Necessary to use ZFX with Z2?

4

4details2win

New member
I just finished prepping my paint, clay and dawn wash. Is it necessary to use the ZFX in order to get the Z2 to bond to the paint. I do plan on putting multiple coats of Z2 on my car, but not one right after the next I was thinkin of waiting a week after the first coat to do the 2nd. I've been reading a lot about ZFX and Z2 and Z1 and I just kinda got confused whether I need ZFX in order to get a good bond with my paint.



Thanks for the help.



Ryan
 
If no Z1 you must use ZFX for Z2 or Z5 to bond to prepped finish.

Just mix enough for one coats (~1/2 oz of polish for most full size vehicles and 1 or 2 drops of ZFX).
 
Z1 is a primer for Z2/Z5. About every 5-10 coats, you need to reapply it. Since it's only a primer, you can only apply 1 coat of Z2 or Z5 per day so that it cure's properly i.e 24hrs. The setup time is pretty quick for Z2/Z5 - depending on humidity / temperature about 1/2hr.



ZFX was introduced to accelerate the curing time thereby allowing up to 3 coats per day to be applied. The setup time is about the same I have found of about 1/2hr. Think of it the same way as in the primer type thing. Not every coat thereafter requires ZFX to be mixed in.



- 1st coat - must use either Z1 or ZFX.



- coats 2 - 5, no Z1 or ZFX required (unless you plan on doing multiple coats in one day)



6th coat, either apply Z1 or use some ZFX.



It's pretty simply. Just think of needing to have a primer every 5-10 coats and you're golden. Whether you use Z1 of ZFX is up to you.



Paco
 
To me it's still grey area. I know many people do it the way paco described and it works for them. However the application instructions on their website states to always use ZFX with either Z2 or Z5.



I'm no chemist but to me it seems that if the first coat needs to cure, doesn't the second one need to cure as well ?

I prefer to follow their instructions and always mix Z2 with ZFX. Doesn't hurt ...
 
I never use Z1 or ZFX. Just use z2 or z5 on a clean polished surface and I never have had a problem and I use up to 3 coats while letting Z2 cure for about 48 hours. Lasts for about 5 months. Just my 2 cents worth. I'm sure it probably works better if you use either of the first two products but I am very happy with the results withou using.
 
kartoon said:
To me it's still grey area. I know many people do it the way paco described and it works for them. However the application instructions on their website states to always use ZFX with either Z2 or Z5.



I'm no chemist but to me it seems that if the first coat needs to cure, doesn't the second one need to cure as well ?

I prefer to follow their instructions and always mix Z2 with ZFX. Doesn't hurt ...
Click to expand...



Welcome to Autopia :wavey



Z2/5 both cure with or without ZFX. The ZFX mixture just cures faster (ZFX is an accelerator (catalysis)). Non-ZFX requires at least 24 hours to fully cure and adhere to paint.

No grey area. Instructions state for 1st coat use either Z1 or ZFX for proper initial polish-to-painted surface adhersion. After this initial application step one only needs to use Z2 or Z5 but can also use ZFX for multiple coats in one day. As Paco stated the drying (not curing) time is about the same under ideal ambient conditions but a ZFX mixture will dry faster if conditions are of hi humidity or low temperature.

Though not really a requirement a Z1 application is desirable every 8-10 coats or twice a year for daily drivers. Personally, I would not purchase Z1 again but just re-prep surface (AIO) and start the layering process over of the Zaino polishes. No "real" appearance gains by exceeding 5 coats on a properly prep surface. I must admit that I have exceeded this number just because Zaino is soooo much fun and easy to apply, buff and the aroma is so addicting. ;)
 
Thanks for all the help fellas... I really appreciate it! I do have one more question. After you apply the Zaino Z2 do you follow it up with a carnuba wax? Would this protect my cars paint even more and give it more shine or would the carnuba not adhere to the layer(s) of Zaino I already put on?
 
Topping Zaino is a personal decision. Marginal added protection with possible potential decrease in sealant longevity via disruption of polymer crosslinking by carnuaba carriers (solvents). Some claim an appearance augmentation but after following both avenues and perfecting my prepping skill and patience, I have discovered that a properly prep finish (maximized depth, wetness, and gloss prior to applying protectant) that little is gained by topping Zaino.

This is just my experience with GM ( black, burgundy (metallic) & champagne(metallic)), Lexus (black) and BMW (gunmetal grey metallic) paint. :wavey
 
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