Hypothetical Question about Zaino

[imported_Greg1]

Let me first say that I am not a Zaino user. I have often wondered if I would like Zaino, but as of right now, I'm pretty happy with my current formula. I know that a big issue with Zaino is bonding properly and the almost excessive use of the Dawn wash to remove any oils left behind from a prior polish. I understand that the oils need to be removed, but does it really merit a dawn washing that is undoubtebly harsh on trim and other parts of the exterior.



If I were to use DACP before starting Z, why not just use an alcohol/water mixture to remove any oils instead of washing with dawn? I mean it saves time, uses less water, is easier, and does the same job? Why is the 4+ dawn washings necessary?

 

[ararock1]

I don't understand why you say you should wash the car with Dawn 4 times or more before applying Zaino.



I've applied Z to several cars, both new and used, and I've read a lot about preping the car for the first application, and it's always been my understanding that a good wash with Dawn will remove the wax and oils, which prevent the polymer from bonding to the paint.



One wash, or even two, with Dawn is not too harsh for any car which is, after all, designed to live in the outdoors. Regular washing with Dawn is discouraged (to say the least), but how often do you want to remove all the wax?



Even if you clay at some part of the pre-Z process, a wash with Z7 or any other auto soap is all that should be needed to remove the clay and whatever lube you used with the clay. (I use z7 anyway, so washing after the claying is pretty suddsy and not at all harmful to the finish.)



Frankly, I don't know what other products will strip off all the wax, but I'm sure there are some out there. I think it's just that Dawn is often found around the house anyway, or is readily available in any grocery, and doesn't cost a lot. (And what you don't use on the car you can use in the kitchen.)



Finally, I find that washing with Dawn takes no more water, time or effort than washing with anything else. I see nothing excessive about plain old blue Dawn.



Happy motoring.

 

[Deanski]

You really only need to wash with Dawn once to remove oils. Yes it's high alkaline, but does not really hurt much. Once done I wash with Zaino Z7 prior to remove any Dawn film and to set the PH back to normal as possible as well as get it ready for Zaino.



Now, if you like what you're using, and you're happy, why change? Yes the initial prep and cleaning for Zaino to bond right is a minor pain, but all sealants need that clean, oil free finish to work effectivly. If waxing, just wash with normal favorite car wash and wax away! The oils left beind help flow wax, and help with the image wax gives of a wet look.



Zaino is not cheap, but a little goes a very long way for protection and shine!



Regards,

Deanski

 

[imported_memnuts]

Greg you are correct. Any oil/silicone removal system would work. Zaino is not as finicky as people make it out to be but like any system it is best to follow manufacturer's directions at least the first time in order to analysis the results fairly. You are an advanced detailer so you know alternatives to oil/silicone removal ,but the average website discoverer of products like Zaino needs easy directions and easy access to prep accessories (Dawn and 100% high quality cotton towels) .



My first experience with Zaino lead to good but not as good as expected results. Why? My first conclusion was the product was just okay. Reality - the user (me ) was not that good. I rushed the prep, drying time, interval between layers, etc. etc. I was also too dependent on the product to mask paint flaws that normally would be hidden by a carnuaba/glaze combo. Zaino does not do that and does not have a product like Klasse AIO that alleviates these inpatient mistakes ( rushing or no prep). I have analysis my product testing over the last few years and realized that each subsequent product used benefited from increased detailing knowledge, tools, things I learn here at Autopia, patience ( following directions) and the extreme importance of a meticulous surface PREP.

Is there an miracle exilir for the ultimate finish? Probably not. Is there a product that will stand heads above all others if they all were applied to the perfectly prepped finish? Again, probably not. Is it fun to play with these different products in search of the holy grail? Yes! :wavey

 

[billrouleau]

If I were to use DACP before starting Z, why not just use an alcohol/water mixture to remove any oils instead of washing with dawn? I mean it saves time, uses less water, is easier, and does the same job? Why is the 4+ dawn washings necessary?

That is exactly what I did/have done. I find the alcohol/water mixture does a far better job of removing oils/fillers than the Dawn wash. Dawn is way overhyped IMO...

 

[imported_Greg1]

See everything that I have read instructs one to wash with dawn, clay, wash with dawn, polish, wash with dawn, then start applying Zaino. It just didn't seem necessary, but I guess some do use water/alcohol mixture.

 

[rstype]

The multiple Dawn washes are not necessary. I do it once after all my prepwork. If you are worried about drying out your trim, you can always flush the paint with isopropyl alcohol as an alternative.

dawn, clay, wash with dawn, polish, wash with dawn

It makes more sense to...

1.) Wash with car shampoo

2.) Clay

3.) Polish

4.) Wash with Dawn/alcohol

5.) Zaino

 

[xenangel]

Is is safe to use water/alcohol mixture to the paint?? and wat if i use alcohol only? will it damage the clear coat??



Once i did a job for a friend, he rarely wash or was his car, and he did sent the car to the workshop for polishing so due to the lack of washing and waxing, i can see the old wax still there.



Tried to wash with dishwasing liquid(over here we dont have dawn) did it three times and its still there.



After drying, i used my finger to rub a potion of the door with a bit of pressure and some kind of residue comes off. Its like rubbery of some sort. Tried to use alcohol but it won`t come off.



Anyone had this problem before?

 

[phatphob]

sorry, i dont understand why the alcohol mixture would be safer than dawn for the trim. from what i know, anything that cuts through grease will take off wax. likewise anything that will cut through grease will also attack the oils thats important to the trim?



also, how is the alcohol mixture cheaper? are we talking one part alcohol and one part water? compare that to a few squirts of dishwashing liquid...

 

[billrouleau]

sorry, i dont understand why the alcohol mixture would be safer than dawn for the trim. from what i know, anything that cuts through grease will take off wax. likewise anything that will cut through grease will also attack the oils thats important to the trim?



also, how is the alcohol mixture cheaper? are we talking one part alcohol and one part water? compare that to a few squirts of dishwashing liquid...

My personal experiece has been that Dawn is not as effective as the alcohol/water mixture. My paint still has wax on it after a Dawn wash. Now, if I sqirted Dawn directly onto the paint, spread, and let soak (much like a greased up dish) - then it would probably work as well as the alcohol/water mix. IMO that's much too messy and getting all the wax off would take a substantial amount of Dawn.



I use the pre-mixed 50/50 iso. alcohol/water. One bottle from Wal-mart can last quite some time...you use it like you would a QD, and you notice it working right away when you see the wax residue on your MF towel.

 

[Andre']

I also like to use alcohol prior to Zaino, it's a much easer process than washing with Dawn.

 

[imported_Intermezzo]

Dawn is way overhyped IMO...

overhyped? Well, I wouldn't go that far. Overrated or overused perhaps. I don't remember reading any posts where anyone gets excited about how effective Dawn worked on their cars. Personally, I never give my car a dawn wash or an alcohol wipe-down, regardless of the product I'm using. Even with Z, I don't even bother with getting a squeaky clean surface. I just polish, apply 3 quick layers and I'm done. 8-10 months worth of durability is great, but definitely a distant second to shine.