Just Ordered Zaino

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proman3998

New member
I just ordered Zaino today, it should ship on Monday and be here in California by Thursday. I am hoping to get the best shine yet out of my vehicle, i currently have a mirror like finish but it takes a lot to maintain and the Zaino after applying seems to be easier to upkeep.



I am used to wash, clay, then, using a Porter Cable Orbital with various pads from cutting to poilshing starting with a cutting agent, then swirl remover, then finishing compound, polymer 2, then polymer sealant with a mild cleaner, finalized with an oil based wax and finally a hard carubana wax.



after this to upkeep is a wash a week and hard carubana wax everytime, which takes approximately an hour to apply after setting and letting it dry and removing.



I have approximately 5 layers of hard wax on my black challenger and it shines like a mirror but still not as good as some of the Zaino pics Ive seen so Im hoping im a convert.



Ive ordered the whole zaino line up, the ultimate kit, the triplets, the pc, and the plastic and window cleaner/polishes. Im excited to get started later this week, does anyone have any tips so I can get it done right.
 
Make sure the Z5/Z2 is dry before you remove it. Most of the time I wait 2 hours before I remove it just to be sure and its never streaked on me. My favorite bling bling combo on black is a coat of Z5 followed by a coat of Z2. Give it a try, bet you like it.
 
Just follow the directions carefully and you will be fine.

I has been known to be a bit finicky.



Best of luck.
 
You will definately here all the reasons against Zaino. What i can tell you, its the most durable LSP and awesome looking on ( a properly preped surface).



The first time will seem like a lot of steps & time to put in ,but once you do the intial full treatment it will be very easy to maintain.
 
To me, Z2 looks better than Z5. If I use Z5, I always follow with Z2. Z5 will darken paint much more than Z2, which is something many people go for, just not for me. My #1 recommendation is to use Z8 as the last step every time. When you use Z8, only buff lightly. You're really just trying to spread it around. Most of the Z products take a few hours or a day before they really give you the final look.
 
asharma said:
can you put 1 coat of z5 on followed by 1 coat of z2 without any ZFX for curing?
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I don't have an "official" answer for you, but I've done it before without seeing any ill effects. I have ZFX and I never use it. I can't see that it does anything...
 
Please don't take offense to this but judging by the description of your previous regimen, I would strongly suggest reading through the following links in this thread:



http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-detailing/108836-helpful-threads-newbies.html



As far as Zaino is concerned, I would read the information on their website. The answers are all there. However, here are some random thoughts.....



Personally, I have never found the application/removal "finicky" when following the instructions. Apply thin, even coats and allow to dry. Do a finger swipe test after about 30 minutes and go from there. ....the longest I have had to wait is 45 minutes but time can vary based on humidity, etc. Make sure you do all of this in a shaded area and the panels are relatively cool to the touch. The gloss enhancer spray (Z-6) does seem to help between coats.



I have used their products for several years (and still do for some applications) and while I like the durability, slickness and relative ease of use, I always found the wait between applying and removing Z-5/Z-2 pretty time consuming. ....couple that with a full detail (inlcd. clay, polish, etc.) and it makes for a very long session. These days I'm more about processes, tools and products that save me time/effort (while getting the same or similar result).



Zaino used to be my "go to" LSP but these days it is being replaced with newer products like Opti-Seal (a WOWA - wipe on, walk away sealant). Unfortuantely some get blinded with brand loyalty (or brand hatred) and tend to miss out. Personally, I like to keep my mind & options open. In the end, what matters is what works for you.
 
asharma said:
can you put 1 coat of z5 on followed by 1 coat of z2 without any ZFX for curing?
Click to expand...
....the "official" word is that you need to use Zfx when applying multiple coats in a short period of time (and only 3 maximum within a 24 hr period). The Zfx helps the previous layer cure faster so you don't have to wait.
 
asharma said:
thanks, so the z2 was put on immdediatley after the z5 (ie. not waiting the 24 hr period)
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I've done it. I didn't see any problems with applying it that way. Maybe I didn't get the full benefit of two layers, who knows.
 
Thanks Kean...so if applying z2 as a final layer over z5, the zfx would be mixed with the Z5, even if only putting one layer of z5 on followed by a layer of z2...?
 
....here is the description of Zfx in a nutshell:



will promote cross-linking, reduce drying time, increase gloss factor, extend durability level, and instantly cure to allow multiple immediate coats! No more waiting between coats!
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The ability to cut down drying/cure time between coats is one factor according to Zaino. It's up to you whether you want to use it for the last coat as well. Personaly, I always did. One vial of Zfx always lasted quite a while in my case.
 
dogma said:
You will definately here all the reasons against Zaino. What i can tell you, its the most durable LSP and awesome looking on ( a properly preped surface).
Click to expand...



The shine is great. The water beading lasts forever. The protection from bird bombs, water spots and other chemical etching is where it really lacks. I used to love the stuff but my finish on a daily driver was suffering. I think its great for show cars, but if you park outside, make sure you keep an eye on it.



Just because its beading, doesn't mean its protecting....
 
One good tip I have picked up on this site is to keep a spray bottle of Distilled water around in case conditions were bad, or you applied a little too much, etc., etc.,. Very helpful for removing streaks etc.,. Very handy.
 
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