If you want to see what Zaino/Z-6 does for WHITE, check out automophile's pics of his Toyota Solara in photopoint.com. Scroll up a little for the link.
All good advice above. I think if you do a Dawn wash, clay, another dawn wash, then apply Zaino you could be OK. IF there is another polymer on your car before going through the "ritual", then you are going to have some of the old wax on your car. Personal opinion, it whouldn't make a big difference after the two dawn washes.
If you really want to remove every trace of old wax, you are going to have to use alcohol to get it off in its entirety.
Do give Sal a call...he will no doubt have good advice for you. That's another reason we all use Zaino...excellent customer support!
I dropped an order for $75 worth of Z products in the mail last Tuesday the 31st. Had a personal check in it. My Z order was delivered yesterday. I'm hoping for a decent weekend so I can Z my 300M before the annual Turkey Trot to Texas over Thanksgiving.
I did, in fact, hear that Zaino was questionable for use on German paint, but it was AFTER I had ordered the product and used it on my new brilliant silver E320. The results have been so personally rewarding that I may even opt for a BLACK car next time around -- a bear to keep clean, but Zaino is so easy to use and the wet look on a dark colored car is much more dramatic than on a light colored one.
Still, I notice people doing double-takes when they see my car. It's really a BRILLIANT silver! And I just noticed a posting in the Edmunds Town Hall forum on the MB E-Class. Someone accused the Zaino posters of being Zaino reps or stockholders and inserting infomercials! Several of us Zaino fanatics set him straight!
Sorry, I thought it was black. I guess it was you who was concerned about the German paint. You saw the pics of my cousin's black BMW 2-seater convertible with the Zaino?
"Someone accused the Zaino posters of being Zaino reps or stockholders and inserting infomercials!"
LOL.... EVEN in that topic!!! They're everywhere! I wish I DID have stock in Zaino because it would be soaring! At least I know it would be better performing then Chrysler stock! Maybe I'll call Sal and see if he wants to issue any stock in his company. LOL...
I've mailed check and order form to Zaino Bros yesterday. Ordered everything except Z3 (all my cars have clearcoat) and leather care (no leather in my cars). A few questions while I'm awaiting the order. I probably could have asked Sal who's indeed amazingly prompt with response, but also wanted to hear from you experienced users.
Cars to treat:
1. Almost new (4 mo, 4K mi) Subaru Forester Silver -- shine probably won't show as much, but I'll Z it for protection and future easier care.
2. Old (8+ yr) but well-kept Subaru wagon. It's dark burgundy, and since Z is so good on dark finishes, I hope to make it look really great.
My plan (and questions along) is as follows:
1. Wash w/Dawn. Rinse thouroughly. 2. Clay (I already have Mothers clay bar and spray for it, so I'll use Z18 on Forester and Mothers' on the wagon. I believe each clay bar is good up to 3 cars, but afer using it, you're more likely to scratch finish with old debris embedded in the bar (right - ?) 3. Wash with Z7 4. Apply Z1. Now, do I need to dry car thoroughly before Z1 is applied, or can it go on a wet car? 5. Apply Z5 (old car) or Z2 (new car) THIN directly on the top of Z1. 6. Dry Z1+Z2/Z5 thoroughly in the garage. 7. Remove Z2/Z5 8. Spray and wipe thinly and sparingly with Z6 working small sections at a time. 9. Keep car 24 h in the garage 10.Spray thinly and sparingly with Z6 again 11.Apply another Z2/Z5 coat.Z2 goes on new car, Z5 on old one. 12.Keep car in the garage until new coat of Z2/Z5 dries out. How long will 2nd Z2/Z5 coat dry?
I think by that time, my weekend will run out. Q: Can I drive my cars until next weekend, to put another Z2/Z5 coats on them? Q:After week of driving, before next Z coat, should I: a) wash my cars with Z7 then b) dry then c) apply Z6?
Sorry for long post. Please bear with me, I'm a total novice to Zaino products.
Yes - dry the car completely before applying Z1. Z2/Z5 can be applied directly over Z1 (no need to let the Z1 dry completely), but make sure that the Z1/Z2 IS completely dry before wiping it off. When I applied it last winter, I did it is direct sunlight, and let it dry in direct sunlight. It doesn't make it "difficult" to remove. I've gone a week before the second coat of Z2, all I've ever done is the Z7 wash (one capful to a gallon or so of water is all you really need). The longest I've let either dry is 3 hours. Summertime applications were dry within the hour. Don't know about the Z6 before the Z5/Z2, as I just got some in my last order that I got Tuesday. I think I'll just use it after the Z5/Z2 and experiment with using it after a wash only.
I'm hoping to get a coat of Z5 applied this weekend since I've got a few swirl marks that I thought the Z2 would remove, but it didn't get them all. They're hard to see, but I know they're there, so I'll report back on how it worked.
You're doing fine, so don't get caught up in too many procedural problems. Let's go over a few of your points:
1. You're correct, don't continue using a piece of clay that is significantly embedded with dirt.
4. Yep, make sure that your car is completely dry before applying the Z1 layer. I'd even take it a step further. Examine your clayed/washed surface for any defects such as water spots. The idea is to clean and prep the car before coating it with Zaino. Any defects or dirt which is present will be sealed in by laying down Z1/Z2 on top of it. That's why I use a good clean towel to dry my car before putting another layer of Z2 on it. Some spots may be a bit hard to dry, so open your hood and trunk to facilitate water run off and drying.
10. The extra Z6 won't hurt, but is not really necessary.
11. I'd alternate using Z2 and Z5 unless the subject car is really full of serious swirl marks. If the single layer of Z5 eliminates the swirls, switch to Z2.
12. Drying times will vary (a lot) depending upon both temperature and humidity. Your first application of Z1/Z5 should be allowed to dry overnight. Additional coats of Z2 and Z5 will take less time to dry. I've had Z2 dry in less than an hour, and I've also had it take overnight. The results, however, were well worth the effort.
I agree with pjyoung and pblevine's comments - you've got the correct workout described. The only change I'd make (which I did) was to wash again with Dawn after claying. This will thoroughly insure you've got the clearcoat clean.
Save the Z7 for after you've got a Z coat on the vehicles. And, use the Z6 gloss enhancer after or between applications of Z2/Z5, ie after washing the vehicle. I don't think it does much good to apply just prior to another coat of Z2/Z5.
Take your time, don't rush. You'll be surprised how fast the process moves along. Then, sit back and enjoy the shine.
pjyoung, pblevine and pinecrestjim all gave you good advice, but I'd like to chime in with my two cents worth.
I'd eliminate Step #8 -- Z-6 enhances the shine and reflectiveness, so if you're going to apply another coat of Z-5 or Z-2, you don't really need the Z-6 step in between. Then, reverse the order of Steps 10 and 11, i.e., after allowing 24 hours drying time, apply another coat of Z-5 or Z-2. If you want a final Z-2 coat (e.g., after Z-5), postpone the Z-6 and let the car dry for another 24 hours, then apply Z-2, allow to dry, wipe off, followed finally by Z-6.
In response to your last two questions, you can apply subsequent coats of Z-5 or Z-2 at any time, but only to a clean surface (after allowing 24 hours drying time between coats). If my car merely has a thin layer of dust after driving for several days, I first remove the dust with a clean, white, 100% cotton-made-in-USA towel, using very light pressure to avoid scratches, then I apply Z-6. However, if there's more than a thin layer of dust, use Z-7 to wash, dry it thoroughly, then apply Z-5/Z-2 (if you want the added protection) and allow to dry, wipe it off, followed by Z-6. BTW, Z-2 is more reflective than Z-5 and will provide a deeper and better shine.
Final advice (learned from practical experience and frustration): use all the Zaino products sparingly -- less is more!!! A heavy application of Z-1, Z-2 or Z-5 prolongs drying time, is a waste of the product and generally is counterproductive. And when spraying Z-6, open the nozzle just slightly so you get a fine spray and definitely not a stream. Make sure you do a small section at a time, and wipe if off before it dries, again, using a clean, white 100% cotton-made-in-USA towel.
Do use the Z6 between Polish coats but only use it once and use it RIGHT before applying the next coat. That will insure a nice clean smooth surface you are applying your next coat of Z2/Z5 on top of.
Also depending on where you live and temperature, if you start out really early in the morning (after you have initially applied your base coat and done your claying, etc), you might be able to apply a second coat the same day.
I may be doing something wrong but Z5 seems to shine better than Z2. It appears that way - may be because I have a white vehicle.
How can you go wrong with all this great advice???
After claying and the Z1, you will be really amazed and how easy and fast it goes. You won't believe how smooth the car will be after claying, and with a little Z6 on the aplicator pad, the Z1, 5 and 2 just glide on. It is so easy, you will think something is wrong - polishing a car is supposed to be hard work! Well - no more.
In general - It is really interesting - As I scan other car forums, M-B, Lexus, Solara, etc, there is ALWAYS some dialog on Zaino products, and it is always the same - some advice, some skepticism, some reassuring that we are not on Sal's payroll!! LOL! Sal must be having a good chuckle watching all this!
Nothing to add to the above....just show us some pics after you're done. Humidity and the amount of Zaino you applied (remember, less is better) will be the determining factors in how long it takes it to dry. Also, remember that when you put the initial Z1/Z2 or Z5 combo on, you have two layers that need to dry. This will take longer.
One of the tricks we have all used is to dampen your applicator with Z6 before you put on the Z1/Z5 or Z2. Put a very thin line of Z1/Z2 or Z5 in an "X" or "+" pattern, squezze the applicator a couple of times to get the wax to spread evenly on the applicator, then begin to put it on your finish.
Many responses indicate a reluctance to use Zaino because of the involved prep time. I have used the products on my y2k E320, and two Contours. Today I tackled my wife's 2001 T&C Limited. Dawn, clay bar, Dawn, and drying took 75 minutes. Z1 and Z2 took 30 minutes; and final buffing and Z6 took another 20 minutes.
Use the products sparingly, allow thorough drying, and a little experience make the initial job relatively quick.
To a novice, it does sound like a gigantic chore, but it's easier done than said!! LOL.... I have never had to wait hours or overnight for anything to dry. By the time I get done applying the Z stuff, it's dry and time to wipe it off. Guess we must just have the perfect weather here in CT for Zaino! LOL....
Z1 and Z2 took 30 minutes on a Town and Country? Does that thirty minutes include applying and removing?
What do you apply it with? A mop? And did you include the roof? I need a step ladder to do the roof. I move the step ladder six times to be able to get the full roof.
I try to be efficient as possible but your times seem superhuman.
I haven't really timed myself, and I am not ashamed to lay claim to the title of "World's laziest Human Being", but I did my daughters car (a corolla so I know it is small)last weekend when she was home for a couple of days, during halftime of a pro game and only missed a few minutes of the game. Since I wash every car in my driveway every weekend, (fortunately that is usually only my Lincoln LS and my wifes Lexus GS300), and my free weekend time is limited, on my car I sometimes cut corners and when I am not feeling really up to a full job, I just do the front edges and all the horizontal surfaces (trunk, roof, hood and tops of fenders). That I know I can do in 15 minutes or less. I know I should do the entire car, but I figure that is better than nothing and common sense tells me that those are the surfaces that take the worst beating from the Florida sun, bugs and rain. That way I can do my car and my wifes car in a half to three quarters of an hour or so and about every third time I just do one of them and do it completely. I work one day a weekend about every fall, so I have to kind of hoard my time. From February to August I have both days free so I expect I can do a full job when I feel like it.
Z1 and Z2 times are application only. I have the advantage of being able to reach all areas of the roof by standing on the door sills.
My intent was not to show any athletic prowess, but to demonstrate that the time factor is not that bad if the vehicle is dry, the product applied sparingly, let to dry thoroughly, and the user has prior experience.
Disclaimer: I am not an employee of, investor in, or brainwashed by the Zaino Brothers Co.
WOW!!! Looks FANTASTIC! Better than the GTP! LOL...I know that it will always look like this. One suggestion- I know there is a lot of pros and cons about car bras, but I suggest you look into one for highway driving. Because of the slope of the hood, it is VERY prone to stone chips! One other suggestion- get the mudguards to protect the lower back bumper.
I know your uncle is smiling on you, knowing that he did the right thing by leaving you the car! It looks so much better with the lighter interior. I had no choice when I got mine. The only color around was the dark grey.
Thanks for posting them.
jfz219-
LOL... I like your disclaimer. Do you mind if I borrow it? ;-))
With Z5!. It's supposed to be a crappy week, weather wise here, but it got warm enough to wash the car and put a coat of Z5 on. I had a few light "swirl marks" in my white finish. That stuff really works! I agree with a previous poster that maybe Z5 is actually better for lighter vehicles than Z2. Put a little Z6 on after the Z5 and It did seem to make a slight difference. It's no trouble to apply, so what the heck. FWIW - outside temp was about 41, and lowish humidity. Took about 3 hours total - wash, Z5, dry, wipe, and Z6. Once I figure out how to scan a photo so that it's not 1GB in size, I'll take a picture of my neighborhood reflecting in my car!
If you were brainwashed by Zaino, would you know that you were brainwashed? ;^)
graphicguy...great pics! I rented a 300M that looked just like that...minus the shine! The car was loads of fun to drive. How is it holding up reliability wise?
I'm really impressed with the support given by the Zaino veterans on this board. The results of the product seem equally impressive. Hey graphicguy...how pleased are you with the Z leather product? The pics look awsome. I placed my first order this weekend for my '01 acura tl. Aside from the car polish, i also ordered the z9 and z10. Was just wondering how much you liked it. I've only heard great things about the paint products but was unsure about the leather stuff. Many thanks to all the veterans on the board who are so imformative such as mbdriver, fastdriver, joebob,automophile and the rest.
I'm not graphicguy, but I used the Z9 and Z10 and liked them enough to reorder. The Z9 got ink marks off my leather interior, and the Z10 doesn't leave the leather shiny, but gives in a richer look. And it really does smell like leather in a bottle. After 1 year, people ask how I keep my car smelling "new". It's the Z10. I used one of automophiles tips and I put the Z10 on with my fingers, then gently wipe it with a cloth. BTW - I also use the Z10 on my dash (I drive a 300M) with excellant results - no shine but rich look.
Fastdriver--you have my permission to use anything I have posted. I've used car bras before and I'm divided on whether to use one again. I don't like the looks of a car bra It is a hassle putting on and off and tends to leave "fade marks". Of course it could be that the last time I had one was over 10 years ago. Now I have to decide whether I can tolerate stone chips without the car bra, however. The splash guards are a good suggestion.
pjyoung--about the only time I use Z5 is in the fall and winter because it holds up a little better in the harsh weather. In the summer, I use only Z2.
gladichecked--I'm extremely impressed with the reliability, build quality and quality of materials. Nothing that I can even remotely think of going back to the dealer for. That said, the car is only a month old.
trooper--I looked very closely at the TL a while back...a fine car. Local dealer's sucked, but that's more of a refelction of the dealer's and not their cars. I'm a big believer in buying not only the cars, but the dealership, too. The 2 local acura dealers did little to instill confidence in "service after the sale".
I love Zaino leather care products, too. They do everything that they advertise and make my car smell "new" every time I use them. As PJ pointed out, they don't leave the "high gloss" shine on leather which I prefer. They leave the leather very rich looking and smelling, though.
while waiting for my order to arrive, I "dress-rehearsed" car prep. I took my old Subaru Loyale'92 -- never ever garaged, 100K mi, and washed it with Dawn and clayed afterwards.
I should say claying is a must before any waxing, zaino or no-zaino! On this old car, it made a huge difference. Clayed parts were 1000 times smoother than unclayed ones. W/o claying, waxing is equal to grinding dirt into the finish, it seems.
After removing years worth of old waz layers and small contaminants, I was pleased to see that the clear coat underneath was in a pretty good shape: smooth and clear. Don't know if it was a superb paint job by Subaru, or that stuff (AutoFom) I was putting on for years really protected the finish.
The only thing that bothered me was that even after 2 washes with Dawn and thorough claying, water was still beading off... does it mean, I did not really cut through the old waxes all the way?
graphicguy: Great pics again. Is this a new car? 'Cause I remember an older 300M which looked great even after months of not being washed.
trooper: I've had very good results with the Zaino leather products. They work!
All: I too had extremely good results with Z-5. Last July, I clayed again and used Z-1 and Z-5 on my car. The result was so good that I kept thinking it was better than Z-2. But then I thought that my vision was just being fooled by the latest effort and that maybe my previous Z-2 layers where just fading from memory. Now I see that others have had the same impression. What gives?
My 2 cents - The Z2 did a great job on my car, but I had a few light swirl marks (that only I could really see) that I had hoped the Z2 would remove. It didn't, but the shine was still nice. When I reordered, I figured I would give the Z5 a try, and I THINK that I like it better because I no longer see those swirl marks, so the impression is that the Z5 did a "better" job.
Thanks for the positive opinions on the Z leather stuff. I'm 100% confident now to use it. Since my car is only a couple months old, i didn't order the Z5. But reading the accolades of Z5 now, maybe i should get some. My car is silver and upon close examination, don't see any swirls. But if it adds to the protection and shine, i'll guess i should place another order for the Z5.
Re your Subaru, the water beading off the freshly clayed surface probably is a result of the paint being super clean and very slick -- and not because there's any wax left. But the paint is totally unprotected until you apply the Z-1 and Z-2 or Z-5.
For cleaning glass, try Z-12 or any similar product. I've also heard that BonAmi does a good job. As for glass protectant, I've heard mixed reviews about RainX. I personally use GlassPlus or Windex, but be careful with the spray -- it probably isn't the best thing to get on Z-2ed paint.
I've never heard of a Zaino product staining black rubber/vinyl trim. Try Z-16 on both -- it's great!
I've used RainX Wheel Protectant with success. It's fairly new on the market and sometimes hard to find. I know that K-Mart carries it, and I think I heard that PepBoys does too. I have clear coat silver painted alloys on my MB E320, and I've reverted to using Z-2.
LOL with the real thing after your dress rehersal on the Subaru.
PB--thanks...yes the 300M is new...2001. After much handwringing, it replaced my GTP. Through a sad set of circumstances, I literally inherited it with only 37 miles on the odo.
Kate--windows are something I have yet to master in my car care routine. An oldy but a goody still prevails...vinegar and water. Everything else streaks for me. RainX leaft me with residue over time for me so I quit using it a couple of years ago. I have used BonAmi on the windows with decent results. I guess I just prefer to wash them when they get residue on them and be done with it. I agree with MB. You now have a very "slick" surface. If you kept your Subaru waxed regularly, then you are probably seeing the results of your diligence after you clayed.
A good (and imperative) rule of thumb for trim...if the trim is smooth, then by all means Z1/Z2 or Z5 it. It will leave it very shiny. If it has any sort of texture at all...don't use Zaino wax on it. I'm sure Z16 will work well. I always use the onld standby Lexol trim treatment on textured trim with good results.
I have chrome wheels and wax them just like I do the painted surfaces on the car with great results. Most of the alloy wheels I've seen have clearcoat on them so you can treat them just like a clear coated surfaces on your car.
I also kinda agree with the posts on Z5 over the Z2 or Z3. I just used Z5(2 coats) on a new black lexus for the first time last weekend. It looked great. Took alot of the swirls and fine scratches out. Yeah, you won't believe what is already in a brand new cars paint. Black shows everything!! Anyway, I put on 2 coats of Z3 this weekend and wasn't as impressed as last week?? Not sure why. Maybe it was the initial shine that took me. Those of you using Z5, how many coats have you been using? I know it says you can keep going till paint is clear of swirls, etc.
I thought i read somewhere that there was a distributor in the Washington DC area. Not sure where i read it. If anyone knows who this is, please let me know. I'd like to pick up a Z5 w/o having to place a seperate order just for one bottle. Thanks.
Z5 - I use the Z5 every few times, Z2 the rest. It completely removed ALL the swirl marks on my almost-new Solara, and 80% of them on our 4-year-old Accord. There appears to be a limit though, to what it can do.
In the Spring, I will do a complete wash, clay AND machine glazing of the paint to make it as perfect as possible for a couple of Z2 coats. It is so close, I now want it to be flawless.
trooper12: Call Sal (number and/or email found on their website: www.zainobros.com). He will respond quickly, and if I had to guess, he'd know who the local DC distributor is.
Kate: Windows, love to look through them, hate to clean them. I've used the Zaino Glass Polish which is very slightly abrasive to remove stains and plastic residue. I then use good olde Windex to clean up any remaining residue. This seems to work well for me. Afterwards, I even apply some Z6 to my windows for a RainX effect. Z6 does OK for shedding water but that effect doesn't last too long. But the Z6 does make the window seem to be a bit more clear and it also makes it easier to clean.
I was going to question cole01's choice of Z-3 also, BUT I thought I read somewhere that the black on the Lexus is NOT clearcoat?? I don't know for sure.
According to Sal's site, this is the description for Z-3: Same molecular chemistry formula as Z-2 Show Car Polish above, but also includes a custom blend of emulsifiers to deep clean regular paints, which tend to oxidize, shrink and lose their resiliency quicker. Special filling agents for fine scratches, buffing and swirl marks and a flex agent that is compatible with single stage urethanes, lacquers, enamels, lucite, emeron, acrylics and older paint formulations. One eight ounce bottle of Z-3 Show Car Polish will yield approximately eight to ten coats on a mid-size car.
No, the paint on the black Lexus is not clear-coated. I called lexus just to make sure before placing a order. Since this is the first time I used Zaino products, I have a question. Two weekends ago I applied 2 coats of Z-5. This past weekend, 2 coats of Z-3. Everything looked great!! Today, after a heavy rain I noticed some spots that appear to be under the zaino. They are really small(about 1/8th inch in size)and look like water marks or small smear marks. They were not there just this past weekend! In fact, I took off the bra off the frontend after it rained and that part of the hood is clear. I just used a little carwash liquid on a small area and it didn't come off. They seem to be under the zaino?? Any ideas on this? Weird!! Not sure if Z-5 would help or not. Why did I agree to buy a black car.......Oh yeah, my wife thought it looked great!! (It did!!).....
I have never experienced this but have heard of others that said the same thing happened. Did you try spraying Z6 on it? DO NOT APPLY ANOTHER COAT OF Z3 or Z5 BEFORE THESE SPOTS ARE REMOVED OR YOU MAY LOCK THEM IN. I would call or e-mail Sal Zaino about your problem. He will respond by email or talk to you. Zaino has great customer service.
To fastdriver: I can read and know Z2 and Z3 are different formulations but that still does not answer my question.
this morning from one of the few distributors, in Howell, NJ. I used blue dawn and followed that with the Zaino car wash. It is very easy to dry if you take the nozzle off the hose and let the water run off the car, as I saw suggested. I then applied the z1 and put a coat of z2 on top of that. Unfortunately, it wasn't until after I had applied the z2 and was waiting for it to dry that I checked the official Zaino web-site and saw that I should have applied the z6 to the applicator to ease application. I used a lot more z2 than I should have and it took a couple of hours to dry even though it was windy. I had to buff slightly when removing the z2. I then applied the z6 to small sections and the car looks great (sterling mist 2001 Maxima SE). It was getting cloudy and dark by this time, so I can't wait to see it in the sunlight. I also used the tire conditioner. Can I wait a week or so until I apply the z5? What will the z5 do after the others have been applied?
I am very new to this car waxing thing. I did a butcher job when I waxed my 81 Tercel about 20 years ago and nothing since. I found the product very easy to use, with excellent results. I got the hang of applying the different products and the next time will be a snap. From what I've read here, applying too much is actually counter-productive, so the results should improve. I feel good that I have protected my new car from the winter and know that I can do a pretty quick p.m. whenever we get a warm day. thanks for all the info and tips posted in this forum.
"Can I wait a week or so until I apply the z5?" Yes, but wash car first if dirty.
"What will the Z5 do after the others have been applied?" Unless you have small scratches or swirl marks you can forgo the application of Z5 and just use Z2. Z5 will cover small swirl scratches and swirl marks. Some people have said that Z5 seems to shine better on light colored vehicles but only you can be the judge of that. Z2 is said to have higher optical properties than Z5.
When applying z5, or z2 apply it super, super thin. A quarter size drop should be enough to cover a car hood and more. As far as using Z6 or a spritz of water on the applicator, this is optional.
You can put Z5 on your car after the initial Z1/Z2 application now. General rule of thumb is to wait 6-24 hours for the Z1/Z2 to "cure" before applying subsequent Zaino applications.
After a week, you're fine.
Z5 does fill in minor swirls. Depending on severity of the swirls, this may take several applications.
It's personal preferences between what shines the best (Z2 or Z5). I think Z2 gives the "ultimate" shine. That said, I usually use alternate applications of Z2 and Z5...Z5 in winter (when the only wash I can do is the spray jobs). Z2 in the summer when I can do a proper detail in my driveway. This seems to work well.
I've sent my check and order 1 week ago... did not get anything yet. How long do you wait on average for an order? I really want to Z my car this weekend, to protect it for a long T-giving trip to Vegas and back.
Buddy at work turned me on to Zaino products. Was a little skeptical but ordered anyway. Sent check on Saturday, received products following Thursday via UPS in Los Angeles. Washed car (2 month old 2000 Expedition deep wedgewood blue)with Dawn, used Z1, Z2, next day Z6 then 2nd coat of Z2 also 2nd coats of rubber treatment (Z16?). Thought car looked pretty good, wasn't amazingly satisfied. Finish very smooth, light dust seemed to just slide off when driving. Car was garaged only driven once after this treatment. Thought I would put a 3rd coat on the following weekend. Z6 again and applied 3rd coat of Z2. I don't know if it was my imagination but WHAT A DIFFERENCE! That 3rd coat really made the finish deeper and wetter looking! Took the car out and parked outside at mall. Could not believe the finish! I'm a believer! Seriously considering a 4th possibly 5th coat! My wife doesn't even want to drive the car anymore it looks so good (which would be fine with me)!
Comments
How true!
If you want to see what Zaino/Z-6 does for WHITE, check out automophile's pics of his Toyota Solara in photopoint.com. Scroll up a little for the link.
fastdriver
If you really want to remove every trace of old wax, you are going to have to use alcohol to get it off in its entirety.
Do give Sal a call...he will no doubt have good advice for you. That's another reason we all use Zaino...excellent customer support!
Still, I notice people doing double-takes when they see my car. It's really a BRILLIANT silver!
And I just noticed a posting in the Edmunds Town Hall forum on the MB E-Class. Someone accused the Zaino posters of being Zaino reps or stockholders and inserting infomercials! Several of us Zaino fanatics set him straight!
Sorry, I thought it was black. I guess it was you who was concerned about the German paint. You saw the pics of my cousin's black BMW 2-seater convertible with the Zaino?
"Someone accused the Zaino posters of being Zaino reps or stockholders and inserting infomercials!"
LOL.... EVEN in that topic!!! They're everywhere! I wish I DID have stock in Zaino because it would be soaring! At least I know it would be better performing then Chrysler stock! Maybe I'll call Sal and see if he wants to issue any stock in his company. LOL...
fastdriver
Cars to treat:
1. Almost new (4 mo, 4K mi) Subaru Forester Silver -- shine probably won't show as much, but I'll Z it for protection and future easier care.
2. Old (8+ yr) but well-kept Subaru wagon. It's dark burgundy, and since Z is so good on dark finishes, I hope to make it look really great.
My plan (and questions along) is as follows:
1. Wash w/Dawn. Rinse thouroughly.
2. Clay (I already have Mothers clay bar and spray for it, so I'll use Z18 on Forester and Mothers' on the wagon. I believe each clay bar is good up to 3 cars, but afer using it, you're more likely to scratch finish with old debris embedded in the bar (right - ?)
3. Wash with Z7
4. Apply Z1. Now, do I need to dry car thoroughly before Z1 is applied, or can it go on a wet car?
5. Apply Z5 (old car) or Z2 (new car) THIN directly on the top of Z1.
6. Dry Z1+Z2/Z5 thoroughly in the garage.
7. Remove Z2/Z5
8. Spray and wipe thinly and sparingly with Z6 working small sections at a time.
9. Keep car 24 h in the garage
10.Spray thinly and sparingly with Z6 again
11.Apply another Z2/Z5 coat.Z2 goes on new car, Z5 on old one.
12.Keep car in the garage until new coat of Z2/Z5 dries out. How long will 2nd Z2/Z5 coat dry?
I think by that time, my weekend will run out.
Q: Can I drive my cars until next weekend, to put another Z2/Z5 coats on them?
Q:After week of driving, before next Z coat, should I: a) wash my cars with Z7 then b) dry then c) apply Z6?
Sorry for long post. Please bear with me, I'm a total novice to Zaino products.
Thanks!
--Kate
I'm hoping to get a coat of Z5 applied this weekend since I've got a few swirl marks that I thought the Z2 would remove, but it didn't get them all. They're hard to see, but I know they're there, so I'll report back on how it worked.
1. You're correct, don't continue using a piece of clay that is significantly embedded with dirt.
4. Yep, make sure that your car is completely dry before applying the Z1 layer. I'd even take it a step further. Examine your clayed/washed surface for any defects such as water spots. The idea is to clean and prep the car before coating it with Zaino. Any defects or dirt which is present will be sealed in by laying down Z1/Z2 on top of it. That's why I use a good clean towel to dry my car before putting another layer of Z2 on it. Some spots may be a bit hard to dry, so open your hood and trunk to facilitate water run off and drying.
10. The extra Z6 won't hurt, but is not really necessary.
11. I'd alternate using Z2 and Z5 unless the subject car is really full of serious swirl marks. If the single layer of Z5 eliminates the swirls, switch to Z2.
12. Drying times will vary (a lot) depending upon both temperature and humidity. Your first application of Z1/Z5 should be allowed to dry overnight. Additional coats of Z2 and Z5 will take less time to dry. I've had Z2 dry in less than an hour, and I've also had it take overnight.
The results, however, were well worth the effort.
Save the Z7 for after you've got a Z coat on the vehicles. And, use the Z6 gloss enhancer after or between applications of Z2/Z5, ie after washing the vehicle. I don't think it does much good to apply just prior to another coat of Z2/Z5.
Take your time, don't rush. You'll be surprised how fast the process moves along. Then, sit back and enjoy the shine.
Jim M.
I'd eliminate Step #8 -- Z-6 enhances the shine and reflectiveness, so if you're going to apply another coat of Z-5 or Z-2, you don't really need the Z-6 step in between. Then, reverse the order of Steps 10 and 11, i.e., after allowing 24 hours drying time, apply another coat of Z-5 or Z-2. If you want a final Z-2 coat (e.g., after Z-5), postpone the Z-6 and let the car dry for another 24 hours, then apply Z-2, allow to dry, wipe off, followed finally by Z-6.
In response to your last two questions, you can apply subsequent coats of Z-5 or Z-2 at any time, but only to a clean surface (after allowing 24 hours drying time between coats). If my car merely has a thin layer of dust after driving for several days, I first remove the dust with a clean, white, 100% cotton-made-in-USA towel, using very light pressure to avoid scratches, then I apply Z-6. However, if there's more than a thin layer of dust, use Z-7 to wash, dry it thoroughly, then apply Z-5/Z-2 (if you want the added protection) and allow to dry, wipe it off, followed by Z-6. BTW, Z-2 is more reflective than Z-5 and will provide a deeper and better shine.
Final advice (learned from practical experience and frustration): use all the Zaino products sparingly -- less is more!!! A heavy application of Z-1, Z-2 or Z-5 prolongs drying time, is a waste of the product and generally is counterproductive. And when spraying Z-6, open the nozzle just slightly so you get a fine spray and definitely not a stream. Make sure you do a small section at a time, and wipe if off before it dries, again, using a clean, white 100% cotton-made-in-USA towel.
Hope this helps. LOL!
Also depending on where you live and temperature, if you start out really early in the morning (after you have initially applied your base coat and done your claying, etc), you might be able to apply a second coat the same day.
I may be doing something wrong but Z5 seems to shine better than Z2. It appears that way - may be because I have a white vehicle.
After claying and the Z1, you will be really amazed and how easy and fast it goes. You won't believe how smooth the car will be after claying, and with a little Z6 on the aplicator pad, the Z1, 5 and 2 just glide on. It is so easy, you will think something is wrong - polishing a car is supposed to be hard work! Well - no more.
In general -
It is really interesting - As I scan other car forums, M-B, Lexus, Solara, etc, there is ALWAYS some dialog on Zaino products, and it is always the same - some advice, some skepticism, some reassuring that we are not on Sal's payroll!! LOL! Sal must be having a good chuckle watching all this!
Nothing to add to the above....just show us some pics after you're done. Humidity and the amount of Zaino you applied (remember, less is better) will be the determining factors in how long it takes it to dry. Also, remember that when you put the initial Z1/Z2 or Z5 combo on, you have two layers that need to dry. This will take longer.
One of the tricks we have all used is to dampen your applicator with Z6 before you put on the Z1/Z5 or Z2. Put a very thin line of Z1/Z2 or Z5 in an "X" or "+" pattern, squezze the applicator a couple of times to get the wax to spread evenly on the applicator, then begin to put it on your finish.
Have fun and enjoy the shine.
We're here to help.
Use the products sparingly, allow thorough drying, and a little experience make the initial job relatively quick.
To a novice, it does sound like a gigantic chore, but it's easier done than said!! LOL.... I have never had to wait hours or overnight for anything to dry. By the time I get done applying the Z stuff, it's dry and time to wipe it off. Guess we must just have the perfect weather here in CT for Zaino! LOL....
I LOVE the end result!
fastdriver
Does that thirty minutes include applying and removing?
What do you apply it with? A mop? And did you include the roof? I need a step ladder to do the roof. I move the step ladder six times to be able to get the full roof.
I try to be efficient as possible but your times seem superhuman.
My intent was not to show any athletic prowess, but to demonstrate that the time factor is not that bad if the vehicle is dry, the product applied sparingly, let to dry thoroughly, and the user has prior experience.
Disclaimer: I am not an employee of, investor in, or brainwashed by the Zaino Brothers Co.
Drying time is the biggest pain in the butt. Did you get Z6? Z6 is my favorite Zaino product.
WOW!!! Looks FANTASTIC! Better than the GTP! LOL...I know that it will always look like this. One suggestion- I know there is a lot of pros and cons about car bras, but I suggest you look into one for highway driving. Because of the slope of the hood, it is VERY prone to stone chips! One other suggestion- get the mudguards to protect the lower back bumper.
I know your uncle is smiling on you, knowing that he did the right thing by leaving you the car! It looks so much better with the lighter interior. I had no choice when I got mine. The only color around was the dark grey.
Thanks for posting them.
jfz219-
LOL... I like your disclaimer. Do you mind if I borrow it? ;-))
fastdriver
graphicguy...great pics! I rented a 300M that looked just like that...minus the shine! The car was loads of fun to drive. How is it holding up reliability wise?
pjyoung--about the only time I use Z5 is in the fall and winter because it holds up a little better in the harsh weather. In the summer, I use only Z2.
gladichecked--I'm extremely impressed with the reliability, build quality and quality of materials. Nothing that I can even remotely think of going back to the dealer for. That said, the car is only a month old.
trooper--I looked very closely at the TL a while back...a fine car. Local dealer's sucked, but that's more of a refelction of the dealer's and not their cars. I'm a big believer in buying not only the cars, but the dealership, too. The 2 local acura dealers did little to instill confidence in "service after the sale".
I love Zaino leather care products, too. They do everything that they advertise and make my car smell "new" every time I use them. As PJ pointed out, they don't leave the "high gloss" shine on leather which I prefer. They leave the leather very rich looking and smelling, though.
Thankes for the kudos!
I should say claying is a must before any waxing, zaino or no-zaino! On this old car, it made a huge difference. Clayed parts were 1000 times smoother than unclayed ones. W/o claying, waxing is equal to grinding dirt into the finish, it seems.
After removing years worth of old waz layers and small contaminants, I was pleased to see that the clear coat underneath was in a pretty good shape: smooth and clear. Don't know if it was a superb paint job by Subaru, or that stuff (AutoFom) I was putting on for years really protected the finish.
The only thing that bothered me was that even after 2 washes with Dawn and thorough claying, water was still beading off... does it mean, I did not really cut through the old waxes all the way?
1) What do you recommend for cleaning car windows? Is any protectant I can apply to glass, to keep it clean longer?
2) Does Z leave stains on black rubber/vinyl trim, and how do you treat the trim for better looks?
3) What do you recommend for alloy wheels, to enhance and protect the shine of polished/machined alloy wheels?
trooper: I've had very good results with the Zaino leather products. They work!
All: I too had extremely good results with Z-5. Last July, I clayed again and used Z-1 and Z-5 on my car. The result was so good that I kept thinking it was better than Z-2. But then I thought that my vision was just being fooled by the latest effort and that maybe my previous Z-2 layers where just fading from memory. Now I see that others have had the same impression. What gives?
For cleaning glass, try Z-12 or any similar product. I've also heard that BonAmi does a good job. As for glass protectant, I've heard mixed reviews about RainX. I personally use GlassPlus or Windex, but be careful with the spray -- it probably isn't the best thing to get on Z-2ed paint.
I've never heard of a Zaino product staining black rubber/vinyl trim. Try Z-16 on both -- it's great!
I've used RainX Wheel Protectant with success. It's fairly new on the market and sometimes hard to find. I know that K-Mart carries it, and I think I heard that PepBoys does too. I have clear coat silver painted alloys on my MB E320, and I've reverted to using Z-2.
LOL with the real thing after your dress rehersal on the Subaru.
Kate--windows are something I have yet to master in my car care routine. An oldy but a goody still prevails...vinegar and water. Everything else streaks for me. RainX leaft me with residue over time for me so I quit using it a couple of years ago. I have used BonAmi on the windows with decent results. I guess I just prefer to wash them when they get residue on them and be done with it. I agree with MB. You now have a very "slick" surface. If you kept your Subaru waxed regularly, then you are probably seeing the results of your diligence after you clayed.
A good (and imperative) rule of thumb for trim...if the trim is smooth, then by all means Z1/Z2 or Z5 it. It will leave it very shiny. If it has any sort of texture at all...don't use Zaino wax on it. I'm sure Z16 will work well. I always use the onld standby Lexol trim treatment on textured trim with good results.
I have chrome wheels and wax them just like I do the painted surfaces on the car with great results. Most of the alloy wheels I've seen have clearcoat on them so you can treat them just like a clear coated surfaces on your car.
Z5 - I use the Z5 every few times, Z2 the rest. It completely removed ALL the swirl marks on my almost-new Solara, and 80% of them on our 4-year-old Accord. There appears to be a limit though, to what it can do.
In the Spring, I will do a complete wash, clay AND machine glazing of the paint to make it as perfect as possible for a couple of Z2 coats. It is so close, I now want it to be flawless.
Kate: Windows, love to look through them, hate to clean them. I've used the Zaino Glass Polish which is very slightly abrasive to remove stains and plastic residue. I then use good olde Windex to clean up any remaining residue. This seems to work well for me. Afterwards, I even apply some Z6 to my windows for a RainX effect. Z6 does OK for shedding water but that effect doesn't last too long. But the Z6 does make the window seem to be a bit more clear and it also makes it easier to clean.
I was going to question cole01's choice of Z-3 also, BUT I thought I read somewhere that the black on the Lexus is NOT clearcoat?? I don't know for sure.
fastdriver
What harm would occur if Z2 were applied on a Non-clear coat finish and vice-versa with Z3 on a clear coat finish?
According to Sal's site, this is the description for Z-3:
Same molecular chemistry formula as Z-2 Show Car Polish above, but also includes a custom blend of emulsifiers to deep clean regular paints, which tend to oxidize, shrink and lose their resiliency quicker. Special filling agents for fine scratches, buffing and swirl marks and a flex agent that is compatible with single stage urethanes, lacquers, enamels, lucite, emeron, acrylics and older paint formulations. One eight ounce bottle of Z-3 Show Car Polish will yield approximately eight to ten coats on a mid-size car.
Different formula than the Z-2.
fastdriver
To fastdriver: I can read and know Z2 and Z3 are different formulations but that still does not answer my question.
I am very new to this car waxing thing. I did a butcher job when I waxed my 81 Tercel about 20 years ago and nothing since. I found the product very easy to use, with excellent results. I got the hang of applying the different products and the next time will be a snap. From what I've read here, applying too much is actually counter-productive, so the results should improve. I feel good that I have protected my new car from the winter and know that I can do a pretty quick p.m. whenever we get a warm day. thanks for all the info and tips posted in this forum.
"What will the Z5 do after the others have been applied?"
Unless you have small scratches or swirl marks you can forgo the application of Z5 and just use Z2. Z5 will cover small swirl scratches and swirl marks. Some people have said that Z5 seems to shine better on light colored vehicles but only you can be the judge of that. Z2 is said to have higher optical properties than Z5.
When applying z5, or z2 apply it super, super thin. A quarter size drop should be enough to cover a car hood and more. As far as using Z6 or a spritz of water on the applicator, this is optional.
You can put Z5 on your car after the initial Z1/Z2 application now. General rule of thumb is to wait 6-24 hours for the Z1/Z2 to "cure" before applying subsequent Zaino applications.
After a week, you're fine.
Z5 does fill in minor swirls. Depending on severity of the swirls, this may take several applications.
It's personal preferences between what shines the best (Z2 or Z5). I think Z2 gives the "ultimate" shine. That said, I usually use alternate applications of Z2 and Z5...Z5 in winter (when the only wash I can do is the spray jobs). Z2 in the summer when I can do a proper detail in my driveway. This seems to work well.
If you are on the West Cost, you probably need to add a day.