I want to try Zaino, but want some advice

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imported_Greg1

New member
Hey guys/gals, I used to be really anti-Zaino because of all the Z-squareds (Zaino Zealots) out there really tarnished my view of this product. However, I still have yet to find anything besides just regular carnauba- S100/Souveran that really makes me happy. Klasse lost its slickness pretty quickly which disappointed me, PUPP smeared, EX didn't impress me, Clearkote was ok, but found it to be overpriced and nothing all that great- I've got enough Moose Wax to choke a horse. I've got NXT, but who doesn't, but I've got 3 vehicles to play with- white, silver, and nonclearcoated flat black.



Here's my dilemma- I know that Zaino is going to give a real shiny look, even more so than Klasse which isn't really what I like for my black BMW, which is my baby. However, I know the silver 350Z and white Dodge Stealth are going to look really good with Zaino. 350 is a garage queen while the Stealth is the beater.



Frankly, many older members of this forum really like Zaino and if I had to guess, eventually got to a point where they were sick of over-hyped products that produced something to be desired and they keeping choosing Z for some reason.



I know, however, that people like theveed and Aurora40 said that they wouldn't buy Z again. That kind of makes me think again about it.



I am just tired of wasting my money- it sucks and is depressing.



I know Mike Phillips has said maybe over on SCG or here, that beading isn't a sign of protection or durability, yet many say Zaino is the best protection out there right now. Any comments on that?

Now here's the deal, I have ~$300 credit at the Autopia store, does anyone want to buy me ~$80 or so worth of Zaino and I will order you $110 or so worth of stuff from the Autopia store and will have it directly shipped to you?
 
Stick with the S100/Souveran. You said that's the only thing that makes you happy. Make sure your using the crystal mist with it, it makes a big difference. Or you might try the klasse underneath the S100/Souveran and see if you like that look...
 
Greg said:
I know, however, that people like theveed and Aurora40 said that they wouldn't buy Z again. That kind of makes me think again about it.
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Well, I do think it's a good product, though, and I believe TheVeed did too. It just doesn't do what I want from a product. Its real strengths appear to be strong durability and a very high shine. But those aren't really things I care about. I mean, having a sealant that will go a few months is great, but I don't care if it goes 6 or more (not that I know Zaino will do that from personal experience. I only had it on for about 2 months). I also don't care about incredible shine, though I obviously like shine from a product. I prefer shine and depth and gloss. IMO, on my car, Zaino only gave the shine. So, it wasn't easier to apply than Blackfire, it didn't bead better, it wasn't nearly as deep or glossy. Blackfire is plenty reflective, and lasts quite a bit. Plus, I think it's slicker. So while Zaino might have had some better qualities than Blackfire, they weren't qualities that I personally care about.



You might just think about what qualities you like about your current products, which of those you want Zaino to retain, which ones you don't mind sacrificing, and which you want to improve upon. Then try to evaluate if you think Zaino is likely to fulfill this. That said, if I'd never tried it, I'd still be wondering to this day. I probably won't use it again, but I am glad I gave it a whirl (if only there were a way to do that for less than $90... ;) )
 
bretfraz said:
I say use whatever makes you happy.
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Well that was insightful. ;) I really want to find a sealant that makes me happy. I know what I want from a sealant and what to expect from Zaino. I think I am going to try it out, if not just to serve my curiosity. I will report back in a few months!
 
Greg said:
Well that was insightful. ;) I really want to find a sealant that makes me happy. I know what I want from a sealant and what to expect from Zaino. I think I am going to try it out, if not just to serve my curiosity. I will report back in a few months!
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I think he was replying to, "My advice, use something else" :).



I love Zaino because it feels so important and substantial. If one were to relate it with cars, I would compare it to the significance of a newly introduced 3-series or F150. There is something presidential about Z; I just get a strong impression of quality and advancement that others cannot create.



From the chemical standpoint, I don't think there is any similar product for the public. It is one of the few abrasive-free, silicone-free, and oil-free products that cure, crosslink, and change by air. SG comes close, but with Sal continuously updating his products, I'd wager that Z is far more advanced. Next up would be AIO, #20, Liquid Class, Finish First - what I generalize as solventy, 1980's acrylics.



I do not praise products simply because they work well. If I did, I would unsubscribe to Car and Driver, drive a Camry (or any other generic, easy-driving car - no offense to Camry users ;)), and subscribe to Consumer Reports. It's because I don't feel it takes much to create a product that just goes on and off easily, feels slick, and looks shiny. IMO, if all one needs is that, cool, but Zaino isn't right for him or her. To create a product to cater to those people, all one needs is some silicone oil and petroleum solvents. (Observing this, it is unbelievably how hard it is to resist starting my own PoorBenny's.) I don't like the fact that many are paying $15 or so for 'boutique' products that are generic waxes bought in pounds and tubs, poured into different bottles, and hyped on forums.



Continuing on that subject, if you compared Z with some other product, and judged by only the simple parameters above, the only things you might be impressed by are its slickness and durability. But as The Wax Test proves, those two may be enough.



My 2 cents...



Ben
 
Use klasse and top it with a carnuba. You get the protection and durability of SG and the warmth and depth of a carnuba. I do this on my green bimmer. The SG alone just doesn't bring out the paint the way I like.



I personally use blitz. IMHO, it produces a warmer, deeper look than other carnubas. This is exaclty what I like on my car. You may like it on black as well.



I personally love this sytem. I can do 3 coats of (sg spaced a week apart) and then do a coat of blitz on the 4th week. From there all I have to do is wash whenever and add another layer of blitz (takes half an hour) when the warmth starts to diminish. I usually strip my car down 2x a year and redo the process.



Very easy and it looks great too!!! Woo makes sg a breeze and as said already blitz is a breeze to use as well.



Bill :up
 
I really don't like the fact that SG loses its slickness so quick. I've topped SG with S100 and Souveran many times, but still want something different.
 
I have Zaino on a black B5.5 and it gives a candied look which in some respects I like but I do top it occasionally for depth.



Right now I am putting SG on the trunk as an experiment and after 3 layers the SG seems to have made the black blacker ( that make sense?) that is evident looking where the fender/trunk seam is.



The Zaino has been on since summer and even tho I topped twice with the forbidden Glanz the Zaino effect is still there.



Our winters up here are brutal with lots of sand/salt/chemicals on the road.



My intention will be to leave Zaino on one rear fender and do a proper comparrison for *looks* in the spring. Theory being if I don't like the SG I can start over with the Z ( spring plan was to strip the Z in the spring anyway ) . If I like the SG I just strip one fender and layer the SG there to catch up with the rest of the body.



Would I buy Zaino again ... yes.
 
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