Zaino Car Care Experiences

fastdriver · March 2003

billmahan-

Be careful of all the praise for Z. Despite your denials, some will still brand you a "shill", stockholder, distributor etc. :-))))

fastdriver

automophile · March 2003

Just a general comment - I am so surprised to see that some of you still don't get it that there are those that "Get Off" (you know what I mean) by creating controversy on various online forums. Somtimes they even respond to themselves from different email addresses to create the illusion of a "discussion".

Often they will pretend to contribute and agree, but they are just setting you up to blast you unexpectedly or will be saying just the opposite or mis-using your comments on other forums. They can be very clever with this, and enjoy starting online arguments. Please wise up. The only way to control this is to recognize it, and to resist your reflex to respond to the rabble rouser's digs. This is just what they want, they feed on your negativity.

fickle · March 2003

Help! I've been using only Zaino on my dark green car since I bought it last year. I've always tried to be very conscientious and not let any water dry on my car. But, needless to say, I have some water spots on my hood and I can't get them out. I've tried z2, z5 and z6 but nothing will get them out. Do I try wax or rubbing compound? Help!

bretfraz · March 2003

Zaino has no ability to clean or polish paint. It is strictly a sealant that will just gloss over defects like oxidation, stains, swirls, and spots. The defects are still there and visible as you have discovered.

You will need to use a real paint polish and remove the spots. A good start would be a swirl mark remover from 3M or Meguiars, available at most auto parts stores like NAPA. If you need something with a little more "bite" try Meguiar's Scratch X or a more aggressive polish from 3M. Keep in mind that you'll probably need a mild polish to remove swirls from the aggressive polish. After these steps you can Z2/Z5 again.

fickle · March 2003

Bretfraz, would you recommend the whole Dawn wash, clay, etc after I swirl mark remover or can I get away with just the Zaino wash, Z5 and z6?

bretfraz · March 2003

If you are planning to do a full exterior detail then, yes, do the Wash-Clay-Polish-Wash-Zaino treatment.

If you are working on a few small areas and the rest of the car is fine then I think its OK to polish the areas that need it, wash, then Zaino. Its your call.

After SMR a Z7 wash is fine. You just want to remove any residue and oils left behind so they won't interfere with the bonding process.

Let us know how it goes for you.

sddlw · March 2003

I had some spots on my Zaino finish, caused by water seeping through a concrete parking garage. They to would not come out. It looked to me as though the Zaino layers themselves had become discolored. I used some alcohol to remove the Zaino (and the spots). Then reapplied. Removing the Zaino this way worked well. It was very interesting to see the alcohol disolve the Zaino. A couple of applications might be necesary. I just used denatured alcohol (ethanol) from Home Depot. I'm pretty sure rubbing alcohol (isopropanol) would work too.

You might not need to use the abrasive swirl remover. Unless, of course, it is time to polish the car anyway. If you do polish, as Bret points out Meguires and 3M have some great products. There is a lot of info on the Meguires web site.

ski1577 · March 2003

after a long winter, i finally got 3 coats of z on this weekend(total, around 18). Monday i noticed a thin glob of grease on the bottom skirt just behind the passengers front tire(i thought it was gum). any tips for getting it off other than just washing it off.
2)im going to try an autovisual pen to take care of a few tiny chips from a long trip from dc to alabama(my expertise for taking care of this kind of problem is nill). with all the zaino on, do i need to do anything different? has anyone tried these pens? they offer the regular pens and a clear coat pen. do i need both? thanks, as always, for the help.

automophile · March 2003

There are several commercial products such as Turtle Wax's "Bug and Tar" remover, but if it is just light grease, a little WD-40 on a soft cloth will be all you need. WD-40 is a good solvent for removing oil, grease and tar, as well as a lubricant. Your next wash with Z-7 should take off any WD-40. The WD-40 doesn't seem to remove any Z.

ski1577 · March 2003

i often have a very little z5 left over from applying my first 2 coats(or just residue on the inside of the bottle). why not just use that bottle for the z2, so i wont have to use a second bottle-same goes for the applicator. ive been using diff applicators for z5 and z2. do most people use 2 diff applicators. also, i havent been able to get the applicators totally free of z. do most people use these "tainted" pads.

bretfraz · March 2003

Clean em both and you'll be fine. I use the same app all the time; I just wash it very well with Dawn. Rinse out the bottles with isopropyl alcohol or an all purpose cleaner.

graphicguy · March 2003

Like others who have been here for a while (fastdriver, pblevine, mbdriver, bret, etc.) every once in a while this whole debate surfaces whether there is financial gain for any of us to recommend one product over another. I have communicated with most of the regulars for quite a few years as we all started using Zaino about the same time. It got so bad that it was suggested that the Zaino-ites start our own board to minimize some of the "mud slinging". That's exactly what we did.

I first heard of Zaino on the LS1 board. Chris Parrish, who is/was one of the most knowledgeable detailers I've ever run across became so frustrated, he hasn't posted here in years. That's a shame.

Dave Rose, who happens to be a distributor of Zaino, was always willing to lend a hand. I've never seen even a hint that he tried to sell Zaino on these boards.

A few years ago, I inquired with Sal about a distributorship for Zaino since I was so pleased with the product. At best, it's a way to buy your private stock of Zaino at discounted prices because you have to buy it in quantities. I doubt any of Sal's distributed consider it a full time job or have become rich over it. I didn't persue the distributorship any further, but have kept using Zaino.

I used to have a whole garage full of Meguiars, Collinite, Liquid Glass, Zymol, etc. Since I've been so pleased with Zaino for its superior shine, ease of use, durability and customer support (where else can you go and get the founder of the company on the phone for advice). I finally tossed everything else last summer (easily 100s of dollars of unused car care products) and have used all of the products from Zaino exclusively. Matter of fact, I spend about $150/year on Zaino products (which I just sent an order for the annual spring detailing ritual).

In addition, there are plenty of independent tests all over the WEB that that have no ties to Zaino, whatsoever, that tout it's superior performance, durability and ease of use.

Regarding Duragloss, on occasion a product crops up that looks the same. My feeling has always been, if I'm pleased with what I'm using, why change? I think that's true of those who love any of the other car care products out there. If you like a competing product, why come here and denegrate Zaino and its users? Keep using what you're using. There is already a forum for those who like other products.

This thread is meant for those who need information about the use of Zaino or for those who are want to try Zaino. The first application can be tricky (but getting much easier with ZX).

pblevine · March 2003

It is hard to get those applicator pads really clean after using them with a ZFX/Z2 or Z5 combination. I've tried both Dawn and liquid Tide. The color is never the same. Last year, I decided to only use an applicator twice. Once for normal panel usage, and second only for the wheels (and lower rocker panels).

As for the little ZFX bottles, I've just been too lazy to clean them. I know I should and then reuse them. Maybe I'll try this Spring. Ah, Spring! Soon I hope.

Graphicguy: Very good post. I've had this feeling that in the dead of Winter, some folks have nothing to do and can't help but cause a wee bit of trouble. But come the Spring, those sorts of postings are generally replaced with "how to" types of questions. Ah, Spring!

obyone · March 2003

"In addition, there are plenty of independent tests all over the WEB that that have no ties to Zaino, whatsoever, that tout it's superior performance, durability and ease of use."

Links?

fastdriver · March 2003

Can't wait for Spring to arrive so I can post some new DOCTORED Zaino photos of my CL-S with that enhanced fake shine! The warm weather can't get here soon enough! Stay tuned!

fastdriver

bretfraz · March 2003

try http://www.thewaxtest.org for independent unbiased product tests. Its a publication that's worth the $$$. They tested 46 products and offer tons of tips and tricks to help you get the best results possible.

cusafr · March 2003

FWIW. Here is a Picture (If this works).

<http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4290520129&p=4236257148&idx=1>

fastdriver · March 2003

cusafr-

Check your guestbook at ImageStation!

fastdriver
The doctored picture taker! ;-)))))))))

cusafr · March 2003

Of course your correct. However, I just got a digital camera (never had one before) and could not wait to try it out. This was my first attempt. Really Neat!!!

cusafr

graphicguy · March 2003

obyone:

Here's another independent wax test link.

http://www.nsxsc.com/nsexcitement/waxtest.html

obyone · March 2003

for the links...

pblevine · March 2003

I'm getting a good laugh out of some of these posts. But now that Spring (Ah, Spring!) is just around the corner, I'm going to order another bottle of Z5. Can't wait! I still got clay left over from last year, and my friends Dan & Sally bought me another order of ZFX. If I could only remember where my wife stored all my towels....

graphicguy · March 2003

I thing everyone here has a different car than when we first started posting here except for you. Your Accord has to have a zillion miles on it by now, doesn't it?

tmart · March 2003

Actually, Spring is not "just around the corner", it's about 25 miles north of Houston. Come on down! The Welcome Mat is out and the weather was great today, after the tornado watch. Tried the ZFX for the first time today after using Z1/Z2 for a couple of years. One oz. was enough for one coat. I was concerned about cleaning the residue for the mixing bottle, but it was no problem at all.

pblevine · March 2003

Yep, still have my four year old Honda Accord Coupe (EX V6). And its still going strong even with a "few" miles on it. Its been used for commuting, vacations, and shopping. Aside from a few replacements such as wiper blades, battery, etc., I've had no real problems with it. A few moon roof raddles which I fixed myself. The shocks are still original. I've had one bumper repainted but the rest of the finish is, thanks to Zaino, still in very good shape. Actually, I shouldn't say that as the car is presently coated in "road salt" white. Soon, ah Spring!

tmart: This time of year in Texas must be great. I've got a relative in Dallas who loves it there.
We've been cold for months now and can't wait for the nice warm days of Spring. Ah, Spring! You say you used 1 oz. for one coat? You must have a SUV. Most of us have been able to get two coats out of a single ounce. Anyway, enjoy and thanks for the invite. My employer would kill me if I took a vacation right now.

maxpower02 · March 2003

I got to put 1 coat of z5 and 2 coats of z2 on my 03 Accord. Car looks great! I have a question, can I put Z on the windows or light lenses? I think I read somewhere that I can. Will it be a problem cleaning the windows or lenses?
Thanks!

graphicguy · March 2003

I've known of people who have put Z2 on their windows, but I wouldn't recommend it as it doesn't offer any real benefits.

When the mood strikes, I do put Z6 on my windshield, but only because it makes my wipers last longer. Not really enough of a time or money saver to recommend doing it, though.

tmart · March 2003

I'm applying too much, but I think not since there's never been any streaking and by the time the car is finished, the first part is ready to buff off. Surprisingly, drying was never a problem even using the Z1/Z2 or Z2 alone. The only "problems" I've had are (1)I really can't see any visual difference whether I have one coat or two or three, and (2)visually, I can't see any difference after spraying the Z6.

Kirstie_H · March 2003

Join us tonight, 6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET for another round of automotive trivia and member-to-member chat. Test your skills (or multiple choice guessing ability) against other Town Hall members.

http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/townhallchat.html

Hope to see you there!

graphicguy · March 2003

When I first started using Zaino, I also didn't notice a difference when "layering" coats. That is, until I pulled up to my neighbor's "vette". He used to use Zymol. He'd do 2-3 coats in a weekend (I'd do the same with Zaino, only it took much less time). Doing a compare and contrast as we added coats, multiple coats of Zaino always yielded more brilliant results in comparison.

BTW, my "vette" neighbor is now a Zaino user.

bretfraz · March 2003

You cannot layer carnauba wax. The carrier solvents and oils remove most of the previous layer so you're not really adding extra product. For example, applying 2 coats of carnauba results in something like 1.25 coats of product on the car. More layers of carnauba add almost nothing.

Sealants like Zaino were designed to provide a very different look than carnauba wax. Zaino leaves a very reflective shine, mirrory almost. Carnaubas leave a rich, deep shine, refractive as much as reflective, which work especially well on dark colored cars.

Zaino and Zymol are very different products which offer their own unique looks.

pblevine · March 2003

I tried using Z6 on my windshield. It did protect the rubber wiper blades a bit and did sort of act like RainX. Until it finished raining. Rain will dissolve Z6 after a while. So I called Sal and he said Z2 could be applied to windshields. I tried last summer and the results were good. I made absolutely sure the windshield was perfectly clean before I started, and then applied 2 coats of Z2. Actually, I was in the process of applying 3 coats of ZFX/Z2, so doing the windshield wasn't much of an additional effort. The result is that it is much easier to clean the windshield and rain water flows off the windshield surface much faster. I wish it also protected the glass from sand and stones. But I'm afraid that a very thin layer of a polymer is just not up to protecting the glass from flying objects. Also, constant cleaning via the wiper blades wears down the Z2 layer much quicker than on the rest of the car. The effect was good for about a month (of daily commuting).

tmart: I've used alternate layers of Z2 and Z5 and the effect is dramatic. See graphicguy's post above. Also remember to use Z6 between layers and after washing.

bret: You're correct. Years ago (before this car and before I know anything), I spent a day applying "Turtle Wax" (please don't say anything!) to my car at the time (an Opel Manta). I kept applying layer after layer (with lots of elbow effort) hoping to see a difference. After about four layers, I became very frustrated. A friend came by, looked at the car, and said: "Hey, why don't you apply a second coat"? Guess what happened to the can of Turtle Wax.

graphicguy · March 2003

I actually clay my glass every spring (while claying the car). That, more than anything else, seems to work well in keeping my wipers in top condition. I also wash my wipers with Z7 every time I wash the car. That removes the "junk" from the wiper blades which helps when I use the wipers.

End result, my wiper blades last longer, they don't "chatter" when in use and they clean the windshield very well when in use.

I've tried Rain-X a couple of times. To me anyway, it's a lot of work for a little payback. I get similar results just keeping the wipers and the glass clean.

pblevine...I can remember a time (long time ago) when hard shell turtle wax was the "permiere wax" for your car.

tmart · March 2003

Thanks for the comments. I know the mirror shine, proctection, etc, are there. It's just that visually, I don't see ANY difference after the first coat/layer, or when using Z6. Using the trunk as an example, I've even applied four coats to half of it and it looks no different from the other half with only one coat, just one beautiful shine. I'm sure it probably has to do with the C70's gold color, and it not being a dark color like red, green or blue. Same with the wife's Lexus, one coat looks as good as three or four. It's gold too.

graphicguy · March 2003

The bottom line....as long as your happy, that's all that matters. I do know that it was harder to tell a difference when layering Zaino on a previously owned Avalon that was pearlescent white.

armtdm · March 2003

I put a new Porsche owner on to Zaino last year and I happened to see him last week, I asked him if was still using Zaino. His reply, no, using a new product Crystal Guard which he prefers over Z. . Talk about expensive and several steps to appy. WOW

http://www.CrystalGuard.com

graphicguy · March 2003

You know, as much as a car care fanatic as I've become, I don't even look at these other products anymore.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

robr2 · March 2003

Remember, let's not criticize the choices of others.

If it works for him, great.

I'm happy with Z and let others do what they like.

graphicguy · March 2003

Well, it seems that all of the web based picture posting places have gone out of business or want to charge an arm and a leg to post to their sites. While I have no pics, I was literally stunned how well the cars held up during one of the worst winters we've had in recent memory.

My 300M had about 5 coats and the PT Cruiser had 2 coats. Neither car had been waxed since early October. Although, I had taken both of them to the touchless places just to get the salt partially off, they didn't have a real "wash" in that same period of time.

Last weekend I washed both. Both were still "beading" well....after 5 mos of nasty winter weather. Both looked great, too. I even had a neighbor ask if I had just waxed the 300M.

I'm still waiting for my annual shipment of Zaino. Sal msut be busy. Usually it only takes 3 or 4 days to get my order. It's going on two weeks and still no delivery.

fastdriver · March 2003

graphicguy-

Try http://www.ofoto.com a division of KODAK

AND

http://home.hpphoto.com Hewlett Packard

Both are FREE sites and easy to use. There's also YAHOO photos.

fastdriver

tymetrius · March 2003

Man is Zaino the king or what!!! here is my ride with a fresh coat of Z2:

bretfraz · March 2003

Dat six foe be tha bomb, yo. You be flossin dat hooptie all over dis bizatch, fo shizzel mah nizzel. Ty be a MADAZZ playa in dis here hood. Off tha hizzay propz atcha, G!!!

Rollin on dubs FO SHO!!!!!! Daaaayyyyuummmm.....

graphicguy · March 2003

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!

You must be haning out with my 17 year old's friends...beeyahtch!

robr2 · March 2003

...Huh???!!!!

When did I become an old fart?

You kids today sheesh!!

I can't believe I'm actually saying that. Oh oh oh here comes another one: "Turn that light off - do I look like the electric company?"

graphicguy · March 2003

You and I both must be in "the old fart" territory. I just told my teen last night to shut off every light in the house he turned on. Can't understand why it's so much harder to turn the lights off than it is to turn them on.

Off topic but....

--why is it easier to put dirty dishes in the sink than it is to put them in the dishwasher?
--why is it easier to park in the middle of the driveway than it is to park on either side (so I can get at least one of my cars out of the garage)?

...just a couple of my many pet peeves.....

cusafr · March 2003

If this works:

<http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4290475983&idx=15>

cusafr

automophile · March 2003

Nice Ride, cusafr!

Can I make a couple of suggestions for pics that show it off even better?
1. In General - Don't take pictures in the sun - the contrast difference between the bright and shade areas is too much for any camera to handle. Use "Open Shade" where the car is completely in shade of a building or tree, or just as the sun is going down.
2. Be sure that there is some item clearly reflected in the finish, so the shine is obvious in a small picture.

I also have a light colored car, so I know that it is harder to show the fablulous Zaino gloss in pictures, but we all know how great it looks!

cusafr · March 2003

Thanks for the tips. I know the car looks better in person than in the pictures. The light colors make it more difficult to see the shine, but the dust and dirt almost fall off the Zaino protection. Next car will be a darker color now that I have found Zaino. Also, I have never taken good pictures but just got a digital camera and had to try it out. Thanks again, I'll try your suggestions.

cusafr

atoews · March 2003

In accordance with your recommendation, I paid good money for Guru Reports on waxes from a website you recommended (autotopia?).

The guys you say really know their stuff hands down were overwhelmed and impressed by Zaino.

Of almost 50 waxes studied in their report, Zaino received the highest overall score "A-". A couple of products received "B+", but most were "C-" to "C".

The reviewers/testers even included the caveat that their first attempt with Zaino failed because the testers applied too much product in their tests. They apparently had done a previous study that did not rate Zaino very highly. After the Zaino fanatics coached them, they were able to get great results.

Zaino fell down in the "availability" category, as did other synthetics. Also, Zaino received a "B" for color enhancement. Zaino received an "A" in almost all the other categories: shine, durability, ease of use, etc.

Don't know how you are going to maintain your characteristic objectivity (which I appreciate and admire) when studies continue to validate Zaino's superiority over other products.

pblevine · March 2003

tymetrius: Nice pic. But how did you get it to show directly in the forum?

Bret: It's crackers to drop a rozzy by the snide.

atoews: Interesting report. One of the reason why I love Zaino is simply that it does NOT add any color. That's a feature, not a bug.

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