My first Z-experience!

Here's a few pictures. No bright sun, but at least there was some daylight. This is after the second application of Z8.

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Boy, that is one nice looking truck!! It really shows that you have put in your time and effort to make that vehicle shine.

It has been a lot of fun for me to see/read the whole detail.
 
Nice review on the Z products. Zaino is a pretty good system. Some other products may provide some additional wetness or slickness but usually after a rain or wash the gloss starts to fall off. ZPC is mild and a more abrasive product should be used(prior) when needed. Zaio should last about 3 months. Z2pro over ZAIO or with ZFX is quite durable and because it crosslinks will hold its look for months and months. I've had Zaino looking good at over 5 months and still beading. Z8 really adds the finishing touch. Remember to spray a very light mist and buff it into the paint.
 
Nice review on the Z products. Zaino is a pretty good system. Some other products may provide some additional wetness or slickness but usually after a rain or wash the gloss starts to fall off. ZPC is mild and a more abrasive product should be used(prior) when needed. Zaio should last about 3 months. Z2pro over ZAIO or with ZFX is quite durable and because it crosslinks will hold its look for months and months. I've had Zaino looking good at over 5 months and still beading. Z8 really adds the finishing touch. Remember to spray a very light mist and buff it into the paint.

Thanks for the input and advice. Feel free to send more my way regarding the Z line, as I am learning it. I was just telling Kirk, the more I see the Z2/Z8 combo, the more it grows on me. I can't believe the difference Z8 makes, it's a good product.
 
Z8 is hands down the best looking Zaino product. If you have streaking issues with it try adding some distilled water to it(10-20%). Same goes for Z6.
 
Z8 is hands down the best looking Zaino product. If you have streaking issues with it try adding some distilled water to it(10-20%). Same goes for Z6.
 
Well, I have had time to evaluate Zaino Clear Seal, and I must say that I am not impressed in the least. It doesn't look nearly as good as Z-8, nor is it near as slick. The only plus side I see to it is easy application, but even then if you don't do it just right, it streaks and you have to buff it anyway. One other thing is that you use so little it seems like it would last forever. I just can't see myself using it over and over, especially when there's something from the same line that looks and feels lots better. This is probably my least favorite Zaino item that I've tried so far. :(
 
CS is a love or leave it product from what I have read. It is, just as you stated, the first product Zaino has produced that I do not like as well. I was hoping that it was me and my application methods that produced similar results to yours, Jared.
 
Kirk, I think it just falls flat against Z-8. I just don't like the look of it. Glad a "Z Man" thinks the same way - at least it looks less like I'm stirring up the zealot's nest!! :D
 
I guess the saving grace of CS is it is purported to extend the durability of the product underneath of it.

I know that it does not matter with you but if I were still traveling to Alaska for work, longevity would be upper most in my mind.
 
Z-5 Pro: I had the opportunity to clean my mom's Camry this weekend (I was busy this weekend - had three paying customers! Haha). After a wash, spot clay (as well as clean and CD-2 the engine bay) I decided to put some Z-5 Pro on it. Granted, it needs a light polishing, but I thought I could use that to evaluate the "hiding" properties I have heard about the Z-5.

Application was a breeze with the Cyclo and finish pads. It went on thin, as this is the mantra I have been taught about Z products from Kirk. I let it sit up for a while and removed it. It removed very easily also. While I don't have anything but initial impressions, I'll let you all have those. The shine and glossiness is not that of Z-2 Pro. It also was not quite as slick in my opinion. I don't feel that it did a whole lot of hiding imperfections, as I could still see the same light marring as after the wash. I do feel that it has a more warm glow than the Z-2 Pro.

Given the choice between one or the other, I would probably choose Z-2 Pro. I just like the overall looks of it better. One discalimer of note, almost every vehicle I work with anymore is a light color, so that may have some effect on my perception, as I have heard the Z-5 Pro is good for darker colors. Then again, I am not real big on the "color specificity" of waxes. I just like what looks good. :D
 
Congratulations Jared on providing what is IMO a very honest and balanced opinion of an " oft hallowed" product line. I'm sure in some circles (we all know the site) your thoughts would be considered as heresy, or a least the fingers would be pointed questioning your ability to apply the product correctly (I've seen that happen all too often). As for me you further my belief that no products live up to or down to their most fervent proponents or detractors.
 
Thanks for your initial impressions, Jared. I value them.

I think that if you had done three layers in one day you mite have noticed the minor filling capabilities from the Z5 Pro. I think it is harder to see the results on a light colored vehicle. Even at that it would have been MINOR. I also believe you are correct that Z5 pro is not as reflective as Z2 Pro. It has a carnuaba kind of glow(warmer) but with more durability, less dust collection and cleans up much easier for washing and QD'ing. YRMV
 
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