Z6/Z8 tips and tricks...

W

wannafbody

wannafbody
I've had occasional issues with Z6/ Z8 streaking. I've had a chance to work through those issues and think I've found the solutions. First Z6 is extremely concentrated and for me has worked better by adding some extra water. Some go 50% Z6/50% more water. I used roughly 66% Z6/33% more water. This seems to have solved those issues.



Z8 can be a bit trickier. I talked to Sal about the issues and he sugested using a cotton towell but microfiber will work. He said Z8 was very concentrated and heat activated and can be affected by a warm panel or sunlight. I found that doing a quick Z6 wipedown prior to applying Z8 helped. I did a Z6 wipedown on the hood which helped moisten the MF towell I was using. I then used the same slightly damp towell and applied Z8 with a small mister bottle. The dampened towell slid very easily distributing an even coat of Z8. Use the other side or a sperate towell for a quick rewipe. Allow to cure and then be amazed.
 
It sounds like to you need to find the correct amount of Z-8 to a particular area. Humidity and heat play in to the equation.



Try applying the Z-8 to the towel instead of the surface of the paint to get a feel for the strength of Z-8.



On really humid or hot days, this is how I apply Z-8.



Eventually you'll get the feeling of how much to use.
 
JJU said:
It sounds like to you need to find the correct amount of Z-8 to a particular area. Humidity and heat play in to the equation.



Try applying the Z-8 to the towel instead of the surface of the paint to get a feel for the strength of Z-8.



On really humid or hot days, this is how I apply Z-8.



Eventually you'll get the feeling of how much to use.
Click to expand...





because it is so concentrated I try to use as little as possible. Spraying the towell first is a good idea. I'd suggest using Z8 after the first wash. I've found it more difficult to work with over a fresh coat of Z2p or Z5p as well.
 
I completely agree that Z6 and Z8 are very concentrated and thicker than your average QD. I have moved both of them to the 8 oz fine spray misters. I have noticed that I get streaking if a "big drop" of Z6/Z8 makes it to the paint - these spray misters help by "atomizing" the product.
 
I use both Z6 and Z8 regularly. Maybe the streaking is technique vs. concentration. I would suggest using a light as spray as possible. That might explain if you dilute and spray heavy, minimizes the streaking as you would if you sprayed real thin. I did have an issue with Z8 the very first time. The first spray came out heavy and the wipe down did streak. I just made sure it was light and everything worked out fine.
 
I have had streaking problems with Z-8 if applied too soon after a layer of Z-2 or Z-5 or if the paint/panel is too warm. I only apply Z-8 in the garage. Doing it in direct sun seems to cause streaking problems.



I have noticed that Z-8 seems to have a curing period.



I wipe down the car with Z-6 then buff with a CBT. Then I mist the panel w/ Z-8 and wipe with the long nap side of a MF folded to make it like 4x6 pad. I make sure I coat the entire panel. Then I lightly buff it with a CBT until it feels super slippery.



Just recently I tried an experiment that really surprised me. I usually go back about an hour later and buff the car again w/ a CBT and the Z-8 always looks even better. So that is why I think there is a cure time involved with Z-8.



So last month instead doing the second buff with a CBT, I put a 6" MF bonnet (Sonus) over a white pad on my PC. The bonnet had the longer nap side facing outward. I set it to the 2 setting and tried buffing one panel with very light pressure.



HOLY SH&% BATMAN! I've never seen Z-8 look so amazing! It was incredibly slick, wet and glossy and also very smooth looking. There was very high reflectivity but the paint still had depth. So I did the entire car. It seemed to have similar filling capabilities to Z-5. I did not get any hazing from the MF bonnet. The bonnet still looked clean.



I hadn't used any of my MF bonnets since I stopped using glaze&carnuba and started using Zaino. I have tried this twice with my car and I'm convinced that I am missing out on a whole lot if I merely hand buff the Z-8.



I've been wondering about trying a MF bonnet and spritzing it with Z-6 and then squirt the panel with Z-6 and then buff with the PC at a low setting. I would imagine that it would really deep clean the paint. I would probably get more out of the gloss enhancers too. I'd have to keeping checking the MF bonnet and swap it out when it gets dirty.
 
This may not help detail outdoors, but I only use Z6 or Z8 (both full strength) on cool surfaces, with a misting sprayer (very economical method also) and indoors. I never apply either product on freshly applied Z2/Z5PRO (Z6 majority of the between coats).



Z6 and Z8 are really technically complex solutions that do not contain alcohol or oils to aid in even distribution (application). I use MF's for application without any problems but to really feel the slickness of the surface, a cotton formulated MF (DF Towel) makes one go :woohoo:.



My experience using both these products include, black, white, silver and red.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top