I haven't been to a commercial car wash since I had my 1990 red Riviera! I said that my COUSIN takes her black BMW to car washes! I do use the touchless, high pressure CITGO gas station car wash or the hand held wand type wash in the winter depending on how dirty the car is. Before I got Christine, I used to go to a nice, by CT standards, hand car wash place that did a pretty good job. Once I learned about Zaino and 100% cotton towels etc., they haven't seen me at the hand wash place.
Can you believe that Zaino shine on the BMW after all these years?
harry31-
What's wrong with 4 armed kids being car detailers? Imagine the money you could make especially with Zaino's ZFX additive! Two arms applying it and the other two wiping it off! Imagine all the cars you could detail in one day! LOL......
"How many of you ALWAYS remove your license plates to Z your car; assuming that it covers a portion of car surface that COULD be polished?"
Not me: The only time I Zainoed it was when I received new replacement plates. After removing the old ones, I thought it would be a good idea to clean and polish the areas underneath.
Glad you like the towel/Sprayway combo. I'm hooked on the stuff too.
I haven't bought a Nicsand towel but I've heard they're OK. The Viper glass cleaning cloth is a bit different that all the other types of MF towels in that the material is feathered or frayed at the ends instead of looped like typical MF. This provides for better absorbtion and cleaning. That's why its so pricey.
I haven't done behind the plates (but maybe I should). But once a year in the Spring when I clay my car, I also apply Zaino (Z2) on the painted surfaces in the engine compartment (hood, supports, along the sides), the trunk, the rocker panels (below the side), the sides of the doors, and the door wells too. I do it more for protection and good looks. I only wish I could somehow stop the airborne sand and rocks/pepples from creating those small paint chips.
It's too cold to Z here but I'm going to go out and clean my interior. Can't wait to have that just like new "wet cardboard" smell in my bus, kinda fitting don't you think?
I can't wait to try the ZFX so if anyone lines up a group-buy, coun't me in!
I started using Zaino 6 months ago, started with dawn wash, and did the Z1/Z3/Z5 cycle. I did not clay the car figuring it's a new car.
Lately, when I do my Z wash, the water doesn't run off the car like it used to, and there are tons of tiny water spots forming during the drying process, which takes some rubbing with Z6 to get rid of. Feels like there is a layer of something on the car finish, that water doesn't just run off anymore. It's almost like the Z wash doesnt have enough strength to really wash the car clean! (i use a blower, then towel the remaining water for drying process).
I am wondering what I should do? Restart with Dawn, clay, Z wash, then Z1/Z2/Z3.., or skip the dawn, and start with clay? or, how do I get that smooth finish back? is just Z6 wash enough?
Just wash the car and put a single coat of z2 or z3 on the top surfaces (hood, top, trunk, tops of fenders, tops of bumpers-anything that is horizontal to the sun). You can do it in less than 10 minutes (if it is warm) and your car will bead up beautifully again. Now, if you want to do EVERYTHING, you sure can. Then you can spend a lot of time telling everyone how hard you worked and what a beauty your car is. On the other hand, you can do the lazy mans touch up and lie. I bet one out of ten people will be able to tell the difference. Just a simple one coat renewal of the polymer will do wonders. The full treatment is probably better, but I am busy, there are bowl games on television virtually every day for the next month.
I realize these cause tiny scratches when on my towel when I puff the zaino polish. I was wondering what my options were after my girlfriend dried my towels with a detergent sheet...
Wash them again? Turn them into rags?
I also should receive my Zclaybar in the near future. First time claying any car, can anyone give me tips n tricks not listed on the Zaino website.
By "detergent sheets" we presume you mean those fabric softner sheets, especially since nobody dries anything with detergent. It's OK, guys don't need to know this stuff. As for the towels, I'm not sure, but I expect that you can get the softner out with 2 or 3 washings/dryings without the sheets. Good luck. (Why is some babe washing your "car towels?" That should never happen. She can do the rest of the laundry, but NOT the car towels. You will learn like the rest of us.)
As for clay, I have now done that on 3 cars and it's easy. Tricks I picked up in doing it include: use LOTS of spray to lube up the area where you will clay. I put Z7 and water into a spray bottle and use that. (The ratio is not too important: 2/3 water works pretty well.)
Spray it on the car, and just wipe the clay over the soapy area. You do not have to rub, so it's not hard work. The hard part it HOLDING ONTO THE CLAY. Pay attention to this, because your hand and the clay get slippery, and it will slide from your grip and fall to the ground, where it will pick up grit and become useless. DO NOT let that happen. I think that is the biggest risk you take, so be careful there.
When you are done (this is 10 to 15 minutes, unless we are talking Ford Expedition here), hose off the car and let the soap wash away any stuff left on the car from the clay. Then wash the car again with z7 the regular way to be sure everything is off the surface of the car. That's it.
Rub your hand across a painted surface: it should feel like glass, and even more so after you add a few coats of z2.
Yes, fabric softener sheets. It so happens I set the car towels in the laundry room to be later cleaned and my gf was attempting to do my a favor in doing my laundry...
Mucho, mucho gracias squid dude for answering both my questions... Oh yeah, how large of a spray bottle should it take for the entire mid-sized car? All I have is an 8oz though I'm pretty sure I'll need a larger one (16oz?) for the claying process.
Still would like to hear someone elses opinion on the fabric softener/ towel dilemma.
...I use a 16 oz spray bottle I picked up at CVS (substitute Walgreen's, Osco, Jewel, whatever) which I found in the cosmetics aisle. Just a basic spray bottle. I use 2 capfuls of wash and the rest water. This allows me to do our Odyssey and Accord. Use as much lubricant as you want - you can always make more.
One trick with the clay - tear it into two pieces. That way if you drop one, you have the other piece to use.
As for the towels, my wife won't touch them. She thinks I've gone a little nuts with the car maintenance, but at least she knows where I am on summer weekends and it's cheaper than greens' fees.
I agree with Rob, the size of the spray bottle does not much matter. I have a small bottle like he describes which I use with a 50/50 solution of Z7/water for bird droppings and other spot cleanings. I find it works fine for doing my car, but my car is fairly small.
I have a larger bottle, probably over a quart, that I got at the Home Depot in the janitorial department for about $5.00. This is really a great buy, as the sprayer is high quality and will last. (The little ones from the cosmetics department will not last very long as they are not made to take repeated, man-size, industrial strength use. Works great, for example, to spray a cleaner on screens and porch furniture. (Or, if you want to be really cheap, use an old windex bottle or something like that; just be sure you clean it out really well first.)
Take your pick; you will not use as much as you think.
Pulling the clay apart to keep a spare in case you drop the first half is a good idea.
Have a good time. It's not a hard job at all, and takes very little time and effort. Once you do it, you will be wondering what all the shouting is about, except that you will just not believe how SMOOTH the surface of the car feels.
Whoever thought up this clay thing was really clicking on all cylinders that day.
On cleaning towels: I've trained my wife to only use liquid Tide with no funny additives. And no fabric softener sheets in the dryer. And now she's trained me to do the same. Also, remember to only use 100% cotton "Made in USA" towels only.
On water spots: All sorts of things can cause those damn spots. Acid rain, hard water, not drying quickly enough, and time. Time? Yes! Over time, even Zaino will wear down due to various environmental conditions such as dust, sand, road salts, etc. I'm far from perfect, and I haven't even had a chance to wash my car during the last two weeks. But when I do wash the car, I use the two bucket system: Z7 and water in the first, and clean water in the second. After I finish washing a panel, I rinse the wash cloth in the second bucket before putting it in the first. And I use the wash cloth in a gentle manner. Afterwards, I pour the remaining Z7/water over the entire car and rinse off with a very gentle (open ended hose) flow of water. (I think it was fastdriver who recommended that approach). Then I quickly dry the car.
Why a wash cloth instead a sponge? And if you wash gently, how can you get all the dirt off towards the bottom of the car? Do you do the whole car and the rinse off? (I suppose it depends on how fast the soap is drying?) Why not a spray nozzle?
Most sponges are harder and harsher than 100% undyed terrycloth, either a washrag or small hand towel. Some "wash mits" are OK also. The idea is not to use some rough fabric or other material (sponge) that can put swirl marks on the car. You would wash the car with the same towel that you use to dry it with (or use to apply Z6) except that it's too big. So that's why many of us use the hand towels for washing (and for z6). Washrags are good also, and are smaller and cheaper, but be careful because some wash rags are not the same high quality cotton as a "matching" hand towel.
As for the bottom of the car: 1: do it last; 2: use a different wash rag/towel from the one you use elsewhere on the car. Keep this one to use only on the bottom of the car (rocker panels); that way you don't bring the road grit to the more visible surfaces of the car and you keep some rags pristine (more or less) for the "show car" and use the others down under where nobody can see anyway. If I didn't have such a swell car, and LOTS of cotton towels, I might even use a sponge for the rocker panels.
Finally, you ask about the spray nozzle. Now this is a tip we don't pass along to just anybody, so listen (?) carefully and keep it to yourself. Somewhere we found out that after washing off the car in the normal way, if you rinse AGAIN with a gentle flow of water, letting it fall gently like the rain upon the place beneath, (as Willie the Shake would say) for some reason, probably having something to do with how slippery the Zaino is, most of the water will just fall off the car.
In other words, if you spray off the car with the usual spray nozzle at a high force, you will wind up with 3 or 4 times the amount of water adhering to the surface of the car than if you take off the nozzle and just gently rinse off the car from the top down. (I use a nozzle with a dial on the front for different spray patterns; "soak" is the same as no nozzle at all, and saves the hassle of taking the thing off, only to put in on again a few minutes later. These are $5 at the Home Depot.)
I don't know why this works, but it does, and it will save you a lot of time drying the car. I never have to use more than one (bath size) towel using this method.
Now when you really get into it, you get the California Water Blade, and use that to swipe off 75% of the remaining water, and then you can dry the car with a hand towel, but you didn't ask about that, so I'll keep that tip for later.
That's about all I know about water and towels; I hope it helps.
I learned about the no-nozzle trick on this board, and it is downright amazing to see. However, I stopped doing it because the California Water Blade seems to work better when there's more water on the car. At least, it's always working in water, not dragging across dry areas, which probably doesn't hurt a thing but feels and sounds terrible. I don't mean this as a criticism, just an observation. And for those who dry with something other than the water blade, rinsing without the nozzle is the way to go.
In my detailing business we use plant watering wands exclusively! These are designed to provide a very gentle flow and cover a greater area. This larger area coverage is why we use the wand rather than taking the nozzle off and using just the open ended hose. The only place for a "pressure" wash is under the car; so unless you have access to a lift to get to the undercarriage any pressure ought to be avoided as water pressure + dirt granules = wet sand blaster.
"The only place for a "pressure" wash is under the car; so unless you have access to a lift to get to the undercarriage any pressure ought to be avoided as water pressure + dirt granules = wet sand blaster."
In general, I'd have to disagree with you from my experiences. If that were the case, my cars would have looked like those Toyota trucks the Northern Alliance are driving on FoxNews! I have never seen any damage to my cars from either the high presuure touchless car wash or the wand type washes.
I agree with FD; I have been spraying a lot of cars with a lot of different nozzles over the last 20 years, and have not noticed any problems.
This includes a new black Lexus, Zainoed during its first week, which would show any kind of a scratch, no matter how slight.
I just find it hard to believe that spraying the car would rub grit into the finish. I sure have not seen any evidence of it.
By the way: can somebody explain this to me: Yesterday I had my black Lexus out in the rain all day and all evening long, drove it home hard and put it away wet. I expected to have to wash it today or tomorrow, but this morning when I went into the garage I was astounded to see that the car looks like it has just been washed. No dirt; no water spots, and it's shining like I just took a bottle of Z6 to it. How does this happen?
Right now the rains in White Plains (NY) are giving my Zaino-protected car a free wash. Yep, it does work. Only problem is the lower panels which will receive a large amount of dirty road and puddle water on my way home. But at least the top and upper side panels will look great. Now if I could only get it to rain sideways....
Ive always used glaze/carnuba combos and the thought of a sealant makes me a bit nervous..
It seems that alot of users are applying Z to dark colored cars..what kind of results can you get with a white vehicle?? If you apply it how hard is it to remove if you don't like it? I want to try some kind of polymer to my wifes car and compare to my truck..I have it narrowed between Z and Klasse..
My car also got "washed" the other day here in Kansas. 7 weeks and the water was still beading great. Hood, roof, and trunk all look great. But in my area, there is still a lot of new home construction (recession? What recession?), and most of the construction truck drivers seen to enjoy driving into the mud lots and then heading for the main roads leaving a trail of mud clods all over the place. So, I've got a lot of dirty road stuff. As a matter of fact, I pretty much have a two tone car - nice shiny white on top, and "earth-tone" brown on the sides.
I use it on our white Odyssey. You do get an excellent shine, but nothing like fastdriver's red Acura!!!
What I notice more is a glow - especially at night under parking lot lights.
We had snow last weekend and pretty much rain or snizzle every day since. Both our cars are covered in that mid winter crud but I do believe the Z is doing its protection thing. First, if I moisten my finger and wipe some dirt away, it's is still super smooth. Second, even with all the crud on the vehicles, it still beads!!
LOL... I think I'll get that sideways wash job today. It's pouring here in CT and the wind is blowing like crazy.
atokad-
I don't have time this minute, but I will find automophiles's pics and the Zaino look on his Diamond White Toyota Solara. They are in photopoint.com somewhere. I'll post the URL later.
Zaino will be very good, even for a white car. Please reference the Zaino website (www.zainobros.com) and look at their photo section. Then access their directions and tips sections to learn more about how Zaino is applied. Yes, you would have to first remove the old wax from the car using Dawn (household/kitchen diswashing liquid). Only the first time application is involved. After that, maintenance and additional Zaino applications are extremely simple and easy. Give it a shot!
For those that have switched from carnuba waxes to Zaino, what is the biggest advantage other than durability?? The reason I say other than durability is because I dont mind waxing every few weeks so that isnt a selling point for me. I can get a deep mirror shine using carnuba so what would be a reason to switch?? Im not trying to ruffle any feathers..just wants some honest opinions
Let's assume that spending a lot of time and effort "every few weeks" to wax a car with carnuba is not a factor. Then I would say Zaino has two advantages other than durability.
First, the shine is better. It's deeper, clearer and has a much higher optical quality than wax. It's as smooth and as reflective as a glass mirror. It will not yellow over time, like wax, but you take that factor out of the conversation by saying you don't mind waxing your car "every few weeks."
Secondly, it's far easier to apply than wax. You do not have to rub it in or buff it out. You wipe on a very, very thin coat, let it dry, then wipe it off with a soft cotton towel. No buffing, no rubbing, no hard work. The whole job takes about 20 minutes, excluding drying time. (A big car or SUV might take longer.)
So there's two good reasons. If you accept those as advantages and switch, you will also appreciate the other advantage of durability: since Zaino lasts far longer than wax (6 months or more (depending on environmental elements) as opposed to "seveal weeks" for your wax job), you will have many hours over several months to do something besides wax the car all the time.
So: it's easier to put on, it makes your car look better, and it last far longer, both with respect to protection and high reflectivity. What's not to like?
What kenyee is referring to is that you don't need to buff Zaino at all. All you do is apply a very thin coat (of Z2 or Z5). Let it haze (ie: dry). That can take from 5 minutes to an hour depending upon humidity and temperature. And then all you do is remove the residue with a clean (100% cotton) towel. Extra rubbing won't do anything. The shine comes from the clear optical properties of the Zaino polymer. And you don't have to use any pressure to remove the residue. It just comes off.
That having been said, additional coats of Z2 or Z5 will create a deeper shine and more dramatic effect. And increase protection too.
Like you, I never minded waxing every few weeks. Do that with Zaino and the result will blow your mind. It just looks better & better. Plus, you'll find something else to do with that time.:)
If you live where there's winter, you can count on a few coats applied in the fall to last you through till spring. Melted snow will still bead up in March.
Just guessing by your handle, you know about winter. Didn't somebody name a race track after you, somewhere around Sioux Falls?
I didn't forget about the URL for the pics of the white Toyota Solara with Zaino, but something seems to be wrong with photopoint.com right now and I can't get in there to look for the URL. As soon as I get in, I will post it here.
BTW- Zaino has a new additive to use with the Z2 polish that makes it dry immediately AND allows you to apply up to 3 coats in ONE day! Just look at all the free time you're going to have now! ;-)) You can Zaino your neighbor's cars too!
I just ordered some ZFX. I know you mentioned that Sal had sent you a sample. Can you give us a rundown on whether it adds anything to the shine and how quickly it dries?
Yes, ZFX is available now; order it in the usual way. See the order form on zainobros.com for details.
My order arrived last week, but I have not had a chance to use it yet; I see no warnings on the web page or the label on the ZFX warning about low temperatures. My guess is that temperature parameters are the same as for Z2, etc.
I received the following instructions from Sal today (he gave me the OK to post this); hope it helps.
When used as directed, Zaino Bros' ZFX™ Show Car Polish accelerator enables Zaino Show Car Polish to cure instantly and increases durability. This exclusive product allows you to create a “Show Car Finish” in a day and gives your car months of lasting protection.
This kit contains a 2ml vial of ZFX™ Show Car Polish accelerator mix and four mixing bottles. The vial contains enough ZFX™ to prepare 16 ounces of polish.
Pour one to two ounces of Show Car Polish (Z-2, Z-3 or Z-5) into a 2 ounce ZFX mixing bottle. For each ounce of polish, add 4 to 5 drops of ZFX™ (no more than 10 drops for two full ounces), screw the cap back on, and shake vigorously for 60 to 90 seconds.
ZFX™ enabled polish must be applied to a clean car. Follow these easy steps:
1. Apply Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFX™ with a 100% terry cloth applicator. Use the polish sparingly. A small amount goes a long way, and you will be applying multiple coats. 2. Squirt a dime size dab of polish on your applicator and rub it into your paint using back and forth hand motions. 3. Allow the polish the haze (dry) for 30 minutes. 4. Buff off the Show Car Polish residue with a high quality, 100% cotton detailing towel.
You're now ready to apply your next coat of Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFX™. There's no need to wait. Simply follow steps 1 through 4 again. Use a fresh buffing towel with each coat. Apply no more than three coats of Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFX™ in a 24 hour period. fro optimum results use enable ZFX withing 6 hours of mixing
When you are finished polishing, wash mixing bottle inside and out with a heavy concentration of liquid dishwashing detergen and rinse thoroughly. The ZFX™ mixing bottles cannot be reused if the polish remains in the bottle for more than 12 hours. After 12 hours, it is not possible to remove the ZFX™ accelerator from the mixing bottles. Throw the mixing bottle and any unused polish contents away after 12 hours
The above instructions are printed on the box in which the ZFX is shipped. You receive 4 small empty plastic squeeze bottles with dispenser tops into which you can put about 2 oz of Z2 or Z5.
You also receive one very small vial of ZFX. This can't be more than a quarter of an ounce. You then add 4 or 5 DROPS of the ZFX per oz, as you can read above. Shake and apply as directed.
On the bottom of the box which contains the 4 small mixing bottles is a label with the above instructions.
I have not seen anything about limiting application to ambiant temperatures above a certain point, so I expect that temperature is not a factor with ZFX any more than with Z2 or Z5.
I have not used any of my ZFX yet, but I'll have some time after Christmas.
Thanks. This new product sounds great. When I was asking about the usable temperature range, I was trying to determine if I could apply it during the winter months. If I remember correctly, Z2 and Z5 should normally be used when the temperature is above 40 degrees. Given the "instant" cure rate of ZFX, maybe it could be used under colder conditions. Then again, maybe we should ask Sal.
Also, is an eye dropper supplied or do you just "pour" out the 4 or 5 drops?
You won't have to "pour" the ZFX into the mixing bottle containing the Z2. The ZFX comes in a VERY SMALL plastic vial with a screw top and an eye-dropper type top.
I haven't used it yet, but it looks simple, and you get 4 mixing bottles in case you let a batch sit in one of the mixing bottles too long (see detailed instructions posted above). You won't need anything else, except for a Corona and a wedge of lime.
I have just heard of zaino, and have tried reading through all of these posts to learn.
Where do I get this stuff? I am getting a new car (black color). Like some here, I enjoy waxing, but not every month. I hear so much about the difficulty of keeping a black car looking clean. Is this product for me, and where do I get it?!
Boy - I go away for a few days, and there are tons of new messages!
White Cars - I have a Diamond White Solara, and it looks just fantastic with Z. It does not have the impact of our dark green Accord, but as mentioned above, it seems to "glow". Also, it stays cleaner, and I don't have to polish it so often. It is SO slick with the Z finish.
Rinsing I know that many of you feel that it is OK to spray off dirt with medium or high-pressure sprays, but - where do you think that dirt and grit goes? It doesn't just leap up vertically off your paint! The pressure causes it to slide along your paint for a bit before it is washed off. Maybe you don't see anything at first, but the marks are probably too small to see easily and are cumulative. Some time later, you will be thinking -"Where did my glossy finish go to?" NIX on the pressure!
Also - as mentioned above - the garden sprayer works EVEN BETTER than the no-nozzle approach for rinsing. I use a cheap plastic "fan spray" - lots of water at low pressure. The reason that it works so well is that it "floods" a large area, and allows the surface tension of the water to "pull" itself off. By watching the direction that the water flows on your car, and gently working in that direction, you can get almost ALL the water off your car without a towel!
Benefits vs. Waxing I enjoyed the comments from the newer members that say that they "like" or don't mind waxing their cars every few weeks. I USED to like this also, but you know what? I like it even BETTER that I DON'T have to do it! The cars look great, and I have a lot more time for other activities. And, when I do polish the cars, it takes about 1/4 the time and they look even better than with wax. There is NO comparison. Enjoy!
Comments
I haven't been to a commercial car wash since I had my 1990 red Riviera! I said that my COUSIN takes her black BMW to car washes! I do use the touchless, high pressure CITGO gas station car wash or the hand held wand type wash in the winter depending on how dirty the car is. Before I got Christine, I used to go to a nice, by CT standards, hand car wash place that did a pretty good job. Once I learned about Zaino and 100% cotton towels etc., they haven't seen me at the hand wash place.
Can you believe that Zaino shine on the BMW after all these years?
harry31-
What's wrong with 4 armed kids being car detailers? Imagine the money you could make especially with Zaino's ZFX additive! Two arms applying it and the other two wiping it off! Imagine all the cars you could detail in one day! LOL......
fastdriver
Not me: The only time I Zainoed it was when I received new replacement plates. After removing the old ones, I thought it would be a good idea to clean and polish the areas underneath.
I haven't bought a Nicsand towel but I've heard they're OK. The Viper glass cleaning cloth is a bit different that all the other types of MF towels in that the material is feathered or frayed at the ends instead of looped like typical MF. This provides for better absorbtion and cleaning. That's why its so pricey.
It's too cold to Z here but I'm going to go out and clean my interior. Can't wait to have that just like new "wet cardboard" smell in my bus, kinda fitting don't you think?
I can't wait to try the ZFX so if anyone lines up a group-buy, coun't me in!
julie
Lately, when I do my Z wash, the water doesn't run off the car like it used to, and there are tons of tiny water spots forming during the drying process, which takes some rubbing with Z6 to get rid of. Feels like there is a layer of something on the car finish, that water doesn't just run off anymore. It's almost like the Z wash doesnt have enough strength to really wash the car clean! (i use a blower, then towel the remaining water for drying process).
I am wondering what I should do? Restart with Dawn, clay, Z wash, then Z1/Z2/Z3.., or skip the dawn, and start with clay? or, how do I get that smooth finish back? is just Z6 wash enough?
Wash them again? Turn them into rags?
I also should receive my Zclaybar in the near future. First time claying any car, can anyone give me tips n tricks not listed on the Zaino website.
As for clay, I have now done that on 3 cars and it's easy. Tricks I picked up in doing it include: use LOTS of spray to lube up the area where you will clay. I put Z7 and water into a spray bottle and use that. (The ratio is not too important: 2/3 water works pretty well.)
Spray it on the car, and just wipe the clay over the soapy area. You do not have to rub, so it's not hard work. The hard part it HOLDING ONTO THE CLAY. Pay attention to this, because your hand and the clay get slippery, and it will slide from your grip and fall to the ground, where it will pick up grit and become useless. DO NOT let that happen. I think that is the biggest risk you take, so be careful there.
When you are done (this is 10 to 15 minutes, unless we are talking Ford Expedition here), hose off the car and let the soap wash away any stuff left on the car from the clay. Then wash the car again with z7 the regular way to be sure everything is off the surface of the car. That's it.
Rub your hand across a painted surface: it should feel like glass, and even more so after you add a few coats of z2.
You'll be glad you did.
Mucho, mucho gracias squid dude for answering both my questions... Oh yeah, how large of a spray bottle should it take for the entire mid-sized car? All I have is an 8oz though I'm pretty sure I'll need a larger one (16oz?) for the claying process.
Still would like to hear someone elses opinion on the fabric softener/ towel dilemma.
One trick with the clay - tear it into two pieces. That way if you drop one, you have the other piece to use.
As for the towels, my wife won't touch them. She thinks I've gone a little nuts with the car maintenance, but at least she knows where I am on summer weekends and it's cheaper than greens' fees.
I have a larger bottle, probably over a quart, that I got at the Home Depot in the janitorial department for about $5.00. This is really a great buy, as the sprayer is high quality and will last. (The little ones from the cosmetics department will not last very long as they are not made to take repeated, man-size, industrial strength use. Works great, for example, to spray a cleaner on screens and porch furniture. (Or, if you want to be really cheap, use an old windex bottle or something like that; just be sure you clean it out really well first.)
Take your pick; you will not use as much as you think.
Pulling the clay apart to keep a spare in case you drop the first half is a good idea.
Have a good time. It's not a hard job at all, and takes very little time and effort. Once you do it, you will be wondering what all the shouting is about, except that you will just not believe how SMOOTH the surface of the car feels.
Whoever thought up this clay thing was really clicking on all cylinders that day.
On water spots: All sorts of things can cause those damn spots. Acid rain, hard water, not drying quickly enough, and time. Time? Yes! Over time, even Zaino will wear down due to various environmental conditions such as dust, sand, road salts, etc. I'm far from perfect, and I haven't even had a chance to wash my car during the last two weeks. But when I do wash the car, I use the two bucket system: Z7 and water in the first, and clean water in the second. After I finish washing a panel, I rinse the wash cloth in the second bucket before putting it in the first. And I use the wash cloth in a gentle manner. Afterwards, I pour the remaining Z7/water over the entire car and rinse off with a very gentle (open ended hose) flow of water. (I think it was fastdriver who recommended that approach). Then I quickly dry the car.
Most sponges are harder and harsher than 100% undyed terrycloth, either a washrag or small hand towel. Some "wash mits" are OK also. The idea is not to use some rough fabric or other material (sponge) that can put swirl marks on the car. You would wash the car with the same towel that you use to dry it with (or use to apply Z6) except that it's too big. So that's why many of us use the hand towels for washing (and for z6). Washrags are good also, and are smaller and cheaper, but be careful because some wash rags are not the same high quality cotton as a "matching" hand towel.
As for the bottom of the car: 1: do it last; 2: use a different wash rag/towel from the one you use elsewhere on the car. Keep this one to use only on the bottom of the car (rocker panels); that way you don't bring the road grit to the more visible surfaces of the car and you keep some rags pristine (more or less) for the "show car" and use the others down under where nobody can see anyway. If I didn't have such a swell car, and LOTS of cotton towels, I might even use a sponge for the rocker panels.
Finally, you ask about the spray nozzle. Now this is a tip we don't pass along to just anybody, so listen (?) carefully and keep it to yourself. Somewhere we found out that after washing off the car in the normal way, if you rinse AGAIN with a gentle flow of water, letting it fall gently like the rain upon the place beneath, (as Willie the Shake would say) for some reason, probably having something to do with how slippery the Zaino is, most of the water will just fall off the car.
In other words, if you spray off the car with the usual spray nozzle at a high force, you will wind up with 3 or 4 times the amount of water adhering to the surface of the car than if you take off the nozzle and just gently rinse off the car from the top down. (I use a nozzle with a dial on the front for different spray patterns; "soak" is the same as no nozzle at all, and saves the hassle of taking the thing off, only to put in on again a few minutes later. These are $5 at the Home Depot.)
I don't know why this works, but it does, and it will save you a lot of time drying the car. I never have to use more than one (bath size) towel using this method.
Now when you really get into it, you get the California Water Blade, and use that to swipe off 75% of the remaining water, and then you can dry the car with a hand towel, but you didn't ask about that, so I'll keep that tip for later.
That's about all I know about water and towels; I hope it helps.
"The only place for a "pressure" wash is under the car; so unless you have access to a lift to get to the undercarriage any pressure ought to be avoided as water pressure + dirt granules = wet sand blaster."
In general, I'd have to disagree with you from my experiences. If that were the case, my cars would have looked like those Toyota trucks the Northern Alliance are driving on FoxNews! I have never seen any damage to my cars from either the high presuure touchless car wash or the wand type washes.
fastdriver
This includes a new black Lexus, Zainoed during its first week, which would show any kind of a scratch, no matter how slight.
I just find it hard to believe that spraying the car would rub grit into the finish. I sure have not seen any evidence of it.
By the way: can somebody explain this to me: Yesterday I had my black Lexus out in the rain all day and all evening long, drove it home hard and put it away wet. I expected to have to wash it today or tomorrow, but this morning when I went into the garage I was astounded to see that the car looks like it has just been washed. No dirt; no water spots, and it's shining like I just took a bottle of Z6 to it. How does this happen?
I am slackjawed.
LOL..............ZAINO!!!!!! That has happened to me on several occasions! It's like a FREE carwash with NO pressure spray! ;-))
fastdriver
Now if I could only get it to rain sideways....
It seems that alot of users are applying Z to dark colored cars..what kind of results can you get with a white vehicle?? If you apply it how hard is it to remove if you don't like it? I want to try some kind of polymer to my wifes car and compare to my truck..I have it narrowed between Z and Klasse..
Thanks for the help
What I notice more is a glow - especially at night under parking lot lights.
We had snow last weekend and pretty much rain or snizzle every day since. Both our cars are covered in that mid winter crud but I do believe the Z is doing its protection thing. First, if I moisten my finger and wipe some dirt away, it's is still super smooth. Second, even with all the crud on the vehicles, it still beads!!
I gotta find some time to wash them.
LOL... I think I'll get that sideways wash job today. It's pouring here in CT and the wind is blowing like crazy.
atokad-
I don't have time this minute, but I will find automophiles's pics and the Zaino look on his Diamond White Toyota Solara. They are in photopoint.com somewhere. I'll post the URL later.
fastdriver
Thanks
First, the shine is better. It's deeper, clearer and has a much higher optical quality than wax. It's as smooth and as reflective as a glass mirror. It will not yellow over time, like wax, but you take that factor out of the conversation by saying you don't mind waxing your car "every few weeks."
Secondly, it's far easier to apply than wax. You do not have to rub it in or buff it out. You wipe on a very, very thin coat, let it dry, then wipe it off with a soft cotton towel. No buffing, no rubbing, no hard work. The whole job takes about 20 minutes, excluding drying time. (A big car or SUV might take longer.)
So there's two good reasons. If you accept those as advantages and switch, you will also appreciate the other advantage of durability: since Zaino lasts far longer than wax (6 months or more (depending on environmental elements) as opposed to "seveal weeks" for your wax job), you will have many hours over several months to do something besides wax the car all the time.
So: it's easier to put on, it makes your car look better, and it last far longer, both with respect to protection and high reflectivity. What's not to like?
That having been said, additional coats of Z2 or Z5 will create a deeper shine and more dramatic effect. And increase protection too.
If you live where there's winter, you can count on a few coats applied in the fall to last you through till spring. Melted snow will still bead up in March.
Just guessing by your handle, you know about winter. Didn't somebody name a race track after you, somewhere around Sioux Falls?
I didn't forget about the URL for the pics of the white Toyota Solara with Zaino, but something seems to be wrong with photopoint.com right now and I can't get in there to look for the URL. As soon as I get in, I will post it here.
BTW- Zaino has a new additive to use with the Z2 polish that makes it dry immediately AND allows you to apply up to 3 coats in ONE day! Just look at all the free time you're going to have now! ;-)) You can Zaino your neighbor's cars too!
fastdriver
Thanks!
My order arrived last week, but I have not had a chance to use it yet; I see no warnings on the web page or the label on the ZFX warning about low temperatures. My guess is that temperature parameters are the same as for Z2, etc.
When used as directed, Zaino Bros' ZFX™ Show Car Polish accelerator enables Zaino Show Car Polish to cure instantly and increases durability. This exclusive product allows you to create a “Show Car Finish” in a day and gives your car months of lasting protection.
This kit contains a 2ml vial of ZFX™ Show Car Polish accelerator mix and four mixing bottles. The vial contains enough ZFX™ to prepare 16 ounces of polish.
Pour one to two ounces of Show Car Polish (Z-2, Z-3 or Z-5) into a 2 ounce ZFX mixing bottle. For each ounce of polish, add 4 to 5 drops of
ZFX™ (no more than 10 drops for two full ounces), screw the cap back on, and shake vigorously for 60 to 90 seconds.
ZFX™ enabled polish must be applied to a clean car. Follow these easy steps:
1. Apply Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFX™ with a 100% terry cloth applicator. Use the polish sparingly. A small amount goes a long way, and you will be applying multiple coats.
2. Squirt a dime size dab of polish on your applicator and rub it into
your paint using back and forth hand motions.
3. Allow the polish the haze (dry) for 30 minutes.
4. Buff off the Show Car Polish residue with a high quality, 100% cotton
detailing towel.
You're now ready to apply your next coat of Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFX™. There's no need to wait. Simply follow steps 1 through 4 again. Use a fresh buffing towel with each coat. Apply no more than three coats of Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFX™ in a 24
hour period. fro optimum results use enable ZFX withing 6 hours of mixing
When you are finished polishing, wash mixing bottle inside and out with a heavy concentration of liquid dishwashing detergen and rinse thoroughly. The ZFX™ mixing bottles cannot be reused if the polish remains in the bottle for more than 12 hours. After 12 hours, it is not
possible to remove the ZFX™ accelerator from the mixing bottles. Throw the mixing bottle and any unused polish contents away after 12 hours
You also receive one very small vial of ZFX. This can't be more than a quarter of an ounce. You then add 4 or 5 DROPS of the ZFX per oz, as you can read above. Shake and apply as directed.
On the bottom of the box which contains the 4 small mixing bottles is a label with the above instructions.
I have not seen anything about limiting application to ambiant temperatures above a certain point, so I expect that temperature is not a factor with ZFX any more than with Z2 or Z5.
I have not used any of my ZFX yet, but I'll have some time after Christmas.
Full report to follow.
Merry C. to all.
Also, is an eye dropper supplied or do you just "pour" out the 4 or 5 drops?
I haven't used it yet, but it looks simple, and you get 4 mixing bottles in case you let a batch sit in one of the mixing bottles too long (see detailed instructions posted above). You won't need anything else, except for a Corona and a wedge of lime.
Where do I get this stuff? I am getting a new car (black color). Like some here, I enjoy waxing, but not every month. I hear so much about the difficulty of keeping a black car looking clean. Is this product for me, and where do I get it?!
White Cars - I have a Diamond White Solara, and it looks just fantastic with Z. It does not have the impact of our dark green Accord, but as mentioned above, it seems to "glow". Also, it stays cleaner, and I don't have to polish it so often. It is SO slick with the Z finish.
Here are some other pictures of our cars - http://www.geocities.com/newwestd/Zainoat3mo.html
Rinsing I know that many of you feel that it is OK to spray off dirt with medium or high-pressure sprays, but - where do you think that dirt and grit goes? It doesn't just leap up vertically off your paint! The pressure causes it to slide along your paint for a bit before it is washed off. Maybe you don't see anything at first, but the marks are probably too small to see easily and are cumulative. Some time later, you will be thinking -"Where did my glossy finish go to?" NIX on the pressure!
Also - as mentioned above - the garden sprayer works EVEN BETTER than the no-nozzle approach for rinsing. I use a cheap plastic "fan spray" - lots of water at low pressure. The reason that it works so well is that it "floods" a large area, and allows the surface tension of the water to "pull" itself off. By watching the direction that the water flows on your car, and gently working in that direction, you can get almost ALL the water off your car without a towel!
Benefits vs. Waxing I enjoyed the comments from the newer members that say that they "like" or don't mind waxing their cars every few weeks. I USED to like this also, but you know what? I like it even BETTER that I DON'T have to do it! The cars look great, and I have a lot more time for other activities. And, when I do polish the cars, it takes about 1/4 the time and they look even better than with wax. There is NO comparison. Enjoy!