Do you have to wash the car again, before applying Z2? It's been 3 days since the last zaino application. Would I be able to just wipe the car down with the Zaino detailing spray and then apply Z2? Thanks!

 

CLS16-

I'd err on the side of caution and wash the car again so as to avoid putting any scratches in the paint. It doesn't take that long and it's the safer route.

 

If the car just has dust, you can just hose it down, wipe off and Zaino. If the car has some dirt or debris, use mild car wash soap or dilute it and then Zaino. When you have multiple coats of Zaino, its much easier to wash your car.

 

Do you guys use the zaino to keep the car looking nice, or just to prevent the chipping? I guess i ask because i heard the paint chipping problem isn't a problem for every CL, only to specific ones. And zaino also is kind of expensive, how often do you have to use it? thanx in advance..

 

I use the Zaino for the shine and protection of the paint. It is very easy to use.

 

IF the car was sitting in a garage -- you probably would just use the Z6.

If it is out in the street, with that RED color of yours, you are taking some chances.

When in doubt, do a good hand wash with Z7.

 

1. To look nice -- silver from a distance looks like a mirror.

2. Protection -- that's why I have a ton of layers on. There are a number of people that will tell you that the layering is BS, but they haven't tried it...

It isn't that expensive if you use it as directed. It is best put on in hot shade, and let to dry in the sun. A bottle (Z2/Z5) will last for a ton of coats if you do it right. The Z6 increases the gloss. I use it to get a "Teflon" effect...

[ 08-27-2001: Message edited by: EricL ]

 

What do you mean by 'a ton of coats' ? 5?.. I think i'm doing it wrong.. =).. my bottle of Z5 is probably 90% gone after 3 coats.....

It just doesn't seem like it's on.. for example i'll put a strip (like toothpaste) across the long side of their applicator and that will do half the door...

Same with Z6.. I go through that spray stuff pretty quickly..4-5 good spray mists for the hood.. etc..

 

I can only comment on my own learning curve -- I was originally using about 2 oz. per car application. I wanted to be able to see a "thin" coat on the car. I was also a bit perplexed at how fast the stuff evaporated on the car's surface on a HOT day (in the sun). I now can use about 1 oz to cover the entire CLS.

I did find that trying to apply a think coat on a hot surface will really "waste" the stuff -- it evaporates right off the terry applicator as the applicator hits the car’s hot surface.

Suggestions:

1. Wet the Terry applicator (from Zaino) with water and ring it out.

2. Apply a couple of squirts of Z6 to the pad.

3. Apply 2 thin strips to the pad and try to put down long even strokes -- a thin stroke is all you need.

In my experience, the best location for the application of the stuff is in WARM shade. Then move the car into the sun to help the dry time.

Z6 -- I use a bit more than I should (I think). I use about 3 super misty sprays to do the entire hood. Once again, if you do this in the hot sun, you will waste tons of the stuff...

 

I get 10-15 coats per bottle...some people get over 20. You should at least get 8-10. GO VERY THIN. I don't how it is drying in a reasonable amount of time if you are putting it on so thick.

 

 

refer to the site zainobros.com and
use common sense and you should not have to ask anymore questions.

 

in response to Bill97Z...
I was kinda surprised as well since i've been reading how it could take hours to dry.. but in an hour it came off. It seemed dry cause it came off fairly easily.. not too much elbow grease....

though getting it out of the tiny crevices was a different story.

I'll try to go lighter on it next time and see how it turns out.

john

 

It definitely sounds like you are using way too much Z on your car. My car is red and I can barely see the Z when I apply it. If I remember correctly, I have only ordered from Sal about 2 times since June of 1998. I had a ton of Z on my 300M and now have about 11 coats on the CL-S since 3/28/01.

I have heard the horror stories in Edmunds.com about the drying time of Zaino, but personally I have never had that problem. By the time I'm done applying it, the first part is dry. Of course I don't apply it if the humidity is 90%.

It doesn't take much to give your car that wet look shine. With 2 ounces, I could get at least 4-5 applications on the CL.