after doing a fair amount of searching and research on various forums (this one being the best) , i've made the plunge and purchased this from Zaino:

Zaino Ultimate Bundle

i also stopped by Ace Hardware this afternoon and grabbed a couple bottles of 303 to hopefully complete my detailing supply cache.

i've seen that 303 is becoming a popular tire cleaner/dressing as well, so i wonder if i should go with that versus the Zaino tire dressing that comes with the kit. i suppose i might as well use the Zaino first since it is designed only for tires...and then switch to 303 later.

i'll be claying for the first time as well...this forum has been an excellent source of info!

 

yeah...sorry for the double post...and i can't seem to find an edit or delete option on this forum. ????

ok...looks like the edit option only shows up on replies to the original post. i can't edit the original.

moderator: please delete this thread if possible.

 

Hmmmm......Zaino eh?
My first recommendation, if your electing to "step it up" would be a PC.......

 

lol...


either way, zaino for a detail-beginner? suit yourself...

 

interesting responses. not sure what you mean by the "PC" comment...sorry that my Firefox browser session hung during the original post and i had to kill the process and then it double posted when i went back to try again. i guess that's never happened to anyone before. sigh. ??

regarding novice vs. "professional" detailing...is there some top secret school that one should attend to be allowed to buy quality products? i'm pretty sure reading instructions isn't that complex since it's what a majority of people praise on this forum...

 

"PC" = Porter Cable. Here's a link explaining what it is and how to use it: http://www.guidetodetailing.com/arti...p?articleId=47

 

You didn't mention how old your TL is or what condition it's in. I would suggest a mild polish/cleanser after you clay. Z-5 will not remove scratches or swirls. I've seen a number of posts about Z-5 saying it doesn't fill completely even after several coats. Don't know about the Z-5 Pro although it is still a filler. A number of the regulars here favor swirl removal products over fillers. Zaino developed a diminishing abrasive in Z-PC for use with a PC Dual Action Buffer. It has been compared to PB SSR2.

 

hehehe...and i thought i was getting a newbie bashing about my double post when he referenced a "pc" (me thinking computer).

my TL is a 2005 Anthracite...very few swirl marks, so i'm looking for quality, longer lasting protection over wax which is why i wanted to try the polymer route.

i'll check into the Porter Cable as well.

thanks much!

 

You're on the right track. Im sure in your research you've found that Zaino is a higly debated product. Mostly because they recommend using Dawn to wash the car first, as well as needing several layers to bring out the reflectivity.

I too a few years ago used Zaino at first. As I got wiser and more informed about detailing, I've found and have used other products that give me the results I desire.

Aside from the Zaino zealots, I think most people would agree NOT to use Dawn to wash your car prior to a Zaino, or any other product application. If you plan on claying, then a regular wash and the clay will be fine to give you a clean surface to apply Z2. Enjoy...

 

There are a number of resources one can refer to and each one will recommend a particular product. As joe mentioned, there are products that can equal another in terms of gloss and reflectivity at a lesser cost. The bottom line here; did the product do what it is advertised to do and did the result meet your expectations. Regardless of what product one chooses surface prep cannot be stressed enough. You need a sterile surface, one free of surface defects for any product to five it a pristine appearance.

 

i didnt mean any disresepect, only the simple fact that a proper zaino is a 24 hour process requiring multiple coats. i just figured one should familirize themselves with basic wax/polishing with a more basic product before going balls to the wall

 

Danny, I'd like to add if you dont mind.....

The bottom line here; did the product do what it is advertised to do, without an excessive amount of effort, and did the result meet your expectations.

If a product is difficult to use, one normally will find a way to avoid using it again. The ol brain doesnt like punishment (Im not sure I can speak for all of us on this one, lol)

Agreed, Zaino is a hard way to learn proper car care procedures and techniques......

 

Why is Zaino harder to use? Seems to have just 1 extra step compared to any other type of wax or sealant.

1. wash car (same as w/ regular waxing)
2. clay car (optional step - same as w/ regular waxing)
3. PC (optional step - same as w/ regular waxing)
4. put a couple drops of ZFX into Z2 or Z5 and shake ***this is the ONLY extra step w/ Zaino***
5. apply product to car (same as w/ regular waxing)
6. buff off (same as w/ regular waxing)
7. apply extra layer and buff off (optional step - same as w/ regular waxing)

So with the 1 or 2 minutes it takes to do step 4, I don't see what the big deal is w/ using Zaino. I'm not saying Zaino's the best product, I'm just saying it's no more difficult to use than any other product.

As for those who say Zaino is hard to remove, as long as you follow directions and apply a very thin coat, it comes off as easy as any other product I've tried.

For those who say Zaino requires multiple coats, I haven't really found it necessary. I've used 1 or 2 coats at the most and it seems to last a long time.

 

I think the gist of the conversation about Zaino application is the learning curve. It's not that hard to apply once you learn how to use it. Most new folks will tend to over mix or over apply a product. Granted, it's not rocket science, but it's really not a wipe on/wipe off process.

BTW, you're one of the few Zainoists who uses only 1-3 coats of Zaino and I laud you for that. A good number of them apply 6-7 coats.