Z8 detail

northstar518

New member
i tried Z8 today;in IMO it's no better than Z6 plus it leaves an oily film that you have to use Z6 to remove.the shine is no better than Z6,so for 20 bucks stick with Z6,or dilute the Z850-50 with distilled water
 
This is the first time I've heard any complaints like this. I've been using it for about 6 months without any problems.



It's made to be used sparingly. How much product did you apply per panel?
 
Greasy? Need Z6 to remove? Really hard to tell what happen with such a detailed review.

Last application of Z2, Z2-PRO, Z5, etc. How many layers? ZFX or Z1 usage?



Interesting? I beta tested this product using all types of methods - per present instructions and incorrect application, and greasy and failure to be completely buffed off was never a results. This testing include using like an OTC QD - saturating surface (too much Z8). No problem with removal with a good poly MF or MF weaved cotton towel (DF Towel). So I have no clue what the heck why Z8 gave you such a performance. Sorry. :nixweiss



Shine the same? That might be explained by the fact that Z8 is a spray sealant and on some colors, especially light colored vehicles, the full gloss takes hours to fully evolve (cure).



Call Sal. Maybe he can explain why you got such abberrant results. He faces similiar environmental conditions (NJ) as you do.



If you are really that disappointed I will take that Z8 off your hand and send you an equivalent amount of Z6. :woohoo:
 
In extreme humidity i find that too much Z8, or even Z8 immediatly over a coat of Z2 pro /w ZFX will cause this smeary appearence.



I also have had a chance to use it here when the humidity was just a tad lower, and the slickness that i didnt have before was slightly better, not great though.



So, my solution is to do an initial wipe down, and 1/2 hour later, just wipe it down again with my Autopia concourse towel.



Sometimes it just doesnt come off, but the next morning, or by the end of the day it has "set up" and is fine.



I have the same problem with UPP, Max Wax, and a couple others....
 
JBM said:
In extreme humidity i find that too much Z8, or even Z8 immediatly over a coat of Z2 pro /w ZFX will cause this smeary appearence.



....



Ya know, I have observed the same thing. I contributed it to not letting the Z2P set long enough before applying Z8. In direct sun the next day I noticed it was smeary looking. I have only used Z8 once on my black car so far. Its due for a wash and a new Z8 application, I'l give a good check-out this time.
 
My Merc is going back to daily driving duties, so I spend Saturday stripping off the old sealant and reapplying the Zaino system. Won't have time to rewax, so I need the max durability possible. Wasn't sure if you could do 3 coats of Z2P + Z8 on the same day, so I only did 2 coats and topped with Z8. Wasn't very slick at all, but I had no problems with greasy residue at all.



The shine and slickness really didn't come alive until yesterday. On Saturday after application, my finger was still causing squeeks on the paint. In my past experience, even Z2P after a few days is not as slick as other polymer LSPs, or as slick as when topped with Z8. You really need Z8 for the best possible looks and slickness with Zaino.



So the results aren't as immediate as you might expect, so just give it a few days. Z8 isn't magic stuff, but the look does seem to be different than Z6. If you are primarily concerned about looks for the dollar, Zaino probably isn't the best choice considering you need 3-4 different products for optimal results.



- J
 
The residue isnt really greasy, sinse i dont believe there is any oils or grease in any of their products.



It is more like a film of clear product that cant be wiped off.



Like i said, in high humidity, i get the same thing with UPP.



Even if the looks are the same as z6, lets pretend, i am testing Z8 out on my rims right now. Last week i had 400 miles, and it was still "on there".



It is fantastic as a "rain-x"



Z8 works well over the fading layer of an unrelated product on my wifes car, and has nice tight beads of water.



Smells outstanding.



Worth the 20 bucks to me.
 
Lol, Z8 rocks and is easy to use period, maybe you should give it another chance. It has completely changed the way I do things and because of Z8 I now offer an express detail that every customer is crazy about. Wash and a Z8 is a simple detail that leaves the car with a butter smooth and sweet glow. IMO, Zaino should be careful because if they improve Z8 at all they could end up making their other polishes obsolete. For now Pro adds the depth so it is still very necessary, but Z8 is the best quick sealant I've tried. Z6 adds no protection so I only use it to help me remove residue easily and between coats, Z8 leaves a very slick surface but isn't good to use inbetween coats. Maybe it was a process problem?
 
If high humidity is problematic for Z6/Z8 then today was probably the worst day of the year to apply here in Jersey. Very hot, very humid.



Personally I didn't see a huge difference between Z6 and Z8, but I'm still very much a noob and defer to the greater wisdom and experience of others here. So, I use Z8 between Z5/Z2 coats but use Z6 exclusively for QD.
 
sillystanger,

Don't completely give up on using Z8 as a QD. After your next wash try applying the Z8. Use as sparingly as you do Z6. A 2 MF system works best. One MF to buff Z8 into finish and a second MF for the final buff. Did you use 2 MF for your initial trial?

After several usages and getting your personal protocol established, you will love how well this product works. As BurlyQ stated Z8 will drive the Z polishes (protectants) usage down. Boring for us detailers that find fun in sprucing up our rides but than again it gives us more time to do the real detailing tasks (Q-tipping and brushing small areas) that are sometimes deferred when trying to keep the macro features (finish) looking pristine.
 
I find that if I want to use Z8 usage efficient, a fluffy and absorbant MF towel soaks in the Z8 too much before I'm even able to spread the spray droplets. So either I use a fine sprayer, or I use one of David's Concours Buffing Towels or a DF Towel. These towels really push the product around for a few swipes, so you can work it in. Then it clears up very quickly and buffs completely away.



Ultimate slickness doesn't quite reach Menzerna Acrylic Shield levels, but it changes the appearance of Zaino more than AS does with FMJ.



- J
 
Good point Justin, I do use my Z8 in a little spray bottle because I don't think any of the larger bottles allow for a fine mist, and Z8 is best if sprayed in a fine mist. It also extends the life of the bottle if you keep filling the small fine mist bottles with Z8. I use about 1/2 oz to 3/4 oz per detail, but if I'm lazy and use the big bottle I use about an oz.
 
blkZ28Conv said:
sillystanger,

Did you use 2 MF for your initial trial?



No, I just used one DF towel to apply and buff. I'll have to try going back over with another DF for a final buff. Thanks for the suggestion. With 4 bottles of Z6 sitting on my shelves though, I almost hope it doesn't make too much of a difference... I should add that I'm not unimpressed at all by Z8, but very impressed by the gloss that both Z6 and Z8 have provided me to date. Course, I wasn't aware that Z8 offered added protection and durability. I thought of Z8 in the same vein as Z6, just a better, next-gen version of Z6. I'll have to redo my homework on Z8.



I've wondered in the past whether it was worth it to put my Z6 and Z8 into fine mist sprayers. Based on this thread, might as well do that too. Good stuff!
 
Z8 is an excellent product and I too need to work with it a bit more. And, yes it smells unbelieveable and am wondering how it tastes! :spit:
 
Intercooled said:
Z8 is an excellent product and I too need to work with it a bit more. And, yes it smells unbelieveable and am wondering how it tastes! :spit:

It tastes excellent on a ritz.....why everyting tates good on a ritz.
 
It had to have been due to the humidity. Yesterday in NY it was disgusting out. A day like that, anything I would have used would've streaked, smeared, etc.
 
All these posts make Z8 sound a lot like Optimum spray wax. I am about to use it over Z2-pro. Has anyone used both products? Seems like the future of waxing may be in a spray bottle.
 
See I was not that impressed with the Z8 either. It did not do a whole hell of a lot to improve the surface. I guess when I think slick I think UPP and that is not close to UPP.



I have a full bottle of Z8 if someone has something equivalant in value.
 
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