Zaino Car Care Experiences

pblevine · March 2001

Thanks, Pep Boys here I come.

And I tried the Z6 on my eyeglasses. No harm, and it (IMHO) seems to make them easier to clean.

tclemons · March 2001

I have never used Zaino products, but I think I will give them a try on my wife's car (98 nexus ES300). I know she will absolutely "kill me" if I screw up the paint. I looked at a clay bar at Pep Boys this past weekend and it looked really small. So, my dumb question is -- how does this small bar clean the paint and how is it "turned"? Is this the same as "kneading" it like silly putty? As I have never used a clay bar, I guess I am not picturing how it actually works. This forum seems to have a large number of knowledgeable/experienced users so I would appreciate any info you care to impart. IA.

pblevine · March 2001

'Tis not such a dumb question. The answer, in short, is that the "small" clay bar is NOT intended to "clean" everything on your car. Before using it, you should (ie: must) really clean your car completely. That is a complete wash using a good car wash product or Dawn. That will get rid of normal "dirt" (ie: dust, mud, road salts, etc.). What will remain is brake or "rail" dust which is very small metalic (iron) particals embedded in your wax/polish/clear coat layer. These small pieces of metal are the residue of brakes, they embed into the finish, and after rusting, leave tiny pit marks. They are a significant cause of paint/clear coat failure and will wear down any wax or polish (including Zaino) layer over time.

When used correctly, the "small" clay bar will lift those brake dust particals out of the finish and leave the surface very smooth. And the trick is to keep kneading the bar to expose freash clay. The clay bars are capable of "hiding" a lot of dust, and those small bars are easily able to "clay" an entire large car or SUV. As you use a clay bar, you can actually see the collection of small particals forming. And constant kneading is required or the dust at the bar's surface will creat swirl marks in your finish. When continued kneading fails to hide the little particals, then the bar has been used up. Its amazing how mush such dust the clay bars pick up even after a good wash job.

lmc18 · March 2001

The drivers side of my car was keyed about a week ago. The part on the driver's side door is not as deep as the part up the front fender but I don't think it can be buffed out. If I end up getting it painted how long will I have to wait before I can Z it again?

tclemons · March 2001

I appreciate your info. If you would be so kind, I have a couple more questions. Is the claying done in straight (i.e. up/down, left/right) motion or is it done like waxing (circular)? Is the lubricant sprayed directly on the car, or on the bar? I have the order form and I plan to try the products, but I was just confused (as usual) about claying. Thanks.

ac6000cw · March 2001

Hi,

I have a black Nissan Pathfinder. Bought on Feb. 1, on March 6 a red light runner struck another car which was pushed into my Pathfinder. Because of shattered glass everywhere the hood, front end and most of the left side have been repainted. I asked the body shop about wax and was told the paint was baked and could be waxed right away.

I have purchase the various Zaino products but had not used them yet because of winter weather. So the question is when and what can I use on my vehicle now. It had a clear coat but I don't think they can really reapply clear coat at body shops. Should I use a different product on the original paint than on the repainted sections? I guess the main thing I'm concerned about is Z-2 for clear coats.

jgts1 · March 2001

Zaino is used by "many" folks on Viperclub.org, Audiworld.org, Corvetteforum.com, Bimmer.org...etc.

I have tried them all, and Zaino is simply the best...easy to apply, and very durable.

Although, I do like 3M's swirl remover..I like Z5, but this stuff is really good- Sal will happily admit that its a nice product.

It does amaze me though how many people continue to use such cr*p on the market (which is most waxes)....and know about Zaino.

fastdriver · March 2001

wilcox-

Hey! I may have Z-6'd a lot of things, but my ashtray was NOT one of them! LOL.... I've done my TV screens and computer monitor, but that's about it for items not in the car category.

This is the first time I've been in this topic since they started it up with their new software. I was so disgusted and confused that I just gave up. I only started going into the 300M and Buick Regal sites again a few weeks ago.

fastdriver

joebob6 · March 2001

I believe you will be fine with Z2, Z5 or Z3. All three of these products contain no abrasives. If you are really concerned and want a definitive answer copy and paste your original post into an email and send it to Sal.

bh0001 · March 2001

I'll be taking delivery of a navy blue Chevy Impala LS in May. The dealer has agreed to let me do the exterior "prep" (chemical wash to remove the factory wax etc). I don't want them to use their brushes and stuff and put swirl marks into my brand new paint (the dealer said it's not possible to have a swirl-free finish, but I want to try). Has anyone else had the opportunity to do this? Anything I should watch for?

Also, is it necessary/recommended to clay bar a new car? I'm only a couple of hours away from the factory so the car will transport by truck and won't be on the road for long. Any other suggestions on how to treat brand new paint?

This will be my first experience with Zaino and I'm looking forward to some amazing results!
Brad

taison · March 2001

Is it ok to use Z6 on the plastic window that is the window for your speedometer dials?

sddlw · March 2001

Your body shop should advise you. Same as any wax. It's the paint's cure time. The old rule of thumb was 4-8 weeks, but with the newer paints I've seen some shops wax the area for the customer before returning the car.

daverose · March 2001

Why do you think body shops do not use clear coat?
My limited experience, without actually asking, is that they do. Why not ask the body shop if they re-clear coated the areas they repaired. I believe that if you have areas that are no longer clearcoated or want to polish usually non-clearcoated items such as wiper arms, roof top carriers/supports, painted engine parts, that you would use Z3 for regular paint.

theworm · March 2001

OK, I'm convinced. I'm going Zaino on 2 black cars. I assume they both have clearcoat but someone here probably knows for sure:

- 01 Acura MDX, Nighthawk Black Pearl (I can see some midnight blue metallic in the sunlight, so assume it's metallic paint w/clearcoat)

- 00 Lexus GS 300. Black. Unfortunately, can't remember their fancy name for it, but my best recollection is Black Onyx, and there's no hint of metallic in the paint. I'm wondering whether this one's got clearcoat.

Thanks in advance -- I'm gonna order the Z1, Z6 and either Z2 or Z3 dependning on clearcoat or not. Also some Z5 for some swirls the dealer kindly put on with what I suspect was a dirty rag, and the claybar. I have that right, right?

joebob6 · March 2001

Check with the dealer...they will know. Ask the service dept body man, not the salesman.

joe166 · March 2001

If you will read the zaino site they have a test. You use an abrasive type polish on an inconspicuous spot with a light cloth. If the paint stains the cloth it is probably not clear coated. If the cloth remains paint free, it is just taking off some of the clear coat. But sure, you can call the dealer, if they care enough to find out and tell you. I find that most either don't know or don't care.

fastdriver · March 2001

theworm-

Take a look at some of my pics. The album with the BMW is my cousin's black car that I Z'd. Enjoy. Will have some pics of my new car SOON!

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=912729

fastdriver

theworm · March 2001

Thanks for the link -- looks sweet. I just placed my order (z1/5/6/7 plus clay; z3 for the '00 lexus and z2 for the '01 mdx) yesdterday. Hopefully I'll get the goods by next weekend and maybe power through one of the cars!

scruplek · March 2001

The BMW pics are great. So is it best to go Z2-Z5-Z2 with Z6 in between .....or Z5 several times and ending with Z2 and Z6 in between? I have Z5 and 2 Z2s on mine but it doesn't look that great like the BMW. And mine was just done 3 weeks ago. Maybe I didn't let the layers cure enough.

fastdriver · March 2001

theworm & scruplek -

Give it time. Z-2 shines better then Z-5. The more coats, the better and wetter the shine! Eventually, your cars will look as great as the ones in my album. I'm getting a new car this week. Can't wait to Z it now that I'm a "pro"! LOL....

fastdriver

fastdriver · March 2001

scruplek-

If you have a lot of swirls, then do Z-5/Z-6/Z-2 etc. or several coats of Z-5. The optical clarity of the Z-2 is better then the Z-5. Remember, the more coats of Z-2/Z-6, the better it will look. You are using 100% WHITE cotton towels made in the USA? Washed in liquid detergent and NO fabric softner?

fastdriver

tksatksa · March 2001

My wife and I spent the weekend in Carmel. When I got home yesterday I decided to wash the car. It has been Zainoed and has 1-coat of Z2 and two coats of Z5. I hosed down the car to start washing and the trunk, roof, and hood were all 'matted' - no beading at all! What the !@#$%&?

The day before we left for Carmel I took the car in for lube and oil - did my mechanic wash it with some garbage detergent? He never has washed it before.

I started washing the car with Z7 - did the roof and trunk first. Rinsed it all off and there were the beads! The Zaino was still there!

Turns out the 'matted' look was from pollen all over the car. Spring is here!

God bless Zaino!

crcheng · March 2001

What is the shelf life of Zaino? I have some which is about 9 months old and it looks like there is some separation of the product in the bottle.

It seems the most common Zaino steps in order are Dawn, Claying, Z1, Z5, Z6, Z2, Z6 and repeat the last 2 for better results. The question I have is if I neeed to use a stronger scratch remover like the 3M product, can I just insert that step either before or after claying without Dawining again?

Also I seem to recall from posting going back that people were using one of the Zaino products to remove scratches on audio CD's. Does anyone know which product was used? Z-5, Z-14 or ???

Thanks,

tonychrys · March 2001

Does Z-5 actually remove the swirl marks or cover them up?

joebob6 · March 2001

Z5 fills in scratches and swirls. All Zaino polishes (except glass, and maybe plastic) contain no abrasives.

theworm · March 2001

OK, I read this awhile back and can't find it again:

Picked up some bath sheet sized Royal Velvet (Fieldcrest 100% USA cotton) towels today for 10 bucks apiece. Someone suggested removing the "banding". Someone else once upon a time suggested cutting into quarters (btw, there weren't any face-sized towels on sale).

Key question: if you trim or cut 'em, how do you keep 'em from unravelling in general or, worse, unravelling in the washer/dryer and causing clogs and collateral damage?

Thanks.

btw -- tested the Lexus GS black onyx and confirmed w/Sal that there is NO clearcoat.

joebob6 · March 2001

That is why I don't do it. I just try to be careful and not let the edges touch the finish. Of course I know this is impossible but I try my best.
The truly anal about towels sew up the edges using cotton thread.
I was pretty sure the Lexus black has no clearcoat.

mbdriver · March 2001

I cut off the edges on my first 100% cotton towel used with Zaino and it frayed so badly I ended up with a $100 charge to fix the washing machine. Now, I merely fold over the edges and it works well.

mbdriver · March 2001

Re your post # 1380, I believe that your steps for using Zaino should include another wash after using clay and before applying Z-1. As to shelf life, I've had several containers of Zs (1, 2, 3, 5 and 6) in my garage for more than nine months with no ill effects. If I recall, Sal Zaino recommends not subjecting his products to storage in freezing temperatures.

daverose · March 2001

It is my recollection from an early post in the predecessor topics to this one that the shelf-life of Zaino is 3-5 years. Separating? Shake it vigorously before and as you use it.

Dawn should only be used for the first wash for the initial application of Zaino. If you're using a polishing glaze to remove the scratches Z5 cannot fill, using Dawn on that area might insure that the dust residue from the glazing is removed, but I'm not sure that it's critical. The point of using Dawn or any other liquid alkaloid dish washing soap is to get everything off the paint so that the Zaino will bond well. Once you've got the area sealed with Zaino, Dawn is not necessary unless something breaks that seal.

jjccrv · March 2001

There is a fellow over at the ls.1 board who will sell you royal velvet towels with all the edges trimmed and resewn with 100% cotton. He will sell you any size you want. He goes by the name of Kevin SS and is the moderator on the car care section. I have ordered from him and he is reliable as well as prompt.

mbdriver · March 2001

Can you provide any details about cost of the redone towels, say a bath towel of about 50 x 24"?

daverose - in your post # 1387, are you saying that a wash after claying isn't necessary, or just that a Dawn wash isn't necessary?

jason64 · March 2001

I have some very fine scratches on my car, I was wondering if multiple coats of Z5 alone will be the best way to "cover" them, or Z5/Z6 combinations? Since Z6 is a clarity enhancer, I am not sure if I need to apply Z6 in between multiple coats of Z5's. Thanks for your reply.

daverose · March 2001

The point in my #1387 was trying to limit the use of Dawn. In Post #1380 the poster wrote "... the most common Zaino steps in order are Dawn, ... " The use of Dawn in conjunction with Zaino is ONLY recommended before the first application ever, not part of the recurring use of it, nor even a seasonal use of it; it's quite strong and it's not necessary to use it, unless Zaino has been removed, such as using a microabrassive polishing glaze to remove scratches or oxidized paint. Dawn could be used after glazing, but if you clay after that, you would not need to Dawn to remove the claying residue, just Z7, or other liquid wash concentrate.

pblevine · March 2001

You can use multiple coats of Z5, but using Z6 between coats is recommended. But not required. The Z6 will also smooth out the surface of the Z5.

Daverose: I have been away again, and will be in the future (nature of my job). Anyway, I totally agree with you, use Dawn only ONCE. Z7 is a very very good car wash, and I've used it to remove clay residue without any problems.

Bushwack · March 2001

What is the correct way of using Z6 (having already Z'ed my car twice with Z2/6)?

Do I use Z6 when there is a thin layer of dust/dirt on the car? Or should I first wipe off the dust with a cotton towel and then apply Z6. I would assume spraying Z6 on a car with a thin layer of dust would cause scratches once I start wiping...or would it.

One more question/comment if I may. After taking the car through a wash, should the water bead on the roof/hood or just fall away?

I'd appreciate any input. Thanks.

kcwolfpack59 · March 2001

I have a dark red metallic '97 Monte which I wax every month with 3M or Meguairs.I use clay every season and polish before every third wax job, and yes, I use proper towels, etc. I wash it properly every week or after rain It is extremely glossy, but is starting to spiderweb slightly. If I take the Zaino plunge will I even notice? Surely there is someone out there who has had a similar experience. I also use a California Car Duster regularly. Anyone have scratch complaints with their duster?

jason64 · March 2001

I understand when applying Z2 and Z5, we should use front/back or top/down motions, does that apply when we remove them? How about the Z6, should we apply/remove it with circular motion, or front/back, top/down motions? Thanks for your reply.

pblevine · March 2001

kc: No and Yes! You are someone who does take very good care of your car and will have no problem adjusting to or using the Zaino products. My experience has been that after wax removal and initial application of Zaino's Z2, the result will be very good by not quite as glossy as the full Meguair's treatment. But after the third application of Z2 (that is Z1, Z2, Z5, and Z2 again), you will really notice a great difference. Zaino's Z2 and Z5 are polymer based products and their gloss effect is cummulative. And the protection and endurance is extremely good. The Z5 product will eliminate the spider-web effect which is most likely produced by a tiny dust particals being rubbed around by your towels. As removing the Z2 or Z5 residue does not involve "buffing" or hard pressure, the chances of additional spider-webs will also be less.

jason64: I use that front/back and top/down method all the time. I'm not sure it is required, but you can check the Zaino web site for a more expert opinion.

daverose · March 2001

kcwolfpack59: first, I am a Zaino distributor as a side line, so pick up that grain of salt. I believe Zaino will help in two ways: Z5 will reduce or eliminate your spider webbing to more of a degree than Z2 or Z3 by themselves would; your monthly effort will go down or give you more pleasing results, probably both. When you switch to Zaino, big presumption, though maybe not too big, you must remember: use the products VERY, VERY sparingly; not much is needed for good results and it's easier to handle. The Zaino web site says an 8oz. bottle of polish will provide 8 applications to a medium-sized car; Sal has told me he can do his Viper 20 times. Now I presume that means he's using the suggestion that one use Z6 on the applicator to help spread the polish more thinly.

jason64: I don't see how it can hurt to wipe off and to apply Z6 with the same type strokes recommended for polish application. You can write Sal Zaino to ask at: sal@zainobros.com

jjccrv · March 2001

This is Kevin's e-mail address: koverall@i40.net
E'mail him directly for his prices for what you want.

fastdriver · March 2001

Now that Christine is history, this is the new car that will get the Zaino shine as soon as it stops raining! Those of you who have seen my 300M pics with the Zaino, know that I never clayed that car and it looked GREAT right up until I dumped her this past Wednesday. I think I will clay this car and see if the shine is any better then Christine.

If it would just stop raining in So. CT, I MIGHT be able to get it done. Unfortunately, I think it's supposed to rain until next week! Anyway, you can check out my other albums at photopoint to see the Zaino shine on the 300M. The Acura shine is the one from the factory. That will change soon to the wet look Zaino shine.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=912729&a=12353397&p=45187678&f=0

fastdriver

kenyee · March 2001

I went nuts Zaino'ing my car 3 coats Z2, another 3 of Z5, then another Z2 two months ago and it no longer beads in rain. Sal thought it was the sheeting action of the Z7 wash, but I'm not sure. It's still shiny though.

tksatksa · March 2001

Kenyee: See my post #1379. My LHS wasn't beading either. Turned out to be all of the @#$%^& pollen all over the car. As soon as I washed it (with Z7, of course) there was that great beading action again. I could be wrong but when pollen gets wet it seems so 'stick' to the surface rather than wash off like 'mineral' dust - just my very unscientific observation.

kenyee · March 2001

We have none in Boston yet. Everything is still frozen or drowned :-)
I also checked after a wash (sprinkled/rained same day unfortunately)-: and no beading.

joe166 · March 2001

I think that beading is directly connected to water quality and type. When I rinse my car off with my hose in the morning, there is a white almost foamy quality to the water. It takes off the beading right away, within a couple of weeks. When I let the water run until that white stuff is gone before rinsing the car (might be lime type residue from the pipes, might be the inside of the hose, who knows), the beading lasts much much longer. I no longer care about how long the beading lasts as it doesn't seem to matter what wax or polymer or polish I use. It still is quite shiny and I can get it back with z-6 right away. I am convinced now that it is my water or my hose and we are in too much of a drought to let me run the water for a couple of minutes until it runs clear.

kenyee · March 2001

ok. I should have specified. Mine no longer beads in the rain :-)
The windshield seems to though, so that's odd.

joe166 · March 2001

Well that is what I meant too. Once I use the water which has the white foam, nothing beads on it until I wash it with z-7 or dose it with z-6 or just put another coat of z-2 on it. I never noticed the windshield.

george2kmax · March 2001

Fastdriver,

Congratulations on your new car. It looks great. I see you still go for the red cars!! I bet you are very happy to unload your 300M.

BTW: Did you get the Acura CL with the 260HP or the 225HP.

Good luck with your new car.

George

cgr45 · March 2001

Hello everyone. I just purchased a 2001 Honda Prelude Type SH in black. I took it to a "hands only" carwash. To make the story short I have a bunch of surface scratches that are driving me crazy. I want to keep this car looking like new no matter what. So, my question is what Zaino products should I buy? To be honest Zaino is a bit confusing, the names of the products that is. Also, can I wax this car already. I bought on Saturday. Thanks for your help.

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