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Your question about what stuff to buy has been answered many times before...I know it is a PIA to scroll through the posts but would recommend it and/or thoroughly reading the Zaino Bros website descriptions and instructions.
My recommendations:
Z1 polish lok -- absolute necessity
Z2 Polish -- get if you want the highest optical clarity
Z5 polish -- Absolutely necessary to help fill in swirls, scratches...will not physically remove them. (Some people use Z5 exclusively, that is why I am saying Z2 is an option.)
(Note: If the scratches/swirls are so bad that 3-5 applications of Z5 does not work, you would need a non-Zaino product with abrasives such as 3M Swirl remover)
Z6 Gloss Enhancer Spray -- While not absolutely necessary I highly recommend for detailing between polish jobs and also between coats of polish...I love this stuff and am always running out of it.
Z7 wash - It is the preferred wash to go with the rest of the product line so I strongly recommend it. (Just be sure not to use wash solutions that contain wax)
Z18 Claybar: Optional but highly recommended - Be sure to follow directions.
Important note: Use high quality 100% cotton towels USA made fieldcrest or Cannon. I can't stress this enough. Zaino website discusses towels in great detail.
Basically, using the recommended towels in every step, get your paint as clean as possible before applying Zaino so that it bonds well with the paint. Then you apply the preparation product (Z1), and then apply polish (Z2, Z3, or Z5) right on top of that. Wait for the products to dry and wipe off. After that, wash as necessary and dry. When rain stops beading, apply more polish after a wash and dry. If the vehicle's out 24/7 and it's been 6 months, apply the prep product again before the polish; if garaged, apply the prep product once a year. That's how little effort Zaino could be.
To flesh those directions out, the best results are achieved by washing your vehicle ONE TIME with blue Dawn, or any other alkaloid dishwashing soap WITHOUT lotion (does NOT say gentle to the hands) and rinse well and dry, unless you choose to clay, in which case I would not dry the vehicle, but rinse well as any Dawn residue could adversely affect your clay. This Dawn wash should remove grease and any wax.
The best thing to do next is clay the car, but that is an OPTION; this deep cleans the paint by removing rail dust, brake dust, and other airborne pollutants by strong adhesion and sheering. Unless you have done this before, follow the directions with whatever clay product you use (Zaino has one) very carefully; if you drop the clay (the strong adhesion could pull it out of you hand if you're not using enough lubricant) and it could easily become sandpaper. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Apply Z1 to the clean, dry paint. Since it does not haze well, keep track of where you apply it to ensure you cover the entire vehicle. Do not pass GO, do not collect $200, and DO NOT wipe off the Z1 when you're done. Just start applying your "finishing polish" of choice, Z5 for lightly scratched/swirled regular or clear coat paint, Z2 for clear coat, or Z3 for regular paint VERY VERY SPARINGLY; use a dime to quarter size dab per panel. This application could be aided by spraying your polish applicator with the Z6 gloss enhancer to help spread the polish more thinly. Let it dry thoroughly; wipe off.
OPTIONALLY, after polishing, wipe down the entire vehicle with Z6 to even out the shiny look.
After care:
Wash with a liquid car wash when dirty and then dry the vehicle; Z7 produces a good rich lather, and adds polish and UV protectant back to the surface. OPTIONALLY: after washing and drying, wipe down the entire vehicle with Z6 to further restore the high gloss.
Don't want to wait for the car to be dirty enough to wash? Dust and then do a Z6 wipedown; it restores the shine and adds UV protectant to the surface.
Want to improve the look? Apply more polish. Some advocate claying before every application of polish. The more thin layers you apply, the better the look. If you used Z5, you may want to alternate using Z2 or Z3, or stick with Z5 until the scratches and swirls disappear or you have applied the 5 coats that may be necessary to get the maximum scratch and swirl-hiding available. Some are happy with Z5 alone.
Don't care a whole lot about the look, scrap the Z6, and follow the "basic" instructions from above.
You should not use Dawn again.
Zaino rewards enthusiastic polishing with ever-improving results or provides the best protection for the casual vehicle caretaker with the least effort.
Maybe others have been wondering, like me, so I'll ask . . now that spring is here and we've been using Z for a year, is it appropriate to put Z-1 on before beginning a new year of Z-2/5? If I should use the Z-1 again, do I put the Z-2 or Z-5 on immediately after before the Z-1 drys? Lastly, if another Z-1 is the right thing to do, I assume claying is optional before the Z-1, but if claying is done, should it be preceeded by Dawn, Z-7 or what?
Thanks,
Jeff
Thanks! 260HP baby!! Type-S. The red is only available on the Type-S! Can't wait to clay it and put on the Zaino! Been raining and cold here in CT, so no chance to do it yet! I'm chomping at the bit because I want that wet-look shine ASAP!!!!!!
fastdriver
It does not matter whether the Z1 dries before or after you apply the Z2 or Z5. The important thing is that you apply the Z2 or Z5 on top of the Z1 instead of first removing the Z1.
It is appropriate to put Z-1 on before beginning a new year of Z-2/5.
"Lastly, if another Z-1 is the right thing to do, I assume claying is optional before the Z-1, but if claying is done, should it be preceeded by Dawn, Z-7 or what?" Clay is optional and you should finish up with a Z7 wash if you decide to do this. No need to use Dawn again unless you use something like 3M Swirl remover.
The claying process didn't seem to get much off of the car. The car is one year old but I keep it clean year round. How much "gunk" has others removed using the clay on a new or year old car?
So should I apply another Z2/Z6 combo to get the "wow" or does anyone else have other suggestions?
Also, I didn't originally order the Z5 because I didn't have swirls, but after my process today I have several swirls on my TL. I'm planning on ordering Z5 to correct this problem.
What color is your Acura TL? You are more likely to be wowed on a dark color after about 3 coats. You are also more likely to get more gunk off a light colored car because you can see what you are removing better than on a dark colored vehicle. Gunk can blend in, especially on black.
Light colors vehicles are tougher to get a great shine and most people are wowed at night under lights with them.
There was a guy on another forum that was never wowed until he started using Z5. After a few coats he commented that his paint seemed like it changed color(for the better).
My TL is "Firepepper Red". I would not refer to it as a dark color or a light color. Maybe tonight I will have to check out my car under lights.
I'm going to order Z5 tomorrow so hopefully I will have the same comment about the change in color on my TL.
Hang in there! The more coats of Z-5/Z2/Z-6 you get on her, the better the shine will get. You WILL begin to see that wet-look! Take a look at my old car. I just got a new CL Type S and can't wait for the Zaino to go on, but it's still cold and damp here in CT.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=912729&a=6724813
Go into my other albums and you'll see the new CL.
fastdriver
The reason for doing the Dawn is that I think it will help some of the tar and other gunk stuck on the lower body to come off. This hopefully will save me some claying time. Neither vehicle has had a proper cleansing all winter - just high pressure wash off at the local U Do It.
I'm not an expert, and have not used this topic, but there is a "Speak to the Hosts" type forum that you could get the definitive anwer in.
I now have a white Saab 9-3, and although you don't get the depth like the dark red, it has tremendous shine and as someone else mentioned, looks great under lights in the evening.
Keep applying the coats, and I'll bet the Fire Pepper Red will really start to gleam.
They are painted steel, an almond color, with some wood grain texturing, which is probably about 1/32" or less deep. The manual does say it's a good idea to apply an automotive type wax once a year. I asked the dealer, and they said it's hard to get the white residue out of all the depressions, and said it's not necessary. As these doors face south, they see a lot of sun.
Zaino supposedly has the UV blockers, so it may work well on them.
Any thoughts? Whatever I use, Zaino or some other carnuba wax I have, I'll probably use more than the two cars I presently have Z'd. The two doors total 187 square feet!!
I know there's a few guys out there that have Z'd such thaings as AC units.
How about applying the carnuba wax, (to save on Z use) and then some Z6 on top of it?
Any ideas welcome. Scott in Wis.
Just e-mail Sal and tell him what the doors are made of and he'll let you know for sure! I've Z-6'd my computer monitor and TV screens. It does repel the dust. Try this experiment, if you smoke. Flick a cigarette ash near your TV screen and watch the ashes stick to the screen. Then, Z-6 the screen and do the same thing. Watch the ash go to the screen and THEN fly off! LOL... Found this out by accident one morning. I thought I was seeing things.
fastdriver
How does Zaino protect against acid rain? The last 2 new cars I've had (both black) had been really hurt by acid rain...very bad "pitting" on the roof and hood surfaces.
I just bought another new black vehicle (2001 Quad Cab) and I'm trying to make sure it doesn't happen again. (I'm literally frightened when it rains!)
thanks for any info
Ryan
Not sure that there is ANYTHING to protect against acid rain except to try and get the water OFF the car before the sun dries it. Zaino is fantastic, but I don't think acid rain prevention is one of their claims.
fastdriver
The last application was in early November, 2000. I washed my car yesterday afternoon and I must admit, the finish had lost its depth of colour. However, I am impressed by the shine and more so by how water continues to bead on the surface, even after 5 months without a re-application.
I have a question about z-7 wash concentrate. I am almost out and am questioning whether I should buy the z-7 again or a store product...here in Canada, the Z, with shipping, will cost me almost double the cost of store bought car wash. Has anyone had good experiences using another brand of car wash that works well with Zaino?
Sal's email address is sal@zainobros.com.
Is using Dawn appropriate for a new car before applying the I products? I gather that it will strip all previous waxes and finishes. Does my case apply?
And so now you want to Z it and you're in southern CT. I'm in the same boat. I'll be in Otis,MA this weekend and I can only hope that the temp. is above 40. At least I'll wash it with Z7.
mgrahn: Yes, use the Dawn just once. I also have an Accord ('98 EX V6 Coupe) and the dealers had applied "hand glaze" just prior to delivery. Hand glaze is basically a wax and mineral oil combo. But even without the wax, there will be a collection of brake dust on your car from the shipping process. Do it!
Thanks. Yep! CL Type S. What a beauty. Was looking forward to MAYBE Z'ing it this weekend, but the Weather Channel says RAIN for Friday, Saturday AND Sunday!
fastdriver
Enjoy the Type-S!
The CL-S will get the clay treatment. Christine never had the luxury because I didn't know about the clay until I had SEVERAL coats of Z-1/Z-2/Z-6 already on her. Rain until well into next week! ;-(
fastdriver
Does anyone use z3 or does everyone use z2? I just bought a new Mazda Tribute and want the best shine I can get. With the factory paint job, does that mean I use z2 (several coats)? Or, should I only use z3 on my paint? Help . . .
Z-2 is for clearcoat finishes and Z-3 is for NON-clearcoat finishes.
Hope this helps.
fastdriver
If my leather seats are brand new, do I need to first use Z-9 or can I go right to Z-10?
Thanks,
me
The specs and reviews on you CL-S are fantastic. I not sure I understand about the two traction control systems, but the reviews seem to say its easily in the BMW class of performance. Enjoy.
I'll be up in Otis, MA this weekend and waiting for an hour break in the rain to wash my car. I understand how you feel.
pj: 'Guess I've been away for a while. What's new. By the way, currey could also reference Chris Parrish's website for scratch repair info. Do you know Chris's URL?
currey: Take a carefull look at those scratches to determine if they go deeper than the clear coat. If the scratch goes into the paint layer (ie: through or past the clear coat), then you should try using some touch up paint. If the scratch is only on the surface of the clear coat, then treatment with Z5 should do the job. When scratches go into the paint layer itself, Z5 can help but not really eliminate the scratch.
Using touch up paint can be very effective, but is sometimes tricky. That's why I'd recommend finding Chris Parrish's website. He's one of the best detailers in the country. Basically, the method involves first removing any dirt and oxidized paint from the scratch. A womens nail file would do fine. Then, you'd apply the touch up paint using several applications to build up the paint level to be even with the surrounding paint. Your dealer should be able to sell you a small bottle of the correctly colored touch up paint based on the color code on your driver's side door stickers.
To apply the paint, you'd use a tooth pick as a brush to lay down a very thin paint layer. Remove any excess and allow to dry. The paint will shrink as it drys. A few applications should build up the paint surface to be even with the car panels' paint level. It can easily be done and will effectively hide the deep scratch.
Thanks,
me.
It is best to start with the least abrasive polish/glaze and work your way up. If you do not do this often, and don't over do it, you should not go though the clear coat with your buffing.
I have worked on several older cars (12-16 years old)and a few newer cars who's paint needed a fair amount of attention. The products I have used in order of least abrasive to most abrasive are: Meguiar's Clear Coat Body Scrub, Show Car Glaze, Swirl Remover, 3M fine cut polishing compound (liquid), toothpaste, and 2000 grit sandpaper. (The 2000 grit sandpaper will leave scratches that have to be polished out with the other products.)
For a new car that got some scratches that Z5 will not hide, I would probably start with "Show Car Glaze" or "Swirl Remover".
Some people on this forum will probably give me a hard time about using abrasive products, but my experience has been there are some flaws that cannot be fixed any other way. The Meguiar's products were recommended to me by one of my area's top paint shops that deal almost exclusively with high end cars and show car restorations. And my experience has been very good, even with clear-coated cars. But just remember, the thickness of the clear-coat is very finite. Polish only as much as you have to, and don't do it very often, or you can wear through the clear coat.
The chemical "melting" process works great on new or almost new paint. But there comes a point when a paint job is too far gone for modern science to help it. You've got to use abrasives. Or pay for a new paint job.
Sal knew but still asked me to confirm through the abrasive test, which confirmed that there is no clearcoat on the '00 GS Black Onyx (which is solid black and has no hint of metallic). I did it inside the door panel as an inconspicuous location.
I've done alot of those 300D's. The paint on those cars is pretty darn thick compared to what's on new cars. So you have some room to play here without doing terminal damage.
I used to use a few different products. First I'd try Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Fine Cut Cleaner. This will usually do the trick on most small scratches and will take off oxidation. If I needed to get serious I'd use a pro product made by 3M called DRX65. You can get it a paint & body supply stores. DRX65 starts aggressive but "softens" quickly. I wouldn't use it on a clear coat (well, I did once and got lousy results). Meguiars Medium Cut Cleaner will do pretty much the same job but I don't have a lot of experience with it so I can't say how quickly it softens.
Hope this helps. Let me know what you end up doing.
Rain, rain, rain!! I got up early yesterday to start the Z process on my new CL-S! I did the Dawn wash and then the clay and then the Zaino wash. I was able to get on the Z-1/Z-2/Z-6 yesterday before the rain started! Had to go to Bradley airport yesterday afternoon to pick up my niece from FL. It was pouring buckets all the way up and home. Accidents and traffic all over I-91!! This morning, I was up early again to run a few errands. Came home and washed the Acura again and put on another coat of Z-2/Z-6. You should see her now. Don't have the digital camera so I couldn't take any pics. The red is getting that wet look finish. Can't wait for a few more coats of Z-2. Supposed to rain again tonight with maybe some sleet. Leaving for FL on Friday, so don't know if I'll have much time in between the rain to do anymore Zaino this week.
As for the CL-S, I love it! NOTHING like Christine! It has regular traction control and then it has Vehicle Stability Assist like GM's Stabilitrack. If you're taking a corner too fast and the car starts to go out of control, the VSA system will kick in and apply the brakes to keep you from skidding. The CL-S has received several great reviews. I'm not sorry I got this car! I just fell sorry for the person who buys Christine! Wouldn't it be a kicker if the person who buys her joins Edmunds TH Chrysler 300M topic!!! LOL...........I still have her VIN number!
As for Chris Parrish- here is the Zaino FAQ page-
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/6021/zainofaq.html
fastdriver
Thanks everyone for the information that you have been putting out. Sure made the job easier!
Last night, after I had put on the 2nd coat of Z-2/Z-6, I picked up a friend of mine who doesn't really notice much about cars. When she saw the Acura, she said- "WOW! That polish really does make the color look great!" I find myself doing the look back thing after walking away from the car like I did with Christine. This red is fire engine red and looks great with just 2 coats of Zaino. Today is not good for coat number 3 so I'll have to wait until tomorrow when it's SUPPOSED to be 70 degrees here.
fastdriver