I'm planning to scotchguard the upholstery in older car. What do you recommend for washing/cleaning it before applying scotchguard? I don't want to "seal" the old dirt under the scotchguard.
For your first Zaino order, recommend the following as a minimum: Z-1, Z-2 (or Z-3 if your car doesn't have clear coat), Z-6 and Z-7. If you want to be certain that all the contaminants and dirt are removed, add the Z-18 ClayBar, and if your paint has slight scratches/swirl marks, add Z-5. That should get you started.
Meanwhile, review the directions for use and the tips and hints sections of the Zaino web site for details. And suggest you review previous postings here, especially those by kate5000 and responses to her questions. You'll be a Zaino expert and fanatic in no time. LOL.
I finally did it - backed up into a white car with my black LS, leaving scratches and white paint on my rear bumper, which I believe is plastic (??). Any suggestions on a) how to remove the white paint embedded in the scratches, and b) how to remove the scratches? They are not very deep, but definitely noticable to the touch.
My initial reaction is to recommend claying the paint out and then using Z5 to fill in the residual scratch marks. BUT, I think a call to Sal Zaino is in order. He's the real expert in such matters.
By the way, I think there is something wrong with the Maintenance Topic Display List. Can anyone confirm this?
I just Zaino'd my dark green 2001 4Runner. Went with the Z1 and Z2 combo along with the leather conditioner.
The truck looks great! However, it took an excruciating long 8-9 hours for this stuff to dry. Ever have to wait to open your x-mas present?! It was about 45 deg and rainy outside so I'm to blame.
The leather treatment turned out nice as well. It goes on a little shiny but once it's absorbed into the leather, it leaves it feeling and smelling rich.
On the way to work today, some rude feathered creature decided to go on a bombing raid all over my hood. Picasso would have been proud. Got home later on in the day and lo and behold that stuff just flaked right off. A couple of soft swipes with a damp cloth and she was good as new.
Anyone know how long Sal and the gang have been around? I would be interested to hear about the experiences of long-time users.
Let's wait until midnight PST and see if Oracle's midnight madness fixes everything. If it does not, we'll find another way to straighten this mess out.
Pat Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
This is indeed STRANGE! I have not be able to get into the Zaino topic for the past two days with Netscape Communicator no matter what method I used. I did not use the search feature. Tonight(11/21) I tried it again- NOTHING. Then I decided to try IE 5.0. Got to my Welcome Page and clicked on M&R from the new logo box. It took me to M&R but there were NO messages listed there- just SEE NEW and CREATE. I clicked see new, but nothing happened. Then, I clicked on my placemarks and from there, I clicked on the Zaino topic and VOILA! Here I am.
WHY would it work with one browser and not another if it's a WE/Oracle or whatever problem? Just one more thing I can never figure out about computers. Hence my real e-mail name "Totally Confused"! LOL.....
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
fastdriver
PS When I went to post this last night, I got a server error. Looks like that Oracle thing didn't work! Still can't see a thing with Netscape- blank page.
You are seeing what many of us are seeing, and yes, the two different browsers are behaving differently. That's not that unusual on a website, BTW.
I also can find no way in with Netscape, but got here just now by using "search" in IE. Others have also reported success in using placemarks to get to specific topics here - sounds like that only works in IE as well.
I'm reporting all of this now and we hope that soon everything will back to normal.
Pat Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
wrote: "I would be interested to hear about the experiences of long-time users."
Just read previous posts here, and/or go to the discussion section - Car Care Products - of http://www.corvetteforum.com for more infomation on Zaino than you want.
"However, it took an excruciating long 8-9 hours for this stuff to dry."
Never experienced that, Usually dries in less than an hour. Make sure you are spreading it really thin. And I mean real thin. It should look like a smear when it is going on. When my (white) vehicle has had it applied it can be difficult to tell that there is anything to remove.
Zaino is the best product I ever use! And I can't wait to polish up my car after this chilling winter (I live in North East). During the past summer, I had 5 layer of Z2 and the result is so awesome that my neighbor rang my door bell and ask me where do I buy my polish! Just wondering, should I re-apply Z1 when I polish next spring? How often should I use Z1? Also, should I start from scratch--DAWN the car, clay, etc.... If you used Zaino for more than a year. Please share your experience, have a wonderful thanksgiving weekend!
Z1 is recommended 2X a Year for every day driver vehicles or after every 10 coats have been applied. On light colored vehicles an additiona coat of Z1 has been found to enhance the shine so it would not hurt if you applied Z1 more often...except maybe in your wallet. If I were you I would probably Z1 after applying my first Z2 or Z5 coat in the spring.
You should not use Dawn on your car again once you are beyond the initial Zaino process(which you are). Stick with the Z7 wash instead.
If you decide to clay the car I certainly would suggest using Z1 afterwards. I know my own vehicle has a few spots that are not coming out with just the Z7 wash alone. I plan on just claying the areas that need it, applying a thin coat of Z1 on the entire vehicle and next using Z2 or Z5. Sal says the clay will not remove the Zaino.
You probably already know this, but most of your questions can be answered at www.zainobros.com.
thank you for your advise. I cant wait to Z my car next spring, I will try to do it when its 60F or find a rich friend whose house has a heated garage and hot water for car wash (pray for me!)
Just got in again through IE and my placemarks. I WAS surprised to see that my message WAS posted because when I hit post, I got a server error message! Glad I didn't keep trying it or my message would have been posted 5 times! LOL...
This is indeed STRANGE. When I tried to post the message above, I got the server error message again that said my request COULD NOT be completed. So, I hit the back button which took me back to my message that was still in the message box where I typed it. From that page, there were NO buttons to click on below the SPELLCHECK/POST buttons. So, I scrolled up to SEARCH and typed in ZAINO. It took me back to this page where my message was indeed posted!
Hope this helps you to try and track down the problem.
FWIW, I've had NO problems getting here from the pull-down menu at the upper left. I go the maint/repair, get the topics and go from there. Is that what you all are doing, or are you trying to do, access this page directly? I had trouble a few weeks ago going directly to the Lincoln LS, part whatever, page during EDMUNDS' "upgrade". No problems since EDMUNDS apparently went back to the old format.
Forgive me if this question has already been done to death.
I just purchased a '01 Acura TL (Emerald) and want to keep that "new car shine" for a long time. In one Acura forum (not Edmunds) I've seen nothing but raves for the German import from Klasse called All-in-One and its companion gloss sealant.
I've purchased both of the leather products, but am concerned with using them. I was hoping they were a spray product that you could spray on a rag, then wipe onto the seats. I understand them to be a liquid that you should apply with your fingers. Doesn't doing that get that goo all into the sticking, seams, etc? If you only applying my hand, it must take allot of the product to smear all over the seats. I'm also fearful that I'll do this and when I sit down, have residue all over my cloths. Can anyone give me their techniques that will avoid any of these problems?
The leather treatment actually instructs you to apply it with a rag, but I find that using your fingers actually makes the product last longer, and it seems to insure good, complete coverage. After I apply it, I simply wipe any residue with a clean rag. I haven't had any problems with goo sticking in seams, etc.
Rubbing the leather treatment in with your hands is much more efficient, as you do not lose all the liquid that would be absorbed by the rag. Also it feels good, and you can really feel how it is being absorbed.
The conditioner absorbs into the leather - there is none lurking after it dries and you buff it! I have only tried this with Lexol, but it is probably the same with others as well.
By the way, I can only get a blank page with Netscape, and had to use IE to visit.
I've had some real stubborn marks on my windshield on my 2K Maxima SE that I've tried to clean off with various products with no success.
I've also put a real crappy treatment of RainX on many months ago which just came out horrible..Ive tried Windex, Windex with Vinegar, Armor All Glass cleaner etc all the commercial glass cleaners. Tried paper towel and newspaper all to no avail. My latest attempt was with some Rain X "Glass Polish'. Well I followed the instructions and not only did it not get rid of the stains on my windshield, it actually lefy minute scratches on my windshield!! Ican't feel the scratches bit can see them when the sun really shines on the shield.
Will Z12 be able to clean the marks off my windshiels where the others have failed and should it get rid of the scratches?
Also is Zaino mail order only or will they take Visa/MC orders over the phone?
I think Zaino is available only by mail order through the web-site or C.O.D. Visit the web-site at www.zainobros.com and they have all of the details to keep your awesome Maxima SE looking top notch. Most people call Sal(?) himself to get info. I'm new at this, but maybe someone else has answers. Gregg
I have yet to try Z12...but plan to because I have waterspots that won't come out with Vinegar, or Coca-cola. I hear Zaino Z12 works where others have failed.
I didn't order any leather product when I placed my Zaino order. This week-end I'm going to do the Zaino thing on my brand-new 2001 LHS - she's beautiful! What I'd like to know from you guys is: Is there any off-the-shelf product for leather interiors that you are pleased with?
From your testimonies here I am convinced that Zaino is the best exterior product around but what do you recommend for leather interiors?
I have not tried the Zaino product yet, but I have been using Lexol for many years with great results. Rub it in with your hands, let it set then buff it off with a dry towel. This is professional leather treatment, and will leave your leather soft and supple.
When using Netscape, most of us are getting blank pages. From what I can see, I can tell that the reason is that your scripting engine does not complete the HTML text on the page. IE is more tolerant to incomplete HTML as compared to Netscape. However, IE is slower than Netscape, so please fix that scripting problem for us Netscape users -- PLEASE!
Got my Zaino products a couple of weeks ago but haven't had a chance to apply them yet. Read the Zaino page but wanted a few clarifications. I have the white towels and applicator but what are you using when you wash your cars - surely not the big white towel - maybe a Cannon wash cloth? Also, I've read that you apply everything very thinly but what size area would you estimate you cover for each time you apply product to the applicator? 1' x 1', 2' x 2'? Any more advice in this area would be appreciated.
BTW, Sal does have local distributors in many cities so you may not have to do mail order. I believe there's a link to this on the Zaino website or you can send Sal a mail.
Unfortunately it sounds like you are having a problem that many - not all - of us are having. It seems to be something going on with our host software that we are continuing to try to resolve.
There have been some other posts in this topic about the problem. If you missed them, go back through the last 40 posts or so.
There has also been some very active discussion in our News and Views Conference. I'll give you a link to the topic where the discussion began. Check the dates on the posts and read back for the last ten or twelve days to see the discussion:
This topic was frozen the other day, but there is a link to the continuation of the discussion (part 3) at the end.
All I can say right now is hang in there. We are trying to get this fixed, but there are several obstacles in the way. (You may be interested in reading more of the topic I linked above to learn about these obstacles.)
Meanwhile, we very much appreciate everyone's patience, and everyone's participation in Town Hall.
Pat Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
I now use a Fieldcrest Hand sized Towel when washing the car. I used to use Soft Sponges but have heard they may cause scratches.
When I apply Zaino I can't tell you exactly how much it will cover. I apply it very thinly. If you have ever used Windex and wiped it...and seen a kind of "thin film" right before it evaporates...that is how thinly I apply the Z1, Z2 or Z5. (if that description makes any sense).
You can use a slight amount of water mist or Z6 spray on your applicator to make the Z2 or Z5 spread further. Don't use anything for the Z1--which is generally applied a few times a year at most.
After it has been applied, looking at the car from a distance, I usually can't tell that there is even anything to remove. Your first few applications you will probably apply more than you really need to. It is a learn as you go process until you perfect it.
Don't know if this is a stupid question or not, but here goes. Is Z-5 compatible with Z-3? I have a black Lexus SC300 and wasn't sure which to use first. I'm brand new to the Zaino products, and want to get to work this weekend. Thanks in advance for any and all responses.
Yes, Z5 and Z3 are compatible with each other. If you've got swirl marks, use the Z5 until they are gone (it might need a few coats). Then, follow up with Z3 when you are ready. Right now, I only have the Z5 on my car, but it still seems to protect just was well as the Z2 (I've got clearcoat).
and CAR POLISH I always say, are topics not to be discussed in polite company.
It might bear mentioning that the reason this thread was started was because everytime a "Zaino" thread there was a minimium of one hotly contested rebuttal with accusations of corruption and religious fever.
Is your post directed towards me? I'm confused because I certainly know the history of the multiple iterations of this topic and the Store Bought Waxes topic. :-)
I was just suggesting to tunabear that it's probably better to ask whether anyone has done a comparison between Zaino and Klasse here since in the other topic they don't use Zaino.
Sorry if I wasn't clear.
Pat Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
I searched for Klasse on Deja newsearch. I could only find two posts, both praising Klasse. There was no comparison to other products and the posts were quite brief.
I had mentioned a while ago I found some genuine lamb's wool mitts at Costco. They are great for washing the car and also for buffing off the Zaino polish. The lamb's wool is much softer than cotton towels. They are similar to the wool on thick sheepskin seatcovers.
BTW - I still can't get in from Netscape, and must fire up IE to check in. Pat - I hope that this is fixed, soon - I really hate the ergonomics of IE!
After reading all the topics here and there which one is best, finally decided on the Z products. Ordered it today can't wait to Z my SUV. If anybody has done a Suburban or Yukon XL, please tell me the easy way to do the ROOF! Once I get the behemoth done (2001 Yukon XL - Indigo Blue)I'll post the pictures and let everybody know how it went. Well I'm off to go workout to get ready to do this big truck.
I don't think you will be disappointed with Zaino. Just remember to apply a very thin coat. It takes time getting used to that if you have used wax products in the past.
Comments
still did not get my zaino, btw... ;-(
wily
Meanwhile, review the directions for use and the tips and hints sections of the Zaino web site for details. And suggest you review previous postings here, especially those by kate5000 and responses to her questions. You'll be a Zaino expert and fanatic in no time. LOL.
Thanks in advance!
By the way, I think there is something wrong with the Maintenance Topic Display List. Can anyone confirm this?
Also, did anyone try to Z stainless steel appliances?
Kate: Yes, you can put Z2 on your lights. I just use Z6 and that seems to do the trick.
with the Z1 and Z2 combo along with the leather
conditioner.
The truck looks great! However, it took an
excruciating long 8-9 hours for this stuff to dry. Ever have to wait to open your x-mas present?! It was about 45 deg and rainy outside so I'm to blame.
The leather treatment turned out nice as well. It
goes on a little shiny but once it's absorbed into
the leather, it leaves it feeling and smelling
rich.
On the way to work today, some rude feathered
creature decided to go on a bombing raid all over
my hood. Picasso would have been proud. Got home
later on in the day and lo and behold that stuff
just flaked right off. A couple of soft swipes
with a damp cloth and she was good as new.
Anyone know how long Sal and the gang have been
around? I would be interested to hear about the
experiences of long-time users.
This is the first time I've been able to get in here as me, not "guest" in two days.
We think that the problem getting in here may be fixed around midnight PST tonight.
Hang in there (as you obviously are doing!).
Now, let's see what happens when I try once again to access the topic list, will I see topics or just a blank page? :-)
Pat
Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
Let's wait until midnight PST and see if Oracle's midnight madness fixes everything. If it does not, we'll find another way to straighten this mess out.
Pat
Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
WHY would it work with one browser and not another if it's a WE/Oracle or whatever problem? Just one more thing I can never figure out about computers. Hence my real e-mail name "Totally Confused"! LOL.....
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
fastdriver
PS When I went to post this last night, I got a server error. Looks like that Oracle thing didn't work! Still can't see a thing with Netscape- blank page.
I also can find no way in with Netscape, but got here just now by using "search" in IE. Others have also reported success in using placemarks to get to specific topics here - sounds like that only works in IE as well.
I'm reporting all of this now and we hope that soon everything will back to normal.
Pat
Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
experiences of long-time users."
Just read previous posts here, and/or go to the discussion section - Car Care Products - of http://www.corvetteforum.com for more infomation on Zaino than you want.
"However, it took an excruciating long 8-9 hours for this stuff to dry."
Never experienced that, Usually dries in less than an hour. Make sure you are spreading it really thin. And I mean real thin. It should look like a smear when it is going on. When my (white) vehicle has had it applied it can be difficult to tell that there is anything to remove.
Zaino is the best product I ever use! And I can't wait to polish up my car after this chilling winter (I live in North East). During the past summer, I had 5 layer of Z2 and the result is so awesome that my neighbor rang my door bell and ask me where do I buy my polish! Just wondering, should I re-apply Z1 when I polish next spring? How often should I use Z1? Also, should I start from scratch--DAWN the car, clay, etc.... If you used Zaino for more than a year. Please share your experience, have a wonderful thanksgiving weekend!
You should not use Dawn on your car again once you are beyond the initial Zaino process(which you are). Stick with the Z7 wash instead.
If you decide to clay the car I certainly would suggest using Z1 afterwards. I know my own vehicle has a few spots that are not coming out with just the Z7 wash alone. I plan on just claying the areas that need it, applying a thin coat of Z1 on the entire vehicle and next using Z2 or Z5. Sal says the clay will not remove the Zaino.
You probably already know this, but most of your questions can be answered at www.zainobros.com.
Have a great holiday!
Just got in again through IE and my placemarks. I WAS surprised to see that my message WAS posted because when I hit post, I got a server error message! Glad I didn't keep trying it or my message would have been posted 5 times! LOL...
Happy Thanksgiving to all. Drive carefully.
fastdriver
This is indeed STRANGE. When I tried to post the message above, I got the server error message again that said my request COULD NOT be completed. So, I hit the back button which took me back to my message that was still in the message box where I typed it. From that page, there were NO buttons to click on below the SPELLCHECK/POST buttons. So, I scrolled up to SEARCH and typed in ZAINO. It took me back to this page where my message was indeed posted!
Hope this helps you to try and track down the problem.
fastdriver
Hang in there and go eat some turkey.
Your host, Bruce
I just purchased a '01 Acura TL (Emerald) and want to keep that "new car shine" for a long time. In one Acura forum (not Edmunds) I've seen nothing but raves for the German import from Klasse called All-in-One and its companion gloss sealant.
Anyone here done a comparison?
You are one of the lucky ones, apparently. Many of us do not get the topic list when we come here. That's what folks are talking about.
We are still working on it.
I hope everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving!
Pat
Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
The conditioner absorbs into the leather - there is none lurking after it dries and you buff it! I have only tried this with Lexol, but it is probably the same with others as well.
By the way, I can only get a blank page with Netscape, and had to use IE to visit.
I've also put a real crappy treatment of RainX on many months ago which just came out horrible..Ive tried Windex, Windex with Vinegar, Armor All Glass cleaner etc all the commercial glass cleaners. Tried paper towel and newspaper all to no avail. My latest attempt was with some Rain X "Glass Polish'. Well I followed the instructions and not only did it not get rid of the stains on my windshield, it actually lefy minute scratches on my windshield!! Ican't feel the scratches bit can see them when the sun really shines on the shield.
Will Z12 be able to clean the marks off my windshiels where the others have failed and should it get rid of the scratches?
Also is Zaino mail order only or will they take Visa/MC orders over the phone?
Thanks
Jeff
Gregg
If you have to order by CC try Eckler's. www.ecklers.com
It is available from them by CC but I have never ordered from them.
From your testimonies here I am convinced that Zaino is the best exterior product around but what do you recommend for leather interiors?
Thanks for your time.
BTW, Sal does have local distributors in many cities so you may not have to do mail order. I believe there's a link to this on the Zaino website or you can send Sal a mail.
There have been some other posts in this topic about the problem. If you missed them, go back through the last 40 posts or so.
There has also been some very active discussion in our News and Views Conference. I'll give you a link to the topic where the discussion began. Check the dates on the posts and read back for the last ten or twelve days to see the discussion:
More Talk To The Hosts
This topic was frozen the other day, but there is a link to the continuation of the discussion (part 3) at the end.
All I can say right now is hang in there. We are trying to get this fixed, but there are several obstacles in the way. (You may be interested in reading more of the topic I linked above to learn about these obstacles.)
Meanwhile, we very much appreciate everyone's patience, and everyone's participation in Town Hall.
Pat
Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
When I apply Zaino I can't tell you exactly how much it will cover. I apply it very thinly. If you have ever used Windex and wiped it...and seen a kind of "thin film" right before it evaporates...that is how thinly I apply the Z1, Z2 or Z5. (if that description makes any sense).
You can use a slight amount of water mist or Z6 spray on your applicator to make the Z2 or Z5 spread further. Don't use anything for the Z1--which is generally applied a few times a year at most.
After it has been applied, looking at the car from a distance, I usually can't tell that there is even anything to remove. Your first few applications you will probably apply more than you really need to. It is a learn as you go process until you perfect it.
This is probably the best topic to ask for comparisons of it with Zaino, though, so maybe someone will yet chime in.
Pat
Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
and CAR POLISH I always say, are topics not to be discussed in polite company.
It might bear mentioning that the reason this thread was started was because everytime a "Zaino" thread there was a minimium of one hotly contested rebuttal with accusations of corruption and religious fever.
I was just suggesting to tunabear that it's probably better to ask whether anyone has done a comparison between Zaino and Klasse here since in the other topic they don't use Zaino.
Sorry if I wasn't clear.
Pat
Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
BTW -
I still can't get in from Netscape, and must fire up IE to check in. Pat - I hope that this is fixed, soon - I really hate the ergonomics of IE!