Who are the Zaino Experts around here?

I

imported_Axe

New member
I have now received the Zaino products, I have Z2 (old), Z Gloss Enhancer, and ZFx - it is my intention to apply 3 coats of this to my beemer (pics in my gallery http://autopia.org/gallery/showgallery.php?ppuser=19926&cat=500&thumb=1 ) here as a pre Zaino reference.



I am looking for people to give me advice and not allow me to make the mistakes they may have done in applying this product, I really would like to get it right first time. For example, after reading many sites and opinions I am tempted to apply and remove the Z2 by hand instead of using the recently purchased PC, would you think I might be missing a trick by doing that, and instead perhaps I should apply it with the PC ... any advice really.



I intend once its done, for those of you interested to show the same views and pics as I have already in my gallery but with the zaino product applied, the existing shots were done with the Glym Twins and p21s - which brings me to another question, could I add the P21s after the Z gloss enhancer as a topper?



Thanks for your help people.
 
Well, I don't consider myself an expert, but here are my opinions:



Prep really well. Make sure your paint is fully polished. (This isn't a Zaino step, but a step for any product you use.)



1 oz. should do 2-3 coats on your BMW. Put 4 drops of ZFX in 1 oz. of Z2, shake well, and begin applying a thin coat. Once the first coat is dry, remove it using a few light sprays of Z6. Repeat the process.



Thin coats are the real key to using Zaino. It's really not hard at all, though.



I recommend applying by hand until you get the hang of using Zaino.
 
Thanks Zane,

when you state (make sure your paint is fully polished) would you elaborate on that ... it sounds like you're suggesting polishing the car with another product?



Also interesting your suggestion on removing the the Z2 with the Z6 - as far as I understood the process, I should allow the Z2 to dry 30 - 60 minutes then polish/wipe off, then spray Z6 and polish that off, then repeat ... interesting.



Yes, applying by hand seems to be a popular choice.



Oh, another question just occured to me, is it ok to put Zaino on my black plastic trim, this is unpainted trim, from what I read its ok ot put it on the glass, chrome, wipers, wheels and everything else, just a little concerned about my black plastic bumper trims.
 
Hi Axe,



Yea I agree that its important to prep properly, if only just once before you put Zaino on. The Z2/Z6 should only really be the final step or sealer. Do you have any swirls? Zaino will really make these stand out as it is so 'clear', so you might want to polish these out first. Also, using a cleaner like AIO to clean the surface generally and claybarring all help before you apply Z2. Its ok to use other brand products for these steps.
 
Axe said:
Thanks Zane,

when you state (make sure your paint is fully polished) would you elaborate on that ... it sounds like your suggesting polishing the car with another product?
Click to expand...



what Zane is saying is you need to first polish your car and remove any swirls, scratches or any paint defect. just consider zaino to be your LSP and you need to properly prep the paint before you put your LSP on.
 
Hi colche,

well I think if you look at my gallery you would agree that my car is clean, and apart from a small swirl on the boot it is swirl free I believe (check out the flash shot of the bonnet (hood) ). I am naive in thinking that the Z2 will clean the car then ?
 
Paul,



Z2, Z2Pro and Z5 are sealants, not polishes or cleaners. Z5 MAY hide some very minor defects, but even if your paint is in great shape, you'll probably want to polish it with a final polish like Menzerna Final Polish II or at least clean it with something like AIO.



The good and bad news about Z2, Z2Pro and Z5 is that they hide little to nothing. If you have defects in the paint they will show up. So, prep well.



Also, with your dark paint, you may want to consider getting some Z5 to apply first. Then apply the Z2. Also, you may want to consider applying Z2Pro. It is somewhat easier to apply than Z2.



Regards,



Dan.
 
Z2 will NOT clean any surface. Z2 will NOTremove or hide any imperfections, make sure your surface is squeeky clean and spot free before Z2 applications. Z2 is your LSP. AS mentioned above I would at least wash, clay, AIO and then Z2. Your finish products results are only going to be great if you properly prep first.
 
Sounds like good advice Dan, thanks. Z2 pro is not an option right now, supplier cannot get it yet ... next month apparently. Now I have to consider purchasing Z5, oh lordy this is costing ! :)
 
hirosh said:
what Zane is saying is you need to first polish your car and remove any swirls, scratches or any paint defect. just consider zaino to be your LSP and you need to properly prep the paint before you put your LSP on.
Click to expand...



Yes...this is what I was referring to by fully polishing your paint.
 
Your car looks like it's pretty imperfection free which means it's idiot proof for your Zaino process. I wouldn't put the sealant on the matte plastic trim, try z16. If you use zfx you don't need to wait at all before removing. If you have a garage sometimes for my final coat I put it on a little thicker and let it sit overnight. Then in the morning just spray a little z6 on and wipe off. I have used p21s in the past many times as a topper, but recently I just stick with zaino polishes. Then when I want to put another coat on I don't have to remove the wax. If you do top it, wait a day then apply. It sounds like your apprehensive a little bit but this stuff is very easy to use, it's just that many people do different things with it so there's too much information. if you follow the websites instructions you'll always have good results. The only thing is you don't want to apply Zaino a surface that has imperfections. So if there's swirls, scratches, or webs then yeah polish. If not, Dawn wash and apply three coats in about an hour and that's it. I always use my hand and MF to polish of residue.
 
Intercooled said:
Z2 will NOT clean any surface. Z2 will NOTremove or hide any imperfections, make sure your surface is squeeky clean and spot free before Z2 applications. Z2 is your LSP. AS mentioned above I would at least wash, clay, AIO and then Z2.
Click to expand...



Intercooled, if I AIO after washing and claying, I would not have to use Z-1? Can AIO take the place of Z-1?
 
I have been playing around with the new Z2 pro and the new formulation is so good I really dont feel more than one coat has any incremental benefit in terms of shine,gloss, or durability. The old Z2 for sure got better with multiple coats but Z2 pro looks the same. The new formulation is without question better so I would wait and get it
 
Prep for Zaino is no different then for any other sealant.



1. You should probably clay the vehicle prior to doing an polishing/protection if you haven't done so in the past year.



2. If your finish is swirl free, I would recommend using a chemical cleaner like AIO to ensure you have a perfectly clean / prepped surface. If you have swirls, definitely address them first as Z2 will only magnify them. Being optically perfect is great for bringing out the metallic flakes etc, but it's also magnify's any blemishes.



3. You need to use either Z1 (bonding agent) or ZFX for your first coat to ensure you get the maximum adhension of Zaino to the clearcoat.



4. If you want the maximum benefit, wash with Z7. If replenish the protection a bit and adds to the shine.



Paco
 
fertzguy said:
I have been playing around with the new Z2 pro and the new formulation is so good I really dont feel more than one coat has any incremental benefit in terms of shine,gloss, or durability. The old Z2 for sure got better with multiple coats but Z2 pro looks the same. The new formulation is without question better so I would wait and get it
Click to expand...



I have noticed the same thing. One coat is sufficient. Two to insure complete coverage. :xyxthumbs
 
Burlyq said:
Your car looks like it's pretty imperfection free which means it's idiot proof for your Zaino process. I wouldn't put the sealant on the matte plastic trim, try z16. If you use zfx you don't need to wait at all before removing. If you have a garage sometimes for my final coat I put it on a little thicker and let it sit overnight. Then in the morning just spray a little z6 on and wipe off. I have used p21s in the past many times as a topper, but recently I just stick with zaino polishes. Then when I want to put another coat on I don't have to remove the wax. If you do top it, wait a day then apply. It sounds like your apprehensive a little bit but this stuff is very easy to use, it's just that many people do different things with it so there's too much information. if you follow the websites instructions you'll always have good results. The only thing is you don't want to apply Zaino a surface that has imperfections. So if there's swirls, scratches, or webs then yeah polish. If not, Dawn wash and apply three coats in about an hour and that's it. I always use my hand and MF to polish of residue.
Click to expand...



Many things you state here are true, my car is relatively swirl free (thanks for taking the time to look before posting), well actually with one small exception it is totally swirl free, I always use a clean megs mitt to wash and clean dampened chamois to dry.



Wow, so I shouldn't put Z2 on the black matte plastic trim, I am so glad I asked that question now, many thanks for that, I guess I will have to tape those off ... any suggestions on the best tape? (UK)



On the strength of BookemDano's experience I have also purchased (awaiting for arrival) the menzerna IP and FPII to clean the car, and also purchased the red, white and black polishing pads from premiumautocare.com



As you also noted BurlyQ I am a little apprehensive, but your and other comments have reassured me somewhat so thanks everyone for that, I do not have a garage so I cannot try your tip of leaving it on overnight.
 
Quote: Wow, so I shouldn't put Z2 on the black matte plastic trim, I am so glad I asked that question now, many thanks for that, I guess I will have to tape those off ... any suggestions on the best tape? (UK)



Masking Tape:

Mask-off around windows, badges, and door handles and any bodywork vinyl trim, using 3M's Scotch® Safe-Release TM Painters' Masking Tape This tape removes cleanly from a paint film or glass surface without adhesive transfer or surface damage for up to 14 days - even when exposed to direct sunlight. Remove by trying to keep to a somewhat horizontal plane, donâ€â„¢t pull directly upwards. It is a medium adhesion tape with a flexible crepe backing allows for exceptional conformability to semi-smooth surfaces.



JonM
 
TOGWT said:


Masking Tape:

Mask-off around windows, badges, and door handles and any bodywork vinyl trim, using 3M's Scotch® Safe-Release TM Painters' Masking Tape This tape removes cleanly from a paint film or glass surface without adhesive transfer or surface damage for up to 14 days - even when exposed to direct sunlight. Remove by trying to keep to a somewhat horizontal plane, donâ€â„¢t pull directly upwards. It is a medium adhesion tape with a flexible crepe backing allows for exceptional conformability to semi-smooth surfaces.



JonM
Click to expand...



Bloody hell !



Many thanks Jon :)
 
This sounds like it has developed into a "tempest in a teapot". Prepare the surface to your own level of perfection and make sure it is clean, then apply the Z-2 plus ZFX as directed. Sal Zaino suggests applying and removing in strokes front to back on the hood (bonnet), top, and trunk(boot); and in a vertical direction on the doors and sides. Check the tips section of www.zainostore.com

The stuff goes on and wipes off so easily and looks so great, you'll be amazed. And wonder why you got so much advice.
 
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