Z8 vs. AJT as topper?

danforz

New member
Hey guys, Z8 is really expensive! And from what I hear its a acrylic. So, can we just replace it with AJT, which is a lot cheaper? Bonding problems? Thoughts?



PS this of course would be topping layers of ZFXed Z5pro.
 
DG Aquawax works very nicely as a Z8 replacement. I prefer the look over Z8, actually.



With that said, keep in mind that you can dilute Z8 1:1 and it looks the same (but goes on easier).
 
firegate said:
DG Aquawax works very nicely as a Z8 replacement. I prefer the look over Z8, actually.



With that said, keep in mind that you can dilute Z8 1:1 and it looks the same (but goes on easier).



Really? Dilute Z8 that much without effecting it's durability? With distilled water, right?
 
Danforz said:
Hey guys, Z8 is really expensive! And from what I hear its a acrylic. So, can we just replace it with AJT, which is a lot cheaper? Bonding problems? Thoughts?



PS this of course would be topping layers of ZFXed Z5pro.



Z8 is not an acrylic product, but AJT can be substituted.

An acrylic product that is extremely good is Sonus Acrylic Spritz at a better price.

OTC you always have DG (also not an acrylic) that can be used.
 
Duragloss AW gives the best bang for the buck as an easy spray on topper with looks, gloss, and durability on par with Z8 (which look one ultimately prefers is entirely subjective of course) at a fraction of the price.
 
blkZ28Conv said:
Z8 is not an acrylic product, but AJT can be substituted.

An acrylic product that is extremely good is Sonus Acrylic Spritz at a better price.

OTC you always have DG (also not an acrylic) that can be used.



:think: Sonus Acrylic Spritz is not a product I would compare with Z8 or AW, since it's a QD rather than a "spray wax". The more appropriate comparison from the Sonus line would be Acrylic Glanz, which, at least in the version I have, is more difficult to apply than Z8 or AW.
 
AW all the way....easily compares to Z8 or others at a fraction of the cost. Offers a great look, slickness, durability (for a spray!), and it's pretty inexpensive. How can you beat it? :)
 
Milestones said:
Duragloss AW gives the best bang for the buck as an easy spray on topper with looks, gloss, and durability on par with Z8 (which look one ultimately prefers is entirely subjective of course) at a fraction of the price.



I only use Z8 over Zaino, and I only use AW over non-Zaino, and with that caveat, I give the edge to Z8, although AW is close, and I agree that best bang-for-buck is with AW.



To the OP, it looks like about $5 difference between Z8 and AJT...I think for that difference I would go for the Z8 (you use very little), although the AJT might give you some more flexibility, as a full-flegded sealant, in use on other vehicles. If you are just looking for something to give your Z an after-wash pop, I would go for the Z8 or AW.



However, I have never used AJT, and perhaps it really is as easy as Z8 or AW, and in fact, might be more durable (although that would be an interesting test on top of Zaino, Z8 vs. AJT).
 
Setec Astronomy said:
I only use Z8 over Zaino, and I only use AW over non-Zaino, and with that caveat, I give the edge to Z8, although AW is close, and I agree that best bang-for-buck is with AW.



To the OP, it looks like about $5 difference between Z8 and AJT...I think for that difference I would go for the Z8 (you use very little), although the AJT might give you some more flexibility, as a full-flegded sealant, in use on other vehicles. If you are just looking for something to give your Z an after-wash pop, I would go for the Z8 or AW.



However, I have never used AJT, and perhaps it really is as easy as Z8 or AW, and in fact, might be more durable (although that would be an interesting test on top of Zaino, Z8 vs. AJT).



Correct but Acrylic Spritz has some properties to extend durability. Not on the same scale as Z8 or AJT.



From Autopia Store

Sonus Acrylic Spritz is a quick detailing spray that maintains your car's "just-waxed" sparkle and shine between washes. Formulated to work with Klasse, CarLack and other German acrylic sealants, Sonus Acrylic Spritz works great with all wax products, producing a shine other detail sprays can't touch.



When used with a quality microfiber buffing towel, Sonus Acrylic Spritz safely removes light dust, water spots and finger prints, leaving a slick, high gloss finish.



The exclusive Sonus formula contains SONACRYLIXâ„¢, the same acrylic formula used in German high gloss sealants. Regular use extends the period between waxing and maintains healthy, oxidation-free paint. Sonus Acrylic Spritz is safe for all paint finishes, including clear coats.
 
I don't know that AJT is in the same category as AW and Z8, while all three CAN be used as a single "sealant" I think AJT is the only one that is specifically meant for that purpose.
 
Z8 can be used as a stand alone and you can add 1 drop of ZFX per ounce of Z8 to maximize durability(in a seperate bottle of course). AW works great over any product and it's a great bang for the buck product but I don't think it's as durable as Z8.
 
wannafbody said:
AW works great over any product and it's a great bang for the buck product but I don't think it's as durable as Z8.





Curious of your estimate of Z8 durability on its own? AW is going right at 2.5 to 3 months for me. So Z8 is a 3-4 month product, by itself?
 
TigerMike said:
AW is going right at 2.5 to 3 months for me.



That's on top of bare paint? I've never used AW that way, but I wouldn't say I get that long with AW on top of something else (before the beading changes). Similarly, I've never used Z8 on top of anything but Zaino, so I have no idea how long it "lasts" since it's on top of a long-lasting product.
 
Yep, on my wifes car and mine. Hers had zero prep before hand and had zero beading prior to AW. With AW alone the beading is lasting at least 2.5 months on her paint and on mine. Sure, the beading isn't as nice and round and tight as the first month, but even at month 2 it's beading quite well. And, bear in mind that both cars are outside 24/7 and parked under trees at night, never covered or garaged. For garaged cars, I imagine it would last even longer.
 
TigerMike said:
Curious of your estimate of Z8 durability on its own? AW is going right at 2.5 to 3 months for me. So Z8 is a 3-4 month product, by itself?





TigerMike said:
AW all the way....easily compares to Z8 or others at a fraction of the cost. Offers a great look, slickness, durability (for a spray!), and it's pretty inexpensive. How can you beat it? :)





Which is it? :nixweiss



One statement states they compare and now you question your earilier statement.



No one uses Z8 as a stand-alone product. It is part of a system that will perform maximally when used as such.



I find staying within whatever system I am using delivers the best results and true value and performance of a product line. When I test products like JW. I polish with Prime, protect with AJ and QD with Acrylic Gloss. This way I can truthfully analysis a product line.
 
I'm not contradicting anything. One person (not me) is claiming Z8 is longer lasting. I am saying both Z8 and AW offer pretty similar and comparable durability, therefore they are very comparable. I said nothing contradictory there. I am merely questioning someone else's claim of Z8's durability. I think you misinterpreted my posts.



Bottom line, both Z8 and AW make excellent toppers to existing wax/sealant protection. With good durability from both, I think they offer stand-alone use as well, that's what I'm saying. They are very comparable end use products, although the price points certainly are not.
 
ok here is my thought, i think we are taking 2 diff products and comparing them. AW is meant to be a wax or sealant it can be used alone tho works better as a topper. By being a wax it is meant to last longer and bead tighter. When zaino made Z8 he wanted a product to increase shine and slickness only, i dont think tho i might be wrong durability was an issue Z8 is meant to be used over zaino that is the most durable product out there.



it depends on what you want and want u want to spend. I have megs 21 on my acura I am going to use aw for a month then Z8 for a month and see the diff, I think Z8 looks wetter but AW is brighter. Each his own tho
 
TigerMike said:
Hers had zero prep before hand and had zero beading prior to AW. With AW alone the beading is lasting at least 2.5 months on her paint and on mine. Sure, the beading isn't as nice and round and tight as the first month, but even at month 2 it's beading quite well.



Like most members I like to reapply something when the beading degrades, but what you've said jives pretty well with my recollection of AW durability.
 
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