Zaino Car Care Experiences

98monte_ls · May 2001

What kind of bumper are you talking about - chrome or painted plastic? i used it on the Painted PLastic. Works well. The top surfaces of painted plastic bumpers will fade if you don't clay it and protect it.

bjohnson71 · May 2001

Painted bumpers. Sorry.

fastdriver · May 2001

bjohnson71-

You can use Zaino on everything except textured plastic pieces! Have you tried Z-6 on your computer monitor and TV screens?

fastdriver

mike_542 · May 2001

Is Z-6 safe for LCD screens...or only CRT, because this Apple monitor seems really fragile.

fastdriver · May 2001

mike_542-

Never used it on an LCD screen, just my CRT MAC monitor.

fastdriver

bjohnson71 · May 2001

No I haven't tried Z6 on my monitor because I have an LCD monitor.

bh0001 · May 2001

FINALLY I've completed Zainoing my Navy Blue 2001 Chevy Impala LS. It is far and away the shiniest car in the neighbourhood. I've had five of my neighbours ask if I want to do their cars (told them they couldn't afford my rates!).

Over the past week I did the following:
Dawn wash, Z18 clay, Z7 wash, Z1, Z5, Z7 wash (to remove overapplied Z1/Z5), Z6, Z5, Z6, Z7 wash (dirty car), Z6, Z2, Z6, Z2, Z6. My neighbours think I'm insane.

For those of you contemplating using Zaino - GO FOR IT!! It is easy to apply and remove, but it is a lot of work. However IT IS WORTH ALL THE EFFORT!! The results from using Zaino are better than for any other product I've ever used.

Thanks to everyone here for the input, feedback, and suggestions.

mbdriver · May 2001

Wow! No wonder you say that Zaino is a lot of work! I think you may have done too much and exceeded the point of dimishing returns, i.e., the extra applications of the various Z products probably didn't produce a corresponding increase in results.

But if you're satisfied (and you probably enjoyed the work), that's all that counts. Personally, I would have stopped long before you did. But, then, I'm satisfied with just several coats of Z-2.

deuce56 · May 2001

My wife's pearl white Lexus was filthy - bugs, tar, you name it! I dawned, used Meguiar's #1 for the bad bugs and tar, dawned, clayed, Z7, Z1, Z5, Z6, Z5, Z6, Z5. I'm finished for now but when it needs washed again (weekly since she does home health on back roads) I will Z7, Z6 Z2, Z6. This will hopefully take me through the summer for her car other than weekly washing (frequently 2x/week). Even on the pearl white I can tell that I'm going to love this stuff.

P.s. My mocha Silhouette is still looking great and easy to wash. Thanks for everyone's input!

squidd99 · May 2001

Just finished putting Z on my new black Lexus SC430; it is great! It looks like a layer of glass over the paint.

I've been reading a lot about Z on this board and on the Z Brothers page, and one thing has not been mentioned, as far as I can tell. Has anybody noticed how good all these Z products smell? Even the wash (which I haven't used yet).

What a nice touch.

Way to go, Sal.

fastdriver · May 2001

squidd99-

Ahhhhhhh........those of us who have been using Zaino for years now, know all about those smells! ;-)) Each product smells better then the next!

fastdriver

bbunch · May 2001

Hi, did Z1, Z2, Z6, Z2(again) and then Z6. The first coat of Z2 was great, but the second was breathtaking!!! We have a 2001 Sebring Convertible colored deep Sapphire blue. Its a really dark blue that almost looks black. It looked good but with the Zaino, WOW! People ask what did we do to it. Not only does it look good but the protection is awesome as well. So far we have had a minor gas spill, Seagull attack, pollen repelled and drove home in a light drizzle on the freeway. The freeway drizzle would of trashed the wash job, as evidienced by our van (it is getting Zaino'ed this week) It didnt even look like it had been in the rain. Anyway, all the above stains wiped right off using a kleenex (except the gas, which I doused with water right away).
Cant say enough good things about these products, I will never go back to "regular" waxes. Also, they do smelll GREAT! Finally, try the Z16 tire gloss. It is great and lasts a while. Dirt and dust do NOT stick to it at all and it survived all the above mentioned stains as well. Thank you Sal.

fastdriver · May 2001

bbunch-

Wait until a heavy rain! You'll think you got a free carwash provided the car isn't filthy dirty. You're right- the more coats of Z on a dark colored car, the better and wetter looking the shine. I know. Hope you have better luck with your Chrysler then I did with mine.

fastdriver

emaison · May 2001

Well, it FINALLY rained here. I was looking forward to the rain so that I could see my Zaino in action. Here are some Zaino points to ponder:

1. When you wash your car, it could literally take 10 minutes to rinse. Why? Its so cool looking at the water rinse off in sheets.

2. When you are driving in the rain, its a good idea not to get to caught up concentrating on the hood of your car. While the Zaino is mesmerizing, it won't stop you from getting into an accident.

3. Z-6 smells just like cherry slush puppy concentrate. Mmmmmmm Cherry Slush Puppy.

4. If you work it right, act as though putting Zaino on is a long, lengthy, and tedious chore. This way you can get out of your 'honeydew' list all the while you are having fun.

pblevine · May 2001

98monte_Ls: As other have said, your Z wasn't yet dry. I've done the same thing. Its a factor of temperature and humidity. On cool humid days, I'd let it dry overnight. Which brings up...

bh0001: Wow! All that in one weekend! You must live in a very dry place. I would have thought that the multiple coats of Z5 and Z2 would not have had enough time to really dry/cure. How long did you wait between coats?

deuce56: I see you used multiple coats of Z5 without Z2 inbetween. Was there a noticable difference after a direct second coat of Z5? And (under your conditions) how did the shine of Z5 compare with the final shine of Z2?

mike_542: Go ahead and use the Z6 on your CRT. Although Sal doesn't recommend it as it will dry off after a time, I use it on everything. Well, not quite. But my little list includes: TV, my 3 CRTS (work & home), my eyeglasses, and yes, my car's windows. Unfortunately and as Sal has stated, the effect on my front windshield doesn't last very long. Z2 would, but not Z6. Its good for a least one good rain. On computer screens located where it doesn't rain (too often I hope), it should last a lot longer. The effect is a clearer screen which also collects less dust (Z6 has a slight anti-static effect.).

And yes, Z do smell good!

bh0001 · May 2001

I ought to have clarified the time frame. The entire process was done over the course of one week. I let all coats of Z5/Z2 dry for at least one hour (sometimes overnight) and "cure" for at least 24 hours after removal. I was very careful to follow Sal's instructions to the letter (once I understood that you really do only need to use a very tiny amount of all Zaino products). I expect that I won't need to use anything more than Z7 and Z6 for the entire summer and fall.

lovemyescape2 · May 2001

Hey, all. Love my Zaino. I've never been able to garage my vehicle and give it the three coat treatment with 24 hour "cure" inbetween. The best I've been able to do is teh whole Dawn/clay/wash/polish lock/Z2, then Z6. I did that about three weekends ago. Last weekend I gave it another Z2, then Z6, during the week, Z2/Z6, then this weekend, Z2/Z6, washing it every time of course!!! So, my question: I've done Z2 four times now. Even though it is not a consecutive application, do you think I am getting pretty close to the "ideal" of the immediate application of three coats right away??? My Bright Red Ford Escape is looking incredible. It "glistens" which is the best term I can think of to describe it. I also bought the Zaino plastic care (not too impressed really, nothing bad, but nothing really outstanding either). On the other hand, the Zaino tire care stuff is FANTASTIC. I highly recommend it. I've tried about four other products and love this stuff. Gives the tire a fantastic satin-glow.

Thanks for any advice you might offer.

98monte_ls · May 2001

well, I finished my very first Zaino application! yes, i think the Z2 wasn't dry because the next day I finished taking it off and looked at the car under streetlights and no swirlies. The paint is verrrrrrrrry smooth and the shine is quite even. i did not have time for a second coat however. I also elected not to Zaino the wheels because it is a pain to apply any kind of wax to these Camaro alloy rims with all their spokes and crevices, so I did just a quick old-fashioned wax.

Overall, my 2001 Maroon Camaro looks absolutely gorgeous.

Now, The applicator pad is brownish from the Z1/Z2 applications. How do you guys wash it? can it be machine washed? is it safe to re-use now that it is not white anymore? I can't see how you can only use a pad one time.

fastdriver · May 2001

lovemyescape2-

I don't think there is any hard and fast rule about applying three coats of Z right away. Apply it when you have the time and the desire. That wet look shine will still appear after several coats whether they're done three days in a row or three weeks in a row.

98monte_ls-

DON'T wash the pad in the washing machine. It will come apart because the seams are sewn with cotton thread which is not as strong as polyester thread. I wash mine ASAP with dishwashing liquid in the kitchen sink and let it air dry. Of course, since I've been using Zaino since 1998, I have accumulated quite a few pads over the years. ;-)) It doesn't matter what color they are as long as they are clean.

fastdriver

deuce56 · May 2001

I can't find anywhere in the directions from Sal that says you should alternate coats of Z5/Z2. Did I miss something? I'm planning to Z2 as soon as I get more time (my wife is going to start thinking I'm avoiding my honeydews ala emaison). Because it is a white car I can't say that I notice a difference between all Z5 and Z2/Z5. My only reference is my mocha van and that's apples to oranges. BTW, I did use the tire gloss and the leather treatment. Happy with both one day out.

bjohnson71 · May 2001

I am going to apply Zaino to my painted bumpers and am curious what you folks suggest? Do I need to complete the entire dawn, clay, dawn, Z1, Z2 process? If not just Z1, Z2 or really just Z2?

fastdriver · May 2001

bjohnson71-

Treat the painted bumpers the same as the painted metal surfaces.

fastdriver

theweissman · May 2001

When my wife leased a new Volvo S70 two years ago, the dealer said not to wax the car or run it through a car wash for a few months yet, giving the paint some time to cure.

Fast forward to the present. My silver 2001 Chrysler Sebring LXi Convertible is barely three weeks out of the showroom. Should I wait before giving it the full Z treatment?

Also: I don't have a garage, and shade is scarce on my property. Is it bad to Z in full sun? Or should I Z my car under a tree?

Steve

hud116222 · May 2001

I have had time to do only one clay, Z-1, Z-2, but I am very impressed. 2001 Red Solara sat in rain late last night and no time to wipe off. Sat in rain all morning, then the sun came out and baked it! When I looked closely at the surface, it had hard baked water spots that would not rub out. I quickly washed it and dried with cotton towels. Wow! Clean as can be! No spots. I am looking forward to putting additional coats of Z-2 and spritzing with Z-6.

Also, I used the Zaino leather treatment for the first time on leather AND vinyl interior and I all I can say is it is TREMENDOUS. Since this is the first time I have had leather, I was wondering how often the rest of you treat your interior?

bh0001 · May 2001

Don't wait. Do it now. I asked Sal the same question and he insists that new automotive paints include special curing chemicals and are fully cured within a couple of days. I Z'd my car the day I took delivery (including Z18 Clay Bar, and I'm glad I did!).

As far as sun/shade, Z18 clearly states to not clay in the sun. The other products don't specifically say anything, but to me it's always better to wash/treat in the shade or cloud. I always find that water dries too quickly in the sun and leaves water spotting.

Have fun. It's well worth the effort!

98monte_ls · May 2001

ok, this may be dumb, but does Z2 wear off from washing & rain? How long will it last on the paint? I mean, we've had some huge downpours since I Z'd my car, including the first night when not even all the Z2 was wiped off yet and I hope none of the polish has washed away as i may not be able to do another coat for a couple weeks.

showdere · May 2001

98monte_ls -
i've never deviated from using Lexol for my leather cleaning and conditioning. it's pretty much the gold standard.
everything wears off. i'm just a week or so ahead of you and since it's rain for the next few days here as well, i'll report back when i figure out the duration myself. "as needed" is the guiding principle.

theweissman -
if i didn't have a garage and had little shaded area and had a brand new car, i'd probably skip the claybar and z5, but i wouldn't wait. wash/Z1/Z2/Z6 should be sufficient. just my opinion

automophile · May 2001

98 monte LS
It seems that a polymer substance (Z) should be much more resistant to water than waxes. Also, I wash our cars thoroughly every week, and it doesn't seem to decrease the protection.

Neighbor -
I convinced my neighbor to try Z on her new Passat. She is extremely happy at the appearance and the ease of application, of course she had a good teacher! She got a good laugh last weekend when a bird landed on her car. It was so slippery he couldn't stand up, and kept scrambling trying to get a footing on the car!! He finally gave up, looking confused as he flew away! She is still chuckling about this.

Also- I had the same question about washing the applicator pads, so I asked Sal. He told me to wash the pads out in dishwashing detergent right after use, as mentioned above. The seem to last about 4-5 uses before they get "questionable". After it air dries, I "fluff" it with a stiff brush.

Hey Fastdriver - how many layers of Z2 on the new Red Machine?

fastdriver · May 2001

automophile-

LOL.........ONLY 7 so far since 3/28/01! I'm slipping! Busy at work and busy with yard work. Hard to fit in the Z. Going on my first long trip this weekend to Keene, NH. Can't wait to see the gas mileage on this rocket! ;-)) So far, in the 20's around town. Take a look-

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=912729&a=12976709&p=48777052&f=0

fastdriver

pjyoung · May 2001

Even though I've got a "garage", the standard for todays new homes in my area, a "garage" is big enough for the car and nothing more. So, I always do the Z treatments in outside in direct sunlight. If anything, it seems to decrease drying time, and it makes it a bit easier to see if you missed anything (the stuff is really hard to see on a white car). I'm into my second year of using Zaino, and applying it in direct sunlight has had no ill effects.

dovey1 · May 2001

that are made in the USA and say 100% Eqyptian cotton(even says 100% loops) but I can see now that the more I Z my car the more fine scratches and "spider veins" appear in the red inferno paint and especially the shiny black plastic like the side view mirror. It must be the towels. I have been using z5 but to no avail. Now can someone please post that towel "outlet" link again? Do you think these will ever come out or have I ruined my new car? I am so mad!

showdere · May 2001

the right type of towel is key. i saw those fluffy egyptian jobs too but stayed the course.
just get the right kind of towel and use z5. your scratching seems a result of your z_ removal step with the iffy towels. no big deal.

ishee · May 2001

I had to get my own Zaino after reading this board. I've put four layers on my Camry in the last week. I put the first layer on my van today. They are amazingly slick. Couple of questions. 1. When applying additional layers should I Z6-Z2-Z6 or can I just Z6 once and if so should I Z6 before or after the Z2? 2. Does anyone know of a good carpet shampoo?

Thanks,
Ishee

hud116222 · May 2001

The best carpet cleaner I have ever used is Meguiar's Heavy Duty Carpet and Interior cleaner. I had trouble finding it around here, but once I did, I bought 4 bottles. It is the ONLY thing I could find which easily took oil and tar spots out of my vehicle carpet. We use it in the house for pet stains, etc., too.

pblevine · May 2001

98monte_ls:
I've used liquid Tide to wash my applicator pads. I do it by hand. Although they don't stay pure white very long, I continue to use them until they start to shread. Unfortunately, that point is reached after about 2 or 3 full applications. I'm now thinking of using the spent ones for washing purposes. Only there's not enough left of them at that point.

Rain doesn't seem to harm my Zaino finish. And gentle washing also seems to help the shine as I use Z7 Car Wash. Z2, however, will slowly fade as acid rain, road salts, brake dust, POLLEN, sand, dirt, and other nasty stuff is "applied" to the car. Z ain't magic, its just the best. After going all winter, my daily commuter is about ready for another full Zaino treatment.

theweissman:
Yep, do it NOW. Like the man said, your paint HAS cured. Remember that your car has gone at least two weeks in outdoor conditions since the paint was originally applied at the factory. Just make sure that you wash with Dawn prior to Z application to remove any junk (hand glaze, etc.) that your dealer put on the car. Again, don't "clay" in direct sunlight. You can apply Z1/Z2 in direct sunlight. However, your car should not be very hot during application. Hose down and wash your car first. That should cool it down.

fastdriver:
I'm looking at the first picture in your post above. But that site doesn't seem to allow me to get to the other one behind it. Anyway, Wow! It a beaut and your shine is just great. Thank God for the rain. My collection of pollen has gone away too. What a difference! When does this pollen season end anyway?

theworm · May 2001

Sale's on...click the "coupon" link midpage

www.cannonoutlet.com

fastdriver · May 2001

pblevine-

You should be able to see all 14 pics there. Try again-

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=912729&a=12976709&p=48777052&f=0

fastdriver

jusdreamin · May 2001

Geez, I turn my back on this board for only a couple of days and look what happens!!

Thanks for the tip about the polish. I probably will have to do that.

Everyone is more than welcome to put their $.02 in here.

The problem that I have with the car (it's white btw) is that it doesn't look like it was just washed after I wash it. Sorry, I can't figure out a better way of putting it. The bumpers are a little scuffed (they're white also), and the trunk has some spider cracks on the hood.

Before I forget, what's the difference between polish, clay and wax? I humbly beg your fogiveness ahead of time as I am new to all this. Will the polish help with the scuffs and cracks, or will I need to use a touch up paint? If I need to use a paint, anyone know a good one?

I'm not expecting miracles on this (would be nice though!!). I just want to give the ol' Z a shot and see what it can do. Thanks in advance for all your imput!! You guys are a BIIIG help!!!

fastdriver · May 2001

pblevine-

You should be able to see all 14 pics there. Try again-

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=912729&a=12976709&p=48777052&f=0

fastdriver

98monte_ls · May 2001

Someone here recently commented on cotton towels.

Well, I bought brand new made-in-the-usa white bath size cotton towels. They work well, except for one thing. Lint.

Now, I'm no Martha Stewart, just a bachelor guy. I washed them in warm, with detergent, no bleach, and dried them. After each wash the lint get a little less, but it's still there and when I wipe the wet finish, it picks up the water and leaves little white specks that i have to use another towel to wipe off.

Any ideas on how to get rid of lint?

Oh, if only taking good photos was as easy as applying Zaino...i'd have some cool pics to show y'all...

tonychrys · May 2001

Were those Martha Stewart brand towels? If so, they are the worst! We bought some for the bathroom, and I'm sick and tired of all the shedding that happens when I use them. We returned them and demanded our money back. Worst towels we ever had.

fastdriver · May 2001

98monte_ls -

If you get the cheapest SONY digital camera, it IS a cinch to take pics and upload them to some server. All you do is snap, take out the floppy disk(MAC and PC compatible), put it in your computer and you're done! ;-))

fastdriver

98monte_ls · May 2001

No, they sure were not martha stewart towels~!
they are a name brand I forgot the name, and of course i cut off the tag so it wouldn't scratch the paint.

I did take some pics with my Canon Sureshit on a good, sunny day but they didn't come out as good as I would have liked, and they scanned even worse, so showing those pics wouldn't do justice to the awesome polish job that i did. i'll work on it though.

pblevine · May 2001

Upon retry, I was able to view all of your pics. The ones I like the best are #5 (rear panels from front looking back), #11 (front panels from mid view), and #14 (whole car from side). Very nice! And the reflections in some of those pics! I see that playing with the light is critical.

On Towels: Just stick with 100% cotton made in USA. And stay away form those Martha Stewart towels, rumor has it they're made from recycled Burmese cotton socks sewn together with Irian army surplus nylon by Chinese slave labor.

automophile · May 2001

In general, do NOT take pictures in the sun! The contrast is too high for a camera to capture. Take the pictures in "open shade" where there are no shadows, or when the sun is out of sight. Note that there is seldom any sun in commercial car pics! They are almost always taken at dawn or dusk.

To show the reflections, be sure that there is something to reflect! A clear sky does not show up as well as a tree, clouds, another car, etc. Also, in general, car shots taken from angles are MUCH more interesting than shots taken straight on, from the side, etc.

Don't be afraid to do a close-up, either!

theworm · May 2001

I was reading your tips on taking good pics, then looked at your pic and thought "what a crappy shot -- kinda washed out, he must be posting an example of how NOT to do it."

Then I realized I was looking at the reflection (of the Solara, is it?) !!!!

98monte_ls · May 2001

How do you show a picture within the message board like that???

fastdriver · May 2001

pblevine-

If you thought those were good, look at this movie! Turn up the volume. LOL...

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/MM?u=912729&s=100086987

fastdriver

pblevine · May 2001

LOL, I guess you love that CL-S! Great car, that's quite a movie too. Send it to Sal, he'll love it. In some shot (scenes?) the car actually looks like its moving. But I also noticed that in a few frames there was a black car-bra on the front. Ah, stock shots out of the Acura catalog? Anyway, I've got to show to a few of the other folks here at ConEd Solutions.

Automophile,
I had the same initial reaction as 'the worm'. Almost. My initial thought was "why's the bottom so dark?". Then I realized it was a reflection off the shine on your car. Wow! That's amazing! What a great idea, and what a great shine too. You have got to send that one to Sal. And thanks for the pointers. If you have any more, pass them along.

'Have a great Memorial Day Weekend All.

fastdriver · May 2001

pblevine-

I already sent it to Sal yesterday. He liked it! I just knew that I HAD to get red again because I knew what it would look like with Zaino on it. I wasn't wrong OR disappointed. Just mad that the weather is so crappy that I can't put more on! Think I have 7 coats of Z2/Z5/Z6 on there now.

Those pics are ALL mine! I put the bra on when I went to RI on Mother's Day. That's my car. I have the bra on now too because I'm going to Keene, NH for the long weekend. It's been raining here since Tuesday! It stopped long enough yesterday afternoon for me to wash the car, dry it and put the bra on and get it in the garage before it started raining again. Didn't matter because it's pouring out now. It won't hurt it for a few days to keep it on. I don't want chips so soon like I had with Christine from the first week.

Yes, I LOVE this car! I already have 3,800 miles on it from 3/28/01 and I only have a 3 mile commute to work! LOL... I can't stop driving it!

fastdriver

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