Surface prep for Zaino

rwh

New member
I know there are posts out there on this but I just want to make sure I'm going in the right direction. After all of the old wax has been removed from the surface, as I understand it there are products that have an oily film that is not good to use under Zaino. My basic question is which products can be used to remove fine scratches from the finish prior to applying Zaino? Sorry if I'm being redundant here. Assume the surface is in good condition with just light surface swirls. THANKS
 
you're recommending the use of z5 prior to Z1 or Z-PC?



i think sal instructs that z5 can be applied as the initial layer if its flashed with the z-fx accelorator, but the way the question has been worded i think the poster is inquiring about polishes that will actually remove swirls not hide.. and then LSP with zaino.



in which case z-pc will remove fine swirls, or you can use like OCP for stronger swirl correction and then follow up with z-pc, then move right straight to z5 if required or z2-pro without extra wipedown or wash.
 
I believe 03k20a2 was suggesting to use a couple coats of Z5 to fill the swirls OR Z-PC to remove them. I'd suggest the Z-PC and maybe use it with a green DAS pad (over a final polishing pad) to boost the swirl removing of Z-PC which is mostly a paint cleaner with mild swirl removing abilites.
 
btw, rwh if you find that your swirling exceeds what Z-PC can handle, I'd recommend Sonus SFX-2 as the next step up. It's been my favorite abrasive polish so far (I've only used 3 so take that for what it's worth). Great results and leaves the surface ready for Z2 or Z5 (or you can even follow up with Z-PC before applying the sealants).
 
I treid the Menzerna IP first and then Z-PC with Z2. Worked out great for me. I would recommend using ZPC prior to putting Z2 or Z5 on, because ZPC leaves the paint very nicely prepped.
 
sillystanger said:
I believe 03k20a2 was suggesting to use a couple coats of Z5 to fill the swirls OR Z-PC to remove them. I'd suggest the Z-PC and maybe use it with a green DAS pad (over a final polishing pad) to boost the swirl removing of Z-PC which is mostly a paint cleaner with mild swirl removing abilites.

correct. i was saying after cleaning his car first try the z-5 and throw a couple coats on and if its not cutting it, use the z-pc to remove the defects and then top with z-2 pro
 
Products that require no additional prep before applying Zaino for minor blemishes:

Z-PC Fusion with polishing pad.

Menzerna FP with polishing pad.



Blemishes not corrected with Z-PC alone:

Menzerna IP followed by Z-PC Fusion both with polish pad.



Product that works very well for minor blemishes but requires an IPA wipedown or better yet a Z7 wash:



Optimum polish (OCP)



Klasse AIO.



Both provide excellent PC results and further enhancements (appearance and maximal bonding of Z polishes) can be gained by a second polishing session with Z-PC.
 
First off I'm been reading this forum for a couple of weeks now in prep for my new baby to come in a few weeks (it's on a boat right now) and have found an enormus amount of great information :bow . I picked up the Zanio kit to try and it in better shape though the tough buffalo winter (where the roads get white from not only the snow but all of the salt they put down :nervous2: )



So here is my question: Do you think it would be necessary to use the ZPC (after claying) on a brand new car? I've been debating this while reading all of the threads here. Also, can you put the ZPC on by hand or is a PC really needed for the first time? I'm planning on getting a PC, but was hoping to add it to my christmas list for my wife who has been very supportive of my new OCD behaviour :bigups
 
its a judgment call.. if your brand new car already has some swirling issues that successive coats of z5 will not hide, then you should use z-pc to remove the swirls first.



if the swirls arent bad then i'd imagine z-pc by hand may do the trick, i recall seeing some minor bumper scuffs repaired by z-pc using a polishin pal so this is a very viable option instead of stepping upto machine work.



correct me if i'm wrong but z1, z-pc and zfx condition the finish in a way that maximizes bonding. so a squeeky clean surface isnt as good as previously zaino product prepped surface for your initial coat.
 
I'd just use the Z-PC personally, as it was designed from the beginning to work with the Zaino polishes (obviously). You can go straight from Z-PC to Z5 or Z2, and in fact, that's what Sal recommends for less than perfect paint.



I find the Z5 only helps fill micro marring embedded in the actual layers of Zaino polish.
 
If you plan on driving your vehicles during a harsh winter and the present blemishes are not too significant, I would wait until next Spring to perform surface corrective activities (i.e. Z-PC).



Yes, Z-PC will work well by hand (PC is just an automated hand polishing machine) but will require more time and energy.
 
I have to go 1+ with black sunshine. Z5, in my opinion does not cover blemishes in the paint very well, just in the Zaino coat. It still looks good, but Z2 is slicker.

On a brand new car, if the paint is not in bad shape,you can clay, DAWN wash or alcohol mix wipedown, and then z2 or 5.

Personally I would still use Z-PC, because it leaves the paint silky smooth an clean.
 
Do yourself a favor and use Z-PC, its pretty good stuff.



I have never felt a surface as slick after polishing, as i do when i use Z-PC.
 
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