You are right, 98monte_ls, your paint won't come off by going to an automatic car wash.
However, It will get swirls and small scratches. Sometimes even worse. If I do go to the automatic car wash (I haven't gone yet but will probably go once this season, mainly for the undercarriage wash) I will tell them, don't touch the interior, no hand drying and no pre-washing with those nasty looking brushes that certainly cause scratching. Just the exterior and undercarriage wash only. No hot wax, or glo-wax crap either.
And then I will Z7/water and or Z6 the entire vehicle as needed.
If you want to know what Zaino is all about scroll up in the topic and read all about it and/or try these links:
I also check the car wash attendant's hands. If their finger nails are too long, I make them wear latex gloves, which I carry with me at all times. I marinate and store the gloves in a zip lock bag containing a cup of Z7. Pop the bag in your glove box and you are ready to deal with the unclean masses. ;-)
Why would you rewash your car before Z-2ing after driving just a mile, when you Z-2 without rewashing after leaving the car in the garage overnight? If the mile is driven in wet or slushy road conditions, it makes sense. But driving one mile over dry, paved roads, and then washing again seems like an overkill.
BTW, I think Sal Zaino recommends that you remove the thin layer of dust that accumulates overnight in the garage using a California Duster or clean 100% cotton towel (with very light pressure). Then, use Z-2 or Z-6. Seems to me the same would apply after driving one mile.
I think just applying and removing an application of Z6 with a cotton towel is sufficient preparation for applying an additional coat of Z5 or Z2.
You have to remember that there are many different people here...daily drivers as well as people putting their vehicles in car shows. I have no intentions of entering my vehicle in any show so I am not that fanatical about its appearance. It is not garaged either. I am just happy that it looks clean and shiny.(I just wish it would stay that way...but I can't control the weather)
I just washed it today with Z7. Last time I applied Z2 was a week prior to Thanksgiving. It looks great so I just Z6ed it. Thought about putting another Z2 coat on but figured it looks good, there is more snow in the forecast, and the roads have plenty of puddles from melting snow so it won't stay clean for long anyway.
Well, heres an example. I hand washed my 300M yesterday (47 degrees). Looked beautiful too. Then I drove the 1.5 miles to the local library to return some books for my daughter. Melting snows were keeping the main roads wet and that crap was thrown up from passing cars, the car in front of me, and my on wheels. There went the wash job.
Living in a continuously developing area, the streets are always torn up, dust is constantly being kicked up. Dry paved roads are almost unheard of around here, at least until all the neighborhoods are completed. You mean there are areas where you can get to your house without passing over mud/dirt/crud flung out on the road from trucks leaving construction zones?
However, some of the posts look to me like Zaino employees or stockholders.
I just think that doing things like handing a marinated latex glove to the car wash kid, putting 5 coats of wax (albeit a special wax), not washing a salt-encrusted car all winter, etc are not practical for us everyday-driver people.
Yes, I wash my car by hand whenever possible but i draw the line at about 45 degrees. I also wax it a few times a year, and even used a clay bar once. I also clean the engine and try to keep the chassis, muffler, and insides of the alloy wheels clean. We got some rare snow here and I had to take it to an auto. car wash who did a great job because I will not drive a filthy car.
At 33K miles my car looks very good. Better than a lot of similar models. Not showroom-floor perfect but it's impossible to keep it like that especially for a car that is not garaged.
98monte ls: Please re-read Joebob6's last post. He said it best. We Zaino users are of all types, from show car owners to daily commuters. We're not Zaino stock holders. We just want to use the very best stuff on our cars. Yep, some of us are a bit fanatical, but others are just average. Like the man said, please go to the zaino site (www.zainobros.com) to get a better understanding of these products.
Joebob6: I too put my last coat of Z2 on during Thanksgiving. And thus far, it has lasted. But protegextwo does have a point. All that road salt on my car is starting to harden. I'd love to wash it off, but the last time I used a commercial auto wash, the washing process 'moved' the salt particals across my Z finish creating tons of swirls. All I did this last weekend was to 'try' to wash off my Z6 coated windows with a little Windex. That damn CC (Calcium Chloride) salt really sticks to everything, and when you apply Windex, it doesn't come off. It seems to just leave thinner and thinner layers. It took me three attempts to get my windows clean. And then I looked at the lower panels on my Accord Coupe and cried.
pjyoung: Heat Wave? Where do you live? Ya just don't know what ya missing! Don't you want to experience the beautiful wonders of a white snow filled winter? Ah, to roll around in it is heaven. Come on up here. But remember, don't eat the yellow snow.
I am in Kansas City. The snows from December 13 are still melting. Last weekend was the first time that the temps got above 32 degrees in a month. Winter is truly beautiful when sledding with my daughter, but dad gum - when the #$%(*#$ plowed snow is melting and keeping the roadways wet on a gloriusly clear day - then I hate it.
There were people waiting in line for HOURS at the "u-spray-it-off" wash ($1.50 for four minutes)_only to have the new wash job ruined from the slop thrown up from the roadway.
I have a 1300 PSI pressure washer that I used to spray the wheel wells and underside of the car ( and to knock the topmost layer of salt/dirt off the car), then hand washed the rest of the car. It looked great until my little jaunt to the libray.
The forecast is calling for falling temps (again) and another chance for snow. But for about 4 hours on Saturday, I had the shinest and best looking 300M in the KC metro area.
I also use Z-6 occasionally instead of Z-2 (or a Z-7 hand wash) IF the dirt/dust build up on the paint is very light. But Sal Zaino still strongly recommends removing the dust first if you don't intend to wash the car. The dust layer will cause light scratches and swirls if it isn't wiped off (lightly, using extremely light pressure) prior to applying Z-2 or Z-6.
98monte ls -- just after your first post (plant?!?), protegextwo came on with Post #1062 -- which obviously is tongue in cheek (and may not be that much of an exaggeration for some Zaino fanatics). Both pblevine and joebob6 are right on! We Zaino users are convinced that it's the best car care product on the market in terms of ease of use, durability and long-lasting protection (including UV protection). BTW, my wife thinks I've crossed the line with Zaino and have become a fanatic. But it's better than anything I've ever used!
pjyoung -- sorry about the road conditions in Kansas City. No wonder you wash after driving one mile. Suggest you look into mud flaps for your 300M. They won't help with the guck that other cars in front of you kick up, but they work well in helping keep the lower panels clean. The ones that Honda puts on their cars are nice -- molded and contoured, not the old fashioned flapping rubber mats hanging from the lower fenders. Maybe DC has them for the 300M -- I just had them installed on my MB E320, and they're great!
Mud flaps - check! I had them installed in September. They do help. Without them, the wheels throw up a tremendous amount of junk. These are molded and they stop big stuff (like road tar and rocks), but there is still a lot of junk thrown up.
But after the wash, the Z application I had applied in late October was still shining nicely and water was beading, which really did surprise me considering all of the road salt and junk thrown up on it on a daily basis for the past month. I didn't have time to put any Z2 on Saturday, but I did give it a quick spray of Z6.
pjyoung: It sounds like your winter is much worse than mine...at least so far.
If you are going to use a self serve car wash, I would suggest getting 32 ounce Spray bottle(s) and mixing a capful or two of Z7 wash and water and pre spraying the vehicle with it to help loosen up the dirt. Should also work on the windows.
Since it was relatively warm this past weekend, I sprayed the entire vehicle with Z7 water spray. Then I refilled the sprayer again. I got a plain spray bottle of water, a bucket of clean water, and a 100% Cotton Hand towel.
I would spray a section of the vehicle again with Z7/water and wipe it with the soaking wet towel as gently as I can, followed by spraying it with the water. I did this one section at a time and did not dry it. I had to empty and refill the bucket several times. After a couple of hours I went over the entire vehicle with Z6 including the windows and was quite happy with the results. Had time to put another coat of Z5 or Z2 on but decided against it. Sure it is possible I got some new swirl marks but it is a daily driver and will never be perfect.
I tried both Pinnacle Souverian and Zaino, and I feel that the two are the best waxes. I would like you hear your opinions, and which one do YOU prefer. Thank you!
I like that idea and will try it as soon as I can find a non-recycled water source. I've even got an old spray bottle in which I normally mix water and Z7 for use as a lub when claying.
pj: Great town, my father was born there. The entire east also has the same plowed snow conditions. A simple 20 mile drive to 'Jersey and back completely coated my car with road salts.
Just got started using Zanio for the first time,dawn ,clay,z7 rewash,z1&5. I was wondering why you need to wait 24 hours for the 2nd coat?Seems like as long as its dry the next coat could go on. I will wait but wondering why?Thanks for your in put.
reid8 -- Glad you're waiting 24 hours between applying coats of Z-5 (or Z-2). I believe that Sal Zaino says that the long wait guarantees complete drying and adherence so that you're not just smearing the first coat around when applying the second. Makes sense. LOL, and keep us posted on results.
The first coat looked so good I was ready for the next. I did a black Suburban and looks grerat with just 1 coat. The stuff is super easy to put on and take of and with no dust like you get from wax. I don't think I will ever go back to wax!
I haven't used Zaino, since I had already purchased some stuff from Griot's Garage (they have a pretty good website), and still waiting to do one of my cars. Just wanted to see if anyone here has tried both Griot's and Zaino. Thanks, Mac
As a non-Zaino user (yet) I think that he doesn't realize: 1. It takes only a few minutes to apply a coat of Zaino (after the initial prep), and 2. Unlike other waxes, the Zaino finish gets deeper and shinier with each additional application.
Without this understanding, we may seem like some real nuts to newbies!
Even WITH the understanding that Zaino is easy to apply AND that the Zaino finish gets deeper and shinier (wet look?) with each application, we may STILL seem like real nuts to newbies and others!! But another real advantage is that Zaino's protection is longer lasting and includes UV protection. No wonder why the uninitiated think we're Zaino employees or stockholders (if Sal ever decides to go public with Zaino, I'll buy all the stock I can get)!
I have tried both Zaino and Griot's garage. Zaino is a bit better and cheaper, but I think their Carnauba wax breathes better. Their Best of Show Wax is a different story.
Yeh, most of the people around me think I'm nuts. Just because I've got 7 coats of Z on each car and wash our cars every week and use the gloss enhancer after every wash. ..... For most people, running their car though the local car wash once a month is enough.
Their Best of Show wax is exactly opposite because it doesn't "breathe" well and lasts a bit longer than Zaino. Still, nothing beats Zaino in terms of shine!
I'm confused. How does Carnauba wax breathe? How does that affect the paint finish? And what makes you believe that Griot's Best of Show wax lasts longer than Zaino? -- under what conditions and with how many coats? How does it compare to Zaino regarding ease of use and UV protection?
I'm with mbdriver on this one. How does a Carnauba wax breathe? I can understand how we say that a cloth can breathe' - ie: let air through. Or a leather shoe can breathe allowing moist air (sweat) to evaporate. But a car wax is supposed to seal the paint/clear coat. If air gets past the wax layer, the finish could be subject to oxidation. Maybe mike542 is trying to say the wax will expand or flex without cracking to allow for metal expansion due to engine or direct sunlight generated heat. If so, Zaino is the champ there too. Zaino's polymer construction (be: long molecule strings) is designed to expand and contract along with the underlying sheet metal. But waxes cannot do this well (if at all).
Then again, I remember walking down the street the other day and hearing a car's finish making all sorts of noise. Sort of like an asthmatic! It seemed to be saying: "Get this wax stuff off of me!".
I love Zaino, but I sometimes don't have the time to keep using it. Is there are product, that lasts for a long time such as Nu Finish, that works well after a shiny finish created by Zaino.
I know of no law that prohibits the use of Nufinish over Zaino. It will undoubtedly work. It will probably work as well as if Zaino were not under it. Nufinish has no instructions that I remember which require you to strip the paint of any other waxes. I am sure that some will say that you are forfeiting the benefit of the "deep" shine that results from repeated use of Zaino products, but I probably would not notice and I am not sure that anyone has run a true comparison test by doing this on one panel and continuing to use Z on the other panels. What I want to know is why you think that putting Nufinish on the car will be any less time consuming than putting another coat of Z on the car? Also, have you seen any tests which show that Nufinish actually lasts longer than Zaino? I know that Nufinish did well on the Consumer Reports tests for longevity, but they did not test Zaino. I didn't think there was that much difference. To each his own.
Mike 542 - Why in the world would you want to apply NuFinish over Zaino? I used NuFinish for about 12 years before switching to Zaino and will never go back.
First, Zaino's shine deepens with each successive application of Z-2. Second, Zaino (Z-2 or Z-5) is much, much easier to use -- no rubbing or pressure needed when applying or removing Zaino, as opposed to that required by NuFinish (merely wipe on the Zaino and wipe off!). Third, Zaino leaves no powdery residue to get into nooks and crannies when wiped off, as opposed to NuFinish. Finally, Zaino is longer lasting than NuFinish, and I speak from experience; and unlike NuFinish, Zaino also provides UV protection.
NuFinish recommends a second application after 30 days, but within six months the protection is virtually gone, even when the car is garaged nightly. By contrast, I first applied Zaino almost 10 months ago and spent minimum time occasionally wiping on several additional coats of Z-2 following a Z-7 wash. Last November I applied another coat of Z-1 and Z-2, and the water still beads up as though I'd just used NuFinish yesterday.
In sum, Zaino is far superior to NuFinish in every way. The Zainoed finish is smooth, slick and shiny and stays that way with minimum care.
I have been a Zaino user for a while, and even with Zaino I have had to "motivate up" to do a full treatment on a TLC. (large surface area) Since it is a big vehicle, I get around to doing it about every 6 mo and I have one parked in a garage and outside 24/7. The protection on either is superb. I also have a smaller vehicle and don't have to get pumped up to put 6 coats of Z-2 on that little puppy (C-5, Z06)
I have found a NEW use for the Nu finish that I happen to have! I use it on my metal air conditioning unit! Since that takes all of two swipes!, I do it often and it shines like you wouldn't believe.
I just finished my 3rd coat on a black Suburban and it looks like glass.The truck has never looked so good. The shine is fantastic and like you said NO Powder.I will never go back to carnabua wax,the Zaino is so much easier to use too.No more wax in the cracks and a ton of powder to deal with. I fixing to start on my wifes black car,with 2 black vehicles the stuff will help me out a ton!I am so glad I heard of this stuff!
And as such will remove your Zaino. DON'T APPLY NUFINISH OVER ZAINO!!
I Just washed my car today. Z6'ed it and it felt like I just polished it. Last time I put a coat of Z2 on the week before Thanksgiving. Although it didnt need it today, being as anal aboout the finish as I am, I threw another coat of Z5 on, took about 35 minutes to apply and remove. I was quite happy it dried real fast but I always apply it THIN!!
If he is considering using Nufinish, why would he care if it removes the Zaino? It would seem that the question involves whether you can start using nufinish (for whatever reason he has, which I have not seen articulated, except MAYBE a perceived advantage in longevity), on a car that has previously had Zaino applied to it. In that context it doesn't seem all that important that Nufinish might "remove" the underlying Zaino finish. I am also not all that sure that the amount of abrasives in Nufinish (if any) is sufficient to do much. I have used it several times (both liquid and "paste") and have not seen enough evidence of pigment removal to convince me that it is very abrasive. In fact, what I saw might have happened with just a drying towel on badly oxidized paint. On a new car, I saw none, but I will assume you know that it does contain some abrasive.
This is what he wrote: "Is there are product, that lasts for a long time such as Nu Finish, that works well after a shiny finish created by Zaino."
It sounds to me like he is quite happy with the Zaino shine. Now he wants to put a product on top that will keep the Zaino shine and last for a long time. If he puts Nufinish on top he will lose the Zaino shine.
If he wants to start using Nufinish instead of Zaino, as you are suggesting, then you are right that he should have no problems making the switch but he should be forewarned that he will lose the shine.
Abrasives can be a touchy subject. I personally want NO ABRASIVES touching my vehicle finish unless I have exhausted all other options. "Mild" "abrasives" seems like a contradiction in terms. IMHO, Zaino lasts very long. Of course I have not tested against Nufinish nor has Consumer reports tested Zaino. I had used Nufinish in the past on a badly oxidized finish and it shined it up. The only way to do this is with abrasives.
I have some Nufinish Liquid in my garage and will test and see if it does in fact contain abrasives. If it does not contain any, I will post back here.
It is really kind of a silly discussion, isn't it? I wish there were some independent tests done to determine longevity. Shininess (if that is a word), is in the eye of the beholder. I interpreted his question, which he posted on at least 4 other forums, to be that he was tired of the hassle with Zaino and wanted to switch to Nufinish. I still question whether Zaino is any less durable or more difficult to apply, but if it makes him happy, I don't see any harm in applying Nufinish over Zaino, do you?
Once again, let me say that I used nothing but NuFinish for about 12 years before switching to Zaino -- I can state without any doubt that NuFINISH DOES NOT LAST AS LONG AS ZAINO, NOR DOES IT PROTECT AS WELL!!! I believe the confusion lies in the fact that some people don't realize that Zaino not only produces the deep "shininess" we all desire, it also protects the finish better than NuFinish or anything else I've tried.
I was fortunate enough to start using Zaino last April on a brand new car, just after the dealer had prepped it for delivery. After the blue Dawn wash, Z-1, Z-2 and Z-6, the car looked better than when delivered (deeper, "wet look" shine). I've also noticed that, after 10 months of driving and about six added coats of Z-2 plus one additional coat of Z-1 and Z-2 in early November, the paint is still slick and slippery and water just beads up on the finish.
Previously, after using NuFinish regularly on a new '98 model, I noted that road gunk and dirt would adhere to the lower panels of the car. I would have to use an abrasive stronger than NuFinish to remove the grime before applying NuFinish for protection. Now, however, on the '00 model new car with the Zaino protection, the dirt and grime DO NOT adhere to the finish as before; even with winter salt, a simple wash with Z-7 removes ALL the grime and leaves the paint as slick as can be, even on the lower panels.
Finally, compared with using NuFinish, Zaino use is about absolutely hassle free! What could be easier than wiping it on and wiping it off? No rubbing, no buffing and no powder residue.
I'm a true believer in Z-6 and use more of it than any other Zaino product. But I've modified its use. The finish on my '00 MB E320 is brilliant silver, so the shine and glossiness isn't quite as dramatic as on a black or dark colored car. So instead of using Z-6 immediately following a Z-2 application, I wait several days. Then, instead of a Z-7 wash, I remove the surface dust using a white cotton towel with very light pressure, followed by a Z-6 application. Of course, if there's too much dust or dirt on the paint, I wash the car. BTW, it's garaged and stays fairly clean except in wet or snowy weather.
Incidentally, I bought a case when I ordered my second batch of Zaino. My local distributor is really great! He not only permits me to mix the Zaino products to make up one case (and charges me only the case-lot price for each bottle), he also suggests what quantity of each product to complete the full case. Therefore, my case had only one bottle of Z-1, four Z-2, one Z-5, one Z-3 (for a '77 MB 300D with nonclearcoat paint, in perfect condition), one Z-7 and four Z-6. I also had ordered the Z-16 Tire Gloss and am very satisfied. I have good supply of Lexol for cleaning and treating the leather interior, but I've heard that the Z-9 and Z-10 are equal and help retain the "new car" smell. I'll try them eventually.
Well, here goes. I was at the Ft. Lauderdale classic car show a couple of weeks ago and picked up a sealant-polish-wax-protectant product called Formula 113. The classic car buffs I spoke to seemed to agree that this was the "best". Last week I used it on my Miata and Beemer. It was easy to apply (heavy liquid-no shaking needed) and easier to wipe off. I could apply it over my moon roof and on all the black vinyl exterior areas and also the chrome finishes without any white powder or stains. It has imparted a sensational shine to the cars. I live at the beach with no garage. I am truly impressed by this product. It is available through the Formula 113 website or at auto shows. Try it and then get back to me about Zaino. Ron
Hello All You've convinced me....I've spent the last wk trying to read through all the posts but of course i still have questions/concerns. My car is a Black 98 BMW convertible and I really want to take care of it since car washes are a thing of the past now:)
1. Will a lady who last washed a car 10 years ago be able to handle this procedure easily
2. First things do I use Z2 or Z5?
Z7 Is that just the car wash? When is it used
My plan Blue Dawn Wash Car must be dry (can i used california waterblade) Z18 Clay Bar Blue Dawn Wash (Is this necessary??) Car must be dry Z1 Polish wait overnight then........ Z2 or Z5 polish (Is 2 coats necessary?) Z6 (When should this be done?)
Thanks please respond asap as I wish to order the stuff today.
You'll do well. Just take your time. A few points: First, make sure you use 100% cotton towels (made in USA). Second, since you plan to go the full route (claying, dawn, etc.), I'd start with just one coat of Z2. Third, your procedure is a bit off: After you apply the initial Z1 coat, simply wait just a few minutes and then (while the Z1 coat is still fresh), apply the Z2. Let it dry overnight and remove the residue.
But before you do anything, please go to the Zaino website (www.zainobros.com) and read their tip and suggestions. That will give you the complete overview.
Everyone knows all about Formula 113...it has been around a long time...That stuff contains Silicone Oil!!! Silicone oil makes a great shine...just like Lemon Pledge. It would be fine at car shows...many judges seem to like that greasy feeling shine.
It will give a wonderful shine until the rain washes it off. Formula 113 has very poor longevity and is a product not to be used on a fiberglass body.
Only wait overnight for your car to dry if it is in a garage.
Using the Z18 claybar does take some work and can be very tiring...at least for me...IMHO it was the hardest part of the initial Zaino process. You also don't need the car to be dry before doing the claying. Remember to use plenty of Lube.(Spray bottle mixture of Z7 and water)
The second Dawn wash is necessary and yes your car should be dry before applying Z1. Apply Z1 with a dry applicator. Z2 and Z5 can be applied with a slightly moistened applicator of either water or Z6.
Another thing: Make sure you apply coats of Z1 and Z2 or Z5 very THIN!! I MEAN THIN...I can't stress this enough..and if you apply it thinly you should not need to wait overnight for it to dry. My description of thin is "what windex looks like right before it evaporates".
While 2 or more coats(Z2 or Z5) is not necessary it will increase the shine and lustre. And after you have done the initial process and have seen how easy it is to apply and remove a single coat you may like the results and want to do another application anyway.
Z6 between coats helps intensify the shine and slickness. Z6 as well as all the other Zaino paint polish products contain no Silicone oil or abrasives.
This is how I use Z6. After washing the car with Z7 and drying it, I dribble a small amount of Z6 on say the hood. I wipe it completely over the entire hood and then using a dry side of the towel(100% cotton USA MADE, of course) buff it to a high lustre. It takes very little effort.
Let's say you get your first coat of Z1/Z2 applied and removed. After waiting 24 hours to apply the second coat your car hopefully will still be quite clean. I would do a Z6 application as I describe above and then apply your next coat of Z2 or Z5. After removing this coat, you then have the option of going for another Z6 coat. Sometimes I do it, sometimes I don't. If there is rain forecast in in the very near future I will usually skip the last Z6 application.
I sometimes use Z6 mixed with distilled water as a quick detailer between washing washings as long as my car is relatively clean.
I'll leave off with this: Remember to always apply THIN coats. I hate when I read someone used half a bottle of Z1 and Half a bottle of Z2 (WAY, WAY, WAY TOO MUCH)on one application and can't uderstand why it is not drying.
If you have further questions email Sal Zaino or call him since you live in NJ. Go to www.zainobros.com for email address, phone numbers, and lots more information.
As far as I know there is no online ordering: You send a check in mail or COD your order.
For an end amount to do your 98 BMW vert (no top to do) if you used more than 1/2 oz ea of z-1 and z-2, that is way too much!! Most of the "waste" will end up in the 100% cotton applicator that you apply it with.
bearbear1 - You, too, can become "anal" about Zaino, IF you try it. But if you prefer Formula 113 and keep your car indoors or in the garage, you'll be happy and "anal" that way, too. And if there's a product out there that's better than Zaino, please tell us what it is! I hope that joebob6 cleared things up for you. Obviously, you've been reading the posts here in the Zaino forum -- now, do yourself a favor and give Zaino a try, but only if you want your car to be clean, slick, smooth and shiny and want to keep it that way with minimum effort.
morenike - Suggest you call or send an e-mail to Sal Zaino and ask if he has a Zaino distributor near your home. It's easy to send Sal a check and receive your Zaino quickly (there's an order sheet on the Zaino web site that you can print out and mail), but a local distributor will probably provide faster service. Mine does, and he'll even come to the house with a delivery and demonstrate how to use Zaino. Great service!
reid8 - glad you're happy with the Zaino results on your black car. Let us know how the wife's black car turns out. Are you planning on using the clay bar? Keep us posted!
We got our '01 LHS Thanksgiving weekend. I dawned it, then Z1 & Z2. Conditions and personal time have only allowed me to wash it w/Z7 - no further coats of Z2. The last time I washed it I followed up w/Z6.
My question is this: when the weather gets better (warmer - like in March or April) I want to go back and use the claybar. When I do this will I have to start back at the Z1 step?
Mostly by look and feel, Use Z-5 if there are small cosmetic swirls/scratches and repeated applications of Z-5 to where you are comfortable as to the "smooth" look. Then apply Z-2, in that it has better "shine" qualities than Z-5.
All this advice just sounds procedural!! After you do it, you will probably wonder what all the fuss was about!!
Comments
However, It will get swirls and small scratches. Sometimes even worse. If I do go to the automatic car wash (I haven't gone yet but will probably go once this season, mainly for the undercarriage wash) I will tell them, don't touch the interior, no hand drying and no pre-washing with those nasty looking brushes that certainly cause scratching. Just the exterior and undercarriage wash only. No hot wax, or glo-wax crap either.
And then I will Z7/water and or Z6 the entire vehicle as needed.
If you want to know what Zaino is all about scroll up in the topic and read all about it and/or try these links:
http://www.zainobros.com
http://www.corral.net/Forums/Forum13/HTML/000017.html
-protegextwo
BTW, I think Sal Zaino recommends that you remove the thin layer of dust that accumulates overnight in the garage using a California Duster or clean 100% cotton towel (with very light pressure). Then, use Z-2 or Z-6. Seems to me the same would apply after driving one mile.
You have to remember that there are many different people here...daily drivers as well as people putting their vehicles in car shows. I have no intentions of entering my vehicle in any show so I am not that fanatical about its appearance. It is not garaged either. I am just happy that it looks clean and shiny.(I just wish it would stay that way...but I can't control the weather)
I just washed it today with Z7. Last time I applied Z2 was a week prior to Thanksgiving. It looks great so I just Z6ed it. Thought about putting another Z2 coat on but figured it looks good, there is more snow in the forecast, and the roads have plenty of puddles from melting snow so it won't stay clean for long anyway.
Living in a continuously developing area, the streets are always torn up, dust is constantly being kicked up. Dry paved roads are almost unheard of around here, at least until all the neighborhoods are completed. You mean there are areas where you can get to your house without passing over mud/dirt/crud flung out on the road from trucks leaving construction zones?
I just think that doing things like handing a marinated latex glove to the car wash kid, putting 5 coats of wax (albeit a special wax), not washing a salt-encrusted car all winter, etc are not practical for us everyday-driver people.
Yes, I wash my car by hand whenever possible but i draw the line at about 45 degrees. I also wax it a few times a year, and even used a clay bar once. I also clean the engine and try to keep the chassis, muffler, and insides of the alloy wheels clean. We got some rare snow here and I had to take it to an auto. car wash who did a great job because I will not drive a filthy car.
At 33K miles my car looks very good. Better than a lot of similar models. Not showroom-floor perfect but it's impossible to keep it like that especially for a car that is not garaged.
Joebob6: I too put my last coat of Z2 on during Thanksgiving. And thus far, it has lasted. But protegextwo does have a point. All that road salt on my car is starting to harden. I'd love to wash it off, but the last time I used a commercial auto wash, the washing process 'moved' the salt particals across my Z finish creating tons of swirls. All I did this last weekend was to 'try' to wash off my Z6 coated windows with a little Windex. That damn CC (Calcium Chloride) salt really sticks to everything, and when you apply Windex, it doesn't come off. It seems to just leave thinner and thinner layers. It took me three attempts to get my windows clean. And then I looked at the lower panels on my Accord Coupe and cried.
pjyoung: Heat Wave? Where do you live? Ya just don't know what ya missing! Don't you want to experience the beautiful wonders of a white snow filled winter? Ah, to roll around in it is heaven. Come on up here. But remember, don't eat the yellow snow.
There were people waiting in line for HOURS at the "u-spray-it-off" wash ($1.50 for four minutes)_only to have the new wash job ruined from the slop thrown up from the roadway.
I have a 1300 PSI pressure washer that I used to spray the wheel wells and underside of the car ( and to knock the topmost layer of salt/dirt off the car), then hand washed the rest of the car. It looked great until my little jaunt to the libray.
The forecast is calling for falling temps (again) and another chance for snow. But for about 4 hours on Saturday, I had the shinest and best looking 300M in the KC metro area.
98monte ls -- just after your first post (plant?!?), protegextwo came on with Post #1062 -- which obviously is tongue in cheek (and may not be that much of an exaggeration for some Zaino fanatics). Both pblevine and joebob6 are right on! We Zaino users are convinced that it's the best car care product on the market in terms of ease of use, durability and long-lasting protection (including UV protection). BTW, my wife thinks I've crossed the line with Zaino and have become a fanatic. But it's better than anything I've ever used!
pjyoung -- sorry about the road conditions in Kansas City. No wonder you wash after driving one mile. Suggest you look into mud flaps for your 300M. They won't help with the guck that other cars in front of you kick up, but they work well in helping keep the lower panels clean. The ones that Honda puts on their cars are nice -- molded and contoured, not the old fashioned flapping rubber mats hanging from the lower fenders. Maybe DC has them for the 300M -- I just had them installed on my MB E320, and they're great!
But after the wash, the Z application I had applied in late October was still shining nicely and water was beading, which really did surprise me considering all of the road salt and junk thrown up on it on a daily basis for the past month. I didn't have time to put any Z2 on Saturday, but I did give it a quick spray of Z6.
It sounds like your winter is much worse than mine...at least so far.
If you are going to use a self serve car wash, I would suggest getting 32 ounce Spray bottle(s) and mixing a capful or two of Z7 wash and water and pre spraying the vehicle with it to help loosen up the dirt. Should also work on the windows.
Since it was relatively warm this past weekend, I sprayed the entire vehicle with Z7 water spray. Then I refilled the sprayer again. I got a plain spray bottle of water, a bucket of clean water, and a 100% Cotton Hand towel.
I would spray a section of the vehicle again with Z7/water and wipe it with the soaking wet towel as gently as I can, followed by spraying it with the water.
I did this one section at a time and did not dry it. I had to empty and refill the bucket several times. After a couple of hours I went over the entire vehicle with Z6 including the windows and was quite happy with the results. Had time to put another coat of Z5 or Z2 on but decided against it. Sure it is possible I got some new swirl marks but it is a daily driver and will never be perfect.
pj: Great town, my father was born there. The entire east also has the same plowed snow conditions. A simple 20 mile drive to 'Jersey and back completely coated my car with road salts.
Just kidding, it IS easy to apply.
Thanks, Mac
1. It takes only a few minutes to apply a coat of Zaino (after the initial prep), and
2. Unlike other waxes, the Zaino finish gets deeper and shinier with each additional application.
Without this understanding, we may seem like some real nuts to newbies!
Well, you know that is the stuff I got here, not the Carnauba - what's the story???
Thanks, Mac
For most people, running their car though the local car wash once a month is enough.
Then again, I remember walking down the street the other day and hearing a car's finish making all sorts of noise. Sort of like an asthmatic! It seemed to be saying: "Get this wax stuff off of me!".
First, Zaino's shine deepens with each successive application of Z-2. Second, Zaino (Z-2 or Z-5) is much, much easier to use -- no rubbing or pressure needed when applying or removing Zaino, as opposed to that required by NuFinish (merely wipe on the Zaino and wipe off!). Third, Zaino leaves no powdery residue to get into nooks and crannies when wiped off, as opposed to NuFinish. Finally, Zaino is longer lasting than NuFinish, and I speak from experience; and unlike NuFinish, Zaino also provides UV protection.
NuFinish recommends a second application after 30 days, but within six months the protection is virtually gone, even when the car is garaged nightly. By contrast, I first applied Zaino almost 10 months ago and spent minimum time occasionally wiping on several additional coats of Z-2 following a Z-7 wash. Last November I applied another coat of Z-1 and Z-2, and the water still beads up as though I'd just used NuFinish yesterday.
In sum, Zaino is far superior to NuFinish in every way. The Zainoed finish is smooth, slick and shiny and stays that way with minimum care.
I have found a NEW use for the Nu finish that I happen to have! I use it on my metal air conditioning unit! Since that takes all of two swipes!, I do it often and it shines like you wouldn't believe.
I Just washed my car today. Z6'ed it and it felt like I just polished it. Last time I put a coat of Z2 on the week before Thanksgiving. Although it didnt need it today, being as anal aboout the finish as I am, I threw another coat of Z5 on, took about 35 minutes to apply and remove. I was quite happy it dried real fast but I always apply it THIN!!
"Is there are product, that lasts for a long time such as Nu Finish, that works well after a shiny finish created by Zaino."
It sounds to me like he is quite happy with the Zaino shine. Now he wants to put a product on top that will keep the Zaino shine and last for a long time. If he puts Nufinish on top he will lose the Zaino shine.
If he wants to start using Nufinish instead of Zaino, as you are suggesting, then you are right that he should have no problems making the switch but he should be forewarned that he will lose the shine.
Abrasives can be a touchy subject. I personally want NO ABRASIVES touching my vehicle finish unless I have exhausted all other options. "Mild" "abrasives" seems like a contradiction in terms.
IMHO, Zaino lasts very long. Of course I have not tested against Nufinish nor has Consumer reports tested Zaino. I had used Nufinish in the past on a badly oxidized finish and it shined it up. The only way to do this is with abrasives.
I have some Nufinish Liquid in my garage and will test and see if it does in fact contain abrasives. If it does not contain any, I will post back here.
no
"Shininess (if that is a word), is in the eye of the beholder."
There actually exists an instrument that measures reflectiveness: http://smiley.tzo.com/fbody/pics/zaino_art1b.jpg
This product comparison was done several years ago but Zaino held up the best.
"be that he was tired of the hassle with Zaino"
What hassle anyway?
I was fortunate enough to start using Zaino last April on a brand new car, just after the dealer had prepped it for delivery. After the blue Dawn wash, Z-1, Z-2 and Z-6, the car looked better than when delivered (deeper, "wet look" shine). I've also noticed that, after 10 months of driving and about six added coats of Z-2 plus one additional coat of Z-1 and Z-2 in early November, the paint is still slick and slippery and water just beads up on the finish.
Previously, after using NuFinish regularly on a new '98 model, I noted that road gunk and dirt would adhere to the lower panels of the car. I would have to use an abrasive stronger than NuFinish to remove the grime before applying NuFinish for protection. Now, however, on the '00 model new car with the Zaino protection, the dirt and grime DO NOT adhere to the finish as before; even with winter salt, a simple wash with Z-7 removes ALL the grime and leaves the paint as slick as can be, even on the lower panels.
Finally, compared with using NuFinish, Zaino use is about absolutely hassle free! What could be easier than wiping it on and wiping it off? No rubbing, no buffing and no powder residue.
Incidentally, I bought a case when I ordered my second batch of Zaino. My local distributor is really great! He not only permits me to mix the Zaino products to make up one case (and charges me only the case-lot price for each bottle), he also suggests what quantity of each product to complete the full case. Therefore, my case had only one bottle of Z-1, four Z-2, one Z-5, one Z-3 (for a '77 MB 300D with nonclearcoat paint, in perfect condition), one Z-7 and four Z-6. I also had ordered the Z-16 Tire Gloss and am very satisfied. I have good supply of Lexol for cleaning and treating the leather interior, but I've heard that the Z-9 and Z-10 are equal and help retain the "new car" smell. I'll try them eventually.
You've convinced me....I've spent the last wk trying to read through all the posts but of course i still have questions/concerns.
My car is a Black 98 BMW convertible and I really want to take care of it since car washes are a thing of the past now:)
1. Will a lady who last washed a car 10 years ago be able to handle this procedure easily
2. First things do I use Z2 or Z5?
Z7 Is that just the car wash? When is it used
My plan
Blue Dawn Wash
Car must be dry (can i used california waterblade)
Z18 Clay Bar
Blue Dawn Wash (Is this necessary??)
Car must be dry
Z1 Polish wait overnight then........
Z2 or Z5 polish (Is 2 coats necessary?)
Z6 (When should this be done?)
Thanks please respond asap as I wish to order the stuff today.
ps I live in NJ do i still have to order online?
Mandi
But before you do anything, please go to the Zaino website (www.zainobros.com) and read their tip and suggestions. That will give you the complete overview.
It will give a wonderful shine until the rain washes it off. Formula 113 has very poor longevity and is a product not to be used on a fiberglass body.
Only wait overnight for your car to dry if it is in a garage.
Using the Z18 claybar does take some work and can be very tiring...at least for me...IMHO it was the hardest part of the initial Zaino process. You also don't need the car to be dry before doing the claying.
Remember to use plenty of Lube.(Spray bottle mixture of Z7 and water)
The second Dawn wash is necessary and yes your car should be dry before applying Z1. Apply Z1 with a dry applicator. Z2 and Z5 can be applied with a slightly moistened applicator of either water or Z6.
Another thing: Make sure you apply coats of Z1 and Z2 or Z5 very THIN!! I MEAN THIN...I can't stress this enough..and if you apply it thinly you should not need to wait overnight for it to dry. My description of thin is "what windex looks like right before it evaporates".
While 2 or more coats(Z2 or Z5) is not necessary it will increase the shine and lustre. And after you have done the initial process and have seen how easy it is to apply and remove a single coat you may like the results and want to do another application anyway.
Z6 between coats helps intensify the shine and slickness. Z6 as well as all the other Zaino paint polish products contain no Silicone oil or abrasives.
This is how I use Z6. After washing the car with Z7 and drying it, I dribble a small amount of Z6 on say the hood. I wipe it completely over the entire hood and then using a dry side of the towel(100% cotton USA MADE, of course) buff it to a high lustre. It takes very little effort.
Let's say you get your first coat of Z1/Z2 applied and removed. After waiting 24 hours to apply the second coat your car hopefully will still be quite clean.
I would do a Z6 application as I describe above and then apply your next coat of Z2 or Z5. After removing this coat, you then have the option of going for another Z6 coat. Sometimes I do it, sometimes I don't. If there is rain forecast in in the very near future I will usually skip the last Z6 application.
I sometimes use Z6 mixed with distilled water as a quick detailer between washing washings as long as my car is relatively clean.
I'll leave off with this:
Remember to always apply THIN coats. I hate when I read someone used half a bottle of Z1 and Half a bottle of Z2 (WAY, WAY, WAY TOO MUCH)on one application and can't uderstand why it is not drying.
If you have further questions email Sal Zaino or call him since you live in NJ. Go to www.zainobros.com for email address, phone numbers, and lots more information.
As far as I know there is no online ordering: You send a check in mail or COD your order.
morenike - Suggest you call or send an e-mail to Sal Zaino and ask if he has a Zaino distributor near your home. It's easy to send Sal a check and receive your Zaino quickly (there's an order sheet on the Zaino web site that you can print out and mail), but a local distributor will probably provide faster service. Mine does, and he'll even come to the house with a delivery and demonstrate how to use Zaino. Great service!
reid8 - glad you're happy with the Zaino results on your black car. Let us know how the wife's black car turns out. Are you planning on using the clay bar? Keep us posted!
How do I find out whether to use Z2 or Z5.
I'll make note of the THIN coats :-)
Mandi
My question is this: when the weather gets better (warmer - like in March or April) I want to go back and use the claybar. When I do this will I have to start back at the Z1 step?
Thanks for your time.
All this advice just sounds procedural!! After you do it, you will probably wonder what all the fuss was about!!