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Comments
Plus, if you just like to add coats of Zaino polish there is never any worry that you will be removing any clearcoat paint because Zaino does not have any abrasives and Z1 has very little cleaning ability.
:-)) Thanks! Shine on!
dbor-
If it's a black Lexus that you have, check with Sal or your dealer about whether or not it has clearcoat. I seem to remember past messages here that black Lexus cars do NOT have clearcoat.
At any rate, Zaino will look fantastic on your car. Click on my profile above. You'll see not only my Zaino pics, but I believe my cousin's black 2-seater BMW convertible pics are there also in photopoint.com. You won't regret getting the Zaino. Trust me.
fastdriver
Also - the REAL deciding factor is that this single product has such a fan club! Does this exist for any other single car maintenance product? Unless Sal is putting some addicting substance in the fragrance, it is because of the performance, isn't it?
Anyway, it looks great.
My advice on the new black car: use the clay.
I did not, because I thought I did not have to. After about 3 or 4 months, and after using clay on some other cars I was working on, I found out what the clay could do, and I could feel the bumps on the new Lexus. So a few weeks ago I clayed before applying the pre-winter Z1/z2 coat, and the difference is amazing. Now the surface of the car not only looks like glass, it feels like glass also.
The clay step does not take much time (although my car is small) and does not take any effort, since you are not rubbing hard, and it's well worth the effort, even on a new car.
Good luck; you will love the look. Don't be fooled by how good it looks right away; you will be amazed at how much more better (?) it looks after the 3d or 4th coat of z2.
I've used the water/vinegar mixture with newpaper trick for a while. Sometimes old habits are hard to break. I'm sure there are other methods for window cleaning that are as effective. I just haven't found them yet. Plus, water/vinegar/newpaper is cheap.
I also found that the water/vinegar mixture tends to "freshen up" the smell inside the car.
I still think Z6 applied to the windshield every once in a while is better than Rain X and easier to do.
Have fun with your "3".
Thanks.
Hey! Where are those new pics you were going to send for me to post? I forgot about them with all the crazy stuff going on at my job!
fastdriver
But I have found out that, because my digiital camera is so old, (less than 1 meg), I can get a better image using my 35mm and scanning in the print, so I may try that the next time I get a chance. But it's getting cold, so I will have to wait for a reasonably warm day.
Hang in there, and I'll get them to you.
But after some research and testing of new products, I've found a better method of glass cleaning.
Microfiber towels are all the rage with detailers and I'm sure most of you are using them. Classic Motoring Accessories sells some great towels including one called the Viper Glass Cleaning Cloth. See it here: http://properautocare.com/vipglasclean.html
I use it in combination with Sprayway Glass Cleaner and the results are amazing. No streaks, no smears, no lint, no nothing except perfect glass. The Sprayway works better than the 20/20 ever did. It's kinda hard to find but I've seen it at Restoration Hardware for $4.95/can. I ordered mine at Top Of The Line for $2.77/can. http://www.topoftheline.com
Anyway, thought I'd pass on a new system for cleaning glass. I now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.
Thanks for the tips. I'll have to try this window cleaning technique. I hate cleaning the windows. I have often said that I'd rather Zaino the car than clean the windows! The results are always better! LOL.....
fastdriver
Seriously, if you want a partner I'll go in halves with you. I have two cans but could alawys use more. LMK if you want to unload a few cans.
When I saw the picture of the Sprayway glass cleaner, I know I have seen that at SOME local store. Just have to visit the usual stops to remember where! ;-)))
fastdriver
Thanks
graphicguy: I don't recommend Z6 on the windshield. Z6 does fine on all other windows, but the wipers will rub out the Z6 in a good rain storm leaving little streaks. I actually use Z2 on my side and rear windows and then apply Z6 over the Z2. It seemed to work well on my 'moon roof', so I then tried it on my other windows as well. Again, the wipers will do a bad job on Z6 on the front windshield, and I'm back to just keeping it clean via Windex. But I'll give bretfraz's suggestions a shot.
The Z6 on my wndshield actually stays on for a while (maybe a couple of weeks) through rain.
My wipers work much smoother with the Z6 on the windshield.
The Vinegar/water/newspaper that I use when cleaning them gets all the road tar/oil/debris off the windshield (both inside and outside) with no streaking so I have a "clean" surface to use it on. Don't know if that makes a difference or not.
When "IT" arrives, you won't need Good Morning America to hear about "IT"! LOL...... "IT" won't disappoint you either!
pblevine-
Mmmm... WHEN I do decide to clean the windows, I use Z6 on the windshield too. It's like RAIN X- the water FLIES off!! ;-)) I never used Z2 on the windows.
fastdriver
SEE! That was fast! ;-))
joebob6-
Thanks for the heads up. Already filled out my order!
fastdriver
NOT me! I knew what IT was! ;-))
fastdriver
On using Z6 on the Windshield. Its true that Z6 can act like RainX - for a while. But again, I've found that it washes off too easily during a rain storm due to the action of the wiper blades. It is nice while its first applied, however, and I'm now thinking of using Z2 on the windshield. Has anyone tried Z2 up front, and how long will it last.
In another forum I was told someone mixed z2 n z5 to save time he said the results were excellent and it was like putting two (2) coats of Zaino in half the time. Also a couple claybar questions:
1. Is it okay to use Zclaybar on a non clearcoat?
2. Will Zclaybar remove my previous couple coats of Z3?
Also, I know this is a very new product but has anyone compared this is with that "B" polymer? They seem to be making the same claims as Zaino, but I can't help thinking it is just a copycat. I'm not switching from an excellent known product to an upstart without there being something extraordinary about it.
"In another forum I was told someone mixed z2 n z5 to save time he said the results were excellent and it was like putting two (2) coats of Zaino in half the time."
It will work fine but the comment about putting 2 coats on in half the time sounds like nonsense.
"1. Is it okay to use Zclaybar on a non clearcoat?"
YES
"2. Will Zclaybar remove my previous couple coats of Z3?"
It may remove some of the previously applied Z3. I would follow up the claying with another coat of polish.
"Does anyone know if there is any detriment to having Z2 cure faster?"
Specifically, does ZXF cause any changes to the optical properties or longevity that we all have come to love?
No it does have any detriment. In fact, some users have reported increased shine. I have not heard of any users report any changes with regard to its durability.
"Also, I know this is a very new product but has anyone compared this is with that "B" polymer? They seem to be making the same claims as Zaino, but I can't help thinking it is just a copycat."
I assume you are referring to Blackfire. It is an oil in water emulsion polymer system. It is not a copycat of Zaino. The website description of it makes it sound like it is similar to Zaino. It uses its own type of polymer system. They claim it gives the car a carnauba look with the durability of a polymer while Zaino gives a nearly optically perfect highly reflective look.
Their notes for 12/4 were:
"12/04/01: This was one of the only products to survive the snow and ice. After we washed it, the slickness was still there, and it beaded water well. It did the best job of protecting it's "optics" too. We're believers! "
--Z Clay will work fine on "non-clearcoat". Use aplety of lube as you will be actually claying the pigement coat of the paint.
--According to Sal Zaino, claying will not remove Zaino. Don't know if it has any effect on its durability, though. You might want to give Sal a call or e-mail.
It is nonsense though. If it were that easy everyone would do it because it would be a hell of a timesaver.
There is no problem mixing Z5 and Z2. It will not cause any problems. I have done it myself with the last bottle of Z2 so that I could use it up. The two products are totally compatible with each other. But if you think by mixing them you will get all the swirl/scratch hiding abilities and then on top have another coat of Z2 all in one easy step that just does not happen.
No problem! I do it all the time in the winter. As a matter of fact, Northwest CT is expecting 4-6 inches of snow tonight! I'm on the shoreline, so hopefully we won't get any! We have had temps in the high 60's until yesterday.
Oh well, you know what they say about New England weather!
BTW- I am sending this from the new Apple Macintosh store in the West Farms Mall in Hartford, CT. What a place! I am on a Titanium PowerBook G4 with a 15.2 inch screen and WIRELESS internet! Great place! I'm surprised I remembered my password because I am always on autologin! I'll have to remember to log off from this now. If any crazy messages show up with MY name after this one, it's NOT from me! ;-)))
fastdriver
One caveat, however. I was surprised at how small the Viper cloth was, 16" x 16", I believe, and particularly at $10.95 each plus shipping. By the time I did one car, the cloth was pretty wet. But as a newbie to this system, I may have used too much Sprayway. I wonder if the NicSand micro fiber cloths from Pep Boys might be better and cost less.
Bret - Thanks loads for the tip and for the offer to share the case of Sprayway. But I'm afraid I'm hooked, and unfortunately my wife saw the process and results. She now has her eye on several of the remaining cans for the mirrors and windows of the house.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=912729&a=14087589&p=57196633&f=0
Granted, she doesn't drive it in the winter, but she does drive it in bad weather and does go to car washes. I'm afraid to ask her if they're brushless!
Last Saturday when I took these pics, the car was not particularly clean. Well, not as clean as mine! ;-))
Talk about a long term test! I did ask her if she has applied any Zaino since I did it for her. She looked at me sheepishly and said NO!
fastdriver
Hard Wash, Claybar, Show Car Wash, Polish Lok then Polish. Outside lookin' GOOD!! Finishing up, I Z'd the dash with 'Leather in a Bottle'. Woof! Where'd that wet dog come from?
The Wife says 'Leather in a Bottle' smells like wet cardboard. I've gotta agree that it isn't a very pleasant smell. Wha' hoppen here?
Mmmmm...... I have the leather stuff too that I bought back in the summer of 1998. Since my previous car had the dark gray leather, I never used it. Since March 2001, I now have a car with the light tan leather and will probably use it on these seats one of these days. Everything that I have read about the Zaino leather stuff is that it brings back the real leather smell. I never heard anyone say it smelled like wet cardboard? LOL...
Are you sure you're not from that OTHER topic?? LOL.... J/K. I'd say to call Sal and see what's going on.
fastdriver
PS When I use my stuff, I'll let you know what it smells like. Don't want any wet dog/wet cardboard smells in my car!
I find that it keeps the leather soft, I think it aids in cleaning when you use the Z leather cleaner (but I'm not sure), and I know it makes the leather (and thus the whole car) smell good.
I have read nothing but similar posts here about this product. Your experience is quite different. First of all, what is "the old car?" Maybe the "leather" isn't really leather. Some cars use only a leather insert in the center of the seat, and use vinyl or "leatherette" on the rest of the car, and yet market it as a car with leather seats. This other stuff is some kind of faux leather for which the Zaino was not designed.
I don't know why the Z conditioner would make these products smell bad, but maybe that's what's happening. Or, maybe the leather in the old car was not so well cared for over the years, and is more dried out and/or dirty than it would be if new. Re-conditioning it may take time, and maybe you even need to try some "cleaning" products first to get off the dirt that might be there.
I'm not sure; my experience is limited to new leather of pretty high quality, and I know it's clean because it's white, which is another story for another time (so who said, "Yeah, let's get the white leather interior for the convertible, what could be the harm in that?")
Or maybe a squirrel curled up in the backseat and died, and the smell is not the leather at all; check around back there and let us know.
I just re-read your original post, and I see that you said you put the leather conditioner "on the dash."
I don't know of any car that has a leather dash, so I'm sure that's one problem right there. Almost all dashs are vinyl of some sort because of the heat and direct sunlight they have to endure.
The stores are filled with products to clean/protect dashboards. I'd clean off the Zaino leather conditioner and use something designed for the dashboard.
As pj says above, it smells good in the bottle and on the leather. Rub some on your hands like lotion; it should feel very rich and smooth, and should be absorbed into real leather when you rub in on. If not, you got a bad batch, which is possible, I guess.
But don't put it on the dash; vinyl does not absorb anything, so it just sits there and gets baked in the sun.
To test all of this, I am going to rub some into some cardboard later this afternoon, and report back.
I too use Zaino's Leather In a Bottle. It really does smell like leather. Guess I used too much and the smell got to be a bit much. But I discovered a cure for that leather smell. Rub some cigar ashes into 5 day old beer and apply using an old dish towel. And leave the wet towel in the car for at least a week. ONLY KIDDING. HEHE.
fastdriver: That Beemer looks great.
Also, used to wash my car with a sponge and blue Palmolive dish soap. Heck, everybody does it, right? Then one day, this misguided soul dropped into the Town Hall forums and while there, found a link to Autopia-Forums/Detailing. Jeeze - I thought ALL you guys were way anal. My old daily driver has never seen the inside of a garage. Wax? Maybe four or five times in fourteen years ( but you just can't kill that cast iron V-8 ).
Well, there I was - this carton of Zaino 'stuff' had just arrived. Had to do something with it, right? Right? And the label on 'LIAB' says, "Good for all leather AND vinyl". I gave it a shot. Maybe the dash was too hot on Saturday? (82 F.) Put the LIAB on too thick? Today the smell from the dash is much less. No better - just less (LOL). Guess I'll hold the LIAB for the new car's leather and pick up a 303 kit for the vinyl dash.
Now that Show Car Wash concentrate - that REALLY smells good. =;-)
Harry31 in Florida
Now, a survey question I have not seen since since I started reading this forum. How many of you ALWAYS remove your license plastes to Z your car; assuming that it covers a portion of car surface that COULD be polished?