Confused about AIO before Zaino

TGates

Active member
Maybe I'm just putting too much thought into this, but I'm a little confused regarding the prep for my upcoming Zaino project. I currently have 2 coats of Wolfgang Sealant with an AIO base. I am going to strip the Wolfgang off and start over and use Zaino this time.



Wash - QEW

Clay

Wash - QEW

PB SSR1 or SSR2.5 - polishing pad

(This is where I'm not sure what to do)

ZFX/Z5 x 2 or 3

ZFX/Z2Pro

Z6 between coats

Z8 to set it all off.



After the SSR polish, will it be okay to go straight to the Zaino application, or would an alcohol wipedown be required? How about a simple Z6 application, since the PB's polishes contain no fillers or oils?



With other sealants, I would usually use AIO here, but I'm under the impression AIO not only cleans the finish but also leaves an acrylic layer for protection. Now that doesn't seem like a bare paint finish to me, which Zaino requires for appropriate curing.



Maybe a Z7 wash after the PB SSR's?
 
I have used AIO prior to using Z2 and Z2pro with no harmful effects that I know of. Zaino is coming out with a paint cleaner to compliment the Zaino System. You can use the Z5 w/ZFX, or If you want, AIO wont do you any harm to be sure !:xyxthumbs



As you use the Zaino System, I think you will sooner or later want to see what the entire system will do and opt for the bottom to top Zaino Effect, just to see how the entire Z line compliments each component. I can't Wait for the Zaino paint cleanser to come on line !:bounce
 
BlackSunshine said:
...........With other sealants, I would usually use AIO here, but I'm under the impression AIO not only cleans the finish but also leaves an acrylic layer for protection. Now that doesn't seem like a bare paint finish to me, which Zaino requires for appropriate curing. .........



Yes, AIO will leave the acrylic behind, but a lot of people here have gone from AIO straight to Zaino without any washing in between. If you're going "by the book", then correct, it's not bare paint which your suppose to have when applying Zaino.
 
BlackSunshine,

I think you're right on with your assessment. While many people use the AIO as a base for the Zaino, I choose not to for the reason you clearly stated. While AIO is a great cleaner, it's acrylic based thus leaving a layer of acrylic on the paint. I prefer not to use AIO in combination with other synthetic sealants. I do use it with SG ( duh! ) and as a base for carnaubas.

Zaino is at it's best when applied to bare paint. I suggest an alcohol wipe after the SSR's or a Z7 wash followed by Z6. I know that others will disagree with my recommendations, but that's okay!!! Z5/ZFX x 3 + Z2 Pro/ZFX x 3 with Z6 in between coats. Top that Mutha off with Z8 & have yourself a beer!!
 
BlkTac05 said:
BlackSunshine,

I think you're right on with your assessment. While many people use the AIO as a base for the Zaino, I choose not to for the reason you clearly stated. While AIO is a great cleaner, it's acrylic based thus leaving a layer of acrylic on the paint. I prefer not to use AIO in combination with other synthetic sealants. I do use it with SG ( duh! ) and as a base for carnaubas.

Zaino is at it's best when applied to bare paint. I suggest an alcohol wipe after the SSR's or a Z7 wash followed by Z6. I know that others will disagree with my recommendations, but that's okay!!! Z5/ZFX x 3 + Z2 Pro/ZFX x 3 with Z6 in between coats. Top that Mutha off with Z8 & have yourself a beer!!



This is along the lines of what I was thinking of doing! Where can I find instructions on this alcohol wipe if I decide to do that? And I'll have a beer for you as well :cool:
 
Mix some a solution of IPA ( rubbing alcohol ) with distilled water at a 50/50 ratio. using a mf, wipe the mixture on the paint & let it sit for about 20 seconds then wipe off with another mf. As for the beer..........Just 1?????? :D
 
Definetly an alcohol wipe prior to Zaino. It seem to last longer for me compare to having AIO as a base.
 
X-Trail said:
Definetly an alcohol wipe prior to Zaino. It seem to last longer for me compare to having AIO as a base.



An alcohol wipedown is certainly a valid option, but to prepare the surface for sealant, I thought the point was to get the minor defects out, hence the AIO.... If defect correction is not the object, why bother with the AIO in the first place?:confused:





Since there is no such thing as too much prep (as long as you dont remove your paint), I thought you were just engaged in a bit of mild overkill since you already have polished the car...:nixweiss
 
mochamanz said:
An alcohol wipedown is certainly a valid option, but to prepare the surface for sealant, I thought the point was to get the minor defects out, hence the AIO.... If defect correction is not the object, why bother with the AIO in the first place?:confused:





Since there is no such thing as too much prep (as long as you dont remove your paint), I thought you were just engaged in a bit of mild overkill since you already have polished the car...:nixweiss



I don't think AIO will remove or clean anything a Poorboy's polish or Menzerna polish won't. JMO. The point of the IPA/Water wipedown would be to remove anything that might be left on the paint after the polish (which, theortetically, should have prepped your paint and removed defects, at least to a level of your liking) to ensure proper bonding of the Zaino to the paint.



The debate is in regards to whether AIO leaves enough protection (acrylics) on the paint to hinder the bonding of Zaino. AIO is certainly a great prep for a carnauba or something like NXT, IMO. But for a sealant.... it's kind of iffy to me.
 
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