Zaino Paint Preparation Help?

I

imported_Alex318

New member
I am a little confused with the following step....

PAINT PREPERATION:

Properly and thoroughly prepare your paint. Do a dish detergent wash, then a claying, and follow with whatever polishing is needed to remove (not fill) any micro-marring.

A)WHAT IS MICRO-MARRING?....

Finish with a very mild cleaner/polish to obtain the most reflective surface possible.

B)I SHOULD POLISH TWICE?

Do a very careful wash (you don’t want to add any micro-marring to your carefully prepared paint) with Z-7 and carefully dry. Now you’re ready for the Zaino treatment!



So here is what i should do to prepare the paint for Zaion right...

1)Wash with dish soap.

2)Clay(I need to dry before claying right?)

3)Polish (I have used Pinnacle paint cleansing lotion, would something else work better

..http://www.****************/paincleanlot.html)

4) Polish?(So I polish a 2nd time, what type of polish do i use now?)

5) Wash with Z7



Thanks for any help, I am new to Zaino, so I want to make sure I do it right the first time
 
EUROTECH said:
So here is what i should do to prepare the paint for Zaion right...

1)Wash with dish soap.

2)Clay(I need to dry before claying right?)

3)Polish (I have used Pinnacle paint cleansing lotion, would something else work better

..http://www.****************/paincleanlot.html)

4) Polish?(So I polish a 2nd time, what type of polish do i use now?)

5) Wash with Z7



Thanks for any help, I am new to Zaino, so I want to make sure I do it right the first time
Click to expand...



I am no Z expert, but most Autopians have been through the Z debate enough to answer the questions.



1) correct

2) correct - but no need to dry. Just save time by claying the car wet and rewashing any residue afterwards. Just make sure the car doesn't air dry while you doing this.

3) No, those are cleansers. If you need to remove swirls and the like, you'll need a swirl remover of some sort. If you have paint in excellent shape, then you can skip the swirl remover and use a paint cleanser.

4) If you had used an SMR in step 3, then you might want to use a cleanser here. If not, you can skip this step.

5) correct.
 
When I do my Lexus SC430, this is what I've done.



Check the Zaino website for current updates and tips! That's number 1. Check Autopia for any updates as well.



1) Dawn wash.

2) Clay

3) Z7 wash

4) Polish (Menzerna FP or DACP)

5) Final wipe down and prep with Z6, check finish!

6) Z5

7) Z6

8) Z5

9) Z6

10) Z2

11) Z6



Stand back and enjoy the shine, watch others near us comment that I'm crazy "polishing" this car so often. Then they comment on how nice it looks as if the paint is in suspension or fluid!



That's my .02



Regards,

Deanski
 
A couple of questions first: Have you read the Zaino "Application Tips" (maybe that's what you're quoting here) and NickT's Tips here in Autopia? Those are very helpful.



EUROTECH said:
I am a little confused with the following step....

PAINT PREPERATION:

Properly and thoroughly prepare your paint. Do a dish detergent wash, then a claying, and follow with whatever polishing is needed to remove (not fill) any micro-marring.

A)WHAT IS MICRO-MARRING?....
Click to expand...




"Micromarring" is those little swirls/scratches that you can see in your paint. Zaino gives a gorgeous finish, but if you have any -- ANY! -- swirls, scratches, or spider-webbing, then Zaino will only "enhance" them. So you need to do careful paint prep before you start the Zaino process.



Finish with a very mild cleaner/polish to obtain the most reflective surface possible.

B)I SHOULD POLISH TWICE?
Click to expand...

There's a problem with the term "polish." In Autopia, when we talk about "polishing," we mean using SMR, compounds, etc. But lots of vendors say "polish" when we would say "wax" or "seal." So you may polish to get the paint scratch/swirl-free, then you apply the Zaino sealant. Be sure not to use any glazes that have "fillers" in them, or Zaino won't bond properly.



So here is what i should do to prepare the paint for Zaion right...

1)Wash with dish soap.
Click to expand...

Most of us use regular Dawn.



2)Clay(I need to dry before claying right?)
Click to expand...

Yes, I do. Then I've used Mother's, ClayMagic, and Autopia clays. I use plenty of lube. But I don't wash afterwards. Lots of people do, though. You just need to assess the "cleanness" of the paint, I guess.



3)Polish (I have used Pinnacle paint cleansing lotion, would something else work better
Click to expand...

It totally depends on whether your paint is scratch/swirl-free. If you have any defects, you'll need to use some appropriate polish -- ranging from paint-cleanser to SMR to heavy-duty compounds.



4) Polish?(So I polish a 2nd time, what type of polish do i use now?)
Click to expand...

Nope. You've dealt with it in step 3.



Then use the Zaino QD, and go at it with Z5 or Z2, depending on your car color.



Again, be sure to read Zaino's own tips and NickT's tips. I'm lovin' my Zaino shine. :bigups
 
PAINT PREPERATION:

Properly and thoroughly prepare your paint. Do a dish detergent wash, then a claying, and follow with whatever polishing is needed to remove (not fill) any micro-marring.

A)WHAT IS MICRO-MARRING?....
Click to expand...


**kind of like swirls, but not as deep

**here he says to polish with your first polish(more abrasive) to get out the larger swirls and imperfections

Finish with a very mild cleaner/polish to obtain the most reflective surface possible.

B)I SHOULD POLISH TWICE?
Click to expand...

**polish with you second polish (milder abrasiveness) to get out the scratches introduced by the first polish

Do a very careful wash (you don’t want to add any micro-marring to your carefully prepared paint) with Z-7 and carefully dry. Now you’re ready for the Zaino treatment!
Click to expand...

** Use the two bucket washing method with high quality mits



I did mine not too long ago: http://www.autopia.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24735

TAKE YOUR TIME ON THE PREP!! I seriously spent 80% of my time preparing the surface for Zaino (due to the initial paint condition ;) ), applying the Zaino was the easy part
 
Lynn,



You give the absolute best directions I have ever seen. Your explanation is very clear.



Are you a coach by any chance?



heh..



Anyhow, I am getting a little confused about what you said about using and "glazes that have fillers in them."



I have a '93 Black Acura Legend that has relatively good paint. It shines up well after a wash and wax, BUT the car has been through countless car washes. Point being, it MUST have a lot of swirls in it. I'm not an expert on paint, but I know the paint could use some SMR.



Now my concern is: I don't want to trap and enhance any swirl marks in the paint. What (filler free) product do you recommend - so that I can be assured that the Zaino will "bond" correctly.







Be sure not to use any glazes that have "fillers" in them, or Zaino won't bond properly.
Click to expand...



Can you then list the steps I need to take starting from the initial Dawn Wash?



Thanks a lot. You guys really know your stuff!
 
SMR's have products in them to 'hide" or "fill" swirls. The best way for Zaino application is to REMOVE swirls. This can be done by using a polish such as 3M or Menzerna or Megs, but it may take some time depending on how bad they are. Most of us have very good results with DACP as it cleans AND polishes. A less aggressive product may be #9 or Megs Swirl Free Polish. Menzerna FP is good, but it does take longer to break down and sometimes hard to remove hence the nickname "Glue-Zerna". Nothing wrong with it, just a bit different than other polishes.



The 3M SMR has fillers in it, works well but the swirls will return later. 3M FIII MP works well, as does some of the other polishes from 3M.



Just take your time when removing swirls, don't rush it. As they slowly start to come off, then you're on the right track. If they don't, a more aggressive product or pad may be needed. All depends on how bad it is and which product to use.



There are a boat load of posts on swirl removal. Just go though all the postings and you'll see which will work for you.



Regards,

Deanski
 
93LSCOUPE said:
Lynn,You give the absolute best directions I have ever seen. Your explanation is very clear.Are you a coach by any chance?
Click to expand...


Aw shucks! :o Not a coach per se, but most of my work for the past 20 yrs has been as a trainer.



Anyhow, I am getting a little confused about what you said about using and "glazes that have fillers in them."



I have a '93 Black Acura Legend that has relatively good paint. It shines up well after a wash and wax, BUT the car has been through countless car washes. Point being, it MUST have a lot of swirls in it. I'm not an expert on paint, but I know the paint could use some SMR.



Now my concern is: I don't want to trap and enhance any swirl marks in the paint. What (filler free) product do you recommend - so that I can be assured that the Zaino will "bond" correctly.
Click to expand...

Deanski's given you some great advice on specific SMRs/glazes. Use whatever works. Then spritz the surface with a 50% alcohol solution (or just buy 50% alcohol) to get rid of any fillers and oils. If you go the polish route, be sure also to wash again before applying the Zaino.



Can you then list the steps I need to take starting from the initial Dawn Wash?
Click to expand...

Does this thread help? It's really just these basic steps: wash & dry, clay, polish if needed, wash again if you polish, then apply the Zaino QD, then start with the Z2 or Z5. But you'll find lots more info on the Zaino website and great tips in Nick's Unsolicited Tips & Tricks. Go read! :up And come back with any clarifications you may need. Always happy to help another Zaino user.
 
Thanks for all the great info guys.



Deanski,



So Megs #9 doesn't have fillers? I would be ok using that? Also, can I apply #9 by hand? What kind of pads would work best with it? I need to get me some MF towels!



Lynn





A trainer eh? I knew it. hehe...I have read the Zaino application tips already. Only about 3 times. Thought I'd make sure it was right by asking you guys.



Keep the awesome info coming! Really appreciate it!
 
Hey guys,



The more I read about how Zaino can actually enhance swirl marks the more scared I am to use it.



Deanski,



I'm beginning to question whether I should even USE ZAINO now???



I guess it all depends on me. I am not that picky about my car, although I would want to make it perfect (if I had the time and money to spend on it-maybe that'll come later). It seems like there are A LOT steps I need to take prior to Zaino to make sure Zaino comes out AS IT SHOULD?





Anyhow, as of now, I just want to clear up some of the swirls I have on the paint and then make it look really shiny/glossy etc....



Is there another Swirl remover I can use to reduce swirls - and then follow up with someing like Souveran and not be scared of "enhancing" any swirl marks????



What route do you guys think I should go?



Thanks for all the help~!
 
93LSCOUPE, I understand what you mean. I first used Zaino on the old white Jag, which has nearly-flawless paint. Using Zaino got me all the way thru the winter, and made washing easy-breezy; even with salt, mud, and general crud, I never had to scrub to get her clean. Now that summer is here, I continue to marvel at how Zaino makes bird-bomb and sap clean-up easy too.



Wanted to use it on the Benz, too, but when I got to looking at the finish, I realized it was swirl city. So instead, I clayed, used Megs #7 and #26 for the time; now that I have begun practicing with a PC and polish, I'll be able to deal with the swirls and then use either Zaino or Klasse. My thinking was that, though Zaino isn't difficult to apply, it does sound like removal is something of a hassle. So I opted to go for glaze and wax 'til I could deal appropriately with the swirls.



I do not believe Zaino is difficult to use. And if you're not all that picky, that may mean you don't really want to wax very often. That's a real benefit of Zaino: if you'll spend the time to apply it, then all you need to do is the occasional wash and QD to keep it looking stunning for months and months.
 
Don't sweat if you cannot get EVERY swirl out! Look at it this way, we all could be as anal as hell and get all the marks etc off the finish, but for now so you can really appreciate Zaino, do the best you can for now. #9 is a good product for getting rid of swirls for now. As for MF towels, WWW.PAKSHAK.COM!!!!



Zaino is not difficult to use, it's just the prepwork as with any polish/wax. Sure you can go Souveran and you'll still have swirls, but now you have to maintain the Souveran more so than Zaino which lasts longer and protects better. So what if the finish is not perfect, see if you like it and go from there!



Hell, I STILL have some swirls left on my new Lexus SC430 and have yet to get the time to remove them, but I have Zaino over the Red color and it looks very nice and wet! Yes I will get them out now I got the newer Zaino and more DACP.



Don't sweat, go have fun and enjoy the shine!!! You can go as anal as you want later!



Regards,

Deanski
 
Thanks again Deanski



Can you tell me again what kind of filler-free swirl remover you recommend I use so that the Zaino will bond properly?





Be sure not to use any glazes that have "fillers" in them, or Zaino won't bond properly
Click to expand...



Thanks. I have more questions than a 5 year old!
 
Wow, thanks for all the help guys. I had a few last questions...

My car is 2 years old, Titanium silver BMW.

1)So what is a good polish that doesn't contain fillers that will remove minor swirl marks on a silver car. would something like this work? ..http://www.properautocare.com/3mperpolforl.html



2)Then after using a polish, what paint clenser should i use ? In Nicks article he sugest these, P21S GEPC, S100 SEC, or Platinum UPP-C. Or should I just use the PPCL I allready have.



3)And lastly do I just need to wash with Z7 after applying the polish, and paint clenser. Or should I go over it with a spritz of 50% alcohol solution to get rid of any fillers or oils.(Do I just mix 50% alchol and water and spray and wipe?) Then wash with Z7?.
 
93LSCOUPE said:
Thanks again Deanski



Can you tell me again what kind of filler-free swirl remover you recommend I use so that the Zaino will bond properly?









Thanks. I have more questions than a 5 year old!
Click to expand...



I've used Menzerna FP with very good results. It takes a bit of getting used to, breaking it down, but once done, the paint is mirror quality! If that does not do it, try the DACP first, and if it looks good, go right to Zaino or if you want or if it needs it, use the Menzerna FP to finish out. Also highly recommended are the 3M products. Machine Glaze seems to be very nice as well!! If the swirls are not that bad, try the Megs #9 first, if they are gone, great, if not then up to the DACP. Menzerna has a more aggressive product, but I find that DACP works much better and quicker as it's both a Cleaner AND a Polish!



You sould not have a problem with Zaino after that, but if you want the absolute answer... Contact Zaino directly, see if you can ask Sal or one of the others regarding polishes that are OK with Zaino.



Regards,

Deanski
 
EUROTECH said:
Wow, thanks for all the help guys. I had a few last questions...

My car is 2 years old, Titanium silver BMW.

1)So what is a good polish that doesn't contain fillers that will remove minor swirl marks on a silver car. would something like this work? ..http://www.properautocare.com/3mperpolforl.html



2)Then after using a polish, what paint clenser should i use ? In Nicks article he sugest these, P21S GEPC, S100 SEC, or Platinum UPP-C. Or should I just use the PPCL I allready have.



3)And lastly do I just need to wash with Z7 after applying the polish, and paint clenser. Or should I go over it with a spritz of 50% alcohol solution to get rid of any fillers or oils.(Do I just mix 50% alchol and water and spray and wipe?) Then wash with Z7?.
Click to expand...



Once you polish with a non-"filler/oil" swirl remover or polish, just make sure the finish is free from remaining polish residue and just start with Z6 Gloss Enhancer B4 your start with the Zaino Z5/Z2. Once your done wiping the car down with Z6, have your Z5 mixed with ZFX ready and start to apply THIN! Once hazed over (finger test-is it glossy if you run finger through haze? then ok to wipe) Once wiped, again Z6/Z5 until your happy with each application, up to 3 per ZFX additive of Z5. Then start the same for Z2 (Z6/Z2). Just hit the finish with Z6 B4 AND after each application to really bring up the shine and to help it bond.



Your done! Now as needed, wash with Z7, dry, hit it with Z6... SMILE!



Regards,

Deanski
 
Deary me .. all this fooling around.......





I just hit the paint with DACP to remove all the marks followed by AIO to polish and UPP to seal.



It all bonds, its all easy to use and it all looks good.



Super simple, squeaky-clean swirl free paint thats just as shiny as all this Z1, Z14, Z7, Z8 ,Z43 (repeat 30 times leaving 14 days inbetween) business.



Sounds too much like hard work if you ask me.



Specially when you start fooling around with ZFX and mixing tubes.



All that and Zaino wont even remove any marks in yer paint.......
 
Sorry for being so slow:o When you say DACP your talking about Dual Action Cleaner Polish right?

1)Will a wash after this clean up any fillers/oils so that Zaino will have no problems bonding.

2) Is DACP to abrasive for two year old, silver paint, with feint swirls/scratches etc.
 
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