Preparation and cleaning before Zaino

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koen_dr

New member
Well Guys, I ordered Zaino products, after much searching and comparing!

ordered Z5,Z2, Z6, Z7, ZFX and Z8. Already have Z-cs.



The question I have is what I do to fully prep the car so Zaino bonds Superb?



Clean with meguiars shampoo

Clay with megauars clay and detailspray

Wash with dish washing detergent

But then what to do??? How do I make sure nothing of my previous blackfire is still there...



What do you guys suggest to fully clean the car as final step in prep to start with Z5 and Z2???
 
Well, not to be foolish, but I already bought A LOT of Zaino stuff, so ordering the Z-AIO for solely this, sounds silly...



Can I use Jeffs Werkstatt Prime instead, I already own this?
 
You have CS from Zaino so I would use that after the wash and after major corrective steps then follow up with ZFX'd Z2Pro or Z5Pro. You should be good to go.



edit: I used the term CS instead of ZPC. I am sorry for using the wrong letters. I knew what I meant. Now everyone else does too.
 
After claying and washing again with dawn (use warm to hot water) you should br ready to go. I have not had any issues with this process. Personally I only use the CS after I am through with the Z-5 and the Z-2, but that is just me.
 
koen_dr said:
..............How do I make sure nothing of my previous blackfire is still there...



What do you guys suggest to fully clean the car as final step in prep to start with Z5 and Z2???
Click to expand...
The easiest way as mentioned earlier is to use Z-AIO. I understand not wanting to make an order just for that so do an IPA (Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol) or a Prep-Sol wipe followed up with some Z-6. The only reason I suggest the IPA or Prep-Sol is I don't recall how durable Blackfire is. If it's on its' last legs then the dawn and clay should do it.......... the Z-6 will make it easier to apply. If prime is an AIO type of product then it should work fine....... some members use to use Klasse AIO as a cleaner and base for Zaino. Below are a couple of Zaino threads you might find helpful:



Zaino Z5 Pro vs. Zaino Z2 Pro - thoughts & images - Autopia.org



How to use Zaino (with comments by Sal Zaino) - Autopia.org
 
I've always followed Sal's recommendations and been very happy with the appearance and durability of my Zaino treated cars. Red, Silver, and Black.

I assume you have a PC and are planning to use it to apply at least the Z-PC. While I'm a Zaino Zealot, the biggest reason for a poor appearance with any good product line is inadequate preparation. And the preparation with most good product lines is the very hardest and most important part. And when you think it's finally properly prepped, check that sucker again. You'll be amazed at what you missed. And do put that extra coat or two of Z-2 or Z-5 on it. It does make a difference. And plan on using many more mf's or cotton cloths than you think you need. Also check on your library of 4 letter words, sometimes just one or two cannot begin to express your frustration when you find what you missed after applying Z-CS or that final layer of Z-8.
 
Well, I have the whole Zaino sealant lot, but didn't order the Z-PC. We own a festool polsiher, which I can't use this time because it's at our holiday place 1250km's away. I will be doing a good polishing pass at christmas, because I will bring the tool with me after summer holidays. I will be doing my car during a week when I have all the time I need, because the GF still has to work then, after the detail I go off for a 1250km drive for a week to the sun in St-Tropez.



The victim: 2007 Volvo C70 D5 silver metallic



This time it will go like this (did some research prior)

(= car will be stored indoors at our company which is closed for 3 weeks :grinno: , so I will be driving something else during the cleaning mania = SL500 :p )



Day 1

- Wash (with meguiars + power washer karcher + mitt)

- clay ( probably meguiars quick clay / I now have Swissvax clay but it's at the end)

- wash again with dish washer detergent

- dry ( using microfibre + airpressure gun for tight spots and holes etc. )

- clean wheels completely

- 1 coat of Z-AIO

- 2 coats of ZFX'ed Z5

- 1 coat of ZFX'ed Z2

=> will use Z6 between all coats



Day 2

- dust off with air pressure gun and then microfibre

- wash with Z7 + dry afterwards

- 2 or 3 coats of ZFX'ed Z2

- clean all plastics and feed them with Chemical Guys stuff

- clean windows with agressive cleaner and put Rain-x on all windows ( 2 or 3 coats )



Day 3

- dust off with air pressure gun and then microfibre

- Z-CS

- Z8

- hopefully :drool::drool:



I will maybe be doing a friend car alond side ( gunmetal grey S2000 ) but I will first see how well the products work on the first day. I think I have the time because I can put those 3 coats on in half a day maximum.



Do you guys think I should do 3 coats of Z5 the first day and then 3 coats of Z2 the next or should I keep it as I have it now? If longer curing would be necessary, I can do it day 1 and the next 3 coats on day 3...



Looking forward to your comments :confused:
 
I think Z5P on one day, then Z2P on the next makes more 'logistical' sense as you only need to mix up one container with ZFX.



Alternatively, try Z2P without ZFX on Day One, then go for 3 x ZF'd Z2P on Day Two...
 
I have a problem with air dusting and MF'ing a dry car that has sat for any period of time, even overnight, prior to applying another coat of sealant. If it needs air dusting and a wipe with a MF, I'd prefer to rewash with Z-7 to 'float off' any potentially abrasive "dust" before another application of any of the sealants. If you're going to spend the cash and expend the physical effort, is it worth the air dusting and MF'ing vs a quick Z-7 wash.



Opinions, please.



I've heard both positive and negative comments about Rain-X. Feedback, please.



And my glass cleaning product preference is Stoner's Invisible Glass Cleaner in the pressurized can.



I'm also making the basic assumption that you are using a 2 bucket method and a wool mitt when washing your car.



You might also research a white vinegar rinse after using the dish washing detergent.



And read what Sal Zaino has to say about using Z-CS on Glass as well as reading his "Tips and Tricks" section.



And if at all possible, beg, borrow, rent, or steal a pc for this project.



Also, I always have some extra Z-2 or Z-5 plus ZFX when I finish; not much, but rather than discard it, I add another application to either hood, top, or trunk. Not much effort, and usually well worth it. It always goes a heck of a lot farther than you expect, especially when you can really see it haze on a dark color.



And don't forget the wheel wells. I like Mop'n'Glow applied with a spray bottle. It really gets messy if you do it with a sponge or rag.



Use the Zaino Sealants on the wheels if they are chrome, sealed, or painted. Makes the next wash a whole lot easier.



Sealant curing time is best related to ambient temperature and relative humidity.



And any treatment on interior leather and plastic will frequently give off organic substances that can settle on the rest of the interior, including the glass and mirrors. Overnight ventillation helps. And I'd superclean the interior glass the day after doing the interior plastic and leather.



And I'll repeat it once more: YOUR INITIAL PREPARATION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE DETAIL!!
 
1. I'll rewash the second day

2. What do you guys think => day 1 = 3 layers of Z5pro

=> day 2 = 3 layers of Z2pro

Or just 2 layers of Z5pro and 1 layer of Z2pro non ZFX'ed on day 1



3. Rain-x is already changed to Car-lack 2 step glass sealant ( just ordered) ;)



I understand the need to prep the car well, but it's always kept clean and I've used Blackfire and Jeffs Werkstatt on it the past year... It's just 15 months old and silver, so quite easy to keep in good shape. I will do a pass with a Festool polisher when I have it back, but don't want to get a pass with inferior tools!



I will buy Menzerna products for the winter, by the way, the GF would kill me if I bought all these too now :o
 
Anymore than 3 coats is wasting product. 2 coats of Z5pro topped with 1 coat of Z2pro is plenty. You can always top that off with Z8 if you have it.
 
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