FMJ vs Zaino

P

ptaylor_9849

New member
I came to this site a few months ago. As an avid Menzerna user, I thought FMJ was the greatest product out there. After spending some time lurking here, I decided to give the Zaino thing a try. I must tell you that I now understand why there's all this hype about Zaino. In fact, I decided to do a comparison test on my charcoal Tundra just to be scientific. After polishing thoroughly and doing an IPA wipe down, I applied Z-5 on one side and FMJ on the other. Both products were equally easy to use both on and off with a slight edge to Zaino.



Both products were removed with a dragon m/f polishing cloth. I immediately noticed that the Zaino side was noticeably slicker than the FMJ side. Several hours after applying, it rained. The FMJ side had large water beads and the Zaino side had small water beads on all the vertical panels. This told me that the FMJ side was not as slippery as the Zaino side. The FMJ side allowed water droplets to grip and hold onto the finish which resulted in their larger size. The Zaino side had much smaller droplets because each time the droplets grew in size, they would slide off the fender and couldn't hold on like they did on the FMJ side.



About a week later, it rained again. This time there was no beading at all on the FMJ side. Meanwhile, the Zaino side was beading like it did the first day. It was really interesting to see the line differentiating the two sides. The results were clear as day. I also tried Z6 spray on my 2005 black corvette and was equally impressed. The Z6 removed water sediment immediately that even my IPA wipe wouldn't remove. The Z6 left a crystal clear finish with no streaking and that's not easy on a black vette that streaks and scratches if you stand too close to it. I'm not saying that Zaino is the best product in the world but it is clearly the best product I have ever used. Let me finish by saying this: I have a bottle of FMJ and a bottle of Z5, one is for sale and the other is not. For I have no use for a product that stops working in just a few days. For now, I have found a new home in Zaino.



Patrick
 
Don't confuse Menzerna polish products with the sealer -ok?

Menzerna polishes are top shelf.(search around a bit for the full answer)



Based on my uses, FMJ, 4*UPP, Wolfgang, and BlackFire sealers are very similar products in terms of application, removal, and durability.



IMHO there are better choices on the market.
 
I got about the same durability with FMJ as I do with Meguiars NXT...3-4 months. Okay but there are other sealants that do better.



My best durability, oddly enough, with both products was over Klasse AIO. :nixweiss
 
mgm121499 said:
Don't confuse Menzerna polish products with the sealer -ok?

Menzerna polishes are top shelf.(search around a bit for the full answer)



Based on my uses, FMJ, 4*UPP, Wolfgang, and BlackFire sealers are very similar products in terms of application, removal, and durability.



IMHO there are better choices on the market.
Click to expand...



If I were posting to this thread, I would have posted that. Thanks for posting for me.:D
 
mgm121499 said:
Don't confuse Menzerna polish products with the sealer -ok?

Menzerna polishes are top shelf.(search around a bit for the full answer)



Based on my uses, FMJ, 4*UPP, Wolfgang, and BlackFire sealers are very similar products in terms of application, removal, and durability.



IMHO there are better choices on the market.
Click to expand...



I agree with you also john. Menzerna polishes are top quality. I did not care for the fmj neither.



I can't wait to get my 085rd3.02 src Intensive polish. The newest one to come out. I have heard some rave reviews about it.
 
Good write up Patrick! Now find the time to do the whole truck:grinno: HAHA



How did that Presta work on your truck? I don't remember if I asked you.
 
My first introduction to Menzerna was with their polishes and don't get me wrong, I love them. However, I mistakenly assumed that if their polishes were that good, then the rest of their lineup must be top notch as well. Therefore, I tried their shampoo, high gloss acrylic sheild, finishing touch glaze and FMJ. None of these products were in the same league as their polishes. This comparison test slammed FMJ only, not Menzerna polishes.



Rydawg; the Presta worked fine on the Tundra with no hazing like it did on the vette. Thanks again for introducing me to that polish.



Patrick
 
I really like FMJ. I know I only get 4 months of protection, but we all on Autopia do things more often than that. It goes on and off easier than anything around, and leaves the smoothest feel out there.
 
I've been a fan of both FMJ and HGAS for very long time. Since I don't let a LSP go for more than a few weeks without either adding another layer or topping with a sealant booster I can not attest to durability. However, in my experience, both are easy to use, and leave a crisp glossy finish.
 
joshtpa said:
I really like FMJ...It goes on and off easier than anything around, and leaves the smoothest feel out there.
Click to expand...



I have never used FMJ, but I too was a little surprised that the OP was not impressed with its slickness, as I remember reading that was a popular "feature" of the product. As far as the FMJ quality relative to the polishes, IIRC the FMJ is not really made by Menzerna, but is made here in the US using the name under license.
 
The slickness of FMJ I will put up against any other LSP on the market. I have tried hundreds and is by far the slickest.
 
joshtpa said:
The slickness of FMJ I will put up against any other LSP on the market. I have tried hundreds and is by far the slickest.
Click to expand...





Does the slickness wash away? If so, what practical purpose does this slickness have? I don't consider slickness to be the most important attribute to a sealant. Durability and the ability to wash clean are the most important to me.
 
joshtpa said:
The slickness of FMJ I will put up against any other LSP on the market. I have tried hundreds and is by far the slickest.
Click to expand...



I second this. Z2 is far behind FMJ. Both have IMO no good durability at all :bolt
 
Slicker than DG 105? :)



To the OP, nice review, well written, you should write for Zaino...hehe. ;) I too like Z5, I just can't quite justify the over 2x the per ounce price to DG's 105, a similar product in slickness, and a *bit* less durability, but makes up for that in looks IMO.
 
Setec Astronomy; Please know that I had always been impressed with the slickness of FMJ. That is, until I had Z5 right next to it to compare the two. Once you do this, you see that there is a very noticeable difference. It's kinda like comparing big screen TV's. Any TV at the store would probably look awesome in your living room. The real test comes when the sets are side by side in the store. That is when you can really see the difference in quality.



Patrick
 
I have done my hood on my volvo with both Z5 and FMJ split down the middle. The slickness of FMJ will blow away the slickness of Z5. It is not even close. I dont know how you would see it any other way. I think the durability of Z5 is better, so is the filling capabilities, I am really questioning the entire review because of the slickness you write about.
 
I don't like the durability of FMJ. Its an ok product but there are much better( especially for the price) As far as slickness, yea its slick as long as it doesn't rain or you don't wash your car. it also gives a glossy sterile plastic look. I am however starting to like their polishes.



Nothing can match Zaino's durabiltiy. CS is as slick as they come.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top