OK, So I've finally got my second order of Zaino products and I think I now have all the stuff I need to do things right.

I have the Z18 Claybar
I have the Z1 Polish lok
I have the Z2 Polish
I have the Z5 Polish
I have the Z7 Car Wash concentrate

I plan to wash the car with "Dawn" dishwashing liquid per Zaino's first preparation instructions.

I will then Claybar the car

I will then apply the Z1 Polish lok

NOW, here is where I'm a bit confused as to which product to use. Should I apply Z2 polish over the Z1 or use Z5? I first thought that you were supposed to use Z2 for everyday polish and only use Z5 to cover up scratches and swirl marks as the accumulate from time to time. Is that correct? Or should I just use Z5 from the start?
This will be my first detail from when I picked up my new car from the dealer a month ago...2002 ABP. I neeeeeeed that mirror shine! I thought I had it straight, but when I read the bottle of Z5 it sounds like it is the best they have to offer and that it is better than Z2, and that it is OK to use everytime you detail it???

Also, for those of you who have done it. Do you really need to go out and buy a white Cannon or Fieldcrest full sized bath towel to buff it off? (This is what the enclosed instructions say to use) I had just purchased several bags of 100% cotton soft polishing cloths. The kind that look like soft cheese clothe... Do I have to follow every letter of the law? OR will these do?

Thanks again for the help on this overdone subject!

 

It really does not matter which you use first (Z2 or Z5), but in general the Z5 is used first to fill in the light swirls. You can go back and forth between Z2 & Z5 though, no problem.

 

Always use Z2 last to achieve the best shine. The Zaino website recommends this due to the higher optical properties of Z2.

You can always go back and forth between Z2 and Z5 though.

 

I use microfiber towels, the good ones to buff out the residue.

The FIeldcrest Charisma towels are plush, but I've still heard people getting swirls from them.

As for Z5 vs Z2, I would build up the Z5 until you are happy with the finish, then go to Z2.

Here is picture of my 99 Satin Silver TL after the Zaino treatment.