Have any of you used a wax on top of a zaino application. I have used zaino on all my other vehicles and had nothing but positive results. However I applied a coat or two to my 04 TL NBP and I am able to see numerous very fin scratches. Any thoughts ?

 

NBP is very difficult to keep swirl marks down. I don't think Zaino is designed to have wax applied over the top...as a matter of fact, Sal Zaino says not to do it. Try using the Zaino swirl remover before putting the final coat on the finish. I had a '02 TL-S in NBP, and I was never able to totally remove the swirl marks, but there is no color that's as shiny IMHO, a really awesome color but lots of work keeping it looking nice. Give Sal Zaino a call, he's usually available and very helpfull regarding use of his products...good luck!!

 

Yes Zaino can be topped with a carnauba. HOWEVER, when you go to apply the next coat of Zaino, you'll have to strip the carnauba. Zaino, being a polymer, won't bond to carnauba. If you wait a few weeks in the LA sun, the carnauba will be gone anyway.

 

I believe fin scratches are on all the colors no matter how careful you try while putting Zaino on, but NBP is the easiest color to see those fin scratches.

 

What are you doing with fish on your car to make the "fin" scratches??
Sorry, I couldn't resist.

 

:d

 

Ditto to what NSXNEXT said. S100 and Meg's #16 are some good toppers.

 

You can top zaino with a carnuba. Other synthetic waxs or carnubas with lots of additives will not stick at all. But ... even the carnuba (P21, Blitz, zymol, or other whole carnuba) will not stick well to the Zaino. It will last a few weeks at best. If you want a synth with a topper, Klass and Einznett glanz are better choices than Zaino. IRT fine scratches called swirls, try a Random Orbital Buffer for prep with some Einzett polishes (they are real abrasive polishes not like zaino) then apply 2 coats of Z5 then Z2. There are a few detailing forums that cover this well try roadfly, it has some good tutorials.
ATB,
Tom

PS Sal Zaino will tell you it is a waste of time as it does not adhere too well and will not last.

 

Awesome... Thanks for everyones help.... I know you are never gonna be able to remove all swirl marks, but you never know what little tricks people have... And I LOVE my NBP, It is just a lot of work to keep up with.

 

and before you do it, i recommend doing a small side by side first to see if you really like it

 

any carnuba will only last a few weeks - zaino or not.

 

While most carnubas last much shorter than synths (Zaino, Klass, Glanz, etc.) Carnuba over Zaino makes the problem worse. Very poor adhesion -- almost none. IMO it looks good after its done for a week or so as you get that carnuba shine but it fades fast (IMO carnuba looks better shine wise than most synths but that I realize is subjective.) In the end it is not worth it to me ... maybe for a garage queen but ... FWIW the best lasting Carnubas last about 4 to 6 weeks 8 weeks tops depending of course on weather, garaged, washing, etc.
ATB,
Tom