the car so only the strands lightly touch the surface, and you can't get scratches.

koury

Another positive endorsement here - I use it every couple of days, it's great in between washes. My car is black, so it's particularly uselful.

mbdriver

I second all the above comments. Also, I believe that even Sal Zaino endorses use of the duster to remove LIGHT dust. A white cotton towel used with NO pressure should produce similar results. BTW, where can you buy the California Duster?

daverose

I've seen them (the large one for the exterior and the smaller for the interior) in Wal-Mart and Target around our area.

ruking1

I too have been very happy with the "CA Duster". With the use of Zaino, given the same conditions, there is less dust to remove, and comes off much easier!! The duster has to be used correctly, and they come with the requisite instructions.

pblevine

I've tried all sorts of stuff (not the CA duster however), and I just keep returning to a plain cotton towel. I just run it over the surface without any pressure. And if (and when during bug season) I find residual dirt and/or bug bodies, I take out my now trusty spray bottle (water and some Z-7). A light spray and quick wipe (again with a cotton towel) usually does the trick. And then, If I've got a few minutes, out comes the Z-6.

I've just got to comment that again I've been away on business for a few days, and when I accessed this topic, there was about 30 new posts. Wow, that's great. And the other thing that is really cool is that there is now an interested pool of us Zaino users who are more than willing to answer questions. Every question I found in this last batch of posts was answered very quickly. 'Guess we'll cover for each other.

theresa11

I have always heard that all cars need a good wax. If that is true, then what is the difference between a wax (carnuba, what dealers put on new car, etc.)and a polymer (Zaino)? Does a polymer protect the paint just as well? Thanks.

automophile

A polymer is a type of plastic, I believe. Until good polymers were developed, waxes were the best thing for your paint. Now, it seems that Zaino is, and provides better shine, better protection from stains, water and UV than wax, and lasts longer. Waxes were good, but now there is something better.

koury

For those of you who are time constrained and want to buy on-line, go to www.autofanatics.com - they've got a good selection and respond quickly to any questions. You may not always get the least expensive price, but for me, the convenience is well worth it.

twosctrjns

Hello all, I am going to get some Zaino for my new Lincoln LS but is was wondering if I could use this product on my 66 Mustang. It is not in real good shape as the airborn contaminents and lack of attention paid to it by my uncle has left the beautiful red paint job an orange oxidized mess. What do you all think I should do?

pblevine

In general, you should first repair the damaged finish prior to trying to protect it with anything (Zaino or another product). 'Remember the olde Mustangs, they were fun. But since the paint has oxidized, I'd first have it repainted. Simply applying Zaino to a ruined finish is NOT going to do anything for you. If the finish was not fully oxidized, using a buffing compound might work. In your case, however, save those pennies and get give it a full stripping and a complete paint job. Then protect it with Zaino.

twosctrjns

That is what I thought but hoped beyond hope that I could avoid the complete redo. Guess I'll pull the old girl into the garage and tear everything out, glass and all, and send it to a great body shop to have a perfect job done.

bo9877

The classics do look great in Zaino! I've recently finished a body-off restoration on a Milano Maroon 1965 Corvette Sting Ray and I've gotten a few coats of Z3 on there and it looks amazing! I can't imagine it looking this good on the showroom floor! The metallic paint and supple lines of the car and definitely accentuated with the luster of Zaino. You'll definitely be more than pleased with the Zaino on a brand new coat of OEM-formula paint for your 'Stang! Keep us posted!

pjyoung

That the immediate reply to twosctrjns was that Zaino would NOT restore an oxidized finish to showroom condition. Dang, we finally found something it won't do.

automophile

twosctrjns-
There is a last-ditch treatment you can try. I have used this often on older, oxidized paint - Soft Scrub Liquid Cleanser! Don't laugh- it works, and it is a LOT easier than rubbing compound. Think of it as a buffing compound gel used with water.

Use the kind without bleach, use freely and rinse really well. You might find that there is enough paint to respond to this. If so, then use a glaze with a buffer to further shine the paint, THEN give it a Zaino. Hey - you got nothing to lose! Try it on a small spot and see.

vanderhare

Does anyone know if Zaino has been independently tested by Consumer Reports or other reputable organization ?
I just got a $55K car, and I want to use Zaino from all the good reviews. but I want to make sure that Zaino will damage my car's paint.

vanderhare

WILL NOT damage my car's paint.

pjyoung

I'm not aware of any Consumer Reports type tests concerning Zaino, but read up under the "Waxes and Polishes topic - not sure of the poster, but he followed consumer reports recommendations and was rather disappointed.

FWIW, I'm not consumer reports, but I'm 11 months into my Zaino treatments and my $30K white car shows no signs of any damage whatsoever. Plus, some of the show cars that have been Zainoed can cost upwards of $100K. It'll do fine for you. Also, fastdriver is over 2 years into his, and he'll be glad to provide pics. If you don't know fastdriver, he has posted a saga of troubles with his car (I own the same type vehicle, but mines been flawless), but I don't recall seeing any problems with the paint - before or after Z.

erasbury

I'm having to wait until next month to afford my Zaino order and it is driving me nuts!

I have quit using my CA Duster. I have a tendency to want to rub the surface instead of just letting the Duster touch the surface. Everytime I did this, I'd look at the car later and think, "Oh man, where did those swirl marks come from?" The stuff that's on the Duster will definitely rub off if you aren't careful. Since I can't seem to use this thing correctly, I'm going back to towel.

Thanks to everyone here that's posted their experiences and techniques. Hopefully it will save me some time figuring out just how to do things.

By the way - has anyone used it on GM's Torch Red? Will I be able to get a decent deepness when I start rotating Z-2 and Z-5?

twosctrjns

Thanks for everyones comments regarding my '66 'Stang. I'll give the softscrub thing a try. Can't hurt anymore than what I already have. I too will have to buy my Z in small orders. Stuff seem quite expensive. Does the product last pretty well. I have read their website and I think it is going to be hard to try and use as little as they say you should.

pblevine

CU did do a study about a year ago, but it was (in CU's own words) "limited to common store bought waxes". They did say that new compounds (polymers, etc.) were very promising, but that they were beyond the scope of their test. There was also an objective test which included the top polymers and waxes which did rate Zaino as the best. I can't remember the source, but perhaps it is mentioned in a prior post. You might email Sal Zaino for the information.

From talking to detailers, reading everything I could find, and my own results, I've just got to say that these Zaino products (Z-1, Z-2, Z-5, Z-6, etc.) ARE the best on the market. In terms of protection and endurance, they are much better than anything else I've found.

daverose

The single most important thing about treating your vehicle's surface is not to scratch it when you're maintaining it: use the recommended towels and a non-abrasive protectant. The recommended towels are high-quality, plush, name-brand hand/bath towels made 100% of USA cotton in both the loops/nap and the backing; polyester blends can scratch; the border/embroidery pattern threads could be blends, even in 100% cotton towels, so keep those away from the paint. Wash them with liquid soap without bleach or fabric softener and rinse them twice BEFORE using them (to minimize lint) as well as after. Some folks trim off the borders after the pre-use washing. Use this towel/terry cloth material to dust, wash, dry, apply, and wipe off the vehicle. You could substitute the California Duster, a synthetic or natural chamois, and the Zaino applicators for the towels in the dusting, drying, and application stages. Be particularly careful that you use the Duster according to the instructions and watch for grit getting under the chamois.

Use Zaino VERY SPARINGLY; start with dime to penny size amounts per panel, maybe to nickel/quarter sized for the larger panels. You don't need much and it's easier to work with when applied thinly. You have to establish and pay attention to the pattern of how you apply Z1 because it does NOT haze much and you want to be certain you cover the entire vehicle. On the other had, because it does not haze much, this would be the first point at which you might tend to apply too much product in an attempt to put enough on to haze. Z2, Z3, and Z5 do haze; just do NOT put it on so thickly that you cover the paint rather than lightly coat it. One of the early post in one of the Wax and Polish topics did a logical (NOT scientific) explanation of his use and concluded something like: Zaino was twice as expensive as what he had been using but it was four times longer lasting, had UV protectant, and was easier to use so he concluded it was half as expensive as what he had been using and was a better quality product.

ruking1

#566
Thanks for the credits to my long ago post. The single most hard think to explain is to use VERY and I mean VERY little of the Zaino products. I think it is hard for most folks who "do it yourself" come from putting on other wax/polish products. Even though the Zaino instructions say otherwise I have taken to almost misting the z-1,z-2,z-5 products on the panels themselves.(for it helps me to visualize better) I think your coin sized discription hits the mark. So for me the Zaino use is going on 2.5 to 3 yrs. I have been very happy actually with all his products.

automophile

There are SO MANY super-delighted Zaino users that I think that you are in more danger of damaging your paint by NOT using it.

If you haven't seen them, here are some pics of my and fastdriver's cars:
http://www.geocities.com/newwestd/Zainoat3mo.html
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/7501/Feb.html

It was the pics of his RED 300M that convinced me. I am a car fanatic with 30 years of fanaticism behind me - I will never return to wax.

pjyoung

Nice pics. Even though the effect isn't as apparent on a white/light colored car, it does make them look really good.

automophile

Thanks!
Yes- the effect is more subtle, but really there. Do you see the detailed reflection of my neighbor's house in my rear fender (white car)? I will take some close ups next time. It is the detail of the reflection that is the Zaino difference. I call it the "hard shine" compared to a "softer shine" of a waxed finish. I am still stunned by the shine when I walk up to my car in a parking lot.

rizzo7

Does anyone know if I can use the Z products (1,2,5,6) on the front and rear bumpers of my Maxima? (both bumpers, like most cars are made from some type of plastic.) Or are Zaino products only good only painted sheetmetal? Thanks in advance.

BTW, clayed my car tonite for the first time, and must say I am absolutely sold for life! First time I've ever used a clay product, and was very surprised at how much smoother my paint is now, even though the car is only 2 months old. Can't wait for the Z1,5 and 6 tomorrow!

plwilliams

Is Sal's claybar any different from those I've seen for sale in local auto parts stores? I know that it's a relatively new item for Zaino and wondering if he has higher specs or something, or is he just carrying it as a convenience, albeit profitable I'm sure, for his customers. I've Z'd my new `01 Pathfinder and loved the results. I'm now ready to do my `98 pickup and suspect that claying would be required. If Sal's is the same as some others, is there any difference in the others? I really wanted to start the truck this weekend but I could wait for an order to arrive if I have to.

fastdriver

vanderhare-

Everyone above is right! I have been using Zaino on my 300M for just about 2 years now with GREAT results! The shine and longevity are FANTASTIC. As for the car itself, well, that's a whole other story!

I was just going to run outside now and wash it after yesterday's rain and put on some Z-5/Z-6. Great day here in CT for this- sunny, cool and dry! You will not be disappointed. You will not believe the looks even when it's DIRTY!

Good luck. Remember, use sparingly. BTW, I have NEVER clayed my car because I never knew about clay when I first heard about Zaino. My car still looks great. I was thinking about doing it this summer, but all we ever had here was rain. Besides, I only have 9 more months to go on this lease and the car looks good enough to me without expending the extra energy to clay it. Chrysler sapped enough of my energy as it is trying to get things fixed!

fastdriver

PS automophile- thanks for posting the link to my pics. You know I have more pics! ;-))

automophile

Paint is Paint - Z the bumpers - It will be fine.