Z-8 and QD question

[snowskate]

There's been a lot of talk lately about Z-8 being more of a sealant.

I've also seen some threads pop up lately about QDs and glazes.



This prompted two questions for me:

1 - can anyone dive deeper into how and why Z-8 is a sealant more than a QD?

2 - after reading the last strings on 'most glossy' or 'longest lasting' QD as well as a string on various glazes to choose from; I find myself wondering, should there be consideration into which QD is used depending on whether the LSP is wax or sealant based? (for layering/bonding/compatibility reasons)



I eagerly await further discussion, thanks.

 

[Bert]

1 - can anyone dive deeper into how and why Z-8 is a sealant more than a QD?

Traditionally a QD is a product designed for quick clean up and to add a little shine. That definition is getting blurred more and more. Many people will only use a QD after washing their car to add to the gloss (where no cleaning is needed) just as one would use a spray wax or sealant. Also, more QD's such as Poorboy's QD+ have some type of protection in them so this by all means blurs the line in the difference between a QD and a spray sealant/wax. With Z-8, it has very little cleaning ability so many people don't include it in the QD category.

2 - after reading the last strings on 'most glossy' or 'longest lasting' QD as well as a string on various glazes to choose from; I find myself wondering, should there be consideration into which QD is used depending on whether the LSP is wax or sealant based? (for layering/bonding/compatibility reasons)

Generally it doesn't matter whether your LSP is sealant or wax when using QD's but I could see if you are using a QD with carnuaba in it could cause bonding issues with sealants. Curious to see what others say.

 

[gmblack3]

I am pretty sure that Z8 has no cleaners in it.



I have used Z8 over a few carnubas and have had no issues.



An interesting read over at DW on using Z8 over Royale:



offyourmarks - RS4 another long on! - Detailing World

After some recent testing on my own cars I have found the following to bond well to the Royale and offer a really terrific level of depth when applied very very sparingly.

 

[nosbusa1700]

gmblack3a, I was just thinking about Z-8 over Zymol when I saw your post..



I've read several post around the net of people using both Z-6, & Z-8 over Vintage, and Royal. Never heard anyone using over Solaris though. LOL I imagine you could use the Z line for most every wax and sealant out there.



Today I read about several appling it over Souveran, Fuzion.



snowskate, I understand that Z-8 uses a little different polymers in it than Z-6. This is what "supposedly" maxes it more than just a QD.

 

[Dsoto87]

I never used Z8 but I think the factor that seperates a QD and a sealant like Z8 is the ability to safely remove contaminants from the surface without marring.



Take for instance meguiars Ultimate Quik Wax and Ultimate Quick Detailer. Both are spray on wipe off products, BUT you have to use UQW on a clean surface because it doesn't contain lubricants that can prevent marring like UQD.

 

[Bert]

I never used Z8 but I think the factor that seperates a QD and a sealant like Z8 is the ability to safely remove contaminants from the surface without marring.

That is probably a pretty good distinguishing factor of what seperates a QD from a Spray Sealant. However, is Poorboys Spray and Gloss considered a QD? It is more meant for using on a clean surface too? Hmmm.

 

[snowskate]

Z-8 uses a little different polymers in it than Z-6. This is what "supposedly" maxes it more than just a QD.

I never used Z8 but I think the factor that seperates a QD and a sealant like Z8 is the ability to safely remove contaminants from the surface without marring.



Take for instance meguiars Ultimate Quik Wax and Ultimate Quick Detailer. Both are spray on wipe off products, BUT you have to use UQW on a clean surface because it doesn't contain lubricants that can prevent marring like UQD.

Thanks, this helps my understanding. :up

:hmph: Now I feel I have to use 2 products after every wash...a QD to assist in a mar free dry and 'safely remove contaminants'; and then, apply a gloss enhancer and LSP booster like OCW/Z8/FK425.



I'm curious though, the ability to 'safely remove contaminants', does this mean a QD can *hurt* a LSP?

The lines and marketing for spray on waxes/sealants and QDs have gotten so blurred, I as an aspiring Autopian am just looking to make sense of it all and use things the right way. It seems once something goes in a spray bottle, you could just use it at any time on anything. :nixweiss

 

[Bert]

I'm curious though, the ability to 'safely remove contaminants', does this mean a QD can *hurt* a LSP?

No more than a traditional wash. I guess it could be argued that every time you touch the surface, the friction alone is slightly affecting the LSP.

 

[imported_rydawg1]

Z6 is a qd and can be used after a wash and used for very light dust clean-up as any qd would work. Z8 (optional) is more of a polymer booster and can be used every now and then after Z6 if you want extra slickness, gloss, and protection. I love using Z8 as it gives the extra bling and protection.



Snowskate: if this is going on the Suby, wait till you use Z6 and Z8.. It will make the 915 POP even more!



How does it look?

 

[Legacy]

Z6 is a qd and can be used after a wash and used for very light dust clean-up as any qd would work. Z8 (optional) is more of a polymer booster and can be used every now and then after Z6 if you want extra slickness, gloss, and protection. I love using Z8 as it gives the extra bling and protection.



Snowskate: if this is going on the Suby, wait till you use Z6 and Z8.. It will make the 915 POP even more!



How does it look?

Good answer. Z6 for light dust and Z8 for that extra protection and bling.

 

[Deanski]

Good answer. Z6 for light dust and Z8 for that extra protection and bling.

That's what I do. I use Z6 for it's cleaning ability and Z8 to add more depth.



Use a QD which matches what product you have on the finish for the best results. Some mixing between QD's and LSP's may remove what you have on the finish as opposed to just "adding" a more bright shine to the LSP.



Just a little testing on a spot to see if there is a reaction between the LSP/QD etc.



I just wash (Z7 wash) dry and Z8 the finish.



Meg's QD's work very well and I like them for cleaning and lube ability when using clay as well.



It's all a matter of personal preference.



Deanski

 

[snowskate]

Z6 is a qd and can be used after a wash and used for very light dust clean-up as any qd would work. Z8 (optional) is more of a polymer booster and can be used every now and then after Z6 if you want extra slickness, gloss, and protection. I love using Z8 as it gives the extra bling and protection.



Snowskate: if this is going on the Suby, wait till you use Z6 and Z8.. It will make the 915 POP even more!



How does it look?

Thanks Ryan, it looks phenomenal! My wife and I feel great knowing the car and paint was *perfected*. I have a new 'confidence' moving forward with this clean slate in the future and I know what the 'gameplan' is for the rest of the year. I simply need to maintain it in its current state with proper washing technique followed by the Z6/Z8 combo.



I'll probably go 1:1 distilled water/Z8, so I can use it more frequently on the Subaru over the Summer/early Fall. Rick mentioned I can use Z6/Z8 on more than I've previously used it....plastic/trim/glass/headlights/and the roof rack.



Did you notice any major swirls/scratches? I'm always looking to get better...I'd be curious to know if I have any obvious washing errors or disadvantages from parking it outside? (there were some slight scratches on the hood from snow removal)

 

[wfedwar]

Z8 is a fine QD, but at more than $1 per ounce, you'd be foolish to use it as such. It is effective as a concentrated spray sealant.

 

[wannafbody]

Z8 can be cut with water to make it last longer. It depends on your technique- Z8 requires very little to work.



Z6 since it is a cleaning product requires more to provide enough lubrication to prevent marring.



Z8 can be used over other brands but provides it's best beading over a Zaino product.

 

[Legacy]

Z8 is a fine QD, but at more than $1 per ounce, you'd be foolish to use it as such. It is effective as a concentrated spray sealant.

Z8 is not a QD. If you want a QD use Z6. You can cut both if wanted to save $. Again don't use Z8 on a slightly dusty paint.

 

[snowskate]

Thanks to everyone. Very informative answers.