Zaino users, or Zaino knowledgable....

S

steveAZ

New member
First post on this site. Reading some of the threads I can tell there is a lot of knowledge here.

I'm going to be switching my car over to the Zaino line, and have a few questions.



First,

A) Would you recommend starting with Menz FPII, skipping Z5, and going straight to multiple layers of Z2.

B) Going with Menz FPII AND Z5 followed by Z2 or

C) Ditching the menz and just going straight to Z5 / Z2?



Last,

Will a high quality Carnauba (Souveran or p21s) adhere to the top of Z2? Would it actually add depth to Z2? Just curious as I have read others doing this and thought it sounded great, but wasn't sure if it would actually bond.



FWIW, it will be going on a Grey Audi S4 which has never seen a car wash, dealer wash, and has been detailed by me since day 1. The paint is in great shape, and so far there are zero scratches, or swirls. Its currently sitting under 4 coats of 4star UPP.

TIA for all your help, I'm a Zaino n00b.

steve
 
Unless you have major, major swirling, why not Z-PC then straight to Z2 Pro?



Far as the carnauba, I'd pass and just use Z8 instead.
 
Well since your car is in very good condition it is unlikely you need to bother with Z5. Whether you do FPII before the Z2 is up to you. If you think it will add to the finish, go for it. Zainos aren't polishes, but you know that - whether or not your paint needs to be polished is you call. You will need to remove the current LSP, so a pass with some FPII isn't a bad idea, since it should strip the car of the current sealant/wax. A dawn wash/clay will do the same thing though, so the polish decision is really a judgement call.



Carnaubas will go over Zaino, and frankly, I think it's a great idea. I think they add to the Zaino look considerably. I'd let the Zaino sit overnight, but that's just me - if you use ZFX you probably won't need to be better safe than sorry.
 
JayC said:
Unless you have major, major swirling, why not Z-PC then straight to Z2 Pro?



Far as the carnauba, I'd pass and just use Z8 instead.
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Ditto. After 3 layers of Z2Pro and topped with Z8, you won't WANT to top it with anything!!

:xyxthumbs
 
There is nothing wrong with topping the Z2 with a quality carnauba. Wax can add both depth and wetness. The only drawback is not being able to add more Z2 layers without stripping essentially everything off and then starting over. Or, just build up several Z layers and then top it.



The carnauba doesn't "adhere" to the Z2 as you put it because there is no chemical/mechanical bonding between the two dissimilar surfaces. A pure wax could be more accurately described as sitting on top of or covering the Z2 layer.
 
Personally I liked to top the old Z2, but if you have Pro I would pass on the topper because I think it is as wet and deep as anything. It doesn't have the distortion of some waxes so it isn't the warmest look, but I have went from Wolfgang to Z2Pro on the same car and Z2Pro blew it away IMO as far as wet and deep goes. A good thing about Zaino is that it's layerable and you don't have to strip no matter when you want to put on the next layer (one hour, two days, three weeks, 4 months). If you put a wax on it it might mess with the next coat of Zaino you want to use. I'm with JayC, I really like Z8 as a topper. BTW, Menzerna is the perfect compliment to Zaino, but only use them if you have swirls. Leave the Z5 on the shelf unless you have a dark car and you need extra sun protection.
 
Burlyq said:
Personally I liked to top the old Z2, but if you have Pro I would pass on the topper because I think it is as wet and deep as anything. It doesn't have the distortion of some waxes so it isn't the warmest look, but I have went from Wolfgang to Z2Pro on the same car and Z2Pro blew it away IMO as far as wet and deep goes. A good thing about Zaino is that it's layerable and you don't have to strip no matter when you want to put on the next layer (one hour, two days, three weeks, 4 months). If you put a wax on it it might mess with the next coat of Zaino you want to use. I'm with JayC, I really like Z8 as a topper. BTW, Menzerna is the perfect compliment to Zaino, but only use them if you have swirls. Leave the Z5 on the shelf unless you have a dark car and you need extra sun protection.
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Could not have stated it better than you and JayC. :bow



SteveAZ, you can always test a panel on your car to convince yourself that carnuaba topper does or does not add anything to your appearance desires. In either case a Z7 wash will remove any residual carnuaba that is present after a few weeks and you can just add some more Z2-PRO/ZFX.



Remember, polishing not only removes surfaces blemishes but also adds to (enhances) the finish's appearance. At some point once a year a vehicle needs this step and claying to reach its true pinnacle of gloss, shine, depth and reflectivity.
 
As everyone said if no defects , Z5 is not necessary but you can use it if you like before Z2 .

I would just clay , polish out with FPII and a blue pad , then wash car to remove oils from FPII and go for the Z2pro . 2-3 coats same day if ZFX enabled or each coat 24 hours apart with Z6 and.or Z8 in between .
 
Thanks for all the help. Looks like I'll be visiting this forum more often.



You guys got me excited to make the swtich. I have both the Z6 and the Z8, is there a noticable difference between the 2? From the zaino page and other forums, it seems that the Z8 is the best thing zaino ever made! What did you all use between layers Z6 or Z8?

The car did have a clay & FPII about 4 months ago, then straight to the 4star UPP. I guess I'm gonna leave the Z5 on the shelf, build up some layers of Z2, and then decide about the carnuaba.
 
There is a big difference between Z6 and Z8. I still like Z6, but Z8 is one of the best QD's out there. Although I still contend that a layer of wax looks good over Z2. Maybe I like the warm look.
 
since Z8 costs so much , and I havent applied my Zaino yet but am anxious to - I would say do the 1st few layers with Z6 . Z8 being more slippery wait until the Zaino is bonded to the paint , then use Z8 between the 2nd and 3rd layering and over top the final layer .

That's my plan anyways
 
Z8 is more like a booster.. Id use it after the Z2 Pro. Z6 is a QD basically.. as I understand it Z8 is more of a liquid Z2, for lack of a better way to explain it.
 
LOL, alright.... I'm thinking too much now...

If I end up puttiung the Souverän on, should I QD with the Pinnacle CM or stick with the Z6/8?
 
Z6 between layers, especially as papi stated initially. You do not want to overwhelm the curing process by having Z8 between too many initial layers. Z8 is not only a QD but also a spray sealant. Like all sealants, Z8 must cure to some extent.



Z6 - Z5 (optional)- Z2-PRO x2 or 3 with Z6 between layers. Top with Z8.



Enjoy. You will love the look. Week after week after.....:woot:
 
steveAZ said:
LOL, alright.... I'm thinking too much now...

If I end up puttiung the Souverän on, should I QD with the Pinnacle CM or stick with the Z6/8?
Click to expand...





If the top coat is Souveran just use the Crystal Mist and not waste the Z8. Z8 will not bond to a carnuaba.
 
Doesnt Z8 have a limited shelf life, tho? I was really using mine sparingly until I saw someone post that it had like a ~6 month shelf life then I started using it more heavily.



Personally, I think topping Z2Pro is a waste for several reasons.
 
Shelf life is much longer than that. Here is the direct quote from the Zaino Website:



Q: What is the usable shelf life of Zaino products?



A: A 70° room temperature is best for the longevity of Zaino products. Due to the optical additives used, extreme heat or cold can result in a decrease in gloss-enhancing properties.



When stored at average room temperature between 65° and 75° degrees, shelf life is as follows:



Z-PC 3+ years

Z-1 For optimum results, use before 3 years.

Z-2 For optimum results, use before 3 years.

Z-3 For optimum results, use before 3 years.

Z-5 For optimum results, use before 3 years.

Z-6 5+ years

Z-7 5+ years

Z-8 5+ years

Z-9 5+ years

Z-10 For optimum results, use before 2 years.

Z-12 For optimum results, use before 2 years.

Z-14 For optimum results, use before 2 years.

Z-16 3 to 5 years

Z-18 5 years +

ZFX For optimum results, keep tightly capped, avoiding moisture. Use before 18 months.
 
While I dont doubt this, Ive seen some posts where people had problems with Z8 getting "gummy" over time. No big deal.. Ill just use it and buy more!
 
JayC said:
Doesnt Z8 have a limited shelf life, tho? I was really using mine sparingly until I saw someone post that it had like a ~6 month shelf life then I started using it more heavily.



Personally, I think topping Z2Pro is a waste for several reasons.
Click to expand...



Yeah, I'm not sold on it yet. I've never used Zaino, so once I get some layers on there, I'll decide. I'm betting I'll be happy as sh1t with the Z2 tho.
 
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