Zaino Car Care Experiences

cyclerklm · May 2000

I have bragged on this board and elsewhere about how nothing sticks to Zaino. However, several roads around here have been repaved and now I find tar spots and streaks that won't budge with a Z-7 wash. (I have 3 coats of Z-2 on my vehicle.)

Would you recommend clay? WD-40? Dawn? I have some "Finish Line Professional Degreaser" which I use for my bicycle that "dissolves tar and grime; removes wax and oil." It smells like oranges and is water soluable, but contains petroleum. Would this be safe to use?

If I use the degreaser, clay, or other tar remover, does this remove Zaino? Do I have to go back to Z1/Z2 after using any kind of tar remover?

graphicguy · May 2000

Must be some nasty tar. I'd start with clay. If that doesn't work, I'd go find a product called "bug and tar remover". I believe it's by Turtle Wax. If that doesn't work, the old standby...WD-40 should do the trick.

I know that clay alone will not remove Zaino, I'm not sure about "bug and tar remover" or WD-40. A call to Sal might be in order.

Just because I'm anal about my finish, I would Z1/Z2 the areas where you used the removal methods above.

Let us know what worked.

pblevine · May 2000

I think graphicguy has it right. 'Had some nasty road tar a while ago, and spot use of clay did the trick. I also had some tree sap spots which I was also able to 'clay' out.

Yep, my wife thinks I've gone nuts too. You should not get 'tired' from removing the Z2 residue. It should be VERY easy. In fact, the whole idea is that you should NOT have to rub at all. Was the Z2 still wet? Again, a little should go a LONG way. 'Just re-read your post, and depending upon temperature and humidity, 1.5 hours may not have been enough time. Last summer (July 4th weekend), I put on a layer of Z2 on a hot and humid day. After 3 hours, it still had not completely dried. So I left it over night. The result was very good, and very easy to remove (the residue).

But I've also put on a layer of Z2 and it dried in 30 minutes. That was at about 65 degrees, low humidity, and with a moderate wind. Go figure!

newwestd · May 2000

So far so good - here's our '97 Accord 2 months after it's Z treatment. This is about the point where my best wax jobs started to look dull.

peterskm · May 2000

It still looks nice, but how does the water bead?

--Kevin

tpmiller1 · May 2000

on the right side of the hood.

cyw0 · May 2000

Which one is right? Thanks!

len_a · May 2000

It was 85 degrees and low humidity. Seemed like an ideal day to apply Zaino. I put Z1 on the entire van and waited 30 mins. Then put Z2 on the entire van and waited 1 hour. The Z2 had hazed and it came off clean with no smearing when I rubbed some off with my finger. It seemed dry.

It's possible I applied too much of both Z1 and Z2. And I've heard that removing both Z1/Z2 is more difficult than subsequent coats of Z2 alone. I'll find out when I apply my second coat of Z2 whenever this pollen calms down.

Anyone else in the northeast notice the huge quantities of pollen all over everything?? It's impossible to keep an ungaraged car clean under these conditions.

tpmiller1 · May 2000

I'd be retired, it's everywhere.

pblevine · May 2000

GREAT picture! And tell tpmiller to get better glasses - all least he could have said 'what kind of tree is growing on your hood?'.

len_a: I guess just waiting an hour is not enough after a Z1/Z2 application. And I hear you about the damn pollen too. Watch out for the tree sap too. Last year at this time I parked under a (maple?) tree and got a full coating of tiny color less sap spots (ie: small dots) all over the car. 'Had to clay them off.

tpmiller1 · May 2000

and it can't be a flower and fauna reflection, cause the numbers don't add up when you count the # on the hood and the # behind the vehicle. A grassy knoll conspiracy...(I need a life)

newwestd · May 2000

Kevin -
The water beads as if it was just polished. I'll take a shot of this next car wash. I have noticed NO decline in this at all. The surface is not as glassy smooth and slick as 2 months ago, but it still feels pretty good. Since the car is outside 24/7, I notice it seems to stay cleaner between washes, also.

Trees -
Because of the angle of the reflection and the cropping of the photo you can't see the trees that are reflected in the hood! I was trying to show as much of the gloss as possible, not the neighborhood. No Algae! I'm in L.A., not Florida! LOL!

- JON

daverose · May 2000

I prefer Dawn, clay, Dawn because you get the most benefit of the Z7 when you're washing a car that already has Zaino polish on it. Since the Dawn and clay are supposed to be getting you a clean 'raw' surface which to polish, and you do need to get the claying residue off, I just prefer to use the Dawn to do it, not the Z7.

sdgrant · May 2000

I'm waiting for my first major order of Zaino, and I plan to use it on my restored '64½ Mustang Indianapolis 500 Pace Car coupe. However, I can't do the Dawn car wash because I can't have water drip between panels, into the engine area, etc. because it would require disassembling the car to remove water spots from some places, like in between the door and the fender. How should I remove any existing wax and prep the surface for Z1/Z2?

cyclerklm · May 2000

Thanks for the input on tar removal. I tried two methods -- both worked.
Clay - I used my Clay Magic with some diluted Z-7 as lubricant.
Finish First degreaser - This is a citrus/petroleum product, marketed for bicycles. I emailed Sal Zaino and he said it wouldn't hurt the Zaino. It dissolved the tar well and doesn't seem to have affected the finish. FYI, Sal recommends using WD-40, out of direct sunlight for tar removal.

After cleaning the tar off, I respritzed the whole area with diluted Z-7, rinsed with clear water, and dried with cotton towels. The water still beads fine, but I'll put another Z-2 coat on this weekend.

slucas · May 2000

Anyone tried the Z12 glass cleaner or can recommend something to remove the interior window film produced from the plastics used in the trim. Have tried ammonia based, and vinegar based to no avail. This pollen in the northeast is really bad this year, makes it hard to apply additional coats of Z2.

bigboy3 · May 2000

Two weeks ago, I Zainoed my Black Tundra. The initial wash,clay,wash,z1,z5,z2,& z6 was pretty tediuous. But now after 2 weeks I can see what you are all talking about. It has been hot & dry here in alabama and the dust is terrible. But my truck still looks like I washed yesterday. It has some light dust on it but that is all. Our kitchen sink is black also. It is difficult to keep it clean & spotless. I have been using mequiars #26 to wax it. But last night I got to thinking about how well the Zaino worked on my truck. So, while my wife was gone I decided to try it on the sink. I washed it, then clay, then wash again, z1 then z2. It is beautiful. My wife was stunned when she came in and saw how clean & shiny it was.

graphicguy · May 2000

first it was fastdriver's computer screen...now your kitchen sink. What's next? Perhaps, pots and pans. This would send DuPont Teflon out of business.

fastdriver · May 2000

I've been reading all these ZAINO "problem" stories and was just WONDERING if ANYONE prints out Sal's directions and READS them BEFORE applying the material??? Zaino is NOT like the REGULAR wax you are used to using! LIGHT coats! If I had all the problems people claim to have here with Zaino, I'd never use it! It's NOT hard. Time consuming for the initial applications, but NOT unbearable! A CINCH after that.

bigboy3-

LOL...... Everyone laughs at me when I suggest a new use for Zaino. Even this is a new one for me though!! LOL..........

fastdriver

daverose · May 2000

Check with Sal Zaino; you might be better off using Z3 on the sink, not that Z2 threatens any harm. Z3 contains a chemical that I understand keeps nonclearcoat paint pliable, a desirable condition. Call him at the number on his website, zainobros.com

daverose · May 2000

Check with Sal Zaino; you might be better off using Z3 on the sink, not that Z2 threatens any harm. Z3 contains a chemical that I understand keeps nonclearcoat paint pliable, a desirable condition. Call him at the number on his website, zainobros.com

cornhusker99 · May 2000

Has anyone used Z6 on the winshield? If not, what products out there are good for making water bead on windshields? I've heard that stuff like Rain x leaves streaks and are not worth the hassle.

fastdriver · May 2000

cornhusker99-

I use Z-6 on the car windows all the time! No problem. I also use it on the TV screen and the computer monitor. I've also thought about using it on the shower tiles too, but haven't tried it yet! ;-))

fastdriver

pblevine · May 2000

Slucus: Zaino's Z12 Glass Polish is about the best stuff around for cleaning that plastic vapor residue from the interior glass. Z12 contains a light abrasive which physically cuts through the .... film but which will not harm the glass. Just a slight word(s) of caution, however. The Z12 gets into all those micro-pits to clean out all the junk. Removing the Z12 residue from those micro pits then becomes a problem. I've found that after using Z12 Glass Polish, the best thing to do is to use good olde Windex to remove any remaining ('though hard to see) residue. This procedure will produce a REALLY clean window. I also use this procedure on all outside windows too.

cornhusker: Yep, Z6 on outside windshield will do as fastdriver says. Works great with one exception. Fastdriver is better than me at keeping his car clean the right way. I made a mistake and allow a commercial car wash (ie: drive thru - no brushes) to 'clean' my car. Never again. The junk in their 'washing' formula affected the Z6 layer on the window. I had to remove everything (ie: Z12 & Windex) and start again. But its worth the effort and if you wash your car with Z7, you should not have a problem.

bigboy3: Wow, fastdriver will now have to think up some more creative uses. The Kitchen Sink, gotta love it! LOL.

tpmiller1 · May 2000

of my smaller mower deck. if it works as I anticipate, I'll do the 6 footer too, but am worried will set myself up for another drought.

bigboy3 · May 2000

Thanks for the advise on the Z3. I may try that later. I am going to wait and see how the Z2 holds up. I have been reading this forum over the last several weeks and have remained pretty quiet. I wanted to try Zaino first before making any judgments. I am somewhat particular about my vehicles and like to keep them clean. But also like to be able to use them for what they are for. My Tundra is 4 wheel drive and I use it to deer hunt. So it will be taken off-road. I have used many different waxes over the last 21 years and have been unable to find a product that is relatively easy to apply & remove and that is also durable. Up until now, the best product I have used was Blue Poly made by Blue Coral. Meguiars #26 goes on and off easy but does not last long. I have not been able to find the Blue Poly in the last 3 or 4 years. Blue Coral makes a product that I think replaced it, but it is not as durable. I have also tryed Nu-Finish & Zymol. Both seemed inferior and did not do what I was looking for.(Easy application/Durability/Shine)
Although the initial application of Zaino was not easy, it was within reason of what I expected. (NO PAIN-NO GAIN). It also helps going through the initial process knowing that the worst is behind you. It has only been 2 weeks since I Zainoed, but I am very impressed so far. The shine is unbelievable! Time will only tell how durable it is. If it is as durable as everyone says, then I am sure I will be happy. It looks like I have finally found something that will meet all of my expectations. I will update everyone on how it holds up on my truck and on the kitchen sink. I know it sounds crazy, but if it works I am willing to try it.

Fastdriver..

Let me know if you come up with any other uses.

losy · May 2000

How long does it take Zaino's to ship their products. I am sending them a check today (Thursday) and hope to have the product in a week. Also any suggestions on how to remove a scuff off of the clearcoat of a new black truck? Should I try the clay bar? The scuff only shows up if the light hits the truck at a certain angle.

daverose · May 2000

As I responded to the post following yours in the Paint and Body Care topic, "Yes," I would try the clay, then Z5 before I started considering abrasives. Clay should be an integral part of keeping the paint clean and protected. If you have never used it, you are in for an amazing revelation. Its properties are more evident on older vehicles, but using it on a new vehicle will keep the contamination from building up that your original Dawn or succeeding car wash use cannot remove.

jjccrv · May 2000

Sal ships the product as soon as he gets your check. He does not wait for it to clear. Therefore you should get your order in 4-7 days if within the U.S.
The Z-5 can be used to remove scratches from CD's.

mikeelmendorf · May 2000

I just ordered a good package of Zaino products and look forward to using it for the first time, after all the compelling testimonials I've heard here.

One question: I have a small piece of the rear bumper (actually, the piece of trim under the bumper) being repainted because I don't like the color match.

How long should I wait--or do I need to wait--before applying the Zaino?

Hopefully not--I want to get this stuff on there and see if it's as good as all of you claim!

ME

pblevine · May 2000

It depends on 'how' the paint was applied. If it was 'baked' on (a now popular method), then the waiting period should just be a few days. If the paint was 'air' dried, then I'd wait a few weeks. And a follow up question: Was a clear coat applied over the paint? That would be the difference between using Z2 or Z3 after the initial Z1 application. I'm sure that Sal Zaino would be more than happy to answer additional 'detail' level questions about your specific situation.

Losy: Maybe I should read your other posts first, but is your problem existing non-dirt related markings within your present finish? If so, the best approach would be to fix that aspect of the finish before applying any type of wax or Zaino product. Washing with Dawn and claying are very good procedures which should be used in any case. But you might also have to use a slight abrasive to get rid of those marks. The 3M Pad and other products which are 'designed' to eliminate such scuff marks are probably good, but I'd 'verify' before 'trusting'. That is, try them on a very small area first, and evaluate the results. Only when the surface is 'repaired' and meets your standards should you start the Zaino application procedures.

Let us know how you do.

fastdriver · May 2000

pblevine-

Now Sal can advertise that Z-6 shines everything, including the kitchen sink!!! LOL........

bigboy3-

If I find ANY new uses for Z-6, I'll post them here. You haven't been around here long enough to have heard this story, but one morning, while I was having my coffee and cigarette, I noticed that my ashes were flying to the TV and sticking all over the screen on the TV that was on my right side. A "light" went on. I thought I would try the Z-6 on the little screen to see how anti-static it really was. I cleaned the screen and forgot about it until a little while later. I THOUGHT I saw something fly by me. I figured it was a gnat or something. I still didn't pay any attention to it mainly because it was still early and I wasn't awake yet! It happened again. This time I looked at the TV screen- my cigarette ashes did fly onto the screen, but within seconds, they flew OFF the screen!! LOL..... It was just like a science experiment! The ashes would NOT stay on the screen no matter what I did. This is certainly a test that anyone can try. That's why I try to think of what to use Z-6 on next! Soon, I'll have to start buying it by the case! LOL.....

fastdriver

tpmiller1 · May 2000

the difference in her newly Z'd cavalier and non-Z'd Jeep SUV, with respect to pollen (which is really heavy this year). On her jeep it was gritty and sticky, on her cavalier, whisked off with a finger tip. She was impressed and I haven't used the two yet!

cornhusker99 · May 2000

I can't find any Canon towels where I live. How necessary is it to get this brand, or will any good quality 100% cotton towels do? Any difference between Egyptian cotton versus other types of cotton?

racer_x_9 · May 2000

Look for cotton towels with "Supima" on the label. This guarantees that they are 100% pima cotton from the usa. It is very tightly controlled and you won't see Supima on any cheap towel.

I think cannon and Land's End are the only one's licensed to do Supima cotton. Cannon's are called "Charisma"

Read more about supima here:
http://www.supimacotton.org/supima/cotton.htm

bigboy3 · May 2000

That is a great story. I know people probably think we have lost our mind, but it never hurts to utilize a product that works. 2 days and kitchen sink still looking great. Water spots wipe right off. I may need to hide my Zaino to make sure wife does not use it all before I get ready to Zaino truck again!

pblevine · May 2000

The reason for 100% cotton type towels made in USA is to avoid nylon threads in the seams. They can scratch. In addition to Canon, I believe Fieldcrest is good for our purposes. If you can find another brand which fits our specs, please let us know.

bigboy3: Does it last on a kitchen sink? If so, how do you think it would do on a marble table?

sdgrant · May 2000

I tried asking this earlier, but have not received a response yet. I understand the purpose of the Dawn wash is to remove all old wax. How do I start the Zaino process if a car CANNOT be washed? Water spots between panels and in other seams would be impossible to remove without dis-assembling the car, and my restored '64½ Mustang Pace Car has never been washed since the restoration was completed about 2 years ago. I do drive it, so it's no trailer queen, but water spray is not an option.

rs_petty · May 2000

Believe I saw an earlier post that rubbing alcohol would remove the old wax without damaging the finish. But a lot depends on whether that's what you want to do.

pblevine · May 2000

I don't get it. Why can't you wash this car? And what do you mean when you talk about water spots between panels? Are the visible? And if visible, why can't they be washed?

graphicguy · May 2000

I'm somewhat confused myself. If this is a "driver", then why can't you use water on it? How did you wash it before? IF you get water between panels, why can't you use "q-tips"?

True...alcohol will remove old wax, but I'd be fearful of rubbing it on your if it hasn't had any water (for washing) on it in two years. There would bound to be dirt/dust on the car. The alcohol would not suspend this dirt like a Zaino wash would and you would end up moving it over a "dry" finish resulting in scratches.

newwestd · May 2000

It sounds like you have a "show" car that is not really driven, and you want to max it out for a show with Zaino, right? Of course the Z finish will show it off the best.

It seems that wiping off the old wax with alcohol wetted towels is the way. Probably best to do it outside, yes? It is assumed that the car is not covered with dirt that would scratch your paint.

Good Luck, and send us photos when it is finished!

luck11 · May 2000

Geez...I've been away for a few days and I'm almost scared to come back to this thread because there is so much catching up to do!!!

Anyway, a while back, I posted how my paint had developed fine scratches which I could only attribute to the usage of my new California Duster. Since, I have applied z5 and thus screwed up my durability test. However, i did get rid of the scratches!!!!

From a durability perspective, the Zaino did outlast the previous products I used (mothers and meguires). After two months of my routine, the mothers and meguires shine would essentially have disappeared, and certainly, the water would not bead. Not so with Zaino. When I washed prior to the z5 last weekend, water was still beading like initial wash. Shine was not quite like freshly applied Z but still incredible non-the-less. Hopefully, I can go without another application for a while to see how long this stuff lasts...so far its quite impressive.

luck11 · May 2000

Sorry...forgot to note that I have not had the opportunity to perform a test to determine whether the Duster was actually the culprit....we've had a great deal of rain lately....

bigboy3 · May 2000

I Zainoed the sink Tuesday night and so far it is holding up good. I will keep you updated on how long it continues to look good. I do not know how it would do on the marble table. I have marble in my shower and the company that installed the marble said that car wax was okay to use on it. Of course it is not natural marble, it is cultured marble. You may want to check with someone to make sure it would not harm the marble.

George14 · May 2000

Regarding towels, I just purchased the softest most expensive towels that I could buy in Macy's department store. They were Charima by Fieldcrest 100% combed cotton loops. I have to say that these towels put all the other towels at Macy's to shame. They also were by far the most expensive.

Bath Towels on sale for $19.99 each
Hand Towels on sale for $13.99 each

I never paid this much for towels in the house. I will never let my wife know what I paid for these towels.

George

sascuderi · May 2000

Hope your wife doesn't read your post George !!

tpmiller1 · May 2000

never take the towels into the residence and use only for vehicle(s)and eat the receipts.

redsilverado · May 2000

forum here. it's great to see all the responses
on what to do and not to do. hopefully everyone
here is as happy with their zaino products as
i've been. it does make your vehicle glow does'nt

it. however, my only problem is windows. yes, i'm

a real loser when it comes to windows. does
anyone here have a good basic idea for someone to

follow on getting the windows to look as good as
the rest of the vehicle. even if it's a book
called cleaning windows for dummies. he he

any help would be greatly appreciated.

thanx,
...red

fastdriver · May 2000

redsilverado-

I do use Zaino's window cleaner, but only when I can't see out the windows anymore! I HATE cleaning the inside of the windshield and the inside of the back window because you have to be a contortionist to do this on my Chrysler 300M! I'm exhausted after I'm finished! I'd rather polish the whole car with Z-2/Z-6 than clean the windows!

fastdriver

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