My First Zaino Experience...

SilverLexus

SilverLexus

Super Enthusiast
Well I finally went over to the dark side and decided to try some Z-2 Pro on my rear trunk lid. Bret came over on Sunday and demonstrated his Zaino methods on the Lex trunk lid. We also did a sample exchange, some Zaino in exchange for some Poorboys and Wolfgang Vinyl & Rubber to Bret...

Here are some initial impressions after 24 hours or so:

1. It looks very close to AIO and Souveran on the ES. Same silver pop on the flake that I really strive for but maybe a very slight reduction in wetness since we are using a solvent.

2. Application (even with no ZFX - Bret had some but it dried out) was very easy. We used a Cobra mf applicator after taking off the Souveran with a LC pad and AIO via PC. Removal is really easy if not as super-easy as Reflections.

3. Slickness - this stuff is really slick. Felt slick after application. Super-slick today after a spray with Z-8. A+

4. Gloss and Reflectivity - first class. Looks dynamite on silver. A+

5. Durability - jury is still out but man does the water bead on the second day.

6. Z-8 - very easy to use booster. I tried some today, just 24 hours later, and it really enhanced the slickness.

Overall Thoughts:
A very well done product which seems very close to an AIO and carnauba application. I do miss some of the wetness of Souveran but I can see the attraction if it lasts as long as said. I think there is reasonable value as well even though it is more pricey given the 8 oz. containers. Still a little bit goes a tremendous way.

Next up: Z-PC polish to evaluate plus Zaino Glass Polish on the wife's Camry.

Note: I should have some digital pics tomorrow to post of the trunk. The weather forecast here in Georgia is awesome. :)
 
SilverLexus said:
Gee. I thought my Zaino experience would be interesting to some people given my love of carnauba. :)
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Don't be discouraged. I'm interested to see your pictures as I have heard quite a few stories about Zaino even prior to joing DC. I'm already looking into the next LSPs I will be experimenting with after I use up my UPP and Natty's Blue combo and I'm relying solely on the information and pictures I see on this forum. :)
 
SilverLexus said:
Gee. I thought my Zaino experience would be interesting to some people given my love of carnauba. :)
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You won't see the response here like you might in other forums, like DetailersClub.
 
We did two layers, very light pressure on the applicator pad. I guess a big tip is to put as thin a layer on as possible.
 
I'd like to see a few pics vs. your old method. I have a few questions.

What does Zanio do over and above other products that you currently use? After using it, do you plan to buy their system?

How does the price of the Zanio sealer (z2 ?)compare to the other sealers that you use?

Have you tried their SMR?


I've never used Zanio, but I always hear great things about them. I wonder why many of the pro's on the boards don't use zanio?
 
According to Zaino.....in order to do multiple layers in a single day you need to use the ZFX.

I used to use Zaino on my Harvest Gold Ford Ranger and my wifes Red Expedition and loved it. IMO Zaino really "pops" after three layers. I would do three layers in one day using ZFX. After two-three days it would setup and look even better than the day you put it on.

What does Zanio do over and above other products that you currently use?
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IMO its like UPP on steriods. Its slickness, beading is unmatched. It would bead and stay slick for an easy six months.

How does the price of the Zanio sealer (z2 ?)compare to the other sealers that you use?
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I was able to do three layers on an Expedition with 3oz. These 3oz mixing bottles come with the ZFX.

I have not tried thier SMR yet.....I have waaaay to many right now in my box, that do the job fine. However I will try it sometime in the future.
 
mgm2003 said:
I've never used Zanio, but I always hear great things about them. I wonder why many of the pro's on the boards don't use zanio?
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Cost is my guess.

I used Zaino in the past and was impressed by the finish...However after seeing the PB P-w-C and Nattys finish..I had felt that cost for cost and quality of finish to finish I can't see paying the differnece.
 
Here are some pictures of the car. :)

Reflections and flake in trunk lid:
zaino1.jpg


Notice the right side of car is AIO+Souveran, trunk lid is Z2 Pro. Not much difference in appearance...Souveran is slightly wetter:
zaino2.jpg
 
How does the price of the Zanio sealer (z2 ?)compare to the other sealers that you use?
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Zaino is more expensive since you get an 8oz bottle but it goes very, very far.

I have not tried the Z-PC polish yet but I may do that tomorrow. :)
 
:gun_banda Most pros probably dont use Zaino because it is picky about what polish is used, and not many people want to wash after, if they can help it.

The price of Zaino is very low if it is used when the LSP is in question.

People who like to add more layers every week, or strip stuff off and try new stuff, might find Zaino to be more expensive than it is worth.

ZPC is very nice, but it dusts for me. Even with the dust it is still a very good polish. The surface is very slick after also.

With Z8 there is no question that Zaino is the best on the planet. Z8 adds so much to the finish i cant live without it.

There are alot of products that look every bit as good as Zaino, but none that will look exactly the same 4+ months later. A shot of Z8, and it is as slick as UPP again.

Just as people who experience cold and snow look for durable protection during the winter, i look for the same in florida during the summer. Its just too hot to go out and maintain my finish. Zaino lasted through all the heat and rain, and hurricanes down here, wash it, and it looks like i just detailed my truck.

I just wanted to share my enthuasim for a great product, but i really dont care if ya'll put mustard on your paint
 
Thanks for the post, Lee.


I have had very nice success with Z2Pro and I agree that its far 'warmer' and more carnauba like than the standard Z2. Please keep us posted.
 
Thats funny because when I read the title and who the author was; I remember bretfraz on Autopia always pushing Z2-Pro as one of the "best" sealants or waxes to use on silver. I read a couple sentences down, and what do you know, you have Bret at your house applying it for you. :beer_smil
I must say those pictures are really incredible, and if you say the look is very similiar to AIO/Souveran and it lasts a lot longer, I think I would say its a no-brainer at least for the winter months. Keep us updated on the durability.
 
If you want to cut down on the dust with Z-PC all you have to do is mist some water on the car not the pad and continue to work it in. I have used it this way and the results are great. I have a torch red mustang that all you have to do is look at it wrong and swirls pop out the z-pc works really well with a pc I have even been able to remove light scraches by hand Sal really did a good job on this stuff.
 
sounds better than my first and last try, mine went straight to the trash. I prefer being able to mix and match the products I use from different mfgs. , it's half the fun of trying different combinations.
 
SilverLexus said:
Will do. May do the entire car for winter to try. :)
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Alpharette, GA ...... winter????

I've got a spare set of Blizzak snow's that you'll probably be needing :biggrin: :biggrin:
 
Well, relative winter anyway...I can usually detail through December and often early January and be back in business by early March. My QEW bottle is the loneliest chemical in the arsenal. :)
 
NYV6Coupe said:
Alpharette, GA ...... winter????

I've got a spare set of Blizzak snow's that you'll probably be needing :biggrin: :biggrin:
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LOL! Dude, I'm from Upstate NY....this isnt winter down here. The only problem with the begininning of winter is that it's hard to dress for and it will keep you sick. It'll be like 40 or so when I leave my house and in the 70's by mid day. It's hard to kick a cold in this weather, and it sucks because you're uncomfortable half the day no matter what you wear.
 
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