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Comments
TIA
Mark
The instructions say "apply a thin coat". Well, a thin coat to person A will be different to person B. And as Squid pointed out, he read the directions both from Sal and Edmunds and still messed up the first time, and I'm sure he's not the only one.
Gee, what would it take for Zaino to put graduation marks on the side of the bottle? Either silk screened or molded into the plastic, plenty of products have them. Then you could easily say in the instructions "for a small car use 1 graduation mark's worth of product, for a SUV use 2, etc..."
Give folks some credit here... many of us know how to read and do research before buying a product (we all used Edmunds to buy our cars, didn't we?).
Forget about this discussion group, assume you are Joe consumer and buying Zaino from the web site. It's apparent Zaino needs to make a little effort into updating their product packaging/instructions.
Just my 2-cents from a customer's point of view.
This is from the Tips and Tricks page-
"TIPS & TRICKS TO MAKE YOUR CAR A SHOWCAR!
STEP ONE:
Make sure vehicle is clean. Apply a thin coat of Zaino Bros' Z-1 Polish Lok™ Pre-Cleaner and Gloss Conditioner in a circular motion, using a 100% cotton towel or applicator. No rubbing is necessary. Entire vehicle may be done at one time. Let haze, DO NOT REMOVE Polish Lok!"
fastdriver
Folks: Let's not get over-critical here. I've seen Z2 take two days to dry. Ok, I was up in the Bershires (Mountains) in cool wet conditions. We all don't live in Tusan,AZ. But it is very easy to apply more Z than necessary. And getting to those rocker panels and wheels can east up a lot of Z too.
Folks: Let's not get over-critical here. I've seen Z2 take two days to dry. Ok, I was up in the Bershires (Mountains) in cool wet conditions. We all don't live in Tusan,AZ. But it is very easy to apply more Z than necessary. And getting to those rocker panels and wheels can east up a lot of Z too.
So, i was thinking of a small leaf blower
in addition, the Z6 says it's supposed to help in repel dust, how good is it in actuality?
I will say this, however; a few weeks after putting several coats of Z on my new car, I took a 650 mile road trip to the beach. There was lots of rain and of course the usual road dirt. After parking the car, it looked pretty bad. It rained overnight, and instead of looking worse, it looked much better. Very few water spots (and this is a black car) and much of the road dirt was washed off by the rain. It looked almost clean and the shine was quite noticable.
This has not happened to me before, and is due to the very very slick surface of the Zaino finish (I think). I had read about this, but really had to see it to believe it. Yes, the dirt almost falls off the car all by itself.
I think the leaf blower is a bad idea; you can scratch a finish by blowing grit over it just the same as rubbing the dirt over it with a dry rag. On the other hand, I have no simple solution to the dust problem, except to say that the Cal. duster works fine for me so far.
he proceeded to tell me that he also works part time as a car detailer and he has seen a lot of waxed/polished finishes and so he's not easily impressed - but he was with mine!
I asked him if he ever heard of Zaino and he said no. He said, "they must have some good stuff..."
Oh, and it hadn't been washed since last Friday, and 3 weeks since the Zaino with only one coat Z2!
Your post says,"That would almost make sense since Z3 costs more than Z2! I guess Z3 is "Z2 premium"?"
At $12.95 each, Z2 and Z3 cost the same. Are you thinking of Z5, which is $16.95?
The Zaino website states the following about Z3: "Same molecular chemistry formula as Z-2 Show Car Polish above, but also includes a custom blend of emulsifiers to deep clean regular paints, which tend to oxidize, shrink and lose their resiliency quicker. Special filling agents for fine scratches, buffing and swirl marks and a flex agent that is compatible with single stage urethanes, lacquers, enamels, lucite, emeron, acrylics and older paint formulations."
Certainly anyone who has been exposed to older vehicles has seen the cracking that can occur in their paints; from reading the site, I have the sense that Z3 can prevent that cracking.
In the last 3 weeks, i have had the pleasure of Zaino'ing a 99 vette and a 99 XJR - and both owners were amazed at the difference two - three coats of Zaino made on their cars. Now they have sent a buddy with a metallic grey Benz to me cause he saw the finish and wants it in his car.
These are people who can afford, and have paid for pro detailing -but because the shine and rain runoff seems to disappear far quicker than on my poor little SSEi - they now want me to do it on a regular basis. Oh, and its only relaxation for me - i have a real job but just love to look at nice cars that i have made stand out.
my .02
As posted earlier, I don't think it is an exaggeration to say the people at the dealership where I bought the Solara were "overwhelmed" with the appearance of my car. It is a far cry from the cars their crew "detailed" for sale. They are offering me freebies in exchange for using pictures of my car in promotions. Heck, I might hire an agent.
Barring rain, coat 5 of Z-2, Z-6 on its way tomorrow.
Also how much Z1/Z2 should it take to do a large sedan (Audi A8) I am a classic over user when it comes to car products. Its a real problem...
See the Zainobros web page for the details on the towels. If I had an A8, I'd play it safe and just go buy some new ones to use only on the car.
As for how much Z1/Z2 to use; I'm sure I used too much the first time; just remember it's not wax, and you are not building up a thick coat and you are not filling it anything. You are just coating the surface. Be sure you have lots of light, and just go around the car twice, once with z1 and then with z2. I did this in the evening, pulled it into the garage and let it dry overnight. I had no trouble removing it in the morning. Most problems with the first coat seem to arise because of the longer drying time of the two coats. If you try to remove it too soon, its still wet and you just move it around on the surface of the car.
Why take the risk. Two laps around an A8 is enough for one day; that's a pretty big car. (I used to have Audi 5000 Turbo, which I think was the same size (which is why I got rid of it, but that's another story)).
Get some towels, take your time, remember to let each coat of z2 or z5 "cure" for 24 hours AFTER removing it, and you will be very pleased. (I hear that the A8 is a real rocket.)
I have some towels of my own that I retired, that are just OK for this sort of duty.
But I bought one good, US-made, soft, white, bath-size towel at Wal-Mart and let me tell you, it is a joy to use.
Lesson learned: if you're gonna baby your car with the Z, get some good towels. It not only makes a difference in the finish, but it makes the treatment easier to do.
Somewhere back in this thread is a URL where you can get top-quality towels for cheap. That's the way to go!
Steve
i keep my car towels seperate from all others in the house - they are probably better than what i use on my body
As far as the A8 being a big car, yes it is my family just added an SC430 to the garage so I am looking forward to cleaning that one as well. But I have done it with the Meguiars Professional line and don't think that a silver car can shine anymore but I am willing to give it a try...
silverbullit: You might notice a marginal difference on your silver car (I have a white car and I can tell the difference between Meguilars and Zaino) but the big difference is the ease of application. Zainoing my car takes 20 minutes whereas applying Meguilars takes 2 hours (for the cleaner-polish-wax steps). Not to mention the durability.
A general question: I think I applied too much Z1 during my initial application (imagine that). Now when I do a Z7 wash, I can see smearing. Should I just continue to Z7 wash until the smearing stops? Thanks
For your smearing problem, you might want to check w/ Sal.
Mark
You KNOW what it will do on the deep blue! LOL... Haven't you seen enough pics of my former Christine and the new Acura CL-S?? If you need a reminder, just click on my name above and the pics can be viewed again. Sorry, the SmashCast movie I made in photopoint.com with the Acura is gone! They didn't renew their contract with the company that provided the movies. ;-(((
fastdriver
Every time. I have (after tonight) about 30 coats this year - - can we say GLOWING BLACK SSEi !
I used ot have the smear look too - it was always because i put on too much. a wash or two, some Z6 spray and bam - gone. Do stick with it - absolutely worth it.
Yesterday I picked up 4 full size towels at Filenes. They are Fieldcreast and the tag says "100% Cotton/Cotton/Agaloon". Before I have the wife trim and resew the edges, are these appropriate?
Thanks
killakella123: I made a conscious decision to use less z1/z5 on my initial application as I read the posts on this board beforehand. I still think I used too much. I let the initial z1/z5 dry overnight. Maybe I should have let it dry longer.
I read that a bottle would last 8+ midsize cars as well. We have two Accords and I have two coats of z2 on both and the bottle is still 5/6 full. I applied subsequent coats of z2 or z5 in the midday sun and I use very very little. Just enough so that I can see it go on. I live in a humid area and I think that has a lot to do with my problems. I dont think Zaino sucks at all. I may be having problems with my application technique but I'll figure it out. The main thing with me is the ease of application and the durability. Now gone are the days where every three months I would apply my old waxes in ways that Mr. Myagi would be proud.
What color is your accord? I have the Dark Green and even though I have smearing during the wash, it is remedied a little with z6. Looks really great.
homer2000ssei: Wow! 30 coats in one year? Isn't that counterproductive? I mean Zaino's initial cost is much more than other polishes and waxes but its cost per application is much less. Zaino's durability helps make your long term costs cheaper than rival brands.
Don't give up just yet! Where do you live - the Northeast (my area) has a lot of humid conditions and it rains a lot too. Maybe you should call Sal Zaino. Really, he'll try to help you.
emaison:
I too have the Honda Accord Coupe ('98 EX V6) in dark Emerald Green. Looks great. But I also had the same long drying time problems on my initial application.
Even the Zaino couldn't keep the bug splatter off, especially the mustard colored bug guts. :-P
1) For the final rinse, remove the hose nozzle and let the water flow onto the car. This eliminates the "beading" and water retention from using a spray, especially on slick Zed surfaces.
2) Try using a leaf blower after the final rinse. It really works. The car won't be completely dry, but most of the water can be blown off easily in just a few moments. And it's an especially effective way of getting the water out of nooks and crannies.
3) Use a California Water Blade as the final step before towel drying. You'll find that it's required in just a few places. I now use only one towel to complete the drying process, and it's damp enough then to wipe down the interior windows if they aren't too grimy.
One last thought -- I use Z-6 instead of a wash IF the surface isn't too dirty. Use a California Duster or clean white towel (very minimum pressure to avoid scratching) to remove any thin layer of dust before spraying on the Z-6.
She is black also - and every coat is a plus - im going to try and get 2 coats a week for the summer if i can - but guaranteed to get 1 on.
I know a guy on another UBB that i spend time on who has 500 coats on his Trans Am - about 2 yrs old (maybe 3 max). Sure - that is OCD likely - but geez that puppy shines and is well protected.
keithd1949 - isnt there a name on the tag that might say "royal velvet" or "charisma"? although you are likely ok with the fact that they are fieldcrest , U.S made and labelled 100%
killakella - 28 coats - wow! he must just be holding the bottle over the car and threatening to polish it. i get about 12-14 applications on mine - and am sure to use the gloss spray inbetween every coat and after every dusting.
Also I am going to try to use the method suggested to me about using the pad that I got and putting the product on in the form of an X to start off with, that will help me not use too much. For a car that size I should be using around an ince of product.
Am I going to see the Z1 when its on, will I feel it? I think that after I have Z! the whole car it will be dry enough to start to put on Z2? Because it 31 degrees(90)out right now I am going to have to let it dry overnight I think.
And then I can use Z6 right? then I must wait another 24 hours before putting on another coat of Z2. When the Z1/Z2 combo is dry will it need to be buffed off or will it just wipe away.Sorry for all the questions but I want to get it right.
There has been a fair amount of talk about the first coat of Z1/Z2 not drying that well?
Last but not least I went to the store to get some towels and i found that 90% of them were 100% cotton, just different grades I guess you could say, they had fieldcrest but not in white. Can I use any 100% cotton white towel.
Thanks guys and Gals
on a light colored car, don't expect to see/feel anything. Z1/Z2 is back to back with no wait.
Z6 is after you remove, or right before you apply.
wipe, don't buff.
i tried to use as little Z1 as possible, and i had no problem. use more, wait more.
towels must be made in USA, nothing but cotton (be wary if you see any adjective before the word cotton), white, patternless.
depending on the age of your vehicle, you may want to dawn/clay/Z5.
your timing/technique/materials all only matter to the degree of perfection you expect on the other side. nothing bad will happen if you deviate. it just won't look/last as well as some of ours.
I have done all the steps and am ready to Z1, its REALLY humid here right now and I tried to put a little Z1 on the surface with the applicator and it went on but there were tiny moisture drops that seemed to follow me around when I moved it around. Is that normal or due to high humidity.
Z1 followed right after by Z2 won't they just blend together if the Z1 hasn't bonded with the surface?
I appreciate the comment about nothing bad will happen if I deviate but I won't do that, before Zaino I used products and got every last bit out of them, from an appearence aspect and a technical protection aspect and that is what I expect do get from Zaino products as well.
Part of the kick I get out of owning nice cars is taking care of them and making sure they always look their best adn will continue to do so for years to come.
Thats why I am always asking questions.
Since it's a SC430, it's not older than March 15th, and the Lexus paint is better than most, so you do not really need the clay bar, especially if the car has not been driven for more than a week or two.
Check the zainobros.com page for complete instructions. Briefly, regarding your questions, and bearing in mind that I have only done this once (although I have 5 or 6 coats of z5 and z2 on there), I suggest:
Put the z1 on lightly, don't rub it in -- it's not going in anyway. More importantly is to be complete -- don't miss any spots with the z1. Use a work light if you do this indoors or in the evening. When you are done with the z1, do another lap around the car with the z2; don't wait, just keep on going. Yes, they blend together but they are supposed to and/or it does not make any difference. The directions from Zaino are real clear ==> you don't need to wait for the Z1 to dry before adding z2 right on top of it.
Then, what I did, was let it dry overnight. I did the application in the evening in a garage, and wiped it off in the morning. This is really easy.
Wait 24 hours or more after removing the z1/z2, and then use z6 and then apply another coat of z2 (or z5 if you want, but you should not need that on a new car unless your dealer "washed and waxed" it for you creating swirl marks. The darker the color, the more you might want to add a coat of z5 in there.
On my black SC430, I built up as follows: Z1/z5, then z2, then z2, then z5, then z2. This took over a week, of course, because I did each application in the evening and removed it in the morning, then waited a day and a half to do the next coat. (Apply z6 before each application of z2 or z5).
Be sure to get inside the doors jambs, and be sure to get the horizontal thin "lip" across the back of the car under the trunk lid. You have to open the trunk to do this, but I notice after a rain that this lip is filled with dirty water spots from rain trying to get into the trunk. Everything under the spoiler on the back of the car takes lots of spray due to the way the car interacts with the wind (I think).
With good paint like the Lexus paint, and great polish like Zaino, you will love the result. Be patient, it's well worth it.
Great tips about the special spots to do on the Lexus, its sure a great car and the Silver really looks good. Black on Black is a great combo but I would go crazy keeping it clean, I'm a nut when it comes to that. Enjoy and thanks again for the tips.
P.S. The wife thinks I'm "freakin'" crazy
I came very close to getting a silver/black, but, after seeing the ecru interior, I wanted that over the black. I did not like silver/ecru, so I went for the black/ecru because it came in before the blue/ecru (I still have not seen one of those). With the top down, the black/white car really draws a crowd, and the incredible shine from the Z on the black finish is like glass. My only problem is that I know how good it can look when perfectly clean, and I want to spend too much time keeping it that way.
The silver/black (I presume that's what you have, as I have never seen any other interior with the silver) is a great looking car. I have heard that it is the most frequently produced combination, and it's the one they show in most of the ads, for obvious reasons.
Once you get the Z finish on it, it will look even better.
I'm planning on claying, and Z5ing this weekend, but its going to be very humid (and is already) up here in the NorthEast. I think I'll try wasing, claying, and washing again on Saturday - rain not withstanding. And hopefully, Sunday will bring better conditions up in Otis, MA.
im not sure about the need to wait 24 hours before giving it a spray of Z6 - i do mine immediately after wiping of the Zaino - but do what you are comfortable with.
the key - light pressure grasshopper - -polymer on, polymer off
But I did remove a little patch on the trunk. It looks no different than before (Meguiars Products). I have heard not to expect anything fantastic with silver cars and Zaino especially after the first application. Maybe a little Z6 will get it going as well. I also read that if you let dry overnight and then remove the product the next day you don't neem to give it another full 24 hours to sit before another Z2.
Whats everybodys opinion on using Z6 right after taking off Z2 and then again just before another coat of Z2.
From what I know, and I'm no expert, that's a fine idea. I think that's common and maybe even recommended.
My understanding is that all Z formulas are compatible and you can do no harm in applying them in any order at any time.
I think the idea is to get some z6 on the car in between coats of z2. If you do 1 or 2 or 6 coats of z6 in there, it can't hurt.
When you do all this z6 and z2 every day or so for a week, your towels really get a workout in the washing machine, don't they. I felt like I was running a gym for a week or so.