I just finished polishing my hood today with a PC with pretty good results. Most scratches and all swirls gone. In the sunlight it was near perfect. Applied Z2, left it for 2 hours and buffed out lightly using a meguires microfibre towel and a soft 100% made in America tery towel.
Sunlight test now reveals hologram swirls. I am sure the marks are not on the paint but in the actual Zaino layer on top of the paint. I've been using Zaino now for a couple of years and I must say that this seems to happen frequently. Z6 seems to help after awhile. Anyone else notice this. If so, any solutions? I do not use the accelerator.
That is one trait of Zaino that can be an eye soar. It works too well so that every imperfection on the vehicle will reveal itself. Zaino will enhance a swirl/scratch and actually make it stand out even more so. That is why I had stopped using Zaino. Don't get me wrong but it is a good polish but it really isn't compatible with anything else.
Depending on what vehicle I'm detailing, I like to use different combinations of polish, sealants, and carnaubas.
Thanks for the comments, I posted this in another thread so I cut and pasted here ... This was todays first real test of using my new PC on a black car so had two small problems 1) a bit of hazing and the application of zaino re-introducing swirls:
"I just used #80 today on my black car. Have used previously on my wife's blue sunfire with great results.
Results on my black hood were not as good but I am new to the PC and not sure whether I worked it corectly.
I first went over the hood (after claying) with a white (lake country??) polsihing pad using # 80 and worked it on 4.5 speed until almost dry. On a couple of spots I used the yellow cutting pade and #80 then finished it off again with the white pad. Lastly I went the whole hood with #7 and a black finishing pad.
Looked great - got rid of swirls and light scratches but now notice some hazing in a couple of areas which cannot be removed by microfibre cloth or useing a detailing spray.
Not sure if I just missed these areas or did not work # 80 long enough. Any ideas why I may have the hazing and how to get rid of it. Being in Canada I really only have access to mecquire prodeucts. Have scrath x, swirl remover, and DACP in my arsenol.
I then applied Z2 and it resulted in hologram swirls."
I believe #80 and #7 could be the problem. First, with the Zaino process you really don't want to be using any product that has oils/fillers in it. #7 - Show Car Glaze is one of those products that won't be compatible with Zaino. It will not allow Zaino to bond to your paint. What you are seeing could actually be a smearing effect with #7 and Zaino on your vehicle. Since #7 is the last step before you apply Zaino, right?
I would actually recommend using #83 DACP with a yellow or white pad at around 4.5 to 5 on a PC. Then use #82 SFP with a white/finishing pad to cut down any haze left from the DACP. The pad selection will depend on the condition of the paint and how you would like to attack the problem. Always use a least aggressive approach first. Then proceed with your Zaino process. For some, DACP is enough but I usally like to end with a less aggressive product (like a final polish) to help bring back the gloss.
Unfortunately I do not have any #82 and never have seen any in Winnipeg Canada. Have ScratchX and #9 swirl remover. Could I use the swirl remover with a white polishing pad instead of the #82?
Use the #9 to remove any hazing you might have induced.Then just do a 50/50 isa/water wipe down to remove any oils and fillers prior to using Zaino.This will also show what your paint looks like without the oils and fillers masking any defects.Your paint has to be near perfect for Zaino to look it's best and with black it's not going to be to forgiving.
I can't say that I have ever had Zaino "cause" swirling.
I know a friend with a black Tahoe starting using Zaino and he too was annoyed with swirls. After suggesting a buff with Z6..they went away. I am wondering if the swirls are in the polish layer itself and not the paint.
I agree that the swirls are in the Zaino layer. When I removed the zaino the swirls (basically hollograms) were removed as well.
Thanks for the tip about using the swirl remover to remove the hazing. I wiped the hood down with the 50/50 mixture of isopropal alchohol and water and the finish was near perfect except some of the previously mentioned haxing. Then worked at the trouble spots with the swirl remover by hand and it brought the finish back up to full gloss. Then reapplied the 50/50 mixture and then reapplied the zaino. It looks great.
Question though. Now that I have my PC I don't want to have to use it to apply the polsh (to remove swirls and light scratches) and then hand do the hazing spots with swirl remover. On another panel I tried using #9 with a black finishing pad and the results were not that good. Should I have used a polishing pad for the swirl remover? According to one body shop I should not use swirl remover (#9) with a finishing pad. Any comments on this?
Bottom line so far is that the PC was great in getting out the swirls and light scratches but not that great in bringing up a high gloss. I am sure it is just my inexperience or using the wrong products and any tips would be appreciated. In Winnipeg I pretty much just have access to mequire and 3M products only.
I use #80 with the speed on 6. You have to do several slow passes and make sure it begins to dry before stopping otherwise you don't break it down all the way and it will haze lightly.
Zaino shouldn't be causing swirls, just making them more obvious.
No. 9 is a fine product. If you having a problem with Zaino, just wash and dry the vehicle after all the polishing.
Then Z6 the area.
Apply Zaino.
Allow it to cure. I have feeling you might be removing it too quickly. Are you using ZFX or Z1? That will make a difference in the drying (setup) time.
Z6.
Personally, I only use Microfiber now to remove waxes and sealant. 100% is fine to use as well as long it's a high quality bath product i.e 100% Pima cotton.
Zaino doesn't really like to bond to paint that oils or residue on it. I personally haven't had any issues with Zaino but I always give my car a good wash before applying it.
Do you use #9 with the PC. If so, with a polishing pad?
I just use z2 without the accelerator. Costs a fortune up in Canada. Have used z5 as well.
When I applied the #80 I thought I worked it in well with light pressure. There were some spots though that I went over twice and the sceond time I did not work it neraly as long. I wonder if that what caused the hazing as the abrasive had not worked down fine enough yet to bring up the shine.
Thumbs up on what Scottwax says. First shot at a PC today and I brought it up to 6 with the 80 and it kicked up the gloss. Checked with a flashlight and the paint was actually black as opposed to cloudy. Under regular lighting, it was barely noticeable.
Z2/Z5 without the accelator. Then make sure you are using Z1 first for about every 10 coats.
Without ZFX, it takes much longer for Zaino to setup. How long are you waiting before removing the product. If you have a garage, waiting 2 hrs or more (even overnight) may be best before removing.
Without the accelerrator I let it set up for about two hours. Test first with my finger to see if it comes off easily and there is a shine underneath. It was cool here on the weekend thoughand I may have not left it on quite long enough. Thanks for everyones great tips - can't wait to try out a few more panels now.
Great group and friendly people willing to share their experience and knowledge.
You may like to try AIO as your final step prior to Zaino. Excellent base for Zaino and really punches up the gloss and depth of paint being ultimately protected by Z2 or Z5. This works best with ZFX activated Z2/5. :wavey
