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Instead, believe the "voice of authority" who cautions you not to believe what many others have said.
Don't know what I did wrong yesterday, but I washed and Z'd a 300M and a Taurus in a grand total of 3 hours time spent. I'm happy with the results, but it may not pass muster in California.
This is a good thing for all of us to remember. A Z7 wash is always the saving grace if/when you use way too much Z2/Z5.
We won't even make you go through the "exorcism" that we make most "non-believers" go through who want to cross over to the "Z" side.
pj,.. pj?,.. PJ,.. PJ?,.. PJYOUNG!:) :
Welcome aboard. And you thought we were nuts. As you can already see, the effort is well worth it. And the best thing for me, is that the shine lasts and lasts. Endurance. And concerning the towels, my wife thought I had lost it when she learned that I had bought Fieldcrest Royal Velvet towels for the car. I too resisted in the beginning only to find that ordinary towels with nylon threads created swirl marks. Then I heard about the annual Fieldcrest clearance sale on the web. If I remember, a full set was about $15-$20. By the way, use ordinary Tide without any bleach to wash those towels. And I use the wash cloth to wash the car with Z7.
I think it was graphicguy to taught me about the two wash bucket method. Use two buckets, one with Z7 and water, and the other with just water. Soak the wash cloth in the Z7/water and wash a car panel. Then rinse the wash cloth in the plain water to eliminate all sorts of dirt. Then soak it again in the Z7/water bucket befoe using it again. In fact, I now refreash the plain water bucket at least 3 times during a typical car washing.
I did wash the car this weekend up in the Berkshires, but my family literally pulled me away from the car as I was about to apply some Z2.
It was their last chance to throw me in the lake this season. And I didn't mind too much. But I did sneak in a Z6 application before we left for dinner down in Derby, CT. With one minor mishap, it was a great weekend. Mishap? I got a speeding ticket (80 in a 55 Zone).
Seattlekidd: I'll agree with BH. Simply wash (with Z7) again, dry in the normal manner, and apply some Z6 (and wipe). Also, in cool humid conditions, I let the Z2 dry overnight before removing the residue. At any rate, you don't have start from scratch again.
fastdriver et all: Sunday evening my family had dinner in Derby, CT. Afterwards, I saw a car rally at the far end of the large parking lot of the mall/center where our restaurant was located.
By the time I got a chance to wonder over, it was already nightime. They had a fine collection of vintage 'Vettes. All in beautiful condition. I was really impressed. And you should have seen the engine work on some of these cars. When I started to mention Zaino, my wife and brother-in-law pulled me away (it was getting late). Anyway, some of the rally regulars tell me they get together every other Sunday evening. 'Have you ever heard of this Derby rally?
;-)
-Pro2
Seriously, I'm wondering what color your car is and how dirty or dusty it was when you started the lunch hour routine. And does the Z-6 help AFTER the wash, BEFORE the Z-2 application? If so, how? And then another Z-6 after the Z-2 wipe off?
I have a metallic brilliant silver finish on my car. It's not quite 18 months old and is always garaged at night and seldom exposed to the sun and weather for prolonged periods. I started with Zaino as soon as I took delivery and now have at least 15 coats of Z-2 on it (plus a couple applications of Z-1). The deep "wet look" shine has been there almost from the beginning, and I use Z-6 instead of a wash when there's only a light coat of dust on the car -- I remove the dust with a California Duster, of course, BEFORE I apply the Z-6.
My point: Is it really worth all the time and effort to use Z-6 before and after the Z-2? And I can't even imagine how the shine and reflectiveness on my car could get any better by using Z-6 immediately following a Z-2 application, except perhaps that it may help to repel dust. Maybe having a light colored car makes a difference.
Hey- you weren't that far from me when you were in Derby. Actually, I was in Keene, NH for the weekend. Now have 8,000+ miles on the CL-S in a LITTLE over 5 months!
I never heard about this Vette meet, but I do know that different "fast-food" places around this area have these shows every week. I've been to a few- by accident, but can never remember which ones are where and when! ;-)) If I ever find a schedule, I'll let you know.
fastdriver
TIA,
Jeff
http://www.nsxsc.com/nsexcitement/waxtest.html for the test of several car wax and polishes. There was also another one earlier, I will try to find the pages.
mbdriver: Very good question (ie: Did I eat?). Yep, between steps. I had washed my car the day before and it was parked inside that night. Thus, it was clean (sort of) before I started. First, I gave it a light dusting. And then I did my little "pseudo-wash" by spraying a weak water and Z7 mixture. Very weak. I would spray a panel and wipe down gently using a clean towel. And just to be sure, I also gave it a quick Z6 wipe-down too. I don't really know how effective the pre-Z2 application of Z6 is on a clean finish. In theory, it would "even out" the microscopic "bumps" in an existing "Z" coating. But I can't actually see any difference myself. My car already had a good "wet" shine from 3 prior coats of Z5.
My car is a '98 Accord Coupe EX V6 with the dark "Emerald Green" color. So, adding another layer of Z2 added to the depth of the shine. The post-Z2 application of Z6 DOES make a difference. Yes, it adds a slight anti-static property to the shine. And it also makes the finish feel a little more smooth. I think (opinion not fact) the Z6 wipe down removes any tiny pieces of Z2 residue still present and helps to even out the just applied Z2 layer. I do know (ie: fact not opinion) that the finish "feels" smoother and looks a bit more slick.
fastdriver: Yeah, I found that rally purely by accident. If I remember correctly, it as in the parking lot of a Burger King. It was worth seeing. The people were friendly and I wish I had more time to spend with them. My wife and brother-in-law kind of pulled me away. That CL-S of yours is seeing a lot of action. If the "S" type was out when I was buying, I might have gone for it over my Accord Coupe. These cars are closely related, but the CL-S has several very important improvements: engine, tranny, suspension, seats, handling, and safety. A great car.
retiredjeff: The study URL listed by autmophile in post 2561 is the best study I've seen. There WAS an earlier study which involved a "reflectometer" and also named Zaino as the winner. I'm not sure if I can find it. I think it was by a European car critic. Sal didn't think much of that review (even though Zaino won) as the writer was not totally objective.
Was that Vette show on RT 34(Derby Ave.)? If so, I know exactly where it was. Don't you hate it when people pull you away from things like that? ;-))
This CL-S is great!8,000+ miles in a little over 5 months. Best car I have ever owned. Certainly head over heels better then what I had before this even though it's smaller and doesn't have as many "gadgets". NO dealer visits for repairs is what I LOVE!! Only been to the dealer twice for 2 oil/filter changes and a tire rotation!
The red really shows off that Zaino shine! I have to get outside now and wash it. Been almost a week and needs it because we had some rain the other day. I'll have to try that lunch hour thing! LOL... My peers would really think I flipped out! ;-))
fastdriver
My opinion (ie: not fact) is that Zaino would still win hands down. But lets find someone to perform such a test.
And yes, that rally was on Route 34.
Didn't last long. Most waxes don't in the city. Bird poop, tree poop, etc.
Blitz wax seems better if you have to wax.
Zaino is still better...
For some reason Edmunds has a 115 character length limit and would not let me post the url as it should be...cut and paste both parts into a new browser window...or use link as is...goto images and click on *.jpgs with zaino in them.
http://people.ce.mediaone.net/bcurrey /images/zaino_art1a.jpg
http://people.ce.mediaone.net/bcurrey /images/zaino_art1b.jpg
I time my applications by "beer time". It takes me about one beer to apply Z2/5. If I'm real thirsty, this is usually about 25 minutes. Then it takes me another beer to wait for drying time and wipe down time.
You are post #2570; scroll up and read a few of the previous messages and you will learn how to get the product, how to apply it, and why it's a good thing.
You will also be directed to www.zainobros.com where Sal Zaino will explain it all to you.
2000 Satin silver Accord Coupe (garaged about 75% of the time)--Z1 and 3 coats of Z2 initially with additional coat of Z2 after 3 months. Still looks great now after 6 months and beads water like crazy.
1997 heather mist Accord Sedan (garaged at night only)--Z1 and 2 coats of Z2 on 1/2 of the hood. One coat of Nufinish on the other half. After 3 months the Zaino half still looked good while most of the Nufinish appeared to be gone. After 6 months both sides of the hood looked the same--all the wax appears to be gone.
1991 white Accord Sedan (outside 24/7)--Z1 and 2 coats of Z2 initially. Nothing but regular washings with Z6 every 2 weeks. After 6 months all the wax appeared to be gone on the horizontal surfaces. Had to reapply Z1 and Z2 to get the shine back. This one will probably need an application of Z2 every 2 months on the horizontal surfaces to keep a shine.
Just wanted to report my results.
She is 82, and really appreciated how much better it looked and felt! It made me feel good that I could do this for her. I'll try to get another layer on in the next week or 2 so it will be protected until spring.
Dawn wash, Z1, Z2, wipe down and Z6 took only about an hour. Shoulda taken some pics!
graphicguy: Thank you, thank you. I usually try to save the beer 'till I'm done. On my lunch break application: I had washed the car the previous day (a Sunday), and when I drove to work, it was a perfect day. Low humidity and temperatures in the mid 70's. And a steady gentle NE wind. The Z2 dried in about 5 minutes, a record for me. I've had times when the Z2 took overnight to dry. I wasn't pure luck, I applied a VERY thin coat of Z2. Where I normally make an "X" on the applicator from the Z2 bottle, I tried only pouring an "/" (a half X) instead. Seems to have worked OK.
Silvercoupe: Interesting test. I too have the Accord Coupe (a '98 EX V6 Emerald Green). My results have been similiar to yours. Two coats of Z2 took me through the entire winter last year. One of the variables that should be taken into consideration for endurance purposes is the local climate. I'm in the NE (New York, CT, & MA). Harsh winters with snow and road salts would tend to erode the "Z" faster than a good southern climate. Where are you located?
automophile: That's really a nice story. My dad (also in his 80's) won't let me touch his beat up Ford. He's proud of his rust spots. Go figure.
http://people.ce.mediaone.net/bcurrey/images/zaino_art1a.jpg
I have two cars and after purchasing the Zaino products I am now ready to wax them. I’ve never waxed a car in my life. (Used to have the dealer detail my old car every year or so.)
Do you guys think I can do this by simply following the Zaino instructions? Or shall I start with some other wax that is easier to use?
Also, I’ve heard somewhere that it is bad for the paint to use a detergent. Many seem to refer to Dawn which I assume is a dishwashing detergent. Is there any harm in using one?
My light colored Maxima (sunlit sand) has never been waxed, and I’ve had the car for 10 months now. So maybe there is no need to use a dishwashing detergent as there is probably no wax left from the factory.
I also have a black Acura RSX-S that is two months old, and possibly has some wax from the factory.
Also, I am a little concerned, because I’ve heard that you can’t switch to another wax after applying Zaino. If I decide in the future that I want someone else to detail my cars after all, will it be easy for them to remove the Zaino and apply whatever other wax they normally use?
Any comments will be appreciated.
Thanks
As to using a detergent, of course a continual use of a strong dishwashing liquid MIGHT be harmful, but this is once to remove older waxes which might yellow under the Z and ruin your work, but afterward, use the Zaino wash or if you feel like it any high quality car wash that does not remove wax (or try to claim that it has wax in it). Try it, you might like it.
You can switch to any wax you want any time you want to. There is no law preventing it. The reason some have said so is that the makers of Zaino claim that their product has certain optical qualities that will be compromised if you use other products. I have no idea if that is true, but if you are changing it must be because you want to do something different, so why would you care? It isn't going to cause your paint to peel or anything like that, so do it if you want to.
Again, the Z is far easier to apply than you might be led to believe. You don't rub it in...you wipe it on, let it dry and wipe it off. I thought I'd been in for a weekend worth of work before I tried it, but as it turned out, I can wash and Z my car (300M - a full size car) in just over an hour.
Coaxing??? Me??? ;-))))
sgrd0q-
Just click on my name above and MOST of my car pics are there! I get confused sometimes because I have pics in YAHOO photos, ImageStation, Kodak, Ofoto, PhotoPoint, Cartogra, Photoworks and probably a few more places that I forgot about! LOL.... I love that SmashCast movie thing, but now it's going away AGAIN in Cartogra on either 10/1 or 11/1! Photopoint had it, then dropped it. I wrote to SmashCast and they told me that Cartogra had it, so I joined that(free)and made another movie. Now they're getting rid of it! In most of these sites I THINK you can see my pics by just putting in my e-mail address.
The 300M did NOT get the clay treatment because I never heard of clay until after I had several coats of Zaino on it. The Acura I did clay. The Acura has about 11 coats of Z2/Z5/Z6 on it. Waiting for Sal to come out with that new additive so that I can get 3 coats on in ONE day. Would like to do this BEFORE the snow starts flying here in CT! Maybe it's out now. I haven't checked the Zaino site. BTW- everyone is right. The whole Z process sounds more complicated then it really is! I do NOT spend 24/7 Z'ing my car to keep it looking the way it does. On the darker colors, the more Z2/Z6, the better the shine and that wet look appearance! You won't believe it!
Good luck.
fastdriver
Concur? With what? Coaxing me OR the ease of using/applying Zaino? ;-))
fastdriver
I got my Zaino stuff some time ago, but I feel more motivated now to actually go ahead and wax my cars.
Thanks everyone for your replies.
I'll still have to decide, though, if I want to use a dishwashing liquid before waxing.
Any advice? Thanks.
DON"T FREAK OUT! Just use the regular DAWN dishwashing liquid and then the clay and then the Zaino. I'm sure that maybe I missed some spots on the 300M because that was detailed before I bought it. I found out about Zaino shortly after I got the 300 in June of 1998. Look at those pictures in my profile above. If I missed any spots, you sure couldn't tell. I never even clayed the 300 because I never heard of clay until after I had several coats of Z on it. I wasn't going to start over because the car looked great to me.
Everything will be fine. Don't worry. Like NIKE says- JUST DO IT! ;-))
sgrd0q-
Thanks. It's not as bad as it sounds. Just take your time and your car can have the SAME shine as mine. You'll be writing to tell me that I was right.
fastdriver
Don't worry about using Dawn one time to remove wax! Those warnings are directed at those that would used detergents to wash their car EVERY time, for years.
I would say that EVERYONE here has used Dawn on their car with no ill effects.
Have a good time, and remember that a little goes a LONG way! you shouldn't use more than 1/8 or 1/10th of the bottle of Z1 and Z2 when you do your car. Dampen the applicator with a couple of squirts of Z6, and it will glide over the car.
Also, Don't worry about a few streaks or bits of the polish left when you wipe it off. When you Z6 the car afterwards, all the excess comes off!
The whole purpose of using Dawn is to only remove the old wax. It won't remove your paint or leave any sort of residue behind. That's the exact reason you don't want to use it regularly, too. If used regularly, you will never have any protection on your finish.
As far as missing spots with Z after the Dawn wash, just make certain you put more than 1 coat of Z2/Z5.
I have found that fastdriver needs absolutely no coaxing to use Zaino for a myriad of uses (ask him about his computer monitor).
Once a series of multiple coats has been established, the total affect can be maintained via the "low effort" application of applying a single additional coat (ie: Z5 or Z2) on a periodic basis. However, the elements (wind, dust, rain, road salts, etc.) will degrade even Zaino over time. So naturally, an additional coat only counts as a single coat, and will only enhance the total effect by one coat. If the degradation has been more than one coat's worth, a single new coat will not completely restore the total effect of three coats. Only one coat. So: it all depends on local environmental conditions. Users should try to determine when their shine is starting to fade a bit and then apply their next coat.
This link is the KING of LAME, lol!!! Where is the Zaino review?
-Larry
pblevine--my thoughts and prayers go out to the entire city of New York.
Thank you, we need all the help we can get. I am way way more than simply angry but do not have the luxury of dwelling on that yet. But I will.
God Bless.