Car Wash

R

Rob_K

New member
do you get from those 8 oz. containers. I'm thinking of trying Zaino but it seems a little expensive for such small amounts.



I would also like to know how long the protection lasts from just 1 applaction of Z1 + Z5 + Z2.



Thanks
 
I've got a Toyota pickup with a bed cap so it has about the same surface area as a Four Runner and I've applied 5 layers of Z3 with just a ¼ bottle. I've since switched to using Z5 exclusively because I think it looks better on red and it appears that I'm using the same amount of Z5 as I would Z3. As far as Z1 goes, dont even worry about it. Z1 should last years. Hope that helps.
 
Thanks,



I guess your paint is single stage for you to be using Z3?

20 applications per bottle is not bad at all. By using Z5 instead of finishing with Z3 or Z2 you are saying your truck looks better? Is it more shiney or deep?



Rob
 
i've got about 5 "car coats" out of half a bottle. It seems like as time goes on I get more and more out of it. It's probably because my technique has improved, and also because my car is so much smoother that it's easier to get on a really light, even coat.



when you look at what meguirs, zymol, mothers, etc costs, zaino starts to look better and better from a cost standpoint. after you put a few coats on and see how great it looks, however, you don't care what it costs, you gotta have more!
 
Zaino can last anywhere from 5 applications per bottle on up. If you do it right, maybe 12-16. Even then, you may run dry or not depending on what kind of car you have.



I love the results, so for me it's all about the smooth glass-like feeling and the stunning shine.



I personally have spent around $400 on Zaino products in the last 2 months, just to be brutally honest.



This is for a lot of product for myself and my friends. I'm almost embarassed to admit it, but it's true. I have given it to several compadres y me amigos.



But I would do it again. It is good stuff.
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by Rob_K [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>Thanks,

I guess your paint is single stage for you to be using Z3?
20 applications per bottle is not bad at all. By using Z5 instead of finishing with Z3 or Z2 you are saying your truck looks better? Is it more shiney or deep?

Rob [/b]</blockquote>
Yes I have single stage paint and I wouldnt have it any other way. Its so much easier to take care of scratches and other minor problems.

Z5 on my single stage red paint seems to look more fluid and softer while the Z3 gave it an almost stark shine if that makes sense. And sorry, I just looked at my bottle of Z3 again and it looks like I've used a little more than ¼ but definitely less than ½ but its a pretty safe bet that I'd get more than 15 coats out of it.
 
Use foam applicator pads and you will use next to nothing for each coat. I have a bottle which I've gotten over 20 coats out of and it still around 1/3 full.



Did I say thin coats?
 
i started using a cotton/terry applicator, and found it very hard to get a good thin coat. then i switched to a foam applicator, and though i feel that there's somewhat more potential to get some surface marring/swirls with the foam, it is MUCH easier to get a thin coat of zaino on.
 
I have done about 8 coats with Z2 (about 1/2 - 2/3 full still) and 5 coats of Z5 (2/3 full). These numbers are for 2 cars worth of Z.
 
go directly to Z5 instead of Z2 after Z1? I was under the impression that you should Z1, Z2, wait 24 hrs and then Z5.



I have a black 95 Blazer that desperately needs help with swirls and light scratches. I just received my order and have not had the opportunity to experiment with it yet.



John.
 
as much as possible before going to Z*. Z5 will only fill light swirls - it's not a miracle worker!



Assuming you are going to clay first (you should, IMO), you should then follow with a swirl remover product. 3M SMR is a good one to try first. If you get the vast majority of the swirls then wash with Z7 and go directly to Z1 then Z5. Use the Z5 until you are happy - it will get the last of the swirls hopefully. Then Z2 after that. You can use Z5 again after that if you need it. I have done Z2-Z5-Z2x4 and Z5x4-Z2 and got great results. Other vehicles were just pure Z2 as they were in great shape.
 
:Snowman:I know that this is a cardinal sin but I was wondering if anybody brings their car to a car wash during the winter months?
 
NEVER !

Car washes are from the devil. The swirl monster lives there.

I'd rather drive it dirty and wait for a "warmer" day.

My neighbors all think I'm nuts, but all I need is temps above freezing and I'll wash it myself. I will consider slightly below freezing if it's sunny enough to keep the wash water from freezing on the black top driveway.

I use medium weight rubber gloves to keep hands from getting too cold.

PS One caveat, I would consider one of the coin operated places where you just use a power washing wand. But I know of none of those in my area.
 
I have used the coin operated ones that have the wand when we had the ban on washing cars at home. I would never take it through an automatic car wash. But then again I can't anyway, my tires are too wide and the car is too low lol :driving:
 
When I lived up north I would hit the pressure wand at a local wash place to knock the crud off. I can't imagine road salt is good to leave on the paint and it bugged me after a while. Heck I just watched Todd's Wheel Wax video where he took a pressure wand to a Lambo wheel! No prob.

I would avoid anything automated touching my paint (tunnel rotating brushes) like the Bubonic Plague.
 
I am lucky - we have a "touchless" car wash close to the house. They use good MF towels and are very careful to use fresh towels on every car. I've taken the wife's minivan there probably about every month for 10 years and (cross fingers) so far there is not a swirl mark or scratch on it from the car wash.

That said my MB does not nor will it ever go there :smile:.
 
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