I just think that an automobile manufacturer should create a seat that is comfortable, supportive and attractive. If I have to cover it with anything for any reason, then the seat did not meet my needs.
However, I do not have kids in the car (any more), and my swell new car is a convertible with white (excuse me, "Ecru" seats), so I do not need to protect them from dirty shoes or chocolate ice cream, nor do I feel inclined to enhance their look.
They do get dirty, but I just clean them from time to time. A big fat sheepskin on a car seat would probalby feel nice and soft for a short ride, but I don't like the look and I doubt that the comfort lasts.
Of course, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.
The entire reason I get leather seats is their durability and the way they look/smell. You would have to neglect them badly over a long period of time for them to "crack" and look bad.
That's why I don't cover mine.
I like Squidd's suggestion to just keep a towel handy in the car for those days when the seats are just too hot.
My biggest problem is the steering wheel getting too hot in the "dog days" of summer. Of course, I'd have the same problem even if the steering wheel wasn't covered in leather and was made of rubber or vinyl.
I contacted Sal and they only sell their product as per packaged. I have also heard of group buys for discounts. I really wish they would come out with a large refill product of the Z6. I am going through this stuff quicker than I drink beer. Anyone know of a group buy session any time soon. I think one bottle of Z6 is only good for like 4 applications on my Ody.
As I walk around the house like a zombie, I am talking to myself and saying out loud.....
NEED ZAINO. MUST GET ZAINO. NEED MORE ZAINO. MMMMMM ZAINO
I don't know what an "Ody" is, but unless it has 18 wheels, you are probably using too much Z6. You should be able to do the hood of a car with one or two spritzes (a technical term whose volume conversion escapes me at the moment). My car is small, but I don't go through more than 2 (or maybe 3) bottles at the most in a year.
Even the biggest Ford Valdeze will not require a fourth of a bottle.
Lapvn, as Squidd mentioned above, you're using way too much Z6. Assuming one squeeze of the handle is a spritz, One or two spritzes is all it takes for each door or panel. Using a sweeping motion, a spray covers alot of area.
You mean I have been overdosing on Z6. No wonder I felt kind of dizzy.
Tmart or anyone, can you please tell me what you suggest as far as application for the Z6 on each panel should be. Obviously I am over over over applying, I am spraying this stuff like as if it was a regular household cleaner.
Please take a loot at this, and see if this is ok, now that I know I have been overspraying.
Hood - 2 sprays Front Side Panel - 1 spray each Driver side door and passenger side door - 1 spray each Sliding doors (both sides) - 1 spray each Rear side panel (both sides) - 1 spray each Rear - 1 spray each
Talk about over spraying. Now wonder Sal was happy to hear my problem.
It looks like everything about Zaino is to be used in moderation. Is this the same for the leather conditioner?
I know with Lexol, you need to put in a good 2-3 sprays for each area you are doing. Example, the seat would require like 2 sprays, the back area for each seat is another 2-3 sprays of lexol. How does the Zaino conditioner apply. Is it something like a drop for each Seat, the entire seat.??
your spray plan looks good to me. If you want to use two squirts, at first, that's OK. Just FIGHT your urge for 5+ per panel/door!! You can do it!
For the Cleaner and Conditioner I'd say use your best judgement. Start with one squirt, and use as needed to clean the surface. As with the Z6, the only thing you hurt by overdoing it is your wallet.
graphicguy: My problem has always been the steering wheel is TOO COLD in winter. 'Wonder if anyone makes an add-on steering wheel warmer? BTW, don't apply Leather Soft to the steering wheel, it makes it sticky (Ugh, another technical term).
lapvn: If you use more Z6 than you drink beer, you're not a beer drinker! Try Vodka or Gin. I was putting on much too much weight drinking beer, and now that I've switched to Jack Daniels while applying Z6, the results are much better. And I use less Z6 too. Why, I've had the same bottle of Z6 since 1965! Read on...
squidd & lapvn: Yep, "spritz" is the correct technical term for defining Z6 quantity usage. The term "spray" refers to how you would use Windex or Fantastic around the house. That is, open the spray top and pull the handle completely to generate a long spray. That's not a "spritz", that's a waste! I prefer to "spritz" my Z6. First, I open the round spray control at the top of the Z6 bottle to where it is just barely open. That is, if I even breath on it (before any Jack Daniels'), it won't release any Z6. You have to practice a little, but you WILL get to the point where only a small fine mist is produced by a half pull on the bottle's handle.
We're not quite there yet. Practive doing that while waving the Z6 bottle over the panel to be treated. For example, a single half handle pull should cover half the hood on my Accord. Now that's a "spritz", and that deserves a drink (Jack Daniels off course). Actually, I hold off on the drink until I've wiped the Z6 off with a clean towel. On a hot day, you've got to move fast or the Z6 will dry. If that happens, simply respray and wipe again.
By the way, used Z6 bottles make great water spray bottles. I normally keep one in the car mixed with a bit of Z7 Car Wash to clean of the bugs after a long drive.
I concur with pblevine but I shall compare it to a proper gentleman's beverage. Z6 should be used as sparingly as vermouth in a martini - the less the better.
I actually put a little pressure on the handle as I am turning the nozzle on. When it starts to spritz, I stop. That said, I use about 1 spritz on each vertical panel and two on the horizontals. Don't forget that your towel soaks up the Z6 and you may actually be spreading it over the car as you wipe it.
A "spray" is a full pull on the trigger. That's way too much Z6. Get the nozzle adjusted to "just barely open," or "Fine Mist" and then give the trigger about a third of a pull. That's a spritz.
Two of those should do a hood or a door. Wipe it around. You do not need to "wet down" the surface of the vehicle, just get it the least bit damp as you wipe your MicroFibre towell across the surface. Speaking of which, I find MF towells much better for all aspects of Zaino other than removing Zaino after it drys. They are much better than cotton for applying it, for drying the car after a wash (waffle weave MFs are even better) and especially for Z6. Get some now.
As for the leather conditioner, just apply it with your hands. Feels great, smells good, and none goes to waste.
And save those Z6 bottles -- as noted above, they make excellent spray bottles for all kinds of uses about the house.
I definitely know where I went wrong, and all of you pretty much pointed it out. Yes I was spraying it like Windex or 409. Jack's a bit strong for me, I actually have begun testing various brands of Scotch (straight or on the rocks) as my preference.
Zaino Talk: At least with the Z2 or Z5, you can see that the little you use you do see the area coverage. What I don't understand is that how can 1 or 2 sprays be enough to cover the hood. The instructions say to wipe off immediately and I can't see how this can be done. Lets break it down a bit, and say divide the hood into two halves, and each hafl only gets one SPRITZ, NOT a spray but a SPRITZ. How is this possible when by the time I get to the front grill area, I don't see any Z6. Do I keep on wiping anyway even though I don't see any on the hood? Will I get the great quality of shine and slick feeling as the way I was doing it before?
Seeming that I will have to enter my third order of Zaino in less than 2 months, I might as well order the leather cleaner and conditioner. Yes, third order. I hope Sal appreciates all of my stupidity. Anyway, this order will entail Z6, Z9 and Z10. With Lexol and Zaino in my garage, I think I will have enough cleaner and conditioner to last me at least for 2 years, assuming I do it quarterly. In making sure that I don't waiste any thing, is it ok to switch between Lexol and Zaino? Or should I finish the Lexol first than try the Zaino? What is the shelf like of all these Zaino products?
Yes I know, another post by me with 10 million questions. As you can see I am not a pro at this yet. I already have a shopping list for BJ's for another wash mit, another bucket (2 bucket, 2 wash mit process), and a rotary polisher for the 10 yr old car's Turtle wax and I am also thinking of trying out Simple Green.
Anyway, decided to put a couple of more coats of Z2 on my 03'Accord. Wife sat and watched, couldn't figure out why I was doing car twice after I Z6 the first coat and car looked great. (Only us Z addicts know why!!) Neighbor pulls out of his driveway with a brand new Aviator, gets out and asks what I shine my Accord with. Showed him all the products, he said he's heard about this stuff, but uses Meguire products on his cars! Tried to convince him Z was better, but the funny thing is, my wife said I sounded like I was pushing drugs. She says I take my "waxing" too seriously! But she loves the shine!! So guys, when does that therapy group meet!!
You're doing fine. And we're all gone through the same experiences. With Z6, just feel your way. When I wipe a spritz off, I just use a very light touch on the towel. If you're not happy with the result, simply do it again. Try different approaches until you get the desired results. Just don't run out of Jack Daniels!
I thank you for the shot of confidence. Speaking of shots, I may not be able to handle Jack's but I do like the taste of Knob Creek. Co-worer got me into it one after work outing.
Anyway, I know I wouldn't switch to Meguires, I am already very happy with Zaino. I may not have any experience with Meguires, but I really don't need to look since I am very happy with Zaino. I just hate it when I find out I did it wrong when this stuff is expensive. Time, it's never a waste of time when you see the results to be so shiny.
Maxpower: Here is what my wife emailed all my friends about when I got hook onto Zaino.
Since we purchased the Odyssey Norman’s weekend had been busy. One Sunday it took him all day to wash the car. He has to go to Target to buy 100% cotton, USA made towel just for the van. I’m still using an old towel. And on the bus today he was making list of items to buy just to clean the car. This is in addition to the water bill.
Now read what another wife said about her husband after he found out about Zaino.
I'm Rev Eric's wife and for the sake of our marriage and our family I must implore you NOT to give him any more ideas!
I'm convinced he fell in love with the ODY because of these boards. So we did it...we spent $30K on a a car for heavens sake! Now he's running all over the city searching for 100% Made in the USA towels? Yesterday we were in Sam's Club and I found him standing by one of those canopies that people put in their gardens for social gatherings and he confessed that he was tempted to buy it so he could park the ODY under it!!!
We're losing him. Sure, I like the van. It's Red. It's got those heated seats (awesome for winter I'm sure). We'll be able to drive it until our kids are teenagers. But I want my husband back!!!!!
Sigh...any other ODY widows out there? Want to start a support group?
I will be picking up a brand new Mazda MPV. I need to know the proper steps to take. Is it first wash with Dawn, then clay bar, then apply Z1, then Z2?
graphicguy - I have a sheepskin cover on my steering wheel as well as on my driver and passenger seats. My steering wheel is never hot or cold and neither are my seats.
I cover for a couple of reasons: 1) My Lexus ES300 has this gorgeous red walnut steering wheel that I don't want to ding the heck out of during ordinary driving. 2) Many friends and co-workers do not like leather seats at all, because they sweat more in them. Sheepskin covers make leather seats palatable to the people who don't like leather. 3) Summers here are as hot and dry as anywhere that humans live on the earth!! For the past week, at 6 pm, my car's outside temperature has ranged from 109 - 114 degrees. You can only imagine what the INSIDE of the car registers. We always have v high UV ratings for our area. I KNOW the sheepskin not only protects the seats and steering wheel from dings, and oil and sweat, but from the hot, dry climate as well.
All that aside, I use Z9 and Z10 twice per year, and I love them, and think they help protect the seats.
Regarding the wood steering wheel and paneling, I use Z6 as Sal recommended long ago. It works great!
I love the small vacuum cleaner I purchased for vacuuming around my computer and in my sewing room. It works great for the interior of the car, too! It's tiny brush attachment and crevice device is unsurpassed for removing dust from the crevices in my console and from the small areas on the dash.
I like the tiny brush attachment because it does not scratch the wood paneling, the plastic covering the gauges, or the touch screen of my navigation system.
I don't know if any of you would consider this, but we use it all the time for those hard to reach places when working with computers and also normal computer clean up. The company is known for computer products and for something less than $15 it can't hurt.
Well, I liked Zaino so much on my Buick that I went out and bought a new truck (Dakota Quad Cab) the other day :-) Salesman bragged about the shine on it when I picked it up. I told him what a real Zaino shine looks like and will prove it when I bring it back for service :-) My 01 Buick Regal hasn't been touched since last fall. Zaino is still doing its thing after touchless car washing all winter. She'll get some Zaino soon though :-) Can't say enough good words about Zaino :-) Please excuse my rambling.
I found that Z6 will go farther in cool weather. Just applied my first Z on my new truck. Did the Dawn wash followed up with the Z treatments finishing off with Z6. Weather here in the midwest was ideal for my first Z treatment this spring. Temps in the low 70's with +/- 50% humidity. Last summer I Z6ed my Buick in the heat of an August day. Evaporated very quickly and I ended up going over it a second time. Was working in the shade with the metal cool to the touch.
What really hooked me on Zaino was catching a cute blonde babe "fixing" her hair in the shine of my Buick at the home center :-) Think about that when you buy your Zaino :-) Worth what you put into it eh?
it was beautiful here in the south yesterday and i washed, clayed, washed then 3 coats of z2/zfx w/ z6 inbetween. i had a little left over from an original 1 ounce, and i had z'd everything including my rims. does it have to do with the law of diminishing returns or is it something more chemical?
Far as I know it's only a matter of drying time. I've never tried the zfx but I can usually get a couple coats done in a day. If there's more to it than this I would be interested in hearing the reason. Been awhile since I read the instructions.
time. Unless using ZFX, the recommended time between coats is 24 hours if the outside temperature is under 70 degrees F, and 6 hours if over 70, per the instructions.
You guys are killings with your weather updates. For us here in the NE, we have had nothing R A I N. Just last night, NJ was served 3" of RAIN. I think we are just going to skip summer and go straight to fall and winter.
with the weather down here, i knocked out 3 coats in 4 hours-i cant imagine not using zfx, and since you can apply multiple coats in a lot less time with zfx, its easy to get a lot of z on a car, especially within a one day session. since i was finished by noon, i was just standing there holding my excess z, and per the board here, i thought i read it here, 3 coats is the max per session. so i just threw the excess away.(i could have used it, but if its not going to do any good, whats the use of using the excess elbow grease)-which is the reason for my question. so i did what ole lapvn does, had a drink (of small batch bourbon, Baker's).
I'm guessing that even with the faster cure and drying time that the "stack" of product has reached its maximum of adherence to the paint and each subsequent layer of product. It probably still has to, in my term, "outgas," just like car paint, which has a flash time after which more paint can be applied, but only a certain amount of additional paint can be applied right away before it looses adhesion and starts sagging (looking like it's melting off). I believe that that adhesion is firming up (setting up?) over the 24 hours, but that it is not, per se, "curing." It is only after that 24 hours that more ZFX+ or polish alone can be applied. Maybe the way curing is being used here is that it applies to the change, or lack of it, in the visual appearance of the outermost layer, but that it continues to "set up"/"harden" from the outside in before it is firm enough to hold additional layers. Not a total WAG, but taking the circumstances and probable physical/chemical properties involved and projecting.
daverose & graphicguy, Long time! daverose is correct in that "curing" involves a bit more than simply "drying". In "drying", the solvent used to hold the liquid Z2 evaporates off. Afterwards, "curing" takes place during which the molecules of the polymer bond with each other forming a matrix sort of like a chain link fence. It takes a few hours for the "bonds" to become permanent and to also bond with the lower coats. Maybe not 24 hours, more like 4 or 6 depending upon humidity and temperature. If you add too much (ie: more than 3 coats according to Sal) at once, the top layers will tend to slide off as they can't adher to a lower coat. Or as daverose puts it: it'll sag. And that won't look very good.
So now, what to do with the left over ZFX/Z2 in your little bottle. Well, volunteer to do Sammy Sousa's bats, or you can to the car's windows. There's also computer and TV screens (NOT laptops), picture windows, air conditioners, sinks, etc. Don't use it on driveways or garage floors. Those are reserved for surplus Turtle Wax.
without any time in between? i didnt think i had to wait in between coats. or are you saying, after 4 to 6 hours i can apply another set of 3 coats? ive just been doing it the former way for the past couple of years every 3 months or so
Is it better to apply 3 coats with the help of ZFX or do one coat in the late afternoon without ZFX, then the following morning do another coat again WITHOUT ZFX.
Are the results of 2 coats without ZFX the same, less, or better than 3 coats with ZFX?
That is, as soon as the first coat is removed with your 100% cotton towels or MicroFiber, you can proceed with the second and third coat. If not using ZFX, just Z2 or Z5 alone, then you should wait for the 6 or 12 or 24 curing time to pass before applying the second coat.
Lapvn, the ZFX speeds up the curing time. So 2 coats of Z2/Z5 applied with the associated curing time should give the same results of 2 ZFX coats applied back to back.
Per the directions on the back of the ZFX box, one should wait 30 minutes before wiping off the haze. After the wipe off, a second coat of ZFX-accelerated polish may be applied; 30 minutes later the second hazing may be wiped off and then a third coat of ZFX-acclerated polish may be applied; 30 minutes later the haze may be wiped off. That's it, for the day; finito; no mas. Z-6 on the applicator as product is applied and then on the vehicle between haze wipe offs and subsequent applications would help improve the gloss and even out the applications.
Contrary to a previous poster's repeatedly-stated belief that he can apply unaccelerated polish as his third coat, saving ZFX in the process, I believe that the third coat needs to be accelerated so that it has the ZFX bonding properties. Of course you can do anything you want, but you risk not getting as good results as possible when you don't follow the directions. Another example, a very recent poster stated that he had never used ZFX but he applied multiple coats in one day. I'm guessing his results were visually satisfying, but, perhaps, the were not as good as they might have been and may be "costing" him in how much product he is using and not getting the optimal results he might otherwise. You certainly want to get the best results for your money, but you also paid for the directions; follow them. I do not recall reading on this forum that anyone's results were demonstrably better by NOT following directions.
fine mist or overspray of *something??* on my car. I don't notice it on the side panels but on the hood it's very noticeable. {It was on the windshield too but it came off easily.}
My problem is that it didn't come off during the wash with z7, and it didn't come off with the z6. Ok, I realize I need to use something a little stronger, maybe something with a powerful cleaning agent? I do have a clay bar but I haven't tried using it yet. Is that my only option?
Do any of you know if there is something I can use that won't take the layers of z5/z2 off?
OT - If your wives think you guys have lost it IMAGINE my husband's reaction. LoL
Try Dawn again; it won't take off your Zaino, only isopropyl alcohol or the passage of time can do that. Rinse the Dawn residue off thoroughly if you are going to clay. I suggest you use distilled water mixed proportionately, per the Zaino clay directions, with Z-7 (1/2 cap per 16 oz of water) as your lubricant. You'll reduce the risk of water spots.
last night I tried washing with dawn and water, that didn't help. I also tried (on a small section) vinegar, that didn't help. Finally in a fit of frustration I grabbed the green scrubbie from the kitchen, that worked! Now what can I use on all the little scratches that I see now?
NOOooooo! Just kidding! Actually I did try the clay bar and that worked well. I didn't do the entire car, just the hood and front bumper. After the claying and rinsing I applied the z6. Now I think I should do the rest of the car and then apply another layer of z2 just to be safe.
What I think it might be is bug spray. We have an automatic dispenser in our garage. I can't imagine why it wouldn't have come off more easily though.
Thanks for taking the time to address my questions. You guys are great!
Clay does a good job with all types of "overspray".
A few years ago, I drove through an area where they were putting new lane lines on the street. Had white spray all over my car. It took a while, but clay removed all of it.
The good news is, if you've got some Zaino on your car, bug guts, spray and even tar has a tough time sticking to the finish.
I think after you clay you can wash with Z7, no need to really wash with Dawn again. After the Z7 wash then you can apply your coats of Z2/5. Remember to Z6 in between coats of Z2/5.
z1 goes on first(if you dont use zfx), then the z2-the instructions are on the website. some people dont use the zfx, but imo and ime, it makes for a quicker job. good luck.
Comments
However, I do not have kids in the car (any more), and my swell new car is a convertible with white (excuse me, "Ecru" seats), so I do not need to protect them from dirty shoes or chocolate ice cream, nor do I feel inclined to enhance their look.
They do get dirty, but I just clean them from time to time. A big fat sheepskin on a car seat would probalby feel nice and soft for a short ride, but I don't like the look and I doubt that the comfort lasts.
Of course, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.
That's why I don't cover mine.
I like Squidd's suggestion to just keep a towel handy in the car for those days when the seats are just too hot.
My biggest problem is the steering wheel getting too hot in the "dog days" of summer. Of course, I'd have the same problem even if the steering wheel wasn't covered in leather and was made of rubber or vinyl.
As I walk around the house like a zombie, I am talking to myself and saying out loud.....
NEED ZAINO. MUST GET ZAINO. NEED MORE ZAINO. MMMMMM ZAINO
Even the biggest Ford Valdeze will not require a fourth of a bottle.
You need to cut back.
Lapvn, as Squidd mentioned above, you're using way too much Z6. Assuming one squeeze of the handle is a spritz, One or two spritzes is all it takes for each door or panel. Using a sweeping motion, a spray covers alot of area.
Tmart or anyone, can you please tell me what you suggest as far as application for the Z6 on each panel should be. Obviously I am over over over applying, I am spraying this stuff like as if it was a regular household cleaner.
Please take a loot at this, and see if this is ok, now that I know I have been overspraying.
Hood - 2 sprays
Front Side Panel - 1 spray each
Driver side door and passenger side door - 1 spray each
Sliding doors (both sides) - 1 spray each
Rear side panel (both sides) - 1 spray each
Rear - 1 spray each
Talk about over spraying. Now wonder Sal was happy to hear my problem.
I know with Lexol, you need to put in a good 2-3 sprays for each area you are doing. Example, the seat would require like 2 sprays, the back area for each seat is another 2-3 sprays of lexol. How does the Zaino conditioner apply. Is it something like a drop for each Seat, the entire seat.??
For the Cleaner and Conditioner I'd say use your best judgement. Start with one squirt, and use as needed to clean the surface. As with the Z6, the only thing you hurt by overdoing it is your wallet.
lapvn: If you use more Z6 than you drink beer, you're not a beer drinker! Try Vodka or Gin. I was putting on much too much weight drinking beer, and now that I've switched to Jack Daniels while applying Z6, the results are much better. And I use less Z6 too. Why, I've had the same bottle of Z6 since 1965! Read on...
squidd & lapvn: Yep, "spritz" is the correct technical term for defining Z6 quantity usage. The term "spray" refers to how you would use Windex or Fantastic around the house. That is, open the spray top and pull the handle completely to generate a long spray. That's not a "spritz", that's a waste! I prefer to "spritz" my Z6. First, I open the round spray control at the top of the Z6 bottle to where it is just barely open. That is, if I even breath on it (before any Jack Daniels'), it won't release any Z6. You have to practice a little, but you WILL get to the point where only a small fine mist is produced by a half pull on the bottle's handle.
We're not quite there yet. Practive doing that while waving the Z6 bottle over the panel to be treated. For example, a single half handle pull should cover half the hood on my Accord. Now that's a "spritz", and that deserves a drink (Jack Daniels off course). Actually, I hold off on the drink until I've wiped the Z6 off with a clean towel. On a hot day, you've got to move fast or the Z6 will dry. If that happens, simply respray and wipe again.
By the way, used Z6 bottles make great water spray bottles. I normally keep one in the car mixed with a bit of Z7 Car Wash to clean of the bugs after a long drive.
I actually put a little pressure on the handle as I am turning the nozzle on. When it starts to spritz, I stop. That said, I use about 1 spritz on each vertical panel and two on the horizontals. Don't forget that your towel soaks up the Z6 and you may actually be spreading it over the car as you wipe it.
A "spray" is a full pull on the trigger. That's way too much Z6. Get the nozzle adjusted to "just barely open," or "Fine Mist" and then give the trigger about a third of a pull. That's a spritz.
Two of those should do a hood or a door. Wipe it around. You do not need to "wet down" the surface of the vehicle, just get it the least bit damp as you wipe your MicroFibre towell across the surface. Speaking of which, I find MF towells much better for all aspects of Zaino other than removing Zaino after it drys. They are much better than cotton for applying it, for drying the car after a wash (waffle weave MFs are even better) and especially for Z6. Get some now.
As for the leather conditioner, just apply it with your hands. Feels great, smells good, and none goes to waste.
And save those Z6 bottles -- as noted above, they make excellent spray bottles for all kinds of uses about the house.
Zaino Talk:
At least with the Z2 or Z5, you can see that the little you use you do see the area coverage. What I don't understand is that how can 1 or 2 sprays be enough to cover the hood. The instructions say to wipe off immediately and I can't see how this can be done. Lets break it down a bit, and say divide the hood into two halves, and each hafl only gets one SPRITZ, NOT a spray but a SPRITZ. How is this possible when by the time I get to the front grill area, I don't see any Z6. Do I keep on wiping anyway even though I don't see any on the hood? Will I get the great quality of shine and slick feeling as the way I was doing it before?
Seeming that I will have to enter my third order of Zaino in less than 2 months, I might as well order the leather cleaner and conditioner. Yes, third order. I hope Sal appreciates all of my stupidity.
Yes I know, another post by me with 10 million questions. As you can see I am not a pro at this yet. I already have a shopping list for BJ's for another wash mit, another bucket (2 bucket, 2 wash mit process), and a rotary polisher for the 10 yr old car's Turtle wax and I am also thinking of trying out Simple Green.
Anyway, I know I wouldn't switch to Meguires, I am already very happy with Zaino. I may not have any experience with Meguires, but I really don't need to look since I am very happy with Zaino. I just hate it when I find out I did it wrong when this stuff is expensive. Time, it's never a waste of time when you see the results to be so shiny.
Maxpower:
Here is what my wife emailed all my friends about when I got hook onto Zaino.
Since we purchased the Odyssey Norman’s weekend had been busy. One Sunday it took him all day to wash the car. He has to go to Target to buy 100% cotton, USA made towel just for the van. I’m still using an old towel. And on the bus today he was making list of items to buy just to clean the car.
This is in addition to the water bill.
Now read what another wife said about her husband after he found out about Zaino.
I'm Rev Eric's wife and for the sake of our marriage and our family I must implore you NOT to give him any more ideas!
I'm convinced he fell in love with the ODY because of these boards. So we did it...we spent $30K on a a car for heavens sake! Now he's running all over the city searching for 100% Made in the USA towels? Yesterday we were in Sam's Club and I found him standing by one of those canopies that people put in their gardens for social gatherings and he confessed that he was tempted to buy it so he could park the ODY under it!!!
We're losing him. Sure, I like the van. It's Red. It's got those heated seats (awesome for winter I'm sure). We'll be able to drive it until our kids are teenagers. But I want my husband back!!!!!
Sigh...any other ODY widows out there? Want to start a support group?
I cover for a couple of reasons:
1) My Lexus ES300 has this gorgeous red walnut steering wheel that I don't want to ding the heck out of during ordinary driving.
2) Many friends and co-workers do not like leather seats at all, because they sweat more in them. Sheepskin covers make leather seats palatable to the people who don't like leather.
3) Summers here are as hot and dry as anywhere that humans live on the earth!! For the past week, at 6 pm, my car's outside temperature has ranged from 109 - 114 degrees. You can only imagine what the INSIDE of the car registers. We always have v high UV ratings for our area. I KNOW the sheepskin not only protects the seats and steering wheel from dings, and oil and sweat, but from the hot, dry climate as well.
All that aside, I use Z9 and Z10 twice per year, and I love them, and think they help protect the seats.
Regarding the wood steering wheel and paneling, I use Z6 as Sal recommended long ago. It works great!
I like the tiny brush attachment because it does not scratch the wood paneling, the plastic covering the gauges, or the touch screen of my navigation system.
Check out the mini-attachment set at the following web site:
http://www.nancysnotions.com/Nancys/productr.asp?pf%5Fid=MVA3&- ;amp- ;amp- ;gift=False&Gift=false&HSLB=False&mscssid=CEA7685F99B- - - A45F28B4AF7DDAFC5D8B9
It says you can use this with any vacuum, but I use it with a mini-vacuum cleaner.
http://www.nancysnotions.com/Nancys/product_family.asp?family%5Fi- - d=921&gift=False&Gift=false&mscssid=CEA7685F99BA45F28- - B4AF7DDAFC5D8B9
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&a- mp;Section_Id=102&pcount=&Product_Id=107007
What really hooked me on Zaino was catching a cute blonde babe "fixing" her hair in the shine of my Buick at the home center :-) Think about that when you buy your Zaino :-) Worth what you put into it eh?
daverose is correct in that "curing" involves a bit more than simply "drying". In "drying", the solvent used to hold the liquid Z2 evaporates off. Afterwards, "curing" takes place during which the molecules of the polymer bond with each other forming a matrix sort of like a chain link fence. It takes a few hours for the "bonds" to become permanent and to also bond with the lower coats. Maybe not 24 hours, more like 4 or 6 depending upon humidity and temperature. If you add too much (ie: more than 3 coats according to Sal) at once, the top layers will tend to slide off as they can't adher to a lower coat. Or as daverose puts it: it'll sag. And that won't look very good.
So now, what to do with the left over ZFX/Z2 in your little bottle. Well, volunteer to do Sammy Sousa's bats, or you can to the car's windows. There's also computer and TV screens (NOT laptops), picture windows, air conditioners, sinks, etc. Don't use it on driveways or garage floors. Those are reserved for surplus Turtle Wax.
Is it better to apply 3 coats with the help of ZFX or do one coat in the late afternoon without ZFX, then the following morning do another coat again WITHOUT ZFX.
Are the results of 2 coats without ZFX the same, less, or better than 3 coats with ZFX?
Lapvn, the ZFX speeds up the curing time. So 2 coats of Z2/Z5 applied with the associated curing time should give the same results of 2 ZFX coats applied back to back.
Contrary to a previous poster's repeatedly-stated belief that he can apply unaccelerated polish as his third coat, saving ZFX in the process, I believe that the third coat needs to be accelerated so that it has the ZFX bonding properties. Of course you can do anything you want, but you risk not getting as good results as possible when you don't follow the directions. Another example, a very recent poster stated that he had never used ZFX but he applied multiple coats in one day. I'm guessing his results were visually satisfying, but, perhaps, the were not as good as they might have been and may be "costing" him in how much product he is using and not getting the optimal results he might otherwise. You certainly want to get the best results for your money, but you also paid for the directions; follow them. I do not recall reading on this forum that anyone's results were demonstrably better by NOT following directions.
My problem is that it didn't come off during the wash with z7, and it didn't come off with the z6.
Ok, I realize I need to use something a little stronger, maybe something with a powerful cleaning agent? I do have a clay bar but I haven't tried using it yet. Is that my only option?
Do any of you know if there is something I can use that won't take the layers of z5/z2 off?
OT - If your wives think you guys have lost it IMAGINE my husband's reaction. LoL
Thanks for any suggestions.
Julie
Now I can't answer this but, if she can't find out what the overspray is, what can she use without harming her Z layers or the car itself?
What about a shot of simple green?
I am starting to get hook on this one too.
Therefore, it is not in accordance with instructions to apply one coat of Z2/5 in the afternoon and another the next morning unless you use ZFX.
NOOooooo! Just kidding! Actually I did try the clay bar and that worked well. I didn't do the entire car, just the hood and front bumper. After the claying and rinsing I applied the z6. Now I think I should do the rest of the car and then apply another layer of z2 just to be safe.
What I think it might be is bug spray. We have an automatic dispenser in our garage. I can't imagine why it wouldn't have come off more easily though.
Thanks for taking the time to address my questions. You guys are great!
Jules
A few years ago, I drove through an area where they were putting new lane lines on the street. Had white spray all over my car. It took a while, but clay removed all of it.
The good news is, if you've got some Zaino on your car, bug guts, spray and even tar has a tough time sticking to the finish.
Remember to Z6 in between coats of Z2/5.
and
Z-6 Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray