Zaino prep question

C

cozmo

New member
Today I received some Z-2 Pro with ZFX that I want to try for the first time on my silver car. Last week I washed, clayed then applied Wolfgang sealant. After searching and reading numerous posts I know I need to "prep" the surface before application of the Zaino. As far as AIO's go, all I have on hand is Meguiar's paint cleaner and Ultimate paint cleaner that I got a while back from Gary at perfectautofinish. After washing, can I use either of the cleaners as a base before I apply the Zaino? I've read all of the Dawn threads and I really don't want to go that route. Everything will be applied by hand.

Thanks
 
Im not familiar with either of the two paint cleaners you listed, however, in this case if you have nothing else, I would just go ahead with dawn. Mix up your regular wash solution and add a couple ounces of dawn.



As long as the paint cleaners dont leave behind any protection, I dont see why they wouldn't be sufficient prep, however, I would use dawn in this situation.
 
Hi cozmo,

You can use the Meg's paint cleaner then do a 50/50 water/alcohol (rubbing alcohol) wipe down and you should be fine. You can then proceed to use your Z2 Pro with ZFX. Please remember with Zaino you will have the best results by applying it sparingly (thin coats). Good luck and let us know the results!
 
The first time I purchased Z-2pro last year, I was so anxious I just put it on. LOL. You'll be amazed of the stunning look of Zaino.



To get the best of the product, you will need to prep. I guess you can use dawn, clay and then apply a couple coats of Z-2. Good luck.
 
since you just clayed last week I would:

wash

polish with cleaner

water/IPA wipedown (50/50) or rewash

apply Zaino
 
I would just Dawn wash. Just follow Sal's recommendation. You're only doing this once to prep surface, and no harm to paint.
 
I'd use the Dawn also followed by Clay another wash and if you can do it, use either 3M rubbing compound or Menzerna FP to prep the surface before applying either Z 2 or Z5. If your car is not so dirty, use ZAIO followed by Z2.
 
widyhs said:
I'd use the Dawn also followed by Clay another wash and if you can do it, use either 3M rubbing compound or Menzerna FP to prep the surface before applying either Z 2 or Z5. If your car is not so dirty, use ZAIO followed by Z2.
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I'm in a similar situation and was hoping some of you may be able to elaborate a bit on this process. I've got the following products, which I plan to apply by hand as follows:



1) Dawn wash

2) Clay bar

3) Meguire's Medallion Paint Cleaner

4) Dawn wash OR 50/50 water/alcohol wipedown

5) Z-AIO followed by Z-2Pro



Questions:

Is anyone familiar with the Medallion Paint Cleaner? Will it prep the paint any better than the Z-AIO? If not, I assume I should just skip the Medallion and go straight to Z-AIO.



Should I just use a regular wash at step #1, since the clay bar and paint cleaner should strip any leftover waxes/sealants? Also, which is the preferred method at step #4, a Dawn wash or 50/50 wipedown?
 
Thanks for all of the suggestions. I guess I'll wash, then polish and then wash again before application.

Thanks
 
I have success using Meg DC1 and Z2 Pro together. I also have luck using it on top of ColorX. I also have luck with OP and Z2 Pro. I find that it's okay as long as you are not using it on top of a carnauba wax. You can wash with ur car shampoo, DC1 then Z2 Pro.



Altho I don't get much luck topping it with a carnauba. It also doesn't bond well with JW Prime Acrylic. I also find it didn't bond well on Meg Cleanerwax. The Z2 Pro loses its slickness very fast on this few carnauba waxes that I mentioned. And the beading was not that good.
 
Hmm, so I can just wash with my normal soap (Griot's wash) then apply Meguiar's step 1 paint cleaner and then follow with the Zaino? I may try this route as I don't mind reapplying the Zaino in a few weeks if need be.
 
mattgg11 said:
I'm in a similar situation and was hoping some of you may be able to elaborate a bit on this process. I've got the following products, which I plan to apply by hand as follows:



1) Dawn wash

2) Clay bar

3) Meguire's Medallion Paint Cleaner

4) Dawn wash OR 50/50 water/alcohol wipedown

5) Z-AIO followed by Z-2Pro



Questions:

Is anyone familiar with the Medallion Paint Cleaner? Will it prep the paint any better than the Z-AIO? If not, I assume I should just skip the Medallion and go straight to Z-AIO.



Should I just use a regular wash at step #1, since the clay bar and paint cleaner should strip any leftover waxes/sealants? Also, which is the preferred method at step #4, a Dawn wash or 50/50 wipedown?
Click to expand...



All you need to perform is:



Regular shampoo wash is enough as long as the shampoo is free of protectants or loaded with oils. A Dawn wash will not hurt anything but since you are performing the steps below it is not necessary.



Clay - can be perform as you are washing



ZAIO



If you have Z6 a wipe down will remove any dusting. A damp MF wipe down will also work.



Z2-PRO



No need or benefit from the Medallion Paint Cleaner or the IPA wipedown





Admire your work and the appearance of your vehicle.:clap:
 
This is what I did on my new car with no scratches or swirls:



Dawn wash - rinse

Z7 wash and clay - rinse

ZAIO

Z6 wipe down

Z2 Pro or Z5 Pro with ZFX 3 layers total

ZCS
 
cozmo said:
Hmm, so I can just wash with my normal soap (Griot's wash) then apply Meguiar's step 1 paint cleaner and then follow with the Zaino? I may try this route as I don't mind reapplying the Zaino in a few weeks if need be.
Click to expand...



Since you have clayed recently, you dont need to eliminate the bonded contaminates, like mentioned previously, just use the dawn wash mixed in with Griots soap, then Zaino.



Obviously, if your bent on the cleaner wax, go ahead, bonding may be altered.
 
SpoiledMan said:
I don't see where he mentions a *cleaner wax* but I do see a *paint cleaner* though.
Click to expand...



OOps, I thought the cleaner wax was the same as Step 1, apparently not.



<---------------Megs consumer line Noob



In that case, either one should do it, essentially you just wanna remove the WG DGS.
 
Well, I just washed with Dawn and after drying real good, I applied the Z-2pro really thin and I can barely see it . I'm just waiting for it dry. The Dawn worked pretty good. The paint felt like it had not been waxed in a long time. I'll probably end up doing 2 coats.
 
Ok, here are my thoughts:

Haze was very light and it rubbed off pretty easy.

Gloss is good considering it's a metallic silver.

Slickness is ok. Not as slick as Wolfgang.

I guess I'll apply a little heavier coat on the second try. I'll update later with pics (charging battery) later.
 
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