Been busy! 08 Z06, 07 GT, 09 Z06, and more.... (many pics)

[laynlow]

I have always used Meguiars Medallion paint cleaner, Show Car Glaze, and Medalion Paint Protectant as my ritual. I just decided to break traditon and ordered 74 bucks worth of Z products.



I am looking forward to the no powder/residue on trim ect., and Sal assured me that the shine would "blow away" my current regiment. I sure hope he's right.



Has anyone applied the Z products with a PC buffer? I have one, but Sal said he didn't see a benefit to using it.



BTW, I enjoy the forum and others dedication to perfection. It's always nice to explain to the neighbors that other people spend all day on their cars too.

 

[BradE]

Use the PC for prepping the car (swirl/light scratch removal) Apply your Zaino by hand, that way you can conserve product and control the thickness of the layers better. Since Z is non-abrasive you will get no benefit from using a machine.

 

[TortoiseAWD]

I've used a PC to apply Z1 several times, with good results. Cautions against wasting product are overexaggerated, IMO; the first couple of applications to the PC pad do require a bit more product, but after that initial "loading" of the pad, I found it takes very little product for subsequent panels. I used much less Z1 with the PC than when I used the included Zaino app, and I feel I got a more even, thin layer.



YMMV . . . if you already have a PC and a clean pad, you might consider experimenting to see which you prefer. As ShowroomLincoln noted, though, Z is non-abrasive, so the only benefit you might get from the PC is a little extra speed and your arms won't be as sore at the end of the day



Tort

 

[Michael H]

I had trouble using a PC to apply Zaino. In the end I use a foam applicator which I found to better than the PC and the terry cloth applicator provided by Zaino.

 

[laynlow]

I think speed is an important factor for me. My vehicle is a Ford Explorer Sport, bright red in color. I need a step ladder to do the roof, ect. I would like to use the PC for speed, and I think it would lay down a more even coat than I could do by hand. I also ordered the new accelerent and Sal said that the Z1 is not necessary with that product. In addition, I should not have to wait between coats.



I guess the bottom line is to try both and see how it goes.



As far as appearences are concerned, would you agree that my gloss/shine, ect should be much better with the Z products over the Meguiars? The pics on their site are very good, but as an amature photographer, I know what a difference some film types can make. Color variance is great even among digital cams too.



Thanks for the replys...

 

[DETAILKING]

eom

 

[turnipgreen]

I'm about to be in the same boat as laynlow. I'm going to order the Zaino and give it a try. Can anyone comment on how far 1oz of say Z2 goes? It sounds as though 1oz can do a whole car. Given all the posts about not using too much I'm nervous about putting the right amount on the applicator and how far it should go.

 

[imported_Wes]

turn and layn:



Don't bother with a PC. A terry applicator pad is all you need.

Might want to use one side for Z1 and other side for Z2. Or get 2 pads.



Z1 is super slick and like oil so you can apply super thin coat easy.

Z2 I recommend you wet the applicator frequently. I use a 50/50 mix of Z6/H2O to wet the pad. Keeping it moist makes it much easier to spread the Z2 around to get even/thin coats.



1Oz of Z2 should get 2-3 coats if you do it thin.



Have fun. Z is great.

 

[Steve @ Guru]

I agree with gti's findings about how far 1oz will go. I recently Zaino'd my Tahoe and found that 2oz. of product was more than enough for 3 coats. I ended up wasting a little, but was shocked by how long it goes if you apply it correctly.

 

[turnipgreen]

Boy that stuff must go on thin. Do you just put next to none on the applicator for each section, or do you put some on the applicator then go over a large part of the car? I'm having trouble picturing going over an entire car with 1/2 oz. I've heard the only problem anyone ever ran into was putting too much on, so they must be right.



I'm planning on using the ZFX, so Z1 isn't an issue for me.

 

[Steve @ Guru]

I apply it in a very thin, light "X" on a micro fiber applicator, then I fold the applicator in half to that the X smushes itself. This distributes the product pretty evenly across the applicator.



I can wax the entire hood with that much product on the Tahoe. It's very hard to believe, especially after being a carnauba user/lover for so long, but you need to go light. It's just like spray painting - several light coats are better than one thick one. If you "miss" a spot, you'll hit it with the next coat.



Also, with ZFX, it's recommended to apply the product with a circular motion at first, then finish with straight lines.



Finally, I'd suggest you moisten the applicator ever so slightly with a very fine mist of Z6. This will help the product spread a little more evenly.



Big thing is practice - it took me a few tries, but I finally got the hang of it.

 

[TortoiseAWD]

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by turnipgreen [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>Boy that stuff must go on thin. Do you just put next to none on the applicator for each section, or do you put some on the applicator then go over a large part of the car? I'm having trouble picturing going over an entire car with 1/2 oz. I've heard the only problem anyone ever ran into was putting too much on, so they must be right.

I'm planning on using the ZFX, so Z1 isn't an issue for me. [/b]</blockquote>Here's a thread I posted a while back on getting thin coats with Zaino by hand: http://www.autopia-carport.com/forum/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=4434

I get two to three layers from about an ounce of Z2 or Z5; I think the real key is the switch to foam. The foam applicator really glides on the surface compared to cotton terry, IMO. An occasional spritz of Z6 on the applicator seems to aid in getting thin layers and stretching your Z2/Z5, as well.

Best of luck,
Tort

 

[imported_Wes]

Ha I will try.



I use a circular terry pad. Keeping it moist all the time.

I put about 3 portions on the upper left quadrant of the pad. Each portion the size of a coffee bean. I fold the pad in half so the upper right quadrant gets some of the Z2.



This amount is enough to do about 1/3 of my hood at least(I have a 330i).

I am still improving my technique but you get the idea.

Don't worry about missing some spots. You will cover it in the next coat if you do 3 coats in the same day with ZFX.

 

[DETAILKING]

The only problem with putting it on to thick in the past (besides wasting product) is that it takes longer to dry...especially with Z1. With ZFX, zaino dries fast, so the thin coats are not AS important.



For your first time, dampen the pad with some water and Z6, and put just enough on so you can see it cover everything. Pretend it is 100 bucks an ounce, and apply it that way! Don't worry if you use one ounce and it only does one coat, that is about average, and the next coats will go on thinner. First, because of experience, you will be better at it, and second, because the slicker the car gets and each additional coat you apply will be easier to spread on. Make sure you use Z6 in between coats. You are gonna love it. Please post results!

 

[ISLANDSBEST]

The more rubbing necessary to properly use a product (such as a swirl remover) more greater the benefit from using a machine. The less rubbing required, the less benefit. When you need to buff out a hard to buff compound, a machine is a real labor saver. Properly applied, Z requires little buffing, therefore, there is not as great a benefit from using a machine for Z, compaired to, say, using a machine for Finisee It.

 

[Lemonxxs]

Great Post Darbh. I never thunk of it that way.

 

[laynlow]

Thank you for all the replies! I think I have a good understanding of what is necessary and what is a waste of time and money. I don't have the product yet, but hopefully in a week or so with Mother Nature's permission, I will be at work with the Z.



I have always been pleased with the shine and gloss provided by Meguiars, but didn't like the durability. If this stuff is better in both regards, I am REALLY going to be a happy camper! I will be sure and try to take some pics for comparison.





Thanks again! :bounce

 

[dengelson]

Welcome to the Autopia Forums laynlow! We're always looking for detailing nuts to gather with. It's good to know that your amongst others that share your desire for a clean ride.



Speaking of neighbors, do you get tired of hearing them say "hey you want to do mine next?" ?

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by Short Cut [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>Speaking of neighbors, do you get tired of hearing them say "hey you want to do mine next?" ? [/b]</blockquote>
my neighbor actually ran into me one time because she pulled her car in behind mine while I was PCing glaze on it, and hit me in the legs, pinning me between her car and mine...... all she wanted was to be funny and say 'ok I'm in line for next'...... I said you're in line if you back off my legs and give me 150 for the job (I charge that to other people who's cars I do).... :down

 

[GoFast908Z]

Well as per usual I'm pretty stacked up and behind on my photos, so I'm gonna group several cars in here to catch up. Its car show season still so things are still VERY busy for me with constant calls, PMs, and emails. So here are a few of the cars I've been working on.



First off is a 2008 Z06 with a ton of custom work on it. Carbon Fiber spoiler and lights, ZR1 gfx kit, ZR1 roof, ZR1 halo bar, custom 360 forged wheels, brake upgrade, all on top of the 3LZ fully loaded option package. A very tricked out car to say the least! The owner had me give it a quick cleanup for the new owner as he was selling it since he got a new toy (which I'll be doing soon). Preview pic of new toy included



before pics

AFTERS

And a preview of his new toy.... writeup to come...

This Mustang was a referral from a police officer from the forums. Thank you Basic detail here. Wash, clay, Zaino, full interior detail.

Only have after pics on this one as time was very short.

Engine was cleaned, and customer requested NO dressing under the hood.

A long-time customer of mine brought his new Z06 home from several states away. I was there to give it the very first wash after a 980 mile trip home. It had mild swirls so a single stage of paint correction was done and cut about 80% of them out, which on silver is almost impossible to see. Also clayed and full interior detail and finished with Zaino.



Before pics