Zaino Car Care Experiences

bidandsell · November 2001

I have the answer to bret's latest question. The answer is bret has no life and gets his kicks on the net. Nothing wrong with that though. BTW I am a Zainiac.

pjyoung · November 2001

First, in Zaino beats Zymol, it was YOU who came in with the "don't listen to the hypesters". I don't think dhanley even posted to that topic. I forgot to thank you for your opinion there. The discussion with Dave was in the "Meguires ties Zaino" and we were discussing (without my famous personal attacks) longevity when you come on with your very first, $2,000-out-of-your-own-pocket-for-the-SEMA-trade-show-advice of "Dave dave dave...." and went on about how we had no facts to back it up.

Second - if anyone who hasn't spent $2,000 out of their own pocket to attend a car wax conference should not be posting their opinion, then these boards should be retitled "Bretfaz answers your car wax questions" as nobody else would be qualified.

Third - your the "waxtest guy", aren't you? Only say that because in the original, it didn't take him more than one sentence to begin lambasting the "Zaino people" (sort of like you). I notice the updated test on polymers is still in progress. Wonder if he'll focus on product or people.

Fourth - you know why theres a lot of repetitive stuff? Because not a lot of people are willing to scroll thru 2,000 messages to see if their question has been asked before. And I think I've seen more than one post from you concerning Meguires #26 or whatever. Follow your own rules my friend...If I (we) can't repeat, neither can you.

Damnation bret - all I have EVER asked from you is to respect our opinions. Obviously, you can't. Is that too much to ask? I must have tasty blood, because you sure seem to love jumping all over my case in almost any thread I post in by not offering your opinion, but by posting that my opinion isn't worthy of being shared because I happen to use a different wax than you.

Now, I gotta go...heading down to South America to do research on natural carnuba versus laboratory enhanced beeswax. It's costing me $25,000, but I want to still be able to post here. Using your math, that'll make my opinion about 12.5 times more valid than yours.

koury · November 2001

Folks - please ignore bretfraz here. He may not go away, as most cockroaches don't, but at least you can all get back to sharing constructive feedback.

jawhn · November 2001

I have not yet ordered Zaino, but I'm leaning strong in that direction based on info from this board and others as well. I have read EVERY message in this board plus part #1, the OTHER wax board on Edmunds, the Autopia board and various car specific boards (BMW, NSX, Camaro, Etc.)(also checked out all the various WAX tests).

I almost quit reading early because of the CAT FIGHTING between the Z vs - non Z folks (this REALLY turns people off), but I decided to stick with it and I learned alot.

These boards are here to share experiences and opinions (negative as well as positive) and to lead us to other sources of information. Strong opinions are fine, just keep it civil.

It's great to be able to try (by proxy) several different brands, on several different cars, under various conditions, in all parts of the world, by people with different life styles, incomes and skill levels. Then to make an intelligent and informed choice.

Finally, if it's not harmful to the car (polishing your car with WD-40 or washing with and extremely abrasive brush, etc.) then why not leave it up to the individual to decide what is true and what is snake oil.

pblevine · November 2001

I may have helped to cause some nuts to surface with my unfortunate remark about our hosts a few posts ago. My remark had nothing to do with this topic/forum, Zaino, or even wax. I was having an argument with Edmunds management regarding an absolutely different subject, and I let it hang out in other places. But it wasn't a personal attack on anyone, and to watch proto & bretz go at it is rather sad.

Hey you two, please go back to your own waxes topic if you can't be constructive here. I don't even scan that other topic any more. And Jonah & Shifty, feel free to impose your political correctness stuff herein. As for us, lets try to ignore the nonsense posts and get on with business (so to speak).

In that vein, I've got two questions:
1. I dusted my car the other day using very light dusting action with a clean white towel. But I still left a few swirl marks. I'm wondering if the type of dust at this time of year (in the NE) is harder and thus causes such swirls. Or maybe I'm just dusting incorrectly. Opinions please.

2. And more importantly, when can we get Zaino's new ZFX product and for how much?

pjyoung · November 2001

I'd buy you a beer sometime, because believe it or not, I don't hate you. But somehow I think we'd only get to arguing about "tastes great" and "less filling". Adios until next time. Thus concludes this episode of "Grumpy old men".

bretfraz · November 2001

I'd take that beer and avoid the controversy. As long as it's a cold one.

And a car wax conference? I guess you've never heard of SEMA. Check out www.semashow.com.

And I'm here to state that I am not involved in any way with the Waxtest.com staff. I admire them for their hardwork and commitment. They too are entitled to their opinions but it was a "Zainianc" who caused them personal grief.

PB - You had nothing to do with this so no apology needed. Actually I admire the fact that you've been pretty evenhanded as of late.

pjyoung · November 2001

Peace.

jnj91 · November 2001

I'd say try it!

I was like you and read every post anywhere on the subject. I finally ordered it and just from my own personal perspective, reading about it doesn't do it justice! It's great and I can't even describe it. It is soooo easy. (well, if you have a bus and you clay the whole thing... anyway) I'm certifiable now!

Sunday was my mother's birthday and Monday, instead of putting another coat on MY car, I washed and clayed and zainoed her car. She loves me now! ;D

Ignore the extracurricular commentary going on in here. Someone has to get the last word in.

I think the water spots I've had are under the Zaino coat. Sal has written that they are probably mineral deposits and to try full strength white vinegar. If that doesn't work I'm going to try meguiers scratch X. (I tried it on one spot and I think it worked but I'd rather use something less harsh.)

I've thought about some things that worked better for me the second coat but I'll save them for a later post.

You Guys are toooo funny!

Julie

xwray · November 2001

I can't say for sure that the vinegar would get through the overlayers of polish/wax, etc. The vinegar essentially dissolves the water deposits and to do that it needs to come into intimate contact with them. You won't hurt anything by trying on a small are...if it works, press on - if not, I would suggest that you wash with the blue dawn or something else that will remove the overlayers and then wash with the vinegar solution and then wash as normal and repolish. You don't need a very strong solution...seems to me I used about a quarter cup in a couple of gallons of water and washed the car with that solution after having washed it to get the dirt off.

leadfoot4 · November 2001

I've been around cars a long time, and have had black cars for a long time, so a good wax is important to me. Over the years, I've used the original two-step Simoniz, Collinite (similar to Simoniz), Meguires, Nu Finish, and many others. I hadn't heard of Zaino until recently, while crusing on the Lincoln LS site.
I decided to give the Zaino a try this past summer, since so many people seem to love it. My opinion? It does provide a great shine on a black car. HOWEVER, it is a time consuming process, by the time you complete all of the steps. The steps are not hard work, unlike some of the other waxes I've tried. But by the time you wash, clay, apply step 1, let dry, buff, apply step 2, let dry, etc., you'll spend the better part of a full day before you're done.
Your car WILL look great when you're done. My wife and I have several cars between us, however, and I don't always have the time to spend all day waxing each car. For that reason, and that reason alone, Zaino isn't really the answer for me.

pjyoung · November 2001

Thanks for your view, leadfoot. While my personal experience has been that it hasn't take a lot of time to apply, there are others who, for whatever reason (applying too much, etc) found that it took a long time to dry. I can't dispute that because hey, if they say they saw it, they saw it.

FWIW - it's not necessary to let the Z1 dry before putting step 2 on - you just put the z2 on top of the Z1 without buffing the Z1 and then let them both dry together. Also, subsequent coats (during the next 6 months to 1 year) don't require the Z1...just the Z5 or Z2. Good luck and happy driving.

pblevine · November 2001

Julie: You ARE a good person. Doing you mother's car was very nice. But watch out, now she'll want you to wash and Z6 it every weekend. LOL
BTW, I too have a few water spots under my Z layers. I shold have been a little more carefull the first time I applied Z1/Z2. But the seem to have faded naturally over time. Most poeple can't see them, but I know they are there.

Leadfoot: I understand. My car is smaller (Honda Accord Coupe), and I've worked out a little system. Washing takes me about 20 minutes, drying takes me 15 minutes, a 10 minute break, Z6 takes me 15 minutes, Z2 (or Z5) then takes me about 20 minutes, a 15 minute smoking/drinking wait period, Residue Removal (the fun part) takes me another 20 minutes, another 5 minute break, and a final Z6 application takes about 20 minutes.
That works out to about 2.5 hours. Its a bit of time, but not a whole day.

fishxprt · November 2001

I have found that Zaino works best with a new finish and requires no more time than any other products, if the paint is new or the car is new. I actually do my car ( 4 doors ) into the following sections: top; trunk top; hood; left front fender and 1 left door; left rear fender and other door; right fender and 1 right door; right rear fender and the other door. This is 7 sections and requires 5 minutes to Z1 and Z2 when I get home from work and even less time to buff before I leave for work the next morning. Thus the whole car is done in a week for 10 minutes or less each day. This system also take the strain off my bad back. To maintain or increase the shine I continue to apply Z2/Z6 with this evening/ morning program. There is no other product that I have found that is as easy, and I have tried them all over the past 40 years. Use the California duster when you get home and before you leave for work. This takes literally less than 1 minute for a full size car.
If your car is not new, you probably have a carwash near you like I do that will clay and "wax" for about $50.00. This is a lot of money but it is also a lot of work and again hard on the old back. Just ask tha carwash to not apply the wax after they clay and rub out the finish with the pre-wax cleaner that they use. You can then take the car home and use the program that I outlined above.
Believe this is easy and not time consuming. My car looks better than new with very little time and effort.

fishxprt · November 2001

I have found that Zaino works best with a new finish and requires no more time than any other products, if the paint is new or the car is new. I actually do my car ( 4 doors ) into the following sections: top; trunk top; hood; left front fender and 1 left door; left rear fender and other door; right fender and 1 right door; right rear fender and the other door. This is 7 sections and requires 5 minutes to Z1 and Z2 when I get home from work and even less time to buff before I leave for work the next morning. Thus the whole car is done in a week for 10 minutes or less each day. This system also take the strain off my bad back. To maintain or increase the shine I continue to apply Z2/Z6 with this evening/ morning program. There is no other product that I have found that is as easy, and I have tried them all over the past 40 years. Use the California duster when you get home and before you leave for work. This takes literally less than 1 minute for a full size car.
If your car is not new, you probably have a carwash near you like I do that will clay and "wax" for about $50.00. This is a lot of money but it is also a lot of work and again hard on the old back. Just ask that carwash to not apply the wax after they clay and rub out the finish with the pre-wax cleaner that they use. You can then take the car home and use the program that I outlined above.
Believe me this is easy and not time consuming. My car looks better than new with very little time and effort.

joe166 · November 2001

I don't happen to think that Zaino takes too long, but if someone does, it is not likely that they will change their mind if someone just keeps saying that it DOESN'T take too much time. Leave well enough alone. Frankly, I resisted using Zaino for many months because of the zeal shown on these boards. I don't like proselytizing in any form and I sure don't like having something shoved in my face. I like the product, I use the product, but I don't take pictures of my car and send them over the internet. I don't think there is anything wrong with that, but it is not something I feel like doing. Everyone should do what they want. This is not like heart attack prevention or early cancer detection. It's just a car for goodness sake. Feel free to do whatever you want and feel comfortable doing, but please don't try to change everyones mind as to THEIR PERCEPTION. That is why different colors were invented, so everyone could choose what they like. Leave it go. Tell everyone your experiences, answer questions, but don't try to convince the heretics. (That is what it looks like sometimes.)

mbdriver · November 2001

Seems to me you're trying to change our minds about changing other peoples' minds -- or something like that. I see these posts differently. leadfoot obviously hadn't read the Zaino directions thoroughly, and folks here were trying to point out that it ain't necessary (and might be wrong) to buff off Z-1 before applying Z-2, and that it really doesn't require THAT much time to apply Zaino the first time. And leadfoot evidently forgot to wash with Z-7 after he used the clay bar.

However, the best thing about Zaino (aside from its superior shine and durability) is that once the initial application is complete, from then on Zaino is a breeze to use. After the Z-7 wash, just wipe on Z-2 or Z-5, let dry, and wipe off. You can enhance the shine with Z-6 if so inclined, but that isn't even necessary. Please, allow others to report their own experiences, even if they differ from someone else's..

Bottom line: Bear with us and allow the experienced Zaino experts here to post useful info that isn't primarily written to change a person's mind about the product.

mbdriver · November 2001

Can you tell us why you use Z-6 AFTER a Z-7 wash, BEFORE applying Z-2 or Z-5? I think I understand why you use it after applying Z-2 (and letting it dry, then wiping off). But what good does Z-6 do before Z-2?

Thanks in advance. Maybe I'll learn something. During my almost two years of using Zaino, I've used Z-6 after Z-2, often instead of another wash job (but after using a California Duster).

scottc8 · November 2001

I was a bit intimidated by the instructions at first. Probably misunderstanding on my part but I got the impression that the thing to do was get as many coats on as possible the first time. Didn't spend a whole day, I spent a whole weekend, and got 2 coats each of Z5 & Z2. Now I realize it didn't have to be such a big deal. And I sure do agree about the easy maintenance, especially for those of us blessed with a dry climate where drying time is a non-issue. Anyway, that's the advice I like to give people who are considering Z; weather permitting, the prep work and a couple coats can be done in a day of part-time work. But I agree with joe166 about trying to change peoples' minds. (At least until I get my first commission)

mbdriver, I'll stick my nose in w/my $.02: I always Z6 before Z2 to remove any waterspots and dust or lint left over after washing & drying. Leaves the surface "virgin", almost primed, for the Z2.

fastdriver · November 2001

pblevine-

I have been using a California Duster since 1990. I think it's possible that it could leave minute scratches. Whether you can see them or not depends on the color of the car. Dust can be coarse.

As for the ZFX, I'll have more info tomorrow. I have to call Sal. I e-mailed him today and he did answer very quickly, but I was so busy that I never got a chance to read the message until later in the day. I'll keep you posted.

Sounds like Julie is hooked! I guess some of us are a "little" more enthusiastic about our cars than others. To each his own. I know what my Zainoed car looks like and thanks to the net, so do a lot of other people who CHOOSE to look at them. I don't think there is anything that I could say about Zaino that my pictures don't already say. When that ZFX comes out, my car will look BETTER than it does now. You already knew that.

As for time consuming- I must work faster than most people in the "ideal" climate because it does not take me hours to wash and Z2/Z6 the car. If I ever had to wait hours or overnight for Zaino to dry, I would never use it. Anyway, the ZFX will solve that problem for those who experience this situation.

fastdriver

bh0001 · November 2001

I also found the instructions a little intimidating and confusing at first. Before I started with Zaino I printed EVERYTHING off the web site. There were so many different tips in different places it was hard to keep track of some of them. I decided to write my own instruction set based on the web site info and with lots of input from this group. In doing all of this I thought "this is going to be a lot of work". I was right - the INITIAL "treatment" was a large volume of work, but it wasn't "hard" work. And it was worth every minute of it.

Now it is very easy to maintain the mirror finish on my car (as long as it doesn't rain). I'm now looking forward to the winter durability test. So far Zaino is outperforming anything I ever used before.

leadfoot4 · November 2001

I fully agree with bh0001 that the Zaino website can be confusing. It's obvious that they should have had a proof reader go over it before they posted it on the web.
I also agree with his statement that "the initial treatment is a large volume of work, but not hard work." Those are my sentiments exactly. That is the message that I was trying to get across.
35 years ago, when I was in high school, I earned all of my pocket money by "detailing" cars. Back then, we didn't call it detailing, we called it a "doll up", "wax job", or whatever. My point is, I used to do 3 cars a weekend, so I know what is or isn't time consuming, and what is or isn't hard work.
Just a side note, you haven't worked, until you've done a few cars with the old Blue Coral, and yes, joe166, I too, was somewhat put off by the "in your face" attitude of some of the Zaino fanatics. By the way, joe, have you gotten any word on the T-Bird, yet ??

jnj91 · November 2001

"Can you tell us why you use Z-6 AFTER a Z-7 wash, BEFORE applying Z-2 or Z-5? I think I understand why you use it after applying Z-2 (and letting it dry, then wiping off). But what good does Z-6 do before Z-2?"

This is one of the things I wanted to mention that I noticed! Because I had seen people say 'Z6 just before and also after Z2' then others suggested 'Z6 after Z2' and still others don't even use Z6 (Big mistake!;P ), I wasn't sure which to do. So I took an imaginary line down the center of the hood and on one side of the car, ur..bus, I did the z6 before the z5 and on the other I just did z5. The first thing I noticed was that the Z5 went on easier on the side where I used z6 first. Later that day I noticed the hood, the side that I did NOT use the Z6 had a smearing look to it and the other side didn't. (I think Z6, used after the Z5 would have taken these out but I didn't use the Z6 after. That will be my next test.) It's been a couple of days and I haven't made any new observations.

There is a lot of information out there, and everyone has a favorite method, that's why I think I need to experiment and see what I like best on my 'bus'. The bottom line is...what a shine it gives! (and so much fun too!)

My Other Zstuff came yesterday! Now I can really clean the tires and leather! I didn't order the glass cleaner but now I want to try it!

Bye Guys...be good.

Julie (it's raining again...)

koury · November 2001

Has anyone used either Mother's or Meguire's clay bars? I've used Clay-Magic and been happy with it, but can't find it anywhere. Disclaimer: I've used Zaino clay and been very happy, but want to get it done this weekend and don't have any left; therefore, need to buy it from a store today.

Thanks in advance.

pblevine · November 2001

I think I undeerstand the question. There is no instruction stating you should use Z6 before applying Z2 or Z5. And indeed, you do NOT have to do this. And most of the time, I don't do it either.

BUT sometimes I've found that after a good Z7/water washing, the surface feels a little uneven. My daily commute involves passing through clouds of dust (sometimes) and construction sites. And dusting also sometimes leaves swirl marks on my car (see fastdriver's post above). And because I also wash in a "hard water" area, I tend to dry quickly which can also leave water spots here and there. I'm not sure about the acid rain aspect, but it may also be a contributer. Anyway, I'll use my trusty Z6 after drying to eliminate that 'rough' feeling before I apply my Z2. Whenever I have used this method, I've found the actual application of Z2 was a bit easier, the application pad didn't pick up as much dirt, and it seemed a bit easier to remove the Z2 residue after drying. Hey, it could be half in the mind or wishfull thinking, but I think it works. Other opinions please.

graphicguy · November 2001

koury:

I've used Erazer's Mother's and Meguiar's clay. Mother's works, more or less, about as well as Zaino clay.

The Meguiars clay was terrible. I don't know if it was old (I bought and used it the same day) or was from a bad batch, or that their clay formula just wasn't as good. I can't imagine that there are that many different ways to formulate or make detailer's clay, but who knows. I found that Meguiar's clay wouldn't/couldn't remove the tar/bugs nearly as well as the others mentioned above. It also left a lot of the clay on the surface. Believe me, I librerally soaked my panels with lube, so that wasn't the issue. I have clayed many, many times, so I am experienced in using clay, too.

As far as the steps/legnth of time it takes to "zaino", some of the steps are just good waxing techniques (regardless of the wax you prefer). For example, the Dawn wash/clay/wash steps are good surface preparation for waxing with any brand. If you're used to using the "one step" store bought products, this probably sounds like a lot of work. There are many premium products out there that are 2-3 step products/processes.

Where Zaino differs is that it doesn't leave any wax residue and it is literally a "wipe on/wipe off" process. No hard buffing required. Yes, depending on climate, you may have to wait a while for it do dry, but the results are worth it. When it comes right down to it, I only do a Z1 application twice/year. I do use Z2/Z5 regularly because it is so easy to use. Sometimes I use Z6 after a wash, sometimes I don't.

So, after the initial Dawn/Clay/Wash (which you should do no matter what wax product you use), I apply either Z2 or Z5 whenever I please (takes about 20 minutes on my 300M). If I use Z6 before or after, it takes me another 10 minutes added to that. So allow 30-40 minutes minutes for application of wax/Z6 and wiping it off, I get an outstanding, long lasting shine. No hard work required. Knock out the Z6 and I can do it in about 30 minutes.

koury · November 2001

Thanks for the advice, you are the second person who has mentioned Meguiar's isn't so good. I guess that's why the Meguiar's is only $10.....I'll pick up the Mother's and see how that goes.

mbdriver · November 2001

scottc8, Julie, pblevine -- Thanks for the explanation about using Z-6 before Z-2. Makes sense.

Fortunately, the water in my area isn't that hard, so water spots aren't a problem. Also, my car is brilliant silver, and the Z-6 before Z-2 seemed to me to be overkill for my situation. I'm sure I might feel differently if I had hard water or a dark colored car, particularly now that I know the advantages of using the Z-6 BEFORE. It sure is great stuff.

scottc8 -- One thought regarding your weekend application of two coats each of Z-5 and Z-2 -- I agree wholeheartedly about the organization of the Z web site and the confusion. But I seem to recall that (somewhere) Sal recommends waiting 24 hours between coats of Z-5 or Z-2, something related to curing time and better bonding, I think. But I'm also sure that you didn't do any harm to your finish. And who knows -- if the shine is still there, perhaps durability was also enhanced.

graphicguy · November 2001

I've used Clay Magic, too. Out of all of the clays out there, Clay Magic, Erazer, Zaino and Mother's all worked well and about the same.

Buy any of those you can find.

qwalls · November 2001

I got blue clay magic at Pep Boys for $20. It does a good job. The Meguiar's clay is pretty bad.

protegextwo · November 2001

http://www.thewaxtest.com/poly.html

The Wax Test folks have a nice comparo going between Zaino and KLASSE. Check it out.

-Larry

pjyoung · November 2001

I checked the other day and the polymer page wasn't up yet. Is it my imagination, or is the review a lot different from the first one? I have to give the guys credit, they had perhaps the best description for how lightly to apply it "Apply it as if it cost $800 an ounce".

koury · November 2001

Nobody in my neck of the wood (MA) sells Clay Magic. I tried Pep Boys, Auto Zone, and Lappens. Anyone from the Boston area know where to find it?

jawhn · November 2001

I read most of the reviews on "The Wax Test" site and they seem reasonably fair and unbiased so far. Zaino and Klasse both doing well. There was one thing I noticed that seemed odd. In the notes for the "Zymol Concours" wax it says "It was one of the only waxes to really improve the already great looking prepped panel." But in the main notes at the begining of the Synthetic/ Polymer/Acrylic products it says "We did not prep this panel with any other products." Why would they prep the panel for one and not the other? I will ask them this question directly, but that part of the site is not up yet.

jawhn · November 2001

Posted to quick. While reading the Disclaimer from the main page under Test Preparation it says "We've already made one major mistake in our test preparation. We prepped most of the panels in an identical fashion before applying the waxes. We did this because we thought we'd be more "fair" if we gave all of the waxes identical paint conditions prior to applying the wax. This proved to be a huge mistake, and we learned a very valuable lesson: 90% preparation, 10% wax application. Almost all of the waxes looked great when applied to our nicely prepped test panels.

Rest assured we will not make this mistake in the next round of testing." The Synthetic/Polymer/ Acrylic products started testing on week 2.

scottc8 · November 2001

You're right about the 24 hrs., if the temp is below 70. Six hours is required if above 70. Don't know what I'd do if it were exactly 70

, but my first "Z" weekend was 90+ both days with humidity around 15%, so it turned out beautifully.

And you're also right about the color. Mine is dark metallic green, looks great Zed, but shows every speck of lint and every water spot larger than a molecule. I'll bet a silver car is difficult; I've done my aluminum wheels a couple times and have to drag a light around with me to see what I'm doing.

protegextwo · November 2001

I was working real long days with out much time off, when I first learned of the WaxTest site. I thought there was plenty of time to read the details. Next thing I know,... it was pulled. However, I think you have a good point. The first time they rated Zaino (B-) and KLASSE (B). Now, they give Zaino a slight advantage. I honestly think these guys are trying to be as fair as possible. It is not life and death and hopefully it will give us all something to post about?

-Larry

joe166 · November 2001

I am on the road for a few days, but I am sure that Ed McMahon will be waiting in my driveway with my new car. Publishers Clearing House wouldn't mislead us, would thay?

scottc8 · November 2001

but you'll have to Z it yourself. Ed's not as young as he used to be. Although I'm pretty sure Dick Clark IS.:)

jnj91 · November 2001

Ditto what others have said about Meguiar's clay.
I ran out of the Zaino clay and used the blue Clay Magic (softer, but IMO didn't work quite as well as the Z clay).

koury; Look in the yellow pages under Auto Body Supplies. I called two places and they had all kinds of choices of clay.

fastdriver · November 2001

pblevine-

Spoke to my good, old "gruff" friend Sal yesterday morning. LOL.....He has been so busy that the ZFX packaging is not done yet. He didn't say exactly when it will be out, but I'll be waiting. Weather holding off so far here. Not too cold yet!

fastdriver

culater9 · November 2001

I am a new Zaino user that after much research and deliberation took the dive and made the purchase. I used the clay for the first time today and found that it streak on some parts of the car. I did follow the directions about lubricating the surface really well, but to no avail. Any help or suggestions would be most appreciated.

jnj91 · November 2001

Zaino clay; While I didn't have that problem with the Zaino clay on my car, when I did my mother's 96 Taurus with the Clay Magic I noticed that happened too. I wish I knew what made the difference.

I think I noticed two things that might have made a difference, one was the sun was shining on the car when I noticed the streaking, it didn't happen when I moved the car into the shade. Second I was using a lot more Z7 to lubricate the area when I noticed it, I used a little less on other parts of the car. Maybe the car was hot from the sun and that caused the streaking?

Just guessing. That could be the part they leave out of the instructions.

Julie

joebob6 · November 2001

What was the temperature like? Was the surface you were claying hot or cold? Also how was the surface of the paint to begin with?...i.e was it like new, oxidized, etc

What did you use to lubricate the surface? How much pressure were you applying?

Knowing the answers to the above may help but it does not really matter anyway...the streaks will come off easily by wiping with another towel.

culater9 · November 2001

I clayed my car in the morning(after washing it)in the shade and the temperature was about 65 degrees.

In retrospect the areas that streaked were areas that I used more lubricant and maybe a little more pressure. Paint condition is new. Actually the clay picked up alot less than I anticipated. It never got very dirty at all. The lubricant was a mixture of car wash soap and water in a spray bottle.

The problem is the streaks have proved difficult to remove. Even whiping with a towel.

joebob6 · November 2001

Assuming you are going to apply Z1 anyway, test a spot and see if the Z1 helps remove the streaks of clay.

fastdriver · November 2001

culater9-

Ah.......65 degrees- what I wouldn't give for that right now! ;-)) It's 46 and windy as all heck here in CT.

Did you wash the car again after claying? This should have removed any residue. I never had that problem so I can't be too much help. I'd say e-mail Sal and see what he recommends.

fastdriver

mbdriver · November 2001

You must be in Arizona or the Southwest, with that sort of temperature and humidity combination. No wonder you could do all that Z-ing in one weekend.

Regarding the application of Z to a silver car, it's a challenge to remember which panel you've done and which comes next --- tough to see the haze from the polish. But it's a nice problem to have. Even when the car is fairly dirty, it still looks clean and shiny. But there's also nothing like the deep shine of a just-polished dark colored car. At my age, though, it's just too much like work to keep it that way.

fastdriver · November 2001

mbdriver-

Silver isn't the ONLY color that the Z is hard to see on. It's just as difficult on my red car! There have been times when I have missed wiping off an entire section because I didn't see it! ;-))

Come on- age is just number thing! You're only as old as you feel! This morning I felt like 90, but I'm fine now! LOL....

fastdriver

crashproof · November 2001

Last week, I sent in my order. I'll get to see for myself if this stuff works as claimed. I bought some of the leather cleaner and conditioner. I've watched too many leather seats crack and burst not to try something different on them.

Anyone have Sal's email address?

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