G35stilez
Ari Gold
It seems like there have been a million and one questions in regards to which 'Z' sealer one should purchase. There have been many agreements and disagreements over look, application, and durability, but here is what I've come up with after using each product on more than 20 cars in various conditions, locations, and ultimately, judging over time.
Zaino Z5 Pro
Application/Removal - With super thin coats, you should be using .25 oz or less on a normal sized vehicle's paint, exterior glass, and wheels. I usually go with a rule of 1 drop of ZFX per .25 oz of Z5 Pro. Apply vertically on vertical panels for more gloss. Moisten applicator with Z6, Z8, or distilled water for easier application. Wait 10 minutes before removing.
Look - With a properly prepped surface (clay and polishing), expect Z5 Pro to increase the depth and wetness of the surface. Further, expect the color of the paint to become more prominent and notice a look that rivals some carnauba waxes. Z5 Pro will synthetically fill very minor marring/swirling. To maximize this attribute, leave the residue to dry for about 30 minutes, and then remove. I would recommend this product predominantly for solid colors.
Durability - Although Z5 Pro is rather new, I have been playing with it for a while. The first applications of the new product (a little over 3 months ago) are still *looking* very good, beading well, and have slickness to the surface. I would safely say on a vehicle washed (with standard car wash soap, by hand) every 7-10 days and outside 24-7, for a single (ZFX'd) application of Z5 Pro to last 5-6 months. For vehicles that spend their nights in a garage, add 1-2 months.
With the previous version [Z5], having 3 ZFX'd layers on my Integra, weekly washes and Z6 or Z8 applications, and a garage every night, after 7 months, the surface was very slick, beaded very well, and was very deep, wet. Therefore, I could conclude this sealant was barely broken down, if at all.
Secrets - Of course, using a system of products by the same manufacturer increases your success, but I have had great success with Zaino Z7 wash. A touch more aggressive than others, but it allows for a more effective cleaning job which ultimately leads to the abolishment of surface penetrating contaminants. Further, when applying Z5 Pro with ZFX in a bottle, put 2-3 trigger squirts (per ounce of sealant) of Z8 in and mix. The overall look is enhanced. Lastly, if you have trouble with streaking (applying heavy on dark cars), use Z6 to remove, not Z8. The cleaning power in Z6 does a more effective job in removing the residue.
Zaino Z2 Pro
Application/Removal – Being a bit thicker product than Z5 Pro, I find it very important to thoroughly moisten, almost saturate, your applicator with Z6, Z8, or distilled water. Again, with super thin coats, you should be using .25 oz or less on a normal sized vehicle's paint, exterior glass, and wheels. I usually go with a rule of 1 drop of ZFX per .25 oz of Z2 Pro. Apply vertically on vertical panels for more gloss. Wait 15 minutes before removing.
Look – With a properly prepped surface (clay and polishing), expect Z2 Pro to increase gloss (light reflectivity) and clarity. In my best judgment, the look is far from ‘plastic’, but rather a very attractive and bright finish. I have had excellent success with it on all colors, but find it really makes the metallic paints explode with life.
Durability – Z2 Pro has been out for a little over a year now and I have used it on many vehicles since then. I would safely say on a vehicle washed (with standard car wash soap, by hand) every 7-10 days and outside 24-7, for a single (ZFX'd) application of Z5 Pro to last 5-6 months. For vehicles that spend their nights in a garage, add 1-2 months.
Secrets – As stated above, Z7 Car Wash followed by Z6/Z8 afterwards is an excellent cleaning and gloss enhancing regimen. When applying Z2 Pro with ZFX in a bottle, put 2-3 trigger squirts (per ounce of sealant) of Z8 in and mix. The look is enhanced. If you have trouble with streaking (applying heavy on dark cars), use Z6 to remove, not Z8. The cleaning power in Z6 does a more effective job in removing the residue. Lastly, on an already Zaino sealed (Z2 Pro and/or Z5 Pro + ZFX’d) surface, after washing, dry to about 90% (some streaks and drips remaining) and apply a quick layer of Z2 Pro. The remaining water will help the product spread and by the time you are done wiping down the jams and wheels, your paint is ready to be buffed (by hand) to a brilliant gloss.
Conclusion - Both Z2 Pro and Z5 Pro are excellent sealants from Zaino. With their ability to be used on any non-porous surface, to their unmatched durability and shine, I see a spot in my arsenal for both products. For the consumer wanting just one product, I would have to give the nod to Z5 Pro. With a slightly easier learning curve and minor filling abilities, Z5 Pro is an instant classic. I have yet to hear a *bad* review on the product.
For the diehard enthusiast, I would recommend doing the Z5 Pro/ZFX/Z8 x 3 regimen on one day, then consecutively layering Z2 Pro over it (with or without ZFX/Z8) for a combined look of gloss, wetness, and depth. Some even argue to go Z5 Pro/Z2 Pro/Z5 Pro/Z2 Pro/etc for their personal vehicles. Whichever way you go, I doubt you will be disappointed.
I hope this information has helped and to further iterate my point, I have included some pictures below:
Z5 Pro x 3 (ZFX’d) , Z2 Pro x 2 (non-ZFX)
Z5 Pro x 3 (ZFX’d) , Z2 Pro x 2 (non-ZFX)
Z2 Pro x 1 (ZFX’d) – Notice the extreme gloss
Z5 Pro x 1 (ZFX’d) – Very deep and wet
Cheers!
Zaino Z5 Pro
Application/Removal - With super thin coats, you should be using .25 oz or less on a normal sized vehicle's paint, exterior glass, and wheels. I usually go with a rule of 1 drop of ZFX per .25 oz of Z5 Pro. Apply vertically on vertical panels for more gloss. Moisten applicator with Z6, Z8, or distilled water for easier application. Wait 10 minutes before removing.
Look - With a properly prepped surface (clay and polishing), expect Z5 Pro to increase the depth and wetness of the surface. Further, expect the color of the paint to become more prominent and notice a look that rivals some carnauba waxes. Z5 Pro will synthetically fill very minor marring/swirling. To maximize this attribute, leave the residue to dry for about 30 minutes, and then remove. I would recommend this product predominantly for solid colors.
Durability - Although Z5 Pro is rather new, I have been playing with it for a while. The first applications of the new product (a little over 3 months ago) are still *looking* very good, beading well, and have slickness to the surface. I would safely say on a vehicle washed (with standard car wash soap, by hand) every 7-10 days and outside 24-7, for a single (ZFX'd) application of Z5 Pro to last 5-6 months. For vehicles that spend their nights in a garage, add 1-2 months.
With the previous version [Z5], having 3 ZFX'd layers on my Integra, weekly washes and Z6 or Z8 applications, and a garage every night, after 7 months, the surface was very slick, beaded very well, and was very deep, wet. Therefore, I could conclude this sealant was barely broken down, if at all.
Secrets - Of course, using a system of products by the same manufacturer increases your success, but I have had great success with Zaino Z7 wash. A touch more aggressive than others, but it allows for a more effective cleaning job which ultimately leads to the abolishment of surface penetrating contaminants. Further, when applying Z5 Pro with ZFX in a bottle, put 2-3 trigger squirts (per ounce of sealant) of Z8 in and mix. The overall look is enhanced. Lastly, if you have trouble with streaking (applying heavy on dark cars), use Z6 to remove, not Z8. The cleaning power in Z6 does a more effective job in removing the residue.
Zaino Z2 Pro
Application/Removal – Being a bit thicker product than Z5 Pro, I find it very important to thoroughly moisten, almost saturate, your applicator with Z6, Z8, or distilled water. Again, with super thin coats, you should be using .25 oz or less on a normal sized vehicle's paint, exterior glass, and wheels. I usually go with a rule of 1 drop of ZFX per .25 oz of Z2 Pro. Apply vertically on vertical panels for more gloss. Wait 15 minutes before removing.
Look – With a properly prepped surface (clay and polishing), expect Z2 Pro to increase gloss (light reflectivity) and clarity. In my best judgment, the look is far from ‘plastic’, but rather a very attractive and bright finish. I have had excellent success with it on all colors, but find it really makes the metallic paints explode with life.
Durability – Z2 Pro has been out for a little over a year now and I have used it on many vehicles since then. I would safely say on a vehicle washed (with standard car wash soap, by hand) every 7-10 days and outside 24-7, for a single (ZFX'd) application of Z5 Pro to last 5-6 months. For vehicles that spend their nights in a garage, add 1-2 months.
Secrets – As stated above, Z7 Car Wash followed by Z6/Z8 afterwards is an excellent cleaning and gloss enhancing regimen. When applying Z2 Pro with ZFX in a bottle, put 2-3 trigger squirts (per ounce of sealant) of Z8 in and mix. The look is enhanced. If you have trouble with streaking (applying heavy on dark cars), use Z6 to remove, not Z8. The cleaning power in Z6 does a more effective job in removing the residue. Lastly, on an already Zaino sealed (Z2 Pro and/or Z5 Pro + ZFX’d) surface, after washing, dry to about 90% (some streaks and drips remaining) and apply a quick layer of Z2 Pro. The remaining water will help the product spread and by the time you are done wiping down the jams and wheels, your paint is ready to be buffed (by hand) to a brilliant gloss.
Conclusion - Both Z2 Pro and Z5 Pro are excellent sealants from Zaino. With their ability to be used on any non-porous surface, to their unmatched durability and shine, I see a spot in my arsenal for both products. For the consumer wanting just one product, I would have to give the nod to Z5 Pro. With a slightly easier learning curve and minor filling abilities, Z5 Pro is an instant classic. I have yet to hear a *bad* review on the product.
For the diehard enthusiast, I would recommend doing the Z5 Pro/ZFX/Z8 x 3 regimen on one day, then consecutively layering Z2 Pro over it (with or without ZFX/Z8) for a combined look of gloss, wetness, and depth. Some even argue to go Z5 Pro/Z2 Pro/Z5 Pro/Z2 Pro/etc for their personal vehicles. Whichever way you go, I doubt you will be disappointed.
I hope this information has helped and to further iterate my point, I have included some pictures below:
Z5 Pro x 3 (ZFX’d) , Z2 Pro x 2 (non-ZFX)
Z5 Pro x 3 (ZFX’d) , Z2 Pro x 2 (non-ZFX)
Z2 Pro x 1 (ZFX’d) – Notice the extreme gloss
Z5 Pro x 1 (ZFX’d) – Very deep and wet
Cheers!
.
!