Topping Zaino with #16

[MattZ28]

I currently have 3 layers of Zaino Z-5/ZFX on my car, and I'm getting the urge to wax it. I know that #16 has no cleaners in it, but are there any negative effects in doing this? When #16 wears off, will Zaino still be there beading water, or will it affect the durability of Zaino?

 

[imported_BretFraz]

There has been a lot of discussion about topping Zaino with a carnauba wax (doesn't matter which one). The truth is that no one really knows if a wax will erode or diminish in some way Zaino's performance capabilities. I've asked Sal this specifically and it's hard to say what exactly would happen since it can't be chemically tested, practically speaking.



I know a lot of people here believe that topping a sealant with a wax is sort of akin to putting cheese on a hamburger (remove the cheese and the meat is still intact as before) but I personally don't think this is the case. Too many strange chemical (re)actions are possible for me to trust this concept. But having said this, you may as well give it a try and see how you like it. The only reason to top a sealant with a wax is to alter its looks so I say, alter away.



My 2 pennies on the subject.

 

[MattZ28]

Ok, maybe I'll just try a panel or something.....eh, screw it. I have too much time on my hands...I'll do the whole car

 

[ZaneO]

Go for it and let us know how it turns out.

 

[PFDarkside]

It's experiments like this that turn crazy ideas into standard procedures.







(If they work... )

 

[Jesstzn]

Matt all but the hood of my B5.5 is topped with #16 and the only side effect is a haze I get off the #16 when it gets super hot out .. my car is black.. Topping it did deepen it and soften the raw gloss.



Last fall I topped Zaino with Glanz which is high solvent and in the spring the Glanz was gone but the Zaino gloss was still. Wether the protection was there .. dunno. But the surface seemed no worse for wear.

 

[Jesstzn]

Too many strange chemical (re)actions are possible for me to trust this concept.

I agree here bretfraz but more on the side where people spritz applicators with QD's or water etc when applying a wax/sealant. Right there I feel your altering the first portion of the wax/sealant applied until the wax/sealant percentage on the applicator dillutes the additive.

 

[hondaguy2582]

It all depends on the wax you use for topping with. Just make sure the one you use(#16 and p21s/s100 come to mind) have the least amount of solvents in them. Otherwise, you can say bye bye zaino.

 

[Scottwax]

It all depends on the wax you use for topping with. Just make sure the one you use(#16 and p21s/s100 come to mind) have the least amount of solvents in them. Otherwise, you can say bye bye zaino.

I would agree that with any sealant, topping with paste waxes are your best bet for preserving the durability of the sealant.



One advantage #16 has is that it is pretty durable on its own.

 

[Mike_Phillips]

Just to chime in here,



If you choose to top the Z with the #16, I would recommend a really thin coating of the #16. It don't take much create a thin coating and thick coatings left on too long can be very difficult to remove.



Here's a tip,



Before using the #16 Paste wax, first liquefy it.



To do this, get yourself a clean, foam wax applicator like the ones Meguiar's sells or come with a lot of off the shelf car waxes.



Place the foam pad into the can of #16 and spin the foam pad briskly in a circle. This will agitate the wax and the agitation with a little friction heat will be enough to liquefy the top layer of the wax in the can and enable it to soak into your foam pad.



Now spread this onto the paint. Then repeat this each time you need more wax.



Mike

 

[MattZ28]

Thanks for the tips guys! I'll keep you all posted. I might wash the car today then wax it, but it all depends on the weather....it's been raining every day