Alright sealant freaks, school me!!

M

mrfjsw294

New member
Ive always been a nuba guy, but recently ive grown an interest in sealants. Ive done a little searching and didnt really find what I wanted so here it goes...



The only sealant ive ever used is Zaino, I like them, but something about their stuff just rubs me the wrong way, I dont really know what it is. Not saying that im opposed to their stuff, but I need a little convincing. Ive also read alot about UPGP...im wanting to try it, but its a little on the pricey side for someone who just details on the side, BUT, I have NO problem paying for a product that works/out performs the cheaper product.



With that out of the way, here is what im looking for from a sealant...



1. Durability (duh)

2. Ease of use/application is a must.

3. Pricing (Keep in mind, as previously stated, I WILL pay for a product if it outperforms the inferior)

4. Shine/Gloss/Wetness is at the bottom of the list for a reason...Im kind of shooting for more durability, but it does play a factor.



Lastly, One coat wonder (UPGP's long curing times will limit me to just one coat, however, with Zaino, im very able to apply 2-3 coats, how would you rate 1 coat of UPGP to 2-3 coats of Z?...say Z-2 or Z-5, durability and shine both?



I dont want this to be a " Product A is better than product B." thread...I want to know WHY you think, product A is better than product B.



Thanks all!!:xyxthumbs
 
Chemical Guys' Extreme Top Coat



Just make sure that the paint is clean of any polishing oils regardless of what you use. Zaino is also top notch.
 
Get Matrix Coating, and you're done. It's fully permanent, and you don't ever need a refresher coating. Nothing gives the depth of gloss, or protection that I've ever seen.







John
 
I have experienced some pretty extended results in terms of longevity with OS. 4* UPP is also a winner as well but I can't quite remember if it's as durable as OS.
 
nothing beats the convenience and ease of Optimum Opti-Seal , and there's no denying that.



as for the quality of sealants in general, it is up to individual preference.

just like how you mentioned that zaino is not for you, some ppl love it.



given that the prices of such products are reasonable and competitive these days, no harm in trying them all out.

after all that's the joy of being in this detailing scene. try as many as you can , and enjoy the results
 
IMHO, you've kinda started at the top of the sealant line. I'm not sure your gonna find an easier product than Zaino to work with that gives such fantastic results. Your criteria mentioned cost and one coat. Zaino is awesome with just one coat and it's cost is dirt cheap when you consider a bottle of Z5 is only 17 bucks and it will do like 20 cars. I have tried many, many products but like many others, I keep returning to Zaino for it's simplicity and great results. When it comes to sealants, you're already at the top my friend but good luck in your quest.



Patrick
 
ptaylor_9849 said:
IMHO, you've kinda started at the top of the sealant line. I'm not sure your gonna find an easier product than Zaino to work with that gives such fantastic results. Your criteria mentioned cost and one coat. Zaino is awesome with just one coat and it's cost is dirt cheap when you consider a bottle of Z5 is only 17 bucks and it will do like 20 cars. I have tried many, many products but like many others, I keep returning to Zaino for it's simplicity and great results. When it comes to sealants, you're already at the top my friend but good luck in your quest.



Patrick
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Can you touch at all on durability with just one coat of Z? PA winters can wreak serious havoc on finishes and since Z recommends at least 2 coats, how would 1 coat hold up? Keep in mind, these sealants will be applied mostly to daily drivers, most of which are not garaged EVER. Could one expect any of these sealants mentioned to last a minimum of 2 months in daily driver/not garaged conditions?





Thanks for your input all!
 
buja said:
nothing beats the convenience and ease of Optimum Opti-Seal , and there's no denying that.



as for the quality of sealants in general, it is up to individual preference.

just like how you mentioned that zaino is not for you, some ppl love it.



given that the prices of such products are reasonable and competitive these days, no harm in trying them all out.

after all that's the joy of being in this detailing scene. try as many as you can , and enjoy the results
Click to expand...

Well said, and I fully agree. Take your time, spend a few gradual bucks, and decide whats right for you. I can add to the "confusion" and say that Four Star (Now Poly Charged) is my favorite. Incredible ease and slickness, looks are subjective but IMO one of the best "looking" sealants available. And incredible slickness. And as Buja stated, a couple coats of either UPP or OS and your good to go. OS is extremely easy as well!
 
In 2007, I did 2x ZFX Z-2pro, and 1x Z-CS from Feb 2007, and it lasted all the way through end of 2007. No joke. My sisters 2006 Accord was never washed, parked outside in the HOT FL sun, and garaged at nights.
 
If you're looking for something to hold up to a PA winter, go with Collinite!! You get a Nuba glow and great durability. I put 3 coats of Z5 on my ranger and 2 coats of 845IW on the neon and the WRX in November. By then end of January the Z was done and the 845IW was still going strong. That was through a PA winter as well. I think I'm gonna try 476 next winter on the Ranger.
 
a.k.a. Patrick said:
Well said, and I fully agree. Take your time, spend a few gradual bucks, and decide whats right for you. I can add to the "confusion" and say that Four Star (Now Poly Charged) is my favorite. Incredible ease and slickness, looks are subjective but IMO one of the best "looking" sealants available. And incredible slickness. And as Buja stated, a couple coats of either UPP or OS and your good to go. OS is extremely easy as well!
Click to expand...



^^+1 it's subjective of course, but for the price and ease OS is a good choice. I know you said you didn't have much time, but I got to three coats by adding a coat after each of three washes within a month. It only adds 10 minutes to the wash process. Something may be more durable, but nothing is as EZ as OS or UPGP. I choose OS for price and ease.
 
I've been a Zaino user for the past few years and have never been disappointed in the results and durability. That being said it is expensive relative to other products out there and you can't buy larger sizes of the products you use the most. I also feel to get the best look and durability with Z products you need to do multiple coats which is time consuming.



After alot to reading on this and other forums I'm switching over to Optimum products. I recently tried the Optimum Spray Wax new formula and have never had the level of shine with any Z product including Z8. The durability might not be the same, but it only takes 15 minutes to put a coat on.



Poli-Seal is an AIO product and the only one that is put on in a traditional manner--wipe on, let it dry and wipe off. Then Opti Seal and the Spray Wax are just wipe on--just 10 or 15 minutes per coat. Can't beat that for ease of use. The shine and slickness are fantastic. You can buy Optimum products in larger sizes to help keep the cost down and they are sold by multiple suppliers so you can shop for the best price and least shipping charges.
 
Ewww.. I'm gonna get deepfried, roasted, flambeaud, sauted, and napalmed for this, but...



Zaino is a beautiful looking, easy to use, long lasting sealant. BUT. Bird poop, road grime, hard water spots.. basically any environmental contaminant goes through Zaino like the proverbial hot knife through butter. Yup, I'm hanging it out on the edge by saying this. There's gonna be a thousand replies about how ole Supe's been smokin' the good stuff while he's been gone, and that Zaino repels nuclear strikes, solar wind, and gamma rays, but I still disagree. Even though it looks good, is easy to use, lasts a long time, etc. it just doesn't provide that good of environmental protection. Just because a product is physically *on* your paint doesn't mean it's offering decent protection.



Now just because that's been my experience, doesn't mean that you won't enjoy it, love it, have bird bombs that slide right off of it. Give it a shot and form your own opinion. To quote one of the greats, "Find something you like, and use it often." There are alot of highly respected Autopians that produce the finest work around, and they swear by Zaino. Me, I swear *at* Zaino, but I still respect and admire those that use it.



I still use alot of Zaino products... In fact, I use all of them except Z2 and Z5... Well, and not even that is completely true. I still use ZAIO, Z2 and Z5 on customers cars when I want to apply multiple coats and I just don't have the time to do it with UPGP.



Really not trying to start a "let's roast supe" war. Just offering up a countering point of view and experience with a product. Now excuse me while I go find my asbestos overalls.
 
:2thumbs: I have had the same experiences and have brought it up before

Zaino just does not protect against bird bombs like #16 does
 
Denzil said:
I..4* UPP is also a winner as well but I can't quite remember if it's as durable as OS.
Click to expand...



There are varying opinions about what constitutes "durability", but UPP's slickness drops off very quickly, so much so that I end up refreshing it quite often.



(No that's not a slam, I still use it on the S8.)





Wonder if PolyCharger would improve how long the slickness lasts :think:
 
I tried Zaino and was very impressed by Z2, but on a silver Acura TL that I used Z5 on - I had issues. Three weeks after that detail, I did a quickie wash to get rid of a bunch of bird turds ( owner said she was glad cows don't fly) anyway, the Z5 looked like crap, hardly any beading. I did a quick wax with NXT 2.0 and it looked great. I have since bought Megs 21 2.0 and it is very good. My new go-to sealer.
 
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