Zaino Car Care Experiences

pathfinder13 · August 2003

atoews · August 2003

I know my Z does not last a year, and there was a post from bret saying his doesn't either. But others have said that their Z lasts longer. I have noted particularly that those whose cars stay buried in salt and grime for the winter tend to require Zing less often.

I once asked Sal what factors were involved in longevity, but he responded via email that I should call back during the week, but I never followed through.

I suspect that washing often may actually require extra applications of Z2/5. If that is not a factor, then it is probably the very high UV in my area that causes the Z to deteriorate faster.

All I know is that my last application of Z2 occurred on May 25, and I am finding areas that are not beading.

bottgers · August 2003

What type of car wash do you use? Using a car wash like Tutle Wax, Mcguiers, Blue Corral, Mothers, etc, should not be removing the Z, this stuff if formulated to leave the wax on. I would tend to think something else is causing your Z to errode away prematurely. Perhaps it is being subjected to UV as you suggested. I've never had a problem with my Z lasting at least a year ever since I've started using it.

infiniti_scott · August 2003

My Dad (Stachey- see post 5156) turned me on to Zaino and I think I'm going to be a member of the Zaino club for life.

I applied just the Z5 to 93 BLACK Miata and 99 Silver Infiniti QX4 and they look stunning. It took a while to get the cars dried in the morning because I live in Florida and the humidity is very high. I got up about 7AM and there was a light mist of water on the car. I had done my Dawn wash and clay bar last night, so all I needed to do was a quick Z7 wash and then on to Z5. As soon as I got the 2 cars dry, the morning dew had formed another layer of water on the car!!

Can anyone suggest a solution to applying Z5/Z2 in the morning when there is a lot of moisture in the air?

atoews · August 2003

100% Cotton fieldcrest towels to wash, waffle weave CWB and MF towels to dry.

stachey · August 2003

This may seem silly, but why would anyone who has started using Z on their car(s) use anything other than Z7 when it's been shown to be 100% compatible with the rest of the Z line?

I checked my car care products cemetery (cabinet full of stuff I won't use anymore) and all 4 bottles of car wash have some component that will leave a wax residue. Zaino isn't wax and the reason for the Dawn wash was to get rid of the crap that was on the car from previously used, labor intensive, short-lived, highly advertised products. 1/2 capful of Z7 is really cheap and won't muck up what I've already done.

What attracted me to Zaino was not the ease of use but the protection for the finish. My cars are out in the Florida sun 24/7 (ok, it's only 14 hrs of sun, but the idea is there) and all my previous cars have had the clearcoat demolished, some in as little as 12 months (thanks FoMoCo). With a few coats of Z every few months, we hope to protect the finish from UV deterioration for the life of the car. And it looks pretty, to boot.

stachey · August 2003

Saturday morning at 7am the humidity in West Palm Beach was 88% with a temperature of 80 deg. At those levels, the dew point would be 77-78 deg. so any object with a surface temp at or below that would act to condense the moisture in the air. The surface of your cars probably would have been at 80 deg. also, until you washed them. The temperature of the water coming out of the hose would have cooled the car surface down to less than the dew point and no amount of drying will stop the condensation.

Solution: 1) Wash the car (or at least rinse it) with hot water so that the car's surface is higher than the dew point or, 2) go back to bed until 9am when the humidity dropped to 75% and the dew point is lower or, 3) clean out your garage, bring the car into the garage, open the A/C vent and do the whole thing in comfort.

Dew yew understand now?

koury · August 2003

I've been using Zaino for 3 years and swear by it, but when I hear 1/2 capful of Z7 to wash a car I have to laugh. My ONLY gripe with Z7 is that it doesn't "suds" like other car wash products, and it takes much more than 1/2 cap to get a useful bucket of wash water. Unless I'm doing something wrong.

lapvn · August 2003

Where did you read that? My bottle of Z7 says to put 2 or 3 caps for every gallon. So for the most part, I use about 3 - 5 caps, depending on how dirty the car is.

Maybe they were talking about 1/2 cap for a bottle of Z7 to carry with you.

mbdriver · August 2003

Quotes from the Zaino website:

"Mix one cap full of Z-7 Show Car Wash per gallon of water in a clean wash bucket."

"Our unique formula produces loads of suds, even in hard water conditions. And, the suds last and last. With Z-7 Show Car Wash, you won't have flat wash water before you're finished washing your car."

"To keep your car looking its best, Z-7 Show Car Wash includes Ultra-Gard UV(40), to renew protection from the sun's harmful rays, and several polymer ingredients from our Show Car Polish systems. You will love the results."

Hope this helps. Suggest Zaino users visit the website when in doubt and also occasionally to review their recommendations. I do.

lapvn · August 2003

I posted this question earlier with no response, so I decided to ask Sal regarding the expiration of any of their products and especially ZFX. Here is his response.

I found that room temperature gave the best longevity for Zaino
products... so that's what I prefer...

When stored in a cool dry place. Avoiding extreme heat or cold. Shelf
  Life is as follows.

  Z-1 For optimum results use before 3 years.
  Z-2 For optimum results use before 3 years.
  Z-5 For optimum results use before 3 years.
  Z-6 5 years +
  Z-7 5 years +
  Z-9 5 years +
  Z-10 For optimum results use before 2 years.
  Z-12 For optimum results use before 2 years.
  Z-14 For optimum results use before 2 years.
  Z-16 3 to 5 years
  Z-18 5 years +
  ZFX For optimum results keep tightly capped and use before 18 months.

I think I won't have any problems using any of the Zaino products that I have before the shelf life goes with the exception of the ZFX. ZFX time life at 18 months means I should be doing more multiple coats, more than I presummed of 3x a year. Maybe we should start thinking about maybe sharing this stuff with other people and just split the bill. It would be better than the stuff going bad on us.

bottgers · August 2003

.....but I know my Z1 and Z2 are 4 years old. I just used them on our MPV and I didn't notice any degradation in the way it went on, or the way it looked when I was done. I wonder how age adversley affects these products? What will it do to tell you it's no longer any good?

stachey · August 2003

The statement was "1/2 capful of Z-7 is really cheap..." and it is. There was no mention of washing a car with that amount, nor how much suds were generated nor the quanitiy of water used with the 1/2 capful. But with a small car and a small bucket, you can do the wash.

I did mis-speak and used the quantity that I use in my spray bottle. However I only use about a capful for a gallon of water in a bucket for my Corolla and end up with stuff left over. Lots of suds, soft water.

lapvn · August 2003

Is there any significant outcome to using 3 capfuls per gallon to 1 capful?

What should be the difference in using different amounts?

lapvn · August 2003

I found this info from another site, but it defitely has to hurt us Zainoholics.

A vey sad day for one of the last US quality textile companies...

Pillowtex, the parent company who makes the highly recommended Cannon @ Fieldcrest 100% USA cotton towels, unfortunately will cease operations according to Bloomberg.

July 30, 2003 17:43 EDT -- Pillowtex Corp., the maker of Royal Velvet and Fieldcrest sheets, towels and pillows, closed 16 plants and fired 6,450 workers, the largest in textile history, as it seeks to liquidate its assets in bankruptcy.

robr2 · August 2003

Everybody - now - run - fast to BB&B, Linen's & Things, Kitchen Etc,......and horde!!

bretfraz · August 2003

Just switch to microfiber. Superior to cotton in almost every respect. Get them from a reputable source and you should not experience QC issues.

daverose · August 2003

How does one know if a source is reputable? I've asked Sal Zaino every Spring if he has a microfiber source to recommend. According to him, quality, even from the same manufacturer, varies too much for him to make a recommendation. Do you have a more specific recommendation than the generic one you made in your post?

graphicguy · August 2003

I did order some MF towels from Classic Motoring Accessories. I like their MF applicators for Zaino application (they're bigger and take less time to apply Zaino) and their polishing cloths for Zaino removal.

I also ordered their "big blue towel" (BBT). I was disappointed in it compared to using "The Absorber" synthetic chamois. BBT has a nice weave and is soft. The absorber just absorbs the water rather than moving it around the surface. BBT did hold a lot of water, though and I would use it before I would a 100% cotton towel for drying. IMHO, The Absorber is still champ for drying my car.

If interested, I got them here:

http://www.properautocare.com/

mbdriver · August 2003

Which products did you buy, and for what? What do you suggest? There are 20 different ones listed.

Thanks.

behhpp · August 2003

I love the absorber for removing water from my car after washing, but what would be the best product for removing Z2 if the USA made 100 percent cotton is not available? Will microfiber work for that use?

bretfraz · August 2003

I detailed a Volvo S40 today with Z2 as the final step and am hooked on DuPont Sontara SPS polishing cloths to remove polish and wax residue. Best thing about them for me is that I can toss them when done - no washing like I have to do with microfiber. Get them at your local auto paint supplier.

automophile · August 2003

I use the genuine sheepskin wash mitts sold at Costco. I keep a couple "virgin" for polishing the car - they are extremely soft and work great.

I use others for washing - they can't scratch the paint, and have a deep enough pile to catch the dirt without allowing it to rub the paint.

fickle · August 2003

I got the same set. I use the one with the mesh to wash and haven't used the other 2. Do you put the Z2 on with one of them or use it just to take it off? Once you take the polish off, do you wash the mitt? Do you use it for Z6? (I would think that the mitt wouldn't work too well with the Z6.)

linda

automophile · August 2003

I use them only for washing and buffing off the Z2. The side with the plastic mesh works well for stubborn bugs, and does not seem to cause any marks in the paint.

Regarding removing - if the Z2 is completely dry, as it should be, it comes off as a white "dust" and you only need to shake it out of the mitt, no washing necessary.

For Z6 - I use a small soft cotton towel. As you say, the mitt probably wouldn't work well for that.

bgabel1260 · August 2003

This past weekend I polished my car (2003 Outback wagon) for the first time. This was also my first experience with Zaino.

I washed the car with Dawn and then applied a coat of ZFX-activated Z2 followed by Z6. OMG! Incredible. Just from the first coat I knew I had something special in my hands. I then added another ZFX/Z2 coat and Z6 spray and the appearance got even better. This is an amazing polishing system. None of the pictures I have seen online could have prepared me for the results I've received. Compared to conventional carnauba wax, Z2 leaves nothing behind: no residue, no smears. It's like a layer of glass right over the paint...and oh, so smooth. Wow, I just can't get over it. I don't even have a sporty car but I turned plenty of heads when I cruised around in my glowing, shining Outback. You can't help but notice it; the shine and "glow" is so effervescent.

I'm definitely sold on Zaino. If this stuff has the durability that people claim it has then it's a grand slam product.

lapvn · August 2003

The bad part (if there is one) of Zaino is that you just keep expecting more and more of a shine. And because it goes on and off so easy, you easily want to put on more coats.

Welcome to the club. Isn't it great.

Tell us when you get your first compliment. My first compliment was when my son decided to use the car's shine as a mirror and started to play in front of the car. That was good enough proof for me.

automophile · August 2003

and welcome to the club. Beware the fumes, tho - it makes you want to put on "just ONE more coat" forever!

What color is your Outback?

bgabel1260 · August 2003

I took some of my co-workers to look at my car yesterday and one of them was so impressed that he ordered the $80+ starter kit. It really got him excited. My Outback is a Seamist Green/Titanium Pearl two-tone, which I personally think is the "right" color for this model. My father stated that he has never seen an Outback on the road that has looked as good as mine. We're rather competitive when it comes to our cars so this is quite excellent praise.

Sal Zaino even says that one coat is all that's needed for up to 6 months of protection. I don't want to go crazy with it but I'll probably add another 2 coats before the onset of the winter season. That will be the real test: to see how Zaino stands up to road salt and grime.

lapvn · August 2003

hahaha, I had the same plan too. I was laughing at people here when they said the Z every weekend. Now look at me, I can't get out of the abyss. What do you think you are going to do on a nice sunny Saturday. What do you think you are going to do when you get the urge just to do ONE MORE coat.

It's the fumes I'm telling you, the fumes.

Oh by the way, weekly Zainoholics meetings are every Thursday.

graphicguy · August 2003

Sorry it took me a while to get back to you.

I got the Dragons Breath applicator pads. I like these a lot. They are softer and much sturdier than the cotton applicator pads that come with the Zaino orders. Plus, they are bigger and really cut down on the time it takes to apply Zaino. They wash well, also.

I also got the Viper perfect shine buffing cloths. Also much softer than 100% cotton towels. You have to be a bit careful with them, because if anything gets caught in the microfiber weave, like a piece of grass or straw, it's a bear to get the "contaminent" off of them. They wash up nicely, but are a little harder to keep clean.

I like the 3 pack viper detailing cloths for Z6 wipe on/wipe off as well as for Zaino removal.

The big blue towel is better than a cotton towel for drying, but I still prefer "the absorber" for that chore. I use the big blue towel for drying door jams, though. Washes up nice, but be careful, if you get the big blue towel, wash it first as there seems to be some sort of "blue dye" on the outside stitching that will come off.

bottgers · August 2003

I asked this question a couple of weeks ago, but nobody answered. I use Z1 and Z2. I only re-apply for the purpose of protection, not to enhance the shine. I'm wondering if I re-apply once or twice a year, if I can just re-apply the Z2, or do I need to re-apply the Z1 and Z2 every time? If I need to do both, due I have to wash with Dawn again?

mbdriver · August 2003

You probably missed my response -- I pasted a few lines from the Z website (www.zainobros.com)that said essentially, use Z-1 every six months for "normal" cars and once a year for show cars,with Z-2, of course. Just go to the website and click on Z-1. It's all spelled out there.

As for Dawn, it's used only initially to remove old wax or other polishes. Once you use Z-1, Z-2, Z-5 and/or ZFX, there's no need to use Dawn again. Just use Z-7 to wash your car.

Hope this helps.

sequoiasoon · August 2003

This SUV is BIG. Maybe I used to much since it was my first time using Zaino but I needed almost 1 3/4 ounces to do 2 coats of Z-2/ZFX on the truck including the rims. Also used a 1/4 bottle of Z-6 to do the 2 coats. The truck (Silver Sky Metallic) looks AMAZING as I knew it would from all the posts here and another website. The neighbors all thought I was crazy before (my 170k '93 Corolla is CLEAN inside and out including engine bay) but when I hung the tarp to get shade (for the dawn and clay) and the step ladder to clay the roof they all shook their heads (clueless, $12 scratchwash using freaks!)

Next step will be to get the Corolla (dark teal) Z'd but with some Z-5 after a little more extensive prep work. Now if only I had a garage (or hadn't cut down the tree that was lifting the sidewalk and driveway 8") getting setup so the wash step doesn't dry and spot would be much easier.

and OH YEA! another coat or 2 would definitely help but 9 hours already had the wife saying WTF is your problem? I think I'll sacrifice a used applicator and stick it inside her pillow. Maybe tomorrow she'll say "you know, I think you should do another coat or 2!"

daverose · August 2003

You have used way too much product. As a guide, I helped a Zaino customer of mine do his Avalanche; we used half an ounce of ZFX-enabled Z-2 to cover the entire vehicle. Not as good as Guru Reports claim of half an ounce to do a Chevy Suburban, twice, but impressive, nevertheless.

Some hints, try to use only a dime to nickel size drop for most panels, make the energy of your wiping more parallel with the surface you are working on than perpendicular, i.e., use light pressure, dampen your applicator with water to reduce the amount of product being absorbed into the material, spritz the applicator surface with Z-6 between drops of polish to help spread it more evenly and thinly. Your finishing wipe-down of the vehicle with Z-6 should be done lightly and with quick strokes; your spray of Z-6 should be one fine, light mist followed by the spread and thorough wipe-off before moving on to the adjacent area.

Hope that helps future uses.

sequoiasoon · August 2003

I knew it was probably too much(the old wax habits are hard to break the first time) The paint was also hot because I had to take the tarp down after wash and dry due to very windy conditions. It was 84, very sunny and windy! I felt the Z drying very quickly as I was applying. I had wet the applicator (water) first to get it damp and then used Z-6 to help keep it lubed. I guess next time I'll try to find shade or do it early or late in the day, not midday. I was also using about 8 very small drops spread out on the applicator. I know everybody says you can apply in direct sun but I'll try shade next time. Any other ideas?

automophile · August 2003

@#! When I try to tell them about it, they explain that it is "OKAY" because they set it for "gentle".

They were out "sandblasting" off their paint again this morning, and the marks were so bad I could actually photograph them.

In this picture, ( I hope it posts) you can not only see the severe scratches as the water pressed the dirt against the paint, you can clearly see each of the passes with the wand. Of course, most of the car looks like this, and it is only 4-5 months old! D'Oh!

tmart · August 2003

graphicguy · September 2003

Some people just don't learn. That looks terrible and will only get worse the longer they continue to use the pressure washer, as you well know.

I can only imagine what this car will look like in a couple of years.

automophile · September 2003

And - it's a nice new Accord, with great paint! It was so shiny a while back, now it looks years old already.

The most frustrating part of it it is that it doesn't save them any time to use the pressure washer, I can actually wash our cars much faster with the bucket and mitt, espcially when you count the set-up time they need. Too bad.

lapvn · September 2003

For those who use those power washers will never understand why you and the rest of us go through the aches and pain to get our cars the way we want it. They are the ones that are happy enough to go to a car wash and come back to you to say, "see my car is shiny". Ya right. I laugh at these people and at the same time they laugh at me for being so meticulous. However, I know on those weekends that I just want to do a "touch up" Z, it doesn't take me that long. It would take more effort and more time for me to go to the car wash.

lapvn · September 2003

My wife now understands that when I give her a warning that this weekend I am washing the car(s) she knows that I need time to finish it right and not to be rush. I also try to help out by starting my regimen early in the morning, around 7AM.

I think you are using a little bit too much. I know my Ody is not as big as your Sequoia, but with 1 once I can do it twice. What I can tell you though is that, I hate doing Z2 or Z5 staight from the bottle. It seems like if I don't use the ZFX bottle I tend to use a lot more. Oh well, growing pains I guess. It also sounds like you used too much Z6. Again growing pains from me, but if you look several post back, I was told I was using too too much Z6. Now I use 2 Sprays for the hood, 1 for each side. Then I use 1 Spray for each side panel. The bottom part of each side panel I use 1 SPRITZ.

lapvn · September 2003

I know several people have posted to wet the applicator and also spray the applicator with Z6.

Wouldn't the water in the applicator dilute your Z2 or Z5?

With Z6 on the applicator how does that affect the application of the Z2 or Z5, more slick ?

Without dampening the applicator, what if you just use Z6 is that a good idea?

Still more growing pains from me.

jauto98 · September 2003

Hello all. Been reading this forum for quite some time and finally decided to try out Zaino. Bought the Total Protection Show Car Kit and am now waiting for the weather to clear up to apply it. In the meantime, I came up with this procedure list for a new Zaino user like me. What do you guys think, and comments or suggestions?

The first time you use of Zaino

1. Dawn wash [frequency: ONCE]
   a. once car is Zainod, dawn should not be
      used on painted surfaces
   b. may use dawn to clean wheels and tires
2. ClayBar (Z-18) [frequency: when feels rough]
   a. Use lubricant when claying
      1. ½ capful of Z-7 with 16 ounces of water
      2. Z-6 can also be used as a lubricant
   b. Work a small are in a back and forth motion
   c. Wipe off clay residue with a terrycloth
      towel
3. Z-7 Wash [frequency: EVERY CAR WASH]
   a. Wash tires and wheels first to prevent
      water spots on paint
   b. Mix one cap full of Z-7 per one gallon of
      water
   c. Work in a cool, shaded area
   d. Start washing top down and rinse often
   e. Suggest using a 100% cotton towels
4. Dry
   a. Dry using 100% cotton towels (Fieldcrest or
      Cannon)
5. Z-2 or Z-5with ZFX [frequency: 3 coats per
   polish job, 4 polish jobs per year]
   a. Ensure a clean, dry surface
   b. If scratches are visible, use Z-5, if not,
      use Z-2 for entire polish job
   c. Pour one ounce of Z-2 or Z-5 into a mixing
      bottle
   d. Add 4-5 drops of ZFX
   e. Screw cap and shake vigorously for 60-90
      seconds
   f. Let mixture set for 5 minutes
   g. Shake mixture for 10 seconds before using
   h. Applying Z-2 or Z-5 with ZFX
      1. Use Zaino Bros Custom Polish Applicator
      2. Squirt a dime size dab of polish on
         applicator
      3. Apply on paint in a circular patter and
         then back and forth
      4. Allow product to haze for 20-30 minutes
      5. Using 100% cotton towels, buff the
         residue off
      6. Spray car with a light mist of Z-6
         detailing spray
      7. Using 100% cotton towels, buff the
         residue off immediately
      8. Repeat step H up to 2 more times.
i. When you have finished using the ZFX mixture,
   immediately rinse out the bottles using a
   heavy concentration of dawn and water (may
   require 4-5 rinses)
j. Handwash applicator by hand using laundry
   detergent

Sorry for being so long. Any tips and suggestions would help. Thanks in advance.

sequoiasoon · September 2003

I think the sun was my biggest killer. My applicator was drying as I tried to spread the Z. The Z was dry in about 2-3 minutes after applying. Same deal with the Z-6, tried to "mist" 1/2 the hood (about a 1/4 to 1/2 pull on trigger did it) but it was drying before I could wipe it. I just couldn't get that 1/10 trigger pull to do a 2x2 area down pat. Like I said, I'll have to try some shade next time. I'll pull it in the sun if it takes too long drying.

Do you think my neighbor would be pissed if I parked it on her lawn under the tree? Maybe I'll offer to do a free a turtlewax on her 15 year old dented, peeling, leaking bomb.

sequoiasoon · September 2003

I think the sun was my biggest killer. My applicator was drying as I tried to spread the Z. The Z was dry in about 2-3 minutes after applying. Same deal with the Z-6, tried to "mist" 1/2 the hood (about a 1/4 to 1/2 pull on trigger did it) but it was drying before I could wipe it. I just couldn't get that 1/10 trigger pull to do a 2x2 area down pat. Like I said, I'll have to try some shade next time. I'll pull it in the sun if it takes too long drying.

Do you think my neighbor would be pissed if I parked it on her lawn under the tree? Maybe I'll offer to do a free a turtlewax on her 15 year old dented, peeling, leaking bomb.

cbest1465 · September 2003

I have been thinking of purchasing the Total Protection Kit from Zaino for some time. I have heard nothing but great things and realize the first initial application will take some time. However I do have one burning question. I have water spots on the roof of my vehicle, besides the light scratches and swirl marks (black paint). Would the Z5 product help with the water spots? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

lapvn · September 2003

Wow 2-3 minutes, thats sizzling. I have to wait a good 20-30 minutes and at times more with the humidity here in the NE. It just kills my time. I've tried Zing on a hot summer day once, right around noon time, and it was a pain to do the Z6. I feel your pain.

lapvn · September 2003

I am not an expert but I think your schedule looks good. But what makes you think you will only Z 4 times a year. You haven't tried it yet so you haven't smelled the fumes. What makes you think that you wouldn't want to do even just one coat and not use any ZFX on any given weekend.

Opening any bottle of Zaino is like opening those jackets of a CD Software, once opened there is no turning back. This is not like turtle wax where a wash is just good enough. We all here brag about how shiny our cars are, then when you see pictures from fastdriver and his red TL, you want, you MUST, you need to go out and do more.

I think the only formula for us is really just keep doing it. Do it as often as you want, can or as many times your spouse lets you.

Have fun, let us know how the first round goes. Remember, if it is a big car you are doing, expect to have 4 hours, aching shoulders and knees.

maxpower02 · September 2003

I noticed some water spots on my 03'Accord hood. I used the Z18 claybar and added 2 more coats of Z2, but I still see the spots. I have Z5, but didn't try it. Guess I'll give that a try, when it stops RAINING!!
BTW, the car has been zainoed since day 1, and I have about 10 coats of Z2 on it.
Anybody have any suggestions?

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