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Comments
"Why, it was soooo hot that Howard Stern couldn't talk"
LOL.......Wouldn't THAT be TERRIFIC!!!!!!! What an obnoxious creature.
I did have 3 days of pouring down rain in FL from tropical storm Barry. After that, it was great. Temps NOWHERE near the 100 degree level that they were in CT! Usually always a nice breeze in FL if you're near the water.
graphicguy-
"I can't believe that your CL would ever get dirty enough for you to wash it. How many zaino coats do you have on it now?"
LOL.. Of course it gets dirty! I have 11 coats of Z2/Z5/Z6 on since April 6th. I want to do a few more before the snow starts flying. Just waiting for Sal to come out with that new additive so I can do it all in one day! Right now it's a little too humid in CT to Z.
How's that red beauty of yours? I still love that color. I have almost 7,100 miles on my CL-S since 3/28/01. Good thing I didn't drive it for 18 days while I was in FL. Runs like a top and moves like a leopard! Best car I ever owned so far.
fastdriver
I would suggest you do the following two things to educate yourself, because I'm certainly not going to type it all out here:
Go to www.zainobros.com and read all the pages.
Scroll up about a thousand or so posts in this forum, and read forward to this spot.
Then you will be as well informed about Zaino as anyone (except maybe Sal Zaino himself, who knows all).
When you are done with that, come back here and ask us any detailed questions you may still have.
Zaino works great on red cars; you will be glad you did.
Click on my name above and you'll see how good Zaino looks on RED! ;-))
fastdriver
PS Click on the 300M and the CL-S pics.
In case you needed any more impetus to try Zaino, here's a pic of my 300M with only one coat of Z1/Z2 on it taken this past spring:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1158985&a=8520252&f=0
I have since put about 5 more coats on because after the initial "routine" that we all go through for the first application, every subsequent application is so easy and makes the car look so much better. I can't prove this, but I think that Zaino makes the finish so "slick" that you don't have to wash it as often, particularly if it doesn't get rained on.
In general, after using all sorts of waxes over many years (including some very expensive "boutique waxes" in addition to the stuff you can get from your local auto parts stores), I have yet to find a wax/polish that can give as brilliant or deep of a shine as Zaino. The added benefit is that Zaino is the most durable wax I've ever used. The rage these days seems to be carnuba. While there are good carnuba products out there, they just don't last very long (generally, anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months). My first Zaino application a few years ago, lasted 6 winter months and was still beading/shining when I reapplied it.
I haven't used all of the Zaino products listed on their WEB site, but I can say that any Zaino product I've used has exceeded any similar product that I've bought before. That includes clay, leather treatment, tire dressing and of course, their polish/wax and shine enhancer.
The Zaino community here is more than willing to help you. If you decide to go ahead with the Zaino products, we're all here to help.
If you want, order the Z7 car wash, Z1 polish lock, Z5 clearcoat wax (because you'll want to start treating some of the swirls). Invest in some good quality, 100% cotton towels (see the web site for suggestions) and some blue Dawn dishwashing detergent (first wash only). That will get you started. If you want to "clay" your surface to remove the contaminants, it is highly recommended, but optional. There are all sorts of products that address all of your detailing needs on the WEB site. It's up to you and how finicky you are about detailing your Honda.
Use us if you need to. We're here to help.
fastdriver--as always, your CL is pristine (not Christine). My 300M is great. Arguably, one of the best cars I've owned (as opposed to my wife's Toyota Avalon, which has not lived up to the vaunted "Toyota quality" by any stretch). I guess it just goes to show, sometimes the manufacturer gets it right, sometimes they don't.
fastdriver: I HATE Howard Stern. Not only is he obnoxious, he panders to a level below the 'common denominator'. And he's not even funny.
"fastdriver--as always, your CL is pristine (not Christine)"
LOL..... Good one!! Thank God it's NOT Christine! I could never take two problem cars in a row! I guess you're right- the luck of the draw. Just glad I got lucky this time!
pblevine-
"fastdriver: I HATE Howard Stern. Not only is he obnoxious, he panders to a level below the 'common denominator'. And he's not even funny."
AND........a great role model for kids who think his crudeness is "cool"! I can't even believe they let him on the airwaves.
fastdriver
Lykis (pronounced Lick [non-permissible content removed]) is a jerk..
Personally, I'm liking Phil Hendrie
Only drawback with zaino is the 'order form'. I can't believe they don't take online orders (atleast I didnot find the option)
I will let you know once I am done with it !!
On the other hand, he has several distributors across the country. If he offered on-line ordering, that would pretty much put an end to them. Your order usually ships the same day as they recieve the it. Sal doesn't even wait for my check to "clear" before he ships my orders.
That said, where else can you call the manufacurer of any product and the "owner" answers the phone and your questions? Great customer service from that perspective. All of us regulars who post here have spoken to Sal Zaino at one time or another.
Also, as far as multiple coats of Z2 go for clarity and reflectivity, when do people find is the point of diminishing returns where you cannot tell the difference? 2 coats? 3 coats?
Thanks,
If you like it NOW, wait until you USE it and smell it! ;-)))
fastdriver
I think it was pblevine that actually went longer than that before re-applying on his Honda.
I'd call Sal on that question.
I've found after about 5 applications that, even though the reflectivity does improve, it is only a slight improvement as opposed to a significant improvement offered by the previous applications.
It's recommended that you "tighten up" the shine by reapplying Z1 after 10 coats or 6 months. I usually go the 6 month route. I do re-apply Z1 sooner if I've clayed troublesome spots.
Hope this helps.
But after about 10 coats, additional coats have a hard time binding to the previous coat. That's why an additional application of Z1 becomes necessary. Z5 and Z2 can bind to prior applications of Z5 or Z2. The Z1 layer is necessary to bind to the clear coat and to (after about 10 coats of Z2) to re-establish a primary binding with everything under it. Like graphicguy, I have been applying a layer of Z1 at least once a year after I've clayed the car.
Although more layers of "Z" (Z2 or Z5) increase prtoection and endurance, there is a fall-off in "better" shine after about 5 or 6 coats. More later, time for a meeting here at work.
It is an additive that can be used with your existing Z2, Z3, or Z5. It can replace Z1, makes the Zaino polish dry extremely fast, cures right away, and allows up to 3 coats to be applied in the same day regardless of temperature.
The additive is "expected" to be available sometime next month.
joebob6 is right. It's an additive that can be mixed with your current Z2/Z5. Sal said that he hopes to have it out before the snow starts falling here in CT! He didn't say exactly when. I can't wait either. This multiple coats in one day is great! Not sure where joebob6 got the 3 coats from. I didn't know there was a limit.
fastdriver
joebob6 and fastdriver: thank you for the info
As I was saying yesterday, the more coats of Z5 or Z2 that are on the car, the better and deeper will be the shine. There is, however, a falloff after about 6 to 8 coats (again, depending upon how thick each coat is) in "shine" per coat. Additional coats will produce a deeper shine, but the effect will be less per coat. Actually, I'm more of an endurance buff, and fastdriver (and graphicguy and PJ) are more knowledgable regarding great quality of shines. And they can probably see better than me too.
I have been trying to find the pic of a black Trans-Am that has 100 coats of Zaino on it, but I don't remember where I saw it. The shine was amazing. Not sure if there is a law of diminishing returns when it comes to Zaino.
I agree about the ZFX- I CAN'T wait!
fastdriver
The only downside in describing the application is that the initial process takes several applications which must be done over several days, to allow for the 24 hour cure period.
This is a major bummer for most people, especially if you have to use the car between applications, which would require a wash prior to the next coat. After the initial coats are applied, of course, upkeep is fast and easy and better than anything else on the market.
ZFX will eliminate this time consuming process of getting the first 3-5 coats on the car. If the first 3 coats can be applied in the same day, then the whole system becomes available to many more people who will just not bother with something that requires multiple coats over multiple days.
Wow. Once this is here, is there any disadvantage any more?
If no paint is broken, and the ding is not on a crease, you can have it taken out for somewhere between 50 and 100 dollars. I asked the dealer about it and he has a dent guy come in at least once a week, and they did it while I waited (about 45 minutes).
If the ding is visible and unsightly, this is something worth looking into. Call your service manager for the name of a reputable guy in your area.
I believe there is a "nationwide" company called Dent Dr. or Dent Wizard. I have never used them, but others in other topics have and they all claim wonderful results. Check your white pages. I just looked in my phone book and found this number under Dent Wizard- 1-800-336-8949. Not sure if this number is just for CT. If it doesn't work, call 1-800-555-1212 and ask for Dent Wizard.
Hope this helps.
fastdriver
Shap1: Let's not overdue it. My car is a daily commuter and as a result, I've had numerous "hits" from small stones. In some cases, the pepple or stone hit with force and created tiny little pock type paint chips. Although Zaino helps hide such "hits", it doesn't offer much protection against them. Touch Up paint is my only recourse. After touch-up, I've covered those spots with "Z" and the results have been very good.
LOL... I knew that! ;-)) Here it is.
http://www.zainobros.com/files/photos/blackta.htm
fastdriver
I would like to keep my current car for some time-I hope to keep it for twenty years or more. Obviously, it will no longer be a daily driver after about ten years, but I do plan to keep it around.
I know someone who has a green '72 Nova which still looks brand new. He has used carnuba wax for over twenty years, and the original paint has not faded. I have seen several other mint-condition old cars with original paint jobs here in California, and all use carnubas.
I really want to use Zaino, but I am scared that it won't protect against fading as well as carnubas do.
Has anyone used Zaino for a really long time- say, five years? Has there been any fading? Or does anyone else know how Zaino stacks up in terms of UV protection?
Everything else that Sal has said has been true, and I expect this is also. I'm also pretty sure that zaino offers a high level of UV protection.
Many posts attest to how long a zaino finish lasts, and it's far longer than wax, and is much faster and easier to apply (after the first application process).
If your friend has been putting good wax on a Nova(?) for 20 years I would expect it to still look pretty good. However, the point is that in 20 years your car will look better and you will have spent much less time and trouble and effort in the process.
Longevity and UV protection are good questions, and if they are not answered to your satisfaction on the zainobros.com web page, use that page to ask Sal Zaino directly, and he will answer you quickly and directly.
I'm sure with multiple apps, Zaino would have done better, from what I hear around TH and other website forums. But, I think that for the average Joe/Jill that waxes his/her car 2-4 times a year, and doesn't want to wait hours for drying, and spend time with multiple applications and 2, 3 or 4 different product stages, Zymol will work very, very well.
Zaino also appears to work on deeper, richer colors better than lighter colors like silver or white, from what I can tell in photos. I know from experience how well Zymol works on a lighter color.
I just used Zymol Cleaner Wax on my 2001 Silver Impala. Easy as cake. Wax on. Wax off. The metal flake glitters and glistens. The clear coat reflects like glass. The surface is as smooth to the touch as a freshly Zamboni'ed ice rink.
I recommend Zymol Cleaner Wax for the occasional waxer that doesn't want to spend a lot of time or money, especially for lighter color cars.
I want to thank all of you for sharing your experiences, this stuff has won me over.
Tim
LOL...Thanks! Isn't that shine great? I love this car and I love Zaino! 7,400+ miles today in just 5 months! A record for me. After Labor Day weekend, I'll probably have 7,700 miles!
pureevil-
Congratulations on the new Trailblazer! I just drove one today. That's one line that my brother sells in RI. His was red with grey leather interior and every option. The MSRP was something like $37,142!! Nice SUV! Love all the gadgets and all those steering wheel controls. His BOSE stereo is definitely better sounding then the one in my 2001 Acura CL-S! You can get info about the songs playing and the station call letters and traffic info!! I was very impressed. Dual climate control, rear audio and AC controls! Good luck with yours. Drive it in good health.
Wait until you get a few more coats of Z on it! You won't believe it. What color did you get?
fastdriver
Tim
That's what color my brother's is! Was it a $69.00 or $97.00 option? The metallic in it is great! Put on a few more coats of Z2 and Z6 and watch that baby GLISTEN!!! You will NOT be sorry that you have started using Zaino. Have you seen all of my pics? I even made a SmashCast movie! Just click on my name above. All the links to my pics are in my profile.
You'll have to post some pics or send them to me via e-mail and I'll post them for you. Best time to take them, per automophile's expertise, is just before sunset.
fastdriver
It lasts about 5 to 6 months, so I'd really only need to wax it twice a year, but I manage to get about 4 coats on. I wipe it on, go inside and have a beer, come out and wipe it off...Easy as pie.
Protection? I almost find myself hoping for rain so I can watch the water bead. Heck, if I drive in the rain, it's like getting a free car wash...the dirt doesn't seem to stick.
It's nice to have metalflake in your silver paint....It sort of helps "boost" the shine. White doesn't have anything to help it, but I can assure you, you can tell which car is mine in a parking lot...the shine is most definitely there. Zymol may be good stuff...I haven't tried it so I can't say. But of all the "waxes" I have tried, I haven't found one yet that can compete with Zaino for shine, durability, and ease of application.
Tim
checkme: Squidd99 has some good points, and his recommendation of talking with Sal is a good one. Sal is the expert. Aside from that, I really don't know of any very long term tests of waxes or polymers. We know that Zaino will protect the paint, will not damage it, and lasts of very long time. Common sense says that Zaino would be the product of choice for long term applications. But just to be safe, talk with Sal.
It may be a while before I run out of Zymol, though. I bought it at Costco. ;-)
using Zaino on after reading the testimonials on here.
The car has been washed approx. once a
week since I bought it and have polished it every 2-3 months
with NuFinish. Is there any problem with using Zaino on a
car this old that was previously polished with NuFinish. The
car still looks very good for it's age, but I would llike to obtain
that "Zaino" shine. Are there any special steps that I should
do before the dawn wash/clay/dawn wash/Z1/Z5/Z2/Z6 steps?
Finally, I was told when I bought the car that it had a clearcoat
on it. However, I'm concerned that with the excessive
polishing with NuFinish over the years that it may have removed
the clear coat (although it still looks shiny). I have never used
a compound or anything other than NuFinish on the car.
Thanks in advance for any advice that you might be able to
offer.
I'm not knocking it. I will try it. I was just pointing out that Zymol Cleaner Wax, which cost $20 for two BIG bottles, does a damn good job, probably good enough for the average car owner that waxes his/her car 2-4 times/year.
Sometimes, the Zaino users on these Forums remind me of Mac users, both of whom seem to forget these things are just products.
I'm going to recommend that you call Sal Zaino who really understands how to handle these situations. Common sense tells me that you should first clear the car using Dawn and then clay the car. If some areas show extra wear and/or lack of paint or clear coat, then additional preparation must be applied. That could be anything from using a 3M Rubbing Compound to buff the existing paint. Or at the other end of the spectrium, some areas may require a paint job.
So before you do anything, please determine the state of your finish, and then ask Sal how to proceed. And please let us know what happens.
Oh no! TWO strikes against me- a ZAINO user AND a MAC user! ;-))
fastdriver
I'd still love to see zaino tested in a real organized test when similar application techniques are used. I.E. the same number of layers, separate polishing, etc. I would be willing to bet that if you use of 3-step process with another quality product, do the claying, etc, you'd see no real difference.
I got the 2 big zymol bottles at costco for $15. It works really well and is the only thing that doesn't stick to the black textured trim.
dave
I won't argue the shine part with you - the test even said that it was pretty darn close. But the shine will last longer than a wax product. So, using that dadgumed new math to figure out what it'll cost me over 3 years, I come up with
$7 - Z1, $14- Z2, takes about an hour to do the car, so at my "leisure" rate of $25 per hour labor costs, I only need to use it twice a year, so there's $50 in time per year. So, one bottle of Z1 lasts almost 3 years, a bottle of Z2 lasts 2 years, so I'll have to buy a second bottle there...Okay, I got it - $21 in Z products and $150 in "time" over 3 years for a total of $161, or $53.66 per year. Considering I need to apply any wax at least once every 3 months, and it takes longer to apply and remove and "buff" the wax, So lets say it takes me 1.5 hours...Heck, I'm up to $150 in "time" costs, even if you gave me the other product.
So it's easy to see, Zaino truly does cost less.