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Zaino Car Care Experiences

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Comments

  • tmarttmart Member Posts: 2,399
    be like the "other board".
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    "narrow minded". The line has been drawn some time ago long before the arrival of most of the current posters. Those that survived the creation of the line may be a bit sensitive to non Zaino remarks and with good reason....course IMHO. The DMZ exists for a reason....

    AND to stay on topic, did two coats of Z2, one in the morning and one in the afternoon with some Z6 in between. Dang, that truck looks good.
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    Thought Z2 had to cure 24 hours between coats.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,121
    I thought the tile of this trhead was ZAINO CAR POLISHES/PRODUCTS--YOUR EXPERIENCES? Yet, when someone posts exactly that, as jona57 did, someone comes in to taunt because the post was positive.

    Of course, if jona57 went to the Store bought Wax thread and posted the results, then the flames would be "hot and heavy".

    I just don't get it? This is the entire reason we have our own Zaino thread...so we can post experiences/tips/techniques without having to get chastised for doing it.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    I haven't bought any Zaino products for a year and a half even though the extended cab chevy is a chunk of metal. At the time of purchase ZFX didn't exist. I also have my original bottle of Z1 (the one that you have to wait till it dries). Not much but probably could go for one last coat when I clay the truck sometime before the end of the year.

    I rememeber that one had to wait between coats of Z5 and Z2. Wasn't sure on multiple Z2 coats. I wouldn't have had time on Saturday or Monday to do the second coat and figured 8 isn't as good as 24 but is better than 2. ;-)
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    This latest round of small arms fire started when I posted in Store Bought Waxes that I was disappointed that Zaino did not prevent or minimize water spotting when it's been said over and over in here that nothing ever sticks to it. My underlying point was that the consistent hype of Zaino's properties are inaccurate. Several of the elitests that regualrly posts in this thread took it upon themselves to personally chastise me for that comment. I didn't mention anyone by name nor direct my comments to anyone in particular. But they took it upon themselves to take yet another swipe at me personally.

    This activity has been going on for years in here. While I agree that it's a good thing that there are two separate topic rooms to discuss car care products, I deeply resent the implication that I or anyone else cannot post in here on their own volition. I do not nor will never seek the permission or acceptance of the regular posters here who treat this thread as their personal chat haven. They have absolutely zero power and zero authority and NO ONE should be cowed or intimidated by them.

    If the regulars in here do not like it they are free to leave Town Hall and create their own online paradise where dissention and opposing commentary is forbidden.

    Until then everyone who dislikes my viewpoint and attitude can just lump it. I've said it before and I'll say it again - - I aint' goin' nowhere.

    atoews - Thanks for the props, I appreciate it. :thumbsup:

    div2 - Sir, I salute you. :salute:
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    joebob6: Thanks for telling us about that autopia site. Its very interesting and seems to be a serious aid to detailers and even ordinary folks like us. Well,...maybe not bret.

    Bret: I don't mind you coming around here. That's fine. And your positive comments (ie: not about Z per say but of all products) ARE welcome. But give us a break. You truly know that you cannot stop stirring the pot. If you cannot stay on the constructive side - please stand aside.

    And there is also a very cute post making fun of Zaino nuts such as I. That's fun too and will help to keep us honest. Except for one thing. We should refuse to deal with fools such as div2 (who is a good writer) who would stoop so low as to make fun of Chris Parrish. Chris tried to help out every one (Z fans AND others) and never asked anything in return. We really should not return to those days.

    As far as I am concerned, this topic exists to help others with the use of Zaino and other products too. Let's give folks some advice and not go bickering into the night. Take those frustrations out on a golf or tennis ball.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,121
    You're all right!

    Best probably to ignore those posters who try to stir the pot.

    Everyone's welcome here from my perspective. I'll give help where I can.

    As my mother always says, "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all".
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • mbdrivermbdriver Member Posts: 426
    Hey, Everyone - This board is great, as are the others on Edmunds, and we all gain lots of good info about car care and effective products. I'd advise every poster here not to take offense about any negative comments about Zaino.

    Let's remember that NO car care "polish" or "wax" or polymer is perfect, and nobody that I recall ever said that Zaino was. Great, yes. And better than anything else available? -- IMHO, yes again, definitely! But perfect? No way! (It probably does leave water spots on some finishes in some circumstances. And some folks simply prefer other products.)

    So let's have fun as we exchange information and relate experiences. Regarding Post # 4127 by div2, I thought it was clever and hilarious -- I actually laughed out loud! Div2, permit me, like Bret, to salute you too! :salute:
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    mbdriver-

    Salute? 21 GUN?? ;-))


    fastdriver
  • mbdrivermbdriver Member Posts: 426
    You bet -- great big cannons! As I said, I actually laughed out loud! Is this a great forum, or what?!?
  • jona57jona57 Member Posts: 194
    I don't know what to make of the "heat" generated by my prior post. I only shared this experience as an honest comparison of my first Zaino purchase to one of the wax products I had used before.

    Why did I do the test??
    My wife & I were settling a disagreement. She had complained about me spending so much on the "complete" Zaino ($50 inc. s/h) since "it's all just car wax". Thus, we had to find out if the Z process was really any better than what I was using (Mother's CW). Heck- at least this comparo idea got her to help out with the car detailing!.

    I was planning to share my results regardless of what I found. I had no intention of annoying anyone.

    BTW- as I told my better half......there are other auto polishes/waxes out there ALOT more expensive than Zaino. I've wasted my $$ on some of them which lasted no longer than the cheap stuff, & my wife never lets me forget this. After our latest experience she demands that I Zaino her Caravan.

    bretfraz
    .... I happen to like the Aztek as my golf clubs would never fit in a Ferrari.

    Jon
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    jona57-

    I don't think you "annoyed" the regular posters here. After all, we all know what our shine looks like and how long it lasts.

    Has your wife seen pics of my shine?

    fastdriver
  • kcwolfpack59kcwolfpack59 Member Posts: 122
    My dark red metallic car attracts attention for it's shine more than it ever has after I started using Z. I appreciate the help and comments by others in this forum. Without such advise and testimonials, i would be still using whatever I could buy off the shelf.
  • rd_volvord_volvo Member Posts: 34
    My friend has 93 mazda rx7 and wants to try
    some of my Zaino.[z2/z5]

    1- can u use z2/z5 zfxed on regular paint[non clear coat] without worry.

    2- anyone know the paint type of 93 mazda's. Clear coat or single stage.

    ty

    rd
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,121
    Don't know about clear coat status of a '93 Mazda, but you should use Z3 on non-clear coat finishes.

    One way to find out if it has clear coat would be to take a small amount of cleaner wax. Rub it on an area that isn't readily noticeable. If the color of the paint comes off on the applicator, it's probably not clearcoated (pigment of the paint would "rub off" on the applicator...if it's clear coat then there would be no color).
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • jona57jona57 Member Posts: 194
    For my initial Z purchase this spring I elected the "classic" method with Z1 mainly because of its longer track record. On my established Zaino shine (2-3 coats Z5, 2 coats Z2) I have tried Z1 as a spot "cleaner" (e.g. for those occ. tough H20 spots not responsive to Z6). The bottle says "precleaner", and it seems to work well. Anyone else try this use for old Z1?
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,121
    Never tried Z1 for spots, but I may based on your experience. I still use Z1 twice a year. I used the ZFX treatment all this summer. Only problem I have with the ZFX is I waste an awful lot of it because it can only be used within a 24 hour period. Still, I find ZFX works well, particularly given my humid climate. It certainly dries quicker than just Z1/Z2.

    All water spots go away when I use Z6.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • beaver2000beaver2000 Member Posts: 5
    Thank U for reading,


    I have just finished the Zaino treatment on my new Black Garnet Lexus ES300 and WOW !


    After washing the car, can I use the California Water Blade

    http://waxdepot.safeshopper.com/15/62.htm?218

    for removing the access water whithout putting any swirl marks on the finish ?


    The California Water Blade manufacturer claims it is softer on a car than a cotton towel !


    Any experience greatly appreciated ...

  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    I use it and love it. Never had a problem. Some are afraid of it because they think it will pick up grit and cause a scratch. Maybe. But a chamois, Absorber, or even a terry towel can cause the same damage if one's not careful.

    The blade is made of a surgical quality silcone rubber and is very safe for auto paint. Follow up with a microfiber towel wipe down and you'll have a perfect dry finish.
  • pathfinder13pathfinder13 Member Posts: 110
    I have been using zaino for three months and I have 10 coats of zaino in it, but recently I found water spots and I cannot remove it at all. I used white vinegar but no use at all. Does clay help me to remove water spots. I believe that zaino does not protect or prevent from water spots, but has the best shine. Does anybody have an idea to remove the water spots without damgaing the paint or zaino.
  • armtdmarmtdm Member Posts: 2,057
    I also use Zaino and love it, does it prevent water spots, NO. I have them also. Still a great product.

    the CA Blade is also a great product, cuts the drying time way down, it truly does work and does not scratch the finish
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,121
    If the water spots are that tough to get rid of, what you may be experiencing is "etching". That's caused by "acid rain" or a high concentration of minerals in the water in your area.

    What happens is the rain or wash water actually "eat through" a portion of your clear coat leaving the shape of a water spot on your finish.

    You could try clay, but if the etching is deep enough, even that won't help. Next step is to try a polish like 3M PERFECT-IT FOAM POLISHNG PAD. That has abrasives in it and will actually smooth out the clear coat (while removing a microscopic amont of it).

    Past that, you're looking at a "buff job".

    Good Luck and let us know how it turns out.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    A great product. I've used it and found that is does work well. Now, California Water is another story. Tastes terrible! And leaves water spots too.
  • pathfinder13pathfinder13 Member Posts: 110
    Today I use clay and the water spots were gone plus the paint looks so good after putting z1 and z5, people were asking what product was I using. I also use ca blade in my new car, and I have no problem with it, but make sure to wash throughly before using it.
  • robertp4robertp4 Member Posts: 22
    I have a black 02 corolla and have just used z5 then z2. Looks great but I read here to use 2-3 coats of Z5 then Z2. Does this mean to apply 2-3 coats of Z5 then finish with 1 coat of Z2 the same day, or 1 coat of each over 3 days.
  • squidd99squidd99 Member Posts: 288
    If you are using z2 or z5, you should wait 24 hours between coats for the coat to cure.

    If you get ZFX, and mix it with the z2 or z5, the coat cures instantly, and you can apply up to 3 coats in one day.

    If I had a new black car today, I would get some ZFX and do 3 coats of z5, wait a day or a week, and then apply 3 coats of z2.

    I have a black Lexus and agree with those who have noted that you get your best results at about 6 to 10 coats. And since you always want z2 as the top coat, I would suggest the above procedure.

    Once those 6 coats are on the car, when you want or need to apply more coats, which will vary depending on whether the car is parked outside or garaged, you can mix the ZFX with an oz or 2 of Z5, apply two coats of that, then finish with a third coat of z2 which will not need ZFX since you don't care how long it takes to cure, since it will be your third coat of the day.

    I find that I can wash the car and apply 3 coats in about two hours or less, even including a break of about 20 minutes to allow each coat to dry after application before removal.

    It's easy.
  • beaver2000beaver2000 Member Posts: 5
    squidd99,

    I also have a blach Lexus ES300 and was wondering, do you apply z6 between each coat ?

    Thanks

    Paul (Canada)
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,121
    Squidd may have a different opinion from myself, but I use Z6 faster than anything else. Always use Z6 before and after a Z2 or Z5 application. Also use Z6 after every Z7 wash cause it only takes about 10 minutes and makes my cars look freshly waxed.

    I probably go through 3-4 bottles of Z6 for every 1 bottle of Z2 or Z5.

    Applying a coat of Z2 or Z5 just seems easier when it is preceeded by a Z6 application.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • squidd99squidd99 Member Posts: 288
    Yes, we all add a coat of Z6 between each coat of Z2 or Z5. After washing, use Z6, then the z2 or z5, then Z6 again.

    Always use Z6.

    Twice a day, right after you brush your teeth.

    The car doesn't leave home without it.

    Z6 goes without saying.
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    And a friends' driveway. Washed, and applied two coats of Z5 (with ZFX) and Z6'd it all. The three coats I put on over Memorial Day weekend were still going strong. So the total effect is absolutely wonderful! I also helped my friend with his 38' "Country Coach" RV. I couldn't talk him into using Zaino. When that didn't work, I told him to use Protect All. No dice, said he, as he proceeded to use his favorite Mequires stuff. Which is a lot of work.

    Now, he also has this little Geo Metro which he tows (hmm, or is it toes? :) ) behind the big rig. So I offered to Z just the front hood for him as a test. 'Gave it two coats of Z5. It seems I had about a third of an ounce left over from the 1.25 oz's I mixed with 5 drops of ZFX. (Yep, 1.25 ozs really did two coats of my Accord plus two coats on his little Geo). As he watched me, he suddenly replied "...., If I knew it was that easy, I'd have done it to the RV!"....
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    pblevine-

    LOL... ANOTHER doubting Thomas SEES the LIGHT!! ;-)))

    fastdriver
  • ntmtntmt Member Posts: 9
    hi all,
    I need all suggestions i can get on those 2 products for my 1998 Honda Civic EX (Black), 2000 Honda Prelude (Red) and 2003 Nissan Spec V, thanks in advance. On my Civic, i messed up last and 1 st time i wax, i left a very big circular wax spot, how do i remove that, thanks again.
  • ntmtntmt Member Posts: 9
    My 2003 Nissan SPec V has Yellow color.
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    It is often stated that certain problems are caused by applying too much Z-2. I understand that, but I have a kind of medium grey/silver vehicle and it is difficult to see the "haze" on the vehicle. How does one tell whether they are applying the coats too lightly, or is there no such thing?
  • tmarttmart Member Posts: 2,399
    Atoews, I share your "problem" with my gold C70. My suggestion is to do small areas and remember which areas you've done. Sometimes it helps to look at the areas from an angle. The applied areas don't have the "shine" of the unapplied ones.
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    Thanks. I actually have a system whereby the car is divided into sections.

    I have another question. Would you say that a dime sized amount of Z2 per square foot on the vehicle is a good approximation of the quantity to use, or is this too much or too little.?
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    should cover the size of a door rather than a square foot.
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    But what a torture. If I used that little, with the color of my car, I would not see the Z2 haze at all.

    I have a medium large sedan (2002 Lexus ES300) and I used about 3/4 oz of Z2/ZFX for one coat, Does that sound like too much?
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    I've Z2'd it five times and have a little more than half the bottle left so I'm figuring 10 times per bottle. Not sure what that comes out to. I've never measured what an oz. looks like so I couldn't really say. But a square foot is too small an area for a dime sized portiong of zaino.

    When applying there are areas with very little haze. Fortunately, the truck is black.
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    Your usage comes to about 4/5 oz per coat, which means you use slightly more than I do, which is understandable, considering the size of your vehicle compared to mine.

    I suspect it would be easier to reduce my usage were my vehicle black.

    Squidd99 and beaver2000, you have very dark Lexus sedans. How much would you estimate that you apply?
  • squidd99squidd99 Member Posts: 288
    My black lexus is the (hardtop) convertible, not one of the sedans. It is the smallest Lexus (but far and away the most fun.) I would estimate that it is about the same size as a Porsche 911 (which is larger than a Boxter). And I have to Zaino the top, which is not canvas (it's aluminum).

    I mix ZFX with about 1.5 oz of Z2 or Z5 and get two coats, usually with a little bit left over. (I usually do the third coat of the day without the ZFX, to make the ZFX go further.)

    I use a Viking foam applicator pad, rather than the Zaino cotton wrapped sponge, because I have found that it does not scratch and it puts the coat on very, very thin. Highly recommended.

    As far as Z6 goes, I have no idea how much is used to do a once over on the car, since the bottle is so big and it's not transparant. (And half the time I don't do the top since, weather permitting, it has folded itself up into the trunk, to be there in case of rain.
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    It sounds as though I am in the ballpark. My ES300 is bigger than your (SC430??) , so it probably stands to reason that I use in the neighborhood of 3/4 - 7/8 oz per coat, whereas it sounds like you get slightly less than 3/4 oz per coat.

    I have the Mystic Sea colored ES300 and it sure is difficult to see where one has just applied the Z.

    Regarding Z6 - I have no trouble seeing the Z6 droplets on my vehicle. I have not measured how much of that I use, since one cannot really apply too much of it. It is, however, expensive, so I have been trying to use less. One way to use less is to adjust the spayer for the finest mist possible and then spray at a distance of at least 1 - 1.5 feet from the surface. This causes a wider dispersal than spraying at closer distances does and the finer mist results in usage of lower quantity.

    Sal Zaino's directions emphasize that Z6 is highly concentrated and not much is needed, so I have been trying to minimize it.

    Thanks for the tip on the applicator. My problem with the Zaino applicator is that it is expensive and I always get it dirty.
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    a Viking foam applicator pad?
  • squidd99squidd99 Member Posts: 288
    I found it at the neighborhood AutoZone for about a dollar. They are with the wax and stuff like that.

    It is dark grey, about 5 inches in diameter to fit into a can of wax, and has a mushroom shaped foam "handle" on top so you can hold on to it. When you look carefully, you see that the applicator end is actually a different foam from the rest, and is composed of a finer textured foam.

    No scratches, and the Zaino goes on even and very thin.

    It looks to me to be a very common item. I bet the Walmart and the Pep Boys carry them also.

    As I said, I think the whole thing cost about a dollar or two. After the first one worked so well, I bought a few more the next time I was in the neighborhood to have them around, since sometimes that ZFX can be hard to clean out, although Tide liquid laundry soap seems to do a real good job on the little mixing bottles and on the applicator pads.

    I much prefer them to the applicator pads Zaino "sells" (read: gives away free), but don't tell Sal. Everything else from Zaino is, of course, perfect in every way.
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    It is true that Sal's pads don't last. But then again, after two applications of Z2 mixed with ZFX, I throw the used pad out. Heck, they're cheap enough!

    As for measuring the "small" amount of Z to put on an applicator pad, I use a "quarter" sized drop. My method starts with wetting down the applicator pad with Z6. A couple of sprays does it. I then nead the Z6 into the pad. My first squirt of Z2 is a bit larger, however. I make an "X" on the pad and then nead it into the pad. That allows some Z2 to be absorbed into the pad but will prevent later loss of Z2 into the applicator. After I've applied the first "squirt", I only put a quarter sized drop on the pad. I probably apply it to a larger area than the "dime" sized users. Using this method, a single ounce will last through three coats.

    To insure full coverage, I apply in straight lines, following the contours of the car. I mentally mark the "top of the lane" where I last stopped, and then apply an overlapping stroke without using any pressure. Works for me.
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    Three coats per ounce!!! Even if your vehicle were a bicycle, I'd be impressed. :-)

    My problem with Sal's pads is that no matter what I do, they pick up dirt. I think the environment in which I wash my car may not be ideal. I take it to a do-it-yourself car wash and then drive the car home to polish it. Not only is it nearly impossible to get all the dirt off the lower edges of the car, but it seems that I pick up some dirt between the car wash and home. Note: the car wash is only a few blocks from my house and I live in the desert, so the streets are not wet and/or muddy, so technically I should be able to make it home without picking up dirt.
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    Maybe its grey color will HIDE the dirt.

    I'll be applying more Z this weekend, so I will let you know how the Viking pad works.
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    I wrote him an email on Saturday, and he replied within 5 minutes. He usually replies to my email very rapidly after I write. He gives the impression that he is sitting there waiting for emails from customers. Amazing, when you think that some organizations have entire staffs devoted to customer calls, and they still can't handle the calls, even though "your call is important to us". Wonder how Sal does it.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    maybe it's not always Sal who answers the email.
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