I was checking out the Zaino products and noticed a lot of people reccomended them. I was wondering what to do about a my new 2002 tl (4 weeks old). I am pretty fanatical about it, so I don't want to take any chances with regards to the exterior. Should I order the Zaino products (clay bar, Z-1, Z-2, Z-5, and Z-6) and go throught the Zaino wax process right away? Or, leave the factory wax job alone and apply the Zaino in a few months? I have already noticed some very faint pits in the wax at the front of the hood and want to keep that under control. Also, any recommendations or things to be wary of in carrying out this process (other than the labeled instructions) would be appreciated. The last thing I want, is to screw up a beautiful car. Thanks a lot.

 

I used Zaino's products within a few weeks of ownership and I've never looked back! I've just put my third coat yesterday and I'm very pleased.

The factory wax job is very weak. I suggest you switch to Zaino as soon as practical.

Here's what you should do:

1. Wash your car with Liquid Dawn (the blue bottle worked for me).
2. Use the claybar to get rid of the embedded dirt in your paint.
3. Wash the car with Z7.
4. Dry the car thoroughly with cotton towels (and the Cali Water Blade--I love it!).
5. Apply Z1 lightly.
6. Apply Z5.
7. Wipe off Z5 when it's dry.
8. Wait 24 hours.
9. Apply Z6.
10. Apply Z2.
11. Wipe off Z2 when it's dry.
12. Apply Z6.
13. Put your shades on!

Anyway, I use Z6 after every wash (once a week). I also apply Z6-Z2-Z6 about once a month or so to maintain that incredible shine.

 

Wash your car with Liquid Dawn (the blue bottle worked for me).

Isn't liquid Dawn a detergent? If so that's a big NO No for washing your car. You'd be better off using a generic car washing soap from your local TRAK Auto or PEP boys.

 

I think the reason that people say not to use liquid detergent is because it strips all of the wax off of your car whereas car wash soaps and shampoos just take dirt and grime off w/o removing the wax. But for the purposes of Zanio, it reccomends using Dawn the first time you do it to take off any excess wax from previous waxings or the factory. It reccomends the use of detergent the first time so everything (including the wax) can be removed before your first application. When washing the car AFTER you have polished and waxed it, you will want to use formulas specifically created for cars becasue it will leave the wax on, but remove dirt. Hope this helps.

-Burt

 

Thanks for the clarification.

 

I use the Zaino also. Stripped all the wax using a dish washing liquid then did the whole routine. People keep telling me it looks like liquid glass over the paint. I have 5 coats of Z-5, swirl marks are gone, and three coats of Z-2 with Z-6 in between each coat. I did the same thing to the wheels except for the Z-5. I have not done anything except wash it (with the Z-7) and wipe it down with the Z-6 and it looks great! The great stuff is the Z-6. It really brings out the shine and the paint is so smooth. I just ordered the leather products and the glass cleaner. We'll see how it works.