I know this is a little late, but I don't believe all your questions were answered.
The "ritual" first use of Zaino is a bit tough, physically. So a person who has not treated their cars in 10 years would have somewhat of a tough time. However, Dawn, and clay are recommendations that cross brand lines. A good first detailing of your vehicle will involve these procedures, regardless of what protectant you're applying. The Dawn wash only needs to be done once. I've read advocates of claying every time you polish. In my personal situation, I would clay only when I am doing the first detailing after winter.
2. First things do I use Z2 or Z5?
Actually, you use Z1 before either. (I'm not being funny; a customer of mine applied Z5 before appying Z1.) Z2 (and Z3) and Z5 are compatible so, you can do either. The visual effect of Z2 (or Z3) is supposed to be more pleasing than Z5; Sal Zaino recommends Z5 followed by Z2, but there is nothing critical about the order of application. If you have a lot of micro scratches and swirling, you would probably want to apply Z5 first, and perhaps more than once. Given the ambitiousness of the first-use "ritual," you might want to get your high shine look first and go back to tweaking the look on another session.
"Z7 Is that just the car wash? When is it used" Use Z7, the wash concentrate, when your car is so dirty that dusting and a Z6 rubdown don't really get the vehicle clean. The dust appeared so light to me one time, that I started Z6ing, but the towel kept stopping in the resulting muck. Three attempts persuaded me to wash first.
"My plan Blue Dawn Wash" OK
"Car must be dry (can i used california waterblade)" Don't know why you think the car MUST be dry since you're turning right around and spraying clay lubricant; I'd only say the Dawn residue must be completely rinsed off. Use a waterblade only if you know how to without scratching the paint.
"Z18 Clay Bar" OK
"Blue Dawn Wash (Is this necessary??)" A wash would be necessary to get the claying residue off, but it could be with Z7.
"Car must be dry" OK
"Z1 Polish wait overnight then........" No need to wait at all. Since Z1 does not haze very strongly, you need to be sure you've covered the entire vehicle; some amount of waiting may help in this area. But you can turnaround and apply polish with the same side of the same applicator right over the Z1.
"Z2 or Z5 polish (Is 2 coats necessary?)" OK; multiple coats is your choice. You have to let each applicationg of 2, 3, or 5 dry thoroughly. Multiple coats are not necessary, only beneficial and it improves the vehicle's look.
"Z6 (When should this be done?)" Z6 can be done as a washing of "light" material on the car, or as part of your routine after you wash. It adds UV protectant, so it would help keep an outdoor vehicle from being too badly affected by the sun. It helps restore the "just-polished" look without as much effort.
As a Zaino distributor, I say, email Sal Zaino at sal@zainobros.com and ask if he has a distributor near you. Otherwise, I believe you can walk in at Zaino's Howells, NJ, location if that's coinvenient; check that out through email, too.
.... is everything if you want the best possible gloss from Zaino, or any other product. I am a Zaino convert now, and think their products are the best, but one thing that (IMHO) Zaino doesn't address well with their product line is surface preparation for older cars with less than perfect paint. Once there are "road scars", the deaper scratches and scuffs, claying just does not do the job.
I have found that Meguiars professional products "Swirl Remover" followed by "Show Car Polish", used with a good quality orbital buffer to be vastly superior to claying or other products for removal of the top layer of scratches, oxidation, etc. These products are mild abrasives and I would not use them if the paint is in really good shape. But sometimes I'm not working with a new car. These products are "paintable" in that they are not leaving a wax or polymer residue behind to interfere with later applications of Z2, Z5, etc. Even so, I wash the car again, with Dawn, after the polishing steps to get ready for Zaino.
Preparation like this is an all day process. But for cars with less than perfect paint, it is well worth it.
The other thing I like to do is use Gloss Enhancer on the car after a wash. Keeps the finish really bright and seems to prolong the life of the finish.
Those posts by Joebob6 and Daverose are great, educational, and should be copied and reposted when such questions come up again. Thanks.
On Z2 vs Z5: I only use Z5 when I can easily spot swirl marks or the super small ones called "spider webs". And yes, Z2 can be used on your alloy wheels.
On Zaino's Leather products: I think they are the best. I use the Leather Cleaner spray about once a month with great results.
On washing the 100% cotton towels: Simply wash with liquid Tide in cold water. No bleach and no anti-static add-ins.
I just got a brand new car at the end of November. In December, I dawn washed then put a coat of Z1 and Z2 to protect the car for the winter. Weather permitting I wash my car every week or two to keep the salt and road crud off my car.
In March or April, I want to do a full blown renewal. Does this procedure sound correct?
Day 1: Dawn Wash, Claybar, Dawn Wash (get clay off), Z1 (is this necessary since I put it on in Dec?), Z2, Z6
Day 2: Z2, Z6
I try to wash my car every week to keep it clean. From reading some of the posts here, it seems like some of you guys don't wash every week and just do a Z6 wipe instead. Assuming the car is simply dusty, is a Z6 wipe effective or is the wash still recommended? Any info or advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Please be careful using Z6 on a dusty or dirty car. You can easily move the dust around while applying Z6, and that action can cause swirl marks. A better approach (when possible in winter) is to wait until you can wash the car and then apply Z6.
Hello...I am new to this board but am impressed. We just purchased a new car and would like to make sure the wax I use is a good one. I have always used "conventional" wax in the past. I haven't read all the post, but in a nutshell, can someone exlpain to me or give me a site to go to concerning all the "Z" numbers, etc. Any input is appreciated!
Man I love vehicles, and recently I've had my share (M3, GS300, LS400, Ford Cobra, BMW 528, just to name a few since 1996), but this whole Zaino "take a day" to do your vehicle is to much work. I mean look at post # 1111, give me a break ! I'm positive that Zaino is a great product and MAYBE has a little bit better shine / longivity, but at what cost ( $$$ & time). Everytime I think about trying Zaino I see that I need 6 different products, a slew of directions and I CAN'T get it from the corner store. I may not be using the "best" (since no real comprehensive tests have EVER been done), but I'll stick with Meguires Gold Class. Ok, take your shots now.
No shot at all, before Zaino,I used gold class (amongst others) My impressions of Gold Class vs Zaino in shine, ([Z-1,Z-2, vs GC]one coat) about even. This is where there is a disconnect in that when you use multiple coats you do not add depth to the Gold Class.
In side by side testing the GC lasted app 1.2 mo vs 6 mo for Zaino (24/7 in driveway) So, a BIG so, if you want to maintain good results, the ratio of GC to Zaino is app 5x more. So, if 5x more work works for you, stay with GC.
Do i have to order both the "leather soft" spray cleaner & "leather in a bottle" treatment & conditioner? If I want to go with just one, which should I opt for?
Sixteen bucks will get you enough Zaino to last two or three years, if you are into only putting it on twice a year. Wipe it on, let it dry, wipe it off. That's really all there is to it.
I didn't clay mine, just washed it once with dawn to get the old wax off (it IS reasonable to wash a car before waxing it, isn't it?), Apply Z1 (15 minutes for a 300m), Apply Z2 (again, 15 minutes) let it dry (variable, depending on humidity) and wipe it off (20 minutes max). Some of the folks here a fanatics. The Z6 is optional, but it takes 10 minutes max to go over the car.
I'm not a betting man, but I'd be willing to bet that I could do all 5 of the cars you mention with $16 worth of Zaino and one day.
I've got one coat on my wife's black formula and it looks great, I clayed it first even though weve only had it about 2 months. I am on the 3rd coat on the black truck and its looking better with each coat,I plan on 2 more for it and 4 more on the bird.My daughters 97 red escort has 1 coat and it made a big difference to it. I didn't have that much trouble with the clay,just a little elbow grease but didn't take that long.Its well worth the time and effort.Once your past that its a lot easier than wax.When the rain stops here in Houston I will get back to work on those cars.I ve already talked about 3 people into Zaino since I got it and they love it too.!!!!
reid8 - Good work! You're more ambitious than most of us, but now that the initial prep is complete on the three vehicles, maintaining the shine on them will be easy. Glad everything is working out well. And you're fortunate living in Houston, not having to contend with snow, ice and road salt.
morenike - Strongly recommend you order and use both leather treatment products. The cleaner will remove the dirt and grime, and the conditioner will keep the clean leather soft, lustrous and supple. Don't limit yourself to one product.
tinindiana - Suggest you visit www.zainobros.com and review all the info there. All your questions regarding Zaino and how to use the products will be answered there.
ryguye - You can use Z-6 instead of a Z-7 wash IF there's merely a thin layer of dust on the paint. But be sure to remove that thin layer first, using a California Duster or wiping it off with a clean 100% cotton towel, using VERY LIGHT PRESSURE so you don't scratch the paint. I determine whether to Z-6 or wash by checking the dust/dirt layer on the windshield -- if it's heavy, I'll wash. But if not, the wipe-off and Z-6 application works well. Hope this helps.
morenike: I agree with mbdriver, both leather products work together.
tinindiana: Again, see mbdriver's post above for the reference to the Zaino website. That site has a very good general introduction to all these products.
bluebeast: Interesting stalking horse post which was well answered by pjyoung. In general terms, Zaino has a complete range of products which will server the average user through the complete car finish fanatic. If you just want to protect your car and not bother with it for a few months, simply use Z1 & Z2. And by the way, after the initial Z1 application, you only have to use Z2 on future applications. Simple, easy, and very cost effective. If, however, you wish to have a better shine, the same product line will more than meet your needs. Flexible, as good as you wish, and still very cost effective.
I'm just leary of another wonder product that appears to take more time & more materials than what I currently use. I remember when the original "Liguid Glass" came out and all the people who show their cars used it, thus everyone else started using it, what happened? It's still around but it "petered out" after a couple of years. Same type start up as Zaino, show people use it, only available through mail order, you build up coats to look better, lasts longer, blah blah blah.. Are all of you just caught up in the "Zaino frenzy"? Someone responded that overall it would be cheaper to use Zaino vs what I use + my time. I don't know how you figure that when I visited the Zaino site and found on initial start up you buy: Z1 $8.95 + Z2 $12.95 + Z18 $16.95 + Z5 $16.95 (maybe) + Z7 $ $7.95 + Z6 $9.95 + $6.95 S&H = $80.65 WHOA !!!!!!! For a shine that has NOT been proven to be better than anyone elses (testamonials don't count, everyone has those......show me someone who has tested this stuff against others). From what I have read about the product (elements) I can see the product will last longer, but again, at what price, and you have to add coats just like I have to "rewax" every 1.5-2 months. I'm seriously thinking about trying this product, but sometimes I think the folks on this site are writing more from what they "see & hear" (Zaino frenzy) than fact.
By all means stay with GC. If 5x more work works for you, it works for me! GC is a good product!
If I hear you right, you buy only GC to do all the functions that Zaino products do? I have to try GC again it seems it has vastly improved!!
The old GC you couldnt put on the glass, plastic, rubber, and if you did it was hell to pay to get it off. The old GC was a dust magnet and needed rehab about the same time that you have mentioned. It was easy to put on and more difficult to take off than Zaino.
I am new to Zaino,done 3 cars,but it is easier than any wax I have ever used. As far as the maintanence I don't know yet but what I read here its add coats after 4 months,not ever month to month 1/2.I used carnauba wax before and had to rewax about every 6weeks.There isn't the powder mess with Z and its alot easier to work with too,plus the shine is much better.
Yes that was my experience also, and I have been using Zaino for a number of yrs. For the longest time I had a hard time becoming obsessive / compulsive about Zainoing my Toyota Landcruiser, (large surface area). So I would do a Z-1,z-2 yearly, with a Z-2 app ea 6 mo, and it was good to go. Now the C-5,Z06 is a different matter, I had 6 z-2 coats on it within a month of ownership.
If, indeed, you're seriously thinking about trying Zaino, I suggest you read again many of the posts in this forum, visit the Zaino web site (www.zainobros.com) to assure you're aware of how to use Zaino, and then order Z-1 ($8.95), Z-2 ($12.95) and Z-7 ($7.95). These two products (less the Z-7 car wash concentrate), for less than $22, equate essentially to Mequires Gold Class and are all you'll really need (unless you become enthralled with Zaino, which most users do). They will not only get you started, they will provide at least a year's applications, and probably more, depending on how frequently and how thickly you apply (one VERY THIN application of Z-2 every so often will suffice, using Z-1 only once every six months or so). And you certainly don't have to "rewax every 1.5 - 2 months" as you say you do with GC (unless you WANT to, so the already deep, wet look shine will deepen even more).
Zaino has been around for more than 10 years. Its legion of enthusiastic users keeps on growing, simply because Zaino proves to virtually everyone who tries it that it's the best car care product available anywhere. Zaino does not advertise, nor is it mass distributed. I have yet to come across anyone who has tried Zaino and then gone back to another product. You ask for someone who has tested Zaino against others -- again, just reread the posts here -- we all switched to Zaino because we compared it and the results it produces to the product(s) we have used previously!
Judging from the number and type of cars you've owned since 1996, you're obviously a "car guy." So do do yourself a favor. Invest the 22 bucks and see for yourself. I'd be willing to bet that you'll soon join the rest of us Zaino fanatics in this forum.
I asked this a couple days ago but I guess it got drowned out in the flood of messages so i'll ask again. Is it safe to use Z1,Z2,or Z6 on the Windshield and headlights/foglamps? Thanks.
If your a fanatic about your car looking it's best, then yes, the whole product line can get pricey. But IF you want something that's easy to apply and lasts 5 to 6 months, Z1 and Z2 is all you need. My mother-in-laws Taurus went 6 months before it finally needed another coat. You use it so sparingly that the 8oz bottle of Z2 covered my 300M 5 times and one time on a 98 Taurus. The Z1 I bought over a year ago still has several applications left in it. I did the 2 coats in a week thing at first on my 300M, but then I only use it once every 3 months. It doesn't really need it, but I used to WAX a car once a month, so three months is pushing it for me. BTW - it's still beading after 3 months.
If you want to try it, start small. Nobody said you HAVE to do the entire treatment. If you don't like it, change. I'm betting you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Corvette owners have been using Zaino forever. And you know how fanatical some Corvette owners are about taking care of their cars and making them shine. Here are some links to two articles. Notice the date of the first article. It was written in October 1990. Zaino has been around for quite sometime. It's just now that with the internet that people like us are able to discover its amazing abilities.
Just bought a brand new 01 Accord Coupe in blue. Told the salesman not to touch the outside of the car except to take the plastic off and that I would wash it in his get ready area and clean it with my stuff (zaino). He said no problem. Then he called me six hours before I was to pick up the car and said the owner went crazy over a customer in a service bay area (liability problems, etc.) I told him I understood, what if I brought the towels, the dawn etc and his guys could wash it and then I would Z it in the area where customers are allowed. He said okay. They did the dawn wash for me with my 100% cotton mitt and dried with fieldcrest towels. I then proceeded to Z it with every salesman coming back to take a look and picking up the bottles and asking where to get it. They couldn't believe the results and the ease of application. This is the third Honda I have bought from this dealership and salesman, so maybe they let me do this as a perk for loyalty. I highly recommend to anyone purchasing a new car, do not let the dealer do anything to your car with any of their materials. Total time for Z application 50 minutes. Z on!!!!!!
To me there is a hidden benefit in not "having" to Zaino so often. With todays mandated water based paints the subsequent paint jobs are not as durable, long lasting and scratch resistant as in paints' past.
So the more you know about proper washing and polishing techiques and the less you manually touch it, the better! If you need to wax 1.2 months as opposed to 6 months you have 5 x more opportunities to put scratches on the paint NO MATTER how careful.
No need to use Z1 on your windshield or foglights/headlamps:
You can use Z2 and Z6 with no problems. I only use Z6 on the glass areas...kind of gives a rain-X effect. I have lots of glass and I prefer to save Z2 for the paint finish but I do put it on the headlamps/tailights too because it is very convenient while polishing the finish. Another reason I don't put Z2 on the glass is that when I want it sparkling clean most glass cleaners will remove the Z2 anyway.
Wow, you did the right thing. I wish I had done that too, but I didn't know about Zaino until about six months after I bought my '98 EX V6 Accord Coupe. During that first six months, I first tried some old Turtle wax I had around the house. The result, shall we say, were not very good. 'Tried other products which also failed to satisfy me. My car has the dark Emerald Green paint, and its hard to bring out the green hightlights. Most waxes ("M" included) made the car look black. And I also made the mistake of going to an automatic (commercial) car wash. What a disaster! My wheels still have scratches. I was never a fanatic about my finish until these experiences, and I was rather skeptical about trying Zaino. Chris Parrish (late of this forum), however, talked me into trying Zaino. And I found that Zaino was actually much better than the hype. A true quality product, very easy to apply, and even cost effective. And that brings me to another point:
Bluebeast: When I first priced out what all the Zaino products plus towels, etc. would cost, I too had a bit of a "sticker shock". The initial purchase wasn't cheap. But I went ahead because was dissatisfied with everything else I tried. And yes, I am more than satisfied with the results. But then I realized something else: cost effectiveness. After many washings, for example, I still have my original bottle of Z7 Car Wash. It just keeps on lasting! And at almost 3 years, I'm still on my original bottle of Z1. And so on. Its really true, a little Zaino goes a long long way. These products may look like they cost a lot, but in reality, they cost me less in the long run. Now that's quality.
Z12 is excellent if you have Stubborn water spots on your glass. Unlike the other products, it contains abrasives, and takes some work. But in the end result it got the water spots out that vinegar, Coca-Cola, and CLR failed to remove. Z12 is not something you would use on a regular basis. Sprayway glass cleaner is an everyday glass type cleaner.
I haven't had enough chance to thoroughly evaluate the Z16. I used it on the interior vinyl and it gives a nice slightly shiny surface. It has not been sunny lately so I have not had a chance to see if it causes any glare on the windshield. The Z10 leather conditioner will give a duller finish.
The tires look more natural, and not very shiny, but there is no fling, and no silicone, but I want to try more than one coat. It is my understanding that Z16 also will not deteriorate the rubber; a problem that so many other products have.
I've been using Z-16 for about six months with excellent results. It won't produce the high gloss shine that Armoral yields, but it does leave some gloss. It also lasts much longer than any tire dressing I've tried and, like other Zaino products, a little goes a long way. Haven't tried it on any interior surfaces. Would be interested in long term results from joebob6.
I read most of the old Wax/Zanio threads and I could never figure out when and why, he stopped posting here at Edmunds. For a period of time he was a real guru on paint care and of course his passion for Zanio was legendary! What ever happened to Chris Parrish?
Cris was a great resource for information about car/finish care.
He was chased away by a few people who got anal about his postings with regards to his belief in using Zaino. No one could argue his results (if you ever saw any of his pictures).
We all lost a really good person who forgot more cumulatively about waxes, techniques and the best procedures for achieving great results than any of us even remember (with the exception of Sal).
Another thing was that, I believe he was a former or current "detail" shop owner/manager. Needless to say, while he didn't see it all, he has probably seen most of it. This current topic was started due to the invective nature of anti Zaino posts. At last memory he is still in the business and moderates an on line "detail" forum somewhere.
I tried that thing years ago after seeing tons of responses when I typed, "Car Wax" into a search engine. I say many positive reviews so I bought that junk. When I put it side by side with Zaino, Zaino lasted longer, the water slid off quicker, and the shine was deeper.
I bought Fieldcrest/Cannon towels made by Fieldcrest Cannon, Inc. It does say "Made in USA" on the tag with the "100% Cotton" on the back. I searched many department stores including JCPenny and Sears but I was only able to find this brand at Strawbridges. I cut off the edges (there were no designs in the middle) as Sal suggested. My main problem right now is when I wash my towels, the loose edges fall apart and get tangled up with the other towels. I use my towels to wash and dry as well so I wash them often. Anyone know of a trick or method to keep them from falling apart further? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Thank you folks for the feedback on Chris. If I remember correctly his Edmunds' user name was detail freak? Reading his old posts was very informative. He always seemed ready to answer anyone's questions. Z people or newbies, alike. It's a shame he is gone.
"My main problem right now is when I wash my towels, the loose edges fall apart and get tangled up with the other towels. I use my towels to wash and dry as well so I wash them often. Anyone know of a trick or method to keep them from falling apart further?"
The only solution would be to machine re-sew the edges using cotton thread. If I cut the edges off my towels I was warned that I would have to wash them at the laundromat.
If I can get hold of a sewing machine I may take my own advice. Until then I just try to be careful keeping the edges from touching the finish.
I cut the edges off of my first "Zaino" towel -- never again! Same problem with unraveling. But my local Zaino distributor suggested an alternative: Fold the edges under so they don't contact the paint, but be careful. It really works, and my wife no longer objects to washing the towels in our washer. BTW, one poster months ago said he received his Zaino shipment but hadn't had time to buy the 100% made-in-USA cotton towels. Poor guy went into the linen closet and cut the edges off of two Ralph Loren Polo designer towels! You can imagine his wife's reaction!
There is a fellow over at the ls.1 board who sells the correct towels with the edges sewn off and restitched by machine with 100% cotton thread. I believe he is the moderator in the car care section and he goes by KevinSS. Take a look over there. I have ordered things from him in the past and he delivers on a timely basis.
Towels: I simply fold the edges over so that only the pure cotton fibers touch the finish. Easy!
That other (NO Zaino) topic: I'm almost (but not quite) afraid to contribute to that topic. Every time one of us does so it seems to set off a whole lot of negative vibes. What's with them anyway? Maybe we should just leave them in the dark. I've tried to be helpful without pushing Zaino and aiming my comments in a general manner. Maybe it would help if we all took a laid back objective stance when commenting there (if at all). Any thoughts?
I'm told that if one cuts off the edges and resews them with thread from Chilean llamas born on Tuesdays when the moon is within 25% of full, the gods will smile upon your efforts.
Rumors at the other boards is that there will be a new Zaino product coming out in Spring that will "revolutionize" the industry. It appears that some of his distributors have been testing it. No word on what it is however.
Comments
The "ritual" first use of Zaino is a bit tough, physically. So a person who has not treated their cars in 10 years would have somewhat of a tough time. However, Dawn, and clay are recommendations that cross brand lines. A good first detailing of your vehicle will involve these procedures, regardless of what protectant you're applying. The Dawn wash only needs to be done once. I've read advocates of claying every time you polish. In my personal situation, I would clay only when I am doing the first detailing after winter.
2. First things do I use Z2 or Z5?
Actually, you use Z1 before either. (I'm not being funny; a customer of mine applied Z5 before appying Z1.) Z2 (and Z3) and Z5 are compatible so, you can do either. The visual effect of Z2 (or Z3) is supposed to be more pleasing than Z5; Sal Zaino recommends Z5 followed by Z2, but there is nothing critical about the order of application. If you have a lot of micro scratches and swirling, you would probably want to apply Z5 first, and perhaps more than once. Given the ambitiousness of the first-use "ritual," you might want to get your high shine look first and go back to tweaking the look on another session.
"Z7 Is that just the car wash? When is it used"
Use Z7, the wash concentrate, when your car is so dirty that dusting and a Z6 rubdown don't really get the vehicle clean. The dust appeared so light to me one time, that I started Z6ing, but the towel kept stopping in the resulting muck. Three attempts persuaded me to wash first.
"My plan
Blue Dawn Wash" OK
"Car must be dry (can i used california waterblade)" Don't know why you think the car MUST be dry since you're turning right around and spraying clay lubricant; I'd only say the Dawn residue must be completely rinsed off. Use a waterblade only if you know how to without scratching the paint.
"Z18 Clay Bar" OK
"Blue Dawn Wash (Is this necessary??)" A wash would be necessary to get the claying residue off, but it could be with Z7.
"Car must be dry" OK
"Z1 Polish wait overnight then........" No need to wait at all. Since Z1 does not haze very strongly, you need to be sure you've covered the entire vehicle; some amount of waiting may help in this area. But you can turnaround and apply polish with the same side of the same applicator right over the Z1.
"Z2 or Z5 polish (Is 2 coats necessary?)" OK; multiple coats is your choice. You have to let each applicationg of 2, 3, or 5 dry thoroughly. Multiple coats are not necessary, only beneficial and it improves the vehicle's look.
"Z6 (When should this be done?)" Z6 can be done as a washing of "light" material on the car, or as part of your routine after you wash. It adds UV protectant, so it would help keep an outdoor vehicle from being too badly affected by the sun. It helps restore the "just-polished" look without as much effort.
As a Zaino distributor, I say, email Sal Zaino at sal@zainobros.com and ask if he has a distributor near you. Otherwise, I believe you can walk in at Zaino's Howells, NJ, location if that's coinvenient; check that out through email, too.
I have found that Meguiars professional products "Swirl Remover" followed by "Show Car Polish", used with a good quality orbital buffer to be vastly superior to claying or other products for removal of the top layer of scratches, oxidation, etc. These products are mild abrasives and I would not use them if the paint is in really good shape. But sometimes I'm not working with a new car. These products are "paintable" in that they are not leaving a wax or polymer residue behind to interfere with later applications of Z2, Z5, etc. Even so, I wash the car again, with Dawn, after the polishing steps to get ready for Zaino.
Preparation like this is an all day process. But for cars with less than perfect paint, it is well worth it.
The other thing I like to do is use Gloss Enhancer on the car after a wash. Keeps the finish really bright and seems to prolong the life of the finish.
What do I use on the alloy wheels?
I read somewhere about specific washing instructions for the towels????
....and about hosing down the water????
Thanks everyone.
On Z2 vs Z5: I only use Z5 when I can easily spot swirl marks or the super small ones called "spider webs". And yes, Z2 can be used on your alloy wheels.
On Zaino's Leather products: I think they are the best. I use the Leather Cleaner spray about once a month with great results.
On washing the 100% cotton towels: Simply wash with liquid Tide in cold water. No bleach and no anti-static add-ins.
In March or April, I want to do a full blown renewal. Does this procedure sound correct?
Day 1: Dawn Wash, Claybar, Dawn Wash (get clay off), Z1 (is this necessary since I put it on in Dec?), Z2, Z6
Day 2: Z2, Z6
I try to wash my car every week to keep it clean. From reading some of the posts here, it seems like some of you guys don't wash every week and just do a Z6 wipe instead. Assuming the car is simply dusty, is a Z6 wipe effective or is the wash still recommended? Any info or advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
In side by side testing the GC lasted app 1.2 mo vs 6 mo for Zaino (24/7 in driveway) So, a BIG so, if you want to maintain good results, the ratio of GC to Zaino is app 5x more. So, if 5x more work works for you, stay with GC.
If I want to go with just one, which should I opt for?
Thanks
I didn't clay mine, just washed it once with dawn to get the old wax off (it IS reasonable to wash a car before waxing it, isn't it?), Apply Z1 (15 minutes for a 300m), Apply Z2 (again, 15 minutes) let it dry (variable, depending on humidity) and wipe it off (20 minutes max). Some of the folks here a fanatics. The Z6 is optional, but it takes 10 minutes max to go over the car.
I'm not a betting man, but I'd be willing to bet that I could do all 5 of the cars you mention with $16 worth of Zaino and one day.
(They all have numbers, but at this writing I am not near the stash)
#1124
Thanks for putting $ and time values to the equation. Sometimes saying things slightly different or in reverse jogs a different set of people.
morenike - Strongly recommend you order and use both leather treatment products. The cleaner will remove the dirt and grime, and the conditioner will keep the clean leather soft, lustrous and supple. Don't limit yourself to one product.
tinindiana - Suggest you visit www.zainobros.com and review all the info there. All your questions regarding Zaino and how to use the products will be answered there.
ryguye - You can use Z-6 instead of a Z-7 wash IF there's merely a thin layer of dust on the paint. But be sure to remove that thin layer first, using a California Duster or wiping it off with a clean 100% cotton towel, using VERY LIGHT PRESSURE so you don't scratch the paint. I determine whether to Z-6 or wash by checking the dust/dirt layer on the windshield -- if it's heavy, I'll wash. But if not, the wipe-off and Z-6 application works well. Hope this helps.
tinindiana: Again, see mbdriver's post above for the reference to the Zaino website. That site has a very good general introduction to all these products.
bluebeast: Interesting stalking horse post which was well answered by pjyoung. In general terms, Zaino has a complete range of products which will server the average user through the complete car finish fanatic. If you just want to protect your car and not bother with it for a few months, simply use Z1 & Z2. And by the way, after the initial Z1 application, you only have to use Z2 on future applications. Simple, easy, and very cost effective. If, however, you wish to have a better shine, the same product line will more than meet your needs. Flexible, as good as you wish, and still very cost effective.
If I hear you right, you buy only GC to do all the functions that Zaino products do? I have to try GC again it seems it has vastly improved!!
The old GC you couldnt put on the glass, plastic, rubber, and if you did it was hell to pay to get it off. The old GC was a dust magnet and needed rehab about the same time that you have mentioned. It was easy to put on and more difficult to take off than Zaino.
Zaino has been around for more than 10 years. Its legion of enthusiastic users keeps on growing, simply because Zaino proves to virtually everyone who tries it that it's the best car care product available anywhere. Zaino does not advertise, nor is it mass distributed. I have yet to come across anyone who has tried Zaino and then gone back to another product. You ask for someone who has tested Zaino against others -- again, just reread the posts here -- we all switched to Zaino because we compared it and the results it produces to the product(s) we have used previously!
Judging from the number and type of cars you've owned since 1996, you're obviously a "car guy." So do do yourself a favor. Invest the 22 bucks and see for yourself. I'd be willing to bet that you'll soon join the rest of us Zaino fanatics in this forum.
If you want to try it, start small. Nobody said you HAVE to do the entire treatment. If you don't like it, change. I'm betting you'll be pleasantly surprised.
http://smiley.tzo.com/fbody/pics/zaino_art1a.jpg
http://smiley.tzo.com/fbody/pics/zaino_art1b.jpg
http://smiley.tzo.com/fbody/pics/zaino_art2a.jpg
http://smiley.tzo.com/fbody/pics/zaino_art2b.jpg
I hope this answers some questions and may help others try it.
I've Zaino'd 4 cars with one purchase of the set of polish. I'll be Zainoing an S500 soon and I'll post pics as soon as I finish that.
Taison
So the more you know about proper washing and polishing techiques and the less you manually touch it, the better! If you need to wax 1.2 months as opposed to 6 months you have 5 x more opportunities to put scratches on the paint NO MATTER how careful.
You can use Z2 and Z6 with no problems. I only use Z6 on the glass areas...kind of gives a rain-X effect. I have lots of glass and I prefer to save Z2 for the paint finish but I do put it on the headlamps/tailights too because it is very convenient while polishing the finish. Another reason I don't put Z2 on the glass is that when I want it sparkling clean most glass cleaners will remove the Z2 anyway.
Bluebeast: When I first priced out what all the Zaino products plus towels, etc. would cost, I too had a bit of a "sticker shock". The initial purchase wasn't cheap. But I went ahead because was dissatisfied with everything else I tried. And yes, I am more than satisfied with the results. But then I realized something else: cost effectiveness. After many washings, for example, I still have my original bottle of Z7 Car Wash. It just keeps on lasting! And at almost 3 years, I'm still on my original bottle of Z1. And so on. Its really true, a little Zaino goes a long long way. These products may look like they cost a lot, but in reality, they cost me less in the long run. Now that's quality.
I haven't had enough chance to thoroughly evaluate the Z16. I used it on the interior vinyl and it gives a nice slightly shiny surface. It has not been sunny lately so I have not had a chance to see if it causes any glare on the windshield. The Z10 leather conditioner will give a duller finish.
The tires look more natural, and not very shiny, but there is no fling, and no silicone, but I want to try more than one coat. It is my understanding that Z16 also will not deteriorate the rubber; a problem that so many other products have.
-Larry
He was chased away by a few people who got anal about his postings with regards to his belief in using Zaino. No one could argue his results (if you ever saw any of his pictures).
We all lost a really good person who forgot more cumulatively about waxes, techniques and the best procedures for achieving great results than any of us even remember (with the exception of Sal).
I bought as instructed 100% Fieldcrest white towels. But it doesnt say Made in USA. They were bought at Macys. Is this OK??
What country does the towels say they were made?
Fieldcrest does make a cheaper line of towels I believe.
http://www.fieldcrestcannonoutlet.com has a nice sale going on through January 26. Stock up. Free UPS ground shipping on orders over $50.00.
-Larry
The only solution would be to machine re-sew the edges using cotton thread. If I cut the edges off my towels I was warned that I would have to wash them at the laundromat.
If I can get hold of a sewing machine I may take my own advice. Until then I just try to be careful keeping the edges from touching the finish.
That other (NO Zaino) topic: I'm almost (but not quite) afraid to contribute to that topic. Every time one of us does so it seems to set off a whole lot of negative vibes. What's with them anyway? Maybe we should just leave them in the dark. I've tried to be helpful without pushing Zaino and aiming my comments in a general manner. Maybe it would help if we all took a laid back objective stance when commenting there (if at all). Any thoughts?
Go in peace. . .
1) It involves the paint
2) Makes the use easier and faster.
This is as much info. as is available. If I find out more I will post.