Just reading all the threads on this stuff is giving me a headache is really that much of a deal to put it on and how much does all these multple products cost i dont doubt the effectiveness of it but i was wondering is there something else that I can use to make my SSM look good. Without searching for multiple products or complex procedures.

 

The steps used w/ zaino should be used w/ any product


removing previous wax and claying should be a must. Multiple coats aren't necessary IMO however.

And a bottle of the stuff goes a long way. I've had my zaino for about 4 years and have probably used it 20 or so times on various cars and have a lot left.

 

but dont you have to have differant stuff like a whole bunch of z2,3,4,5, ect

 

Zanio was voted the number one synthetic polymer sealant by an independent testing body
(Guru Reports) its application process has a small learning curve, but once mastered the results are well worthwhile. This is the product I use for the preparation of concourse vehicles (or any vehicle that requires a ‘show car’ shine

Zanio is a synthetic polymer wax, a compromise between a polymer sealant and a natural wax. The polymers do not require a lengthy cross-link (cure) time as ZFX™ is formulated to accelerate the time requirements. Z-2™ produces the most gloss of the two synthetic waxes (although they’re labelled as polishes) it is more optically clear then Z-5™ and will highlight any surface imperfections, whereas Z-5 will ‘hide’ very minor surface imperfections with fillers. Z-3™ is a ‘polish’ for single stage (non-clear coated) paint.


a) Detailers Tips:
1. Apply this product using water-dampened applicator, then spray the applicator with Z6.
2. Apply Z-solution very thinly using absolute minimum pressure on the applicator.
3. Spray the vehicle surface very lightly with Z6 between each ‘layer’.
4. I cannot emphasise ‘apply products very sparingly’ enough.
5. Use Z-5 + ZFX for dark colours Z-2 + ZFX for light colours.
6. Use Souverän Wax as a final product on red, black or Porsche Speed yellow it produces a deep wet shine or Pinnacle Signature Series Wax for metallic and for light coloured vehicle paint
7. The secret to the application of a polymer product is to apply it thin (super thin) fill a spray bottle and mist a foam pad for application.
8.If there are places were the wax is thick and you are having trouble buffing the residue, wash affected panel with a Z-7 wash solution.

The brand is named ‘Show Car’ as it relies on a very thoroughly prepared paint film surface to produce the best results, the final result can only be as good as the surface it’s applied to.


Surface Preparation-
1. Wash vehicle with a good quality car wash concentrate 1.0oz per 2 gallon (Zaino Z-7)
2. Rinse vehicle thoroughly.
3. Remove any imbedded contaminants with detailing clay (Clay Magic™) and a lubrication solution 5:1 (Distilled water/Woolite®)
4. Remove any surface imperfections with a suitable machine polish (Groit’s Machine Polish #1, 2 or 3)
Or a swirl mark remover (3M™ PI-III Machine Glaze, P/N 05397)
5.Clean paint film surface with a pre-wax cleaner (P21S™ Gloss Enhancing Paintwork Cleaner)
6.Lightly wash paint surface with a diluted car wash concentrate (Zaino Z-7) 1.0oz per gallon
7.Dry thoroughly and start applying a Zaino Z-2/ Z-3 / Z-5 + ZFX solution

This preparation method provides the resin (paint) system with necessary oils, plus you'll get some extra gloss/shine and added durability.

Application Methodology:
·Mix solution (one ounce of Z-5 or Z-2 in a mixing bottle, and add 4 or 5 drops of ZFX. Shake vigorously for one minute and then allow the cure accelerator to activate (about 30 seconds)
·There is no need to use ZFX for every application, although using ZFX will give you a brighter and deeper looking finish
·Wipe down the entire vehicle with Z-6 using 100% cotton Microfiber towel.
·Shake the Z-Solution again for 30 seconds.
·Lightly spray a Microfiber applicator with Z-6. You want the pad to be damp, not wet.
·Apply to whole vehicle (0.5 – 1.0 oz should be sufficient for most vehicles) taking care not to apply to absorbent surfaces (i.e., unpainted plastics and rubber trim)
·Lightly spray Z-6 between each coat of Z- solution; check the applicator pad frequently for any contaminants it may have picked up.
·First pass: apply (ultra- thin) apply the Z-Solution to the entire vehicle, roof to floor on vertical surfaces (doors, fenders and skirts) and across on horizontal surfaces (roof, hood and trunk)
·Second pass (ultra- thin) apply Z-Solution in direction of airflow, horizontal surfaces hood to trunk, vertical surfaces front to back.
·Third pass (ultra- thin) and any subsequent layer(s): apply Z-Solution in same ‘direction of airflow’.
·This application technique affects the paints optical properties by optimising light refraction and the reflectivity of the bodylines and contours of the vehicle.
·As air is the primary catalyst for the wax to dry, low air temperatures and / or humidity may effect the drying time requirements.
·After sufficient drying time do a quick swipe test with your finger. If no smearing or drag is evident, the residue is ready to be removed.
·Residues should be dry when you buff them. If the residues are still wet, you are using too much product
·Remove the residue using clean using 100% cotton Microfiber towel, checking frequently for contaminants to ensure that you don’t transfer to a clean surface.
·Apply a solution of Z-2 + ZFX -Solution as the last coat
·Using a clean 100% cotton Microfiber towel wipe down complete vehicle with Z-6 and finally buff with a clean 100% cotton buffing towel

Maintenance- wash vehicle with Z-7 car wash concentrate and use Z-6 as a quick detailer (QD)

Notes:

1.Do not apply more than three coats in any 24-hour period
2.Zanio can also be applied using a random orbital buffer and a finishing type (LC Grey) foam pad. Use with a speed setting #3.5 – 4.0, lightly spray the damp foam pad with Z-6 and then Z solution and apply using a very light pressure, this will ensure an ultra-thin application.
3.If the paint film surface has no imperfections use a Z-2 / ZFX solution in place of Z-5
4.Use ZFX-solution within six hours of mixing
5.Smearing is caused by not allowing the Z-5/ZFX to thoroughly haze.
6.In colder weather you can wait as long a 36 hours between Z-5/ZFX application and buffing.
7.Unlike carnauba, Zaino can be applied in direct sunlight. The Z-6 dries very quickly so you need to work on very small areas.
If it does dry apply a little more Z-6 and the product can be removed.

JonM

 

I see said the blind man... Thanks

 

I took the Zaino leap a few weeks ago and think it's WELL worth the full day's effort to do it properly. Since then, it's just like any other way of taking care of a car.

Do order extra Z-6. The stuff is great. All the other stuff will take quite a while to go through, but I've been using the Z-6 spray after washing, and sometimes just to clean it up between washes.

I heard my second order was damaged in shipping and was sent back to Ontario. Guess I'll be waiting a few more weeks for a new supply of Z-6.

This looks overly complicated, but it really isn't. Just dedicate most of a day on the weekend, get a big stack of cotton clothes, and follow the 101 instructions in this forum.

I think you'll be happy with the results.

 

You have your zaino lovers and haters. On any car forum you will see tons of posts about Zaino. I skeptical at first but thought, if it wasn't any good then poeple wouldn't be so dogmatic about how great it is. After I used, I was a convert. the stuff is amazing and as CL power said, you should use the steps outlined in the Zaino FAQ with any product.

 

I'll be the devil's advocate here..... find one more test where Zaino wins first place. typically one report isn't enough to base a solid conclusion on and I can already think of smaller comparasions that have had different results...

Zaino is a great product, I happen to prefur other products above Zaino. I do have it for my presonal comparasion, I just won't pick it up in volume for sale.

Using Zaino before a car show is a great idea but not as your final coat, you'll get a much better result if you topped Zaino (or any sealant for that matter) with a high quality caranuba wax.... like Natty's Paste Wax, Meguiar's #16, P21S Paste Wax etc..

Caranuba has always given the best depth and shine to paint, the issue is an application of caranuba wax will only last for 1-3 months max, hence the reason acrilic and resin sealants have become so popular. Sealants will last much longer but have always been second to caranuba wax in car shows due to the lack in the depth and shine department.

Remember this is partially my opinion, and partially what I've discovered through detailers magazines, forums, suppliers and websites.

Take it for what it's worth.. I'm am in noy way knocking your choices for products or prep for a show.. just my

 

I know of only two head-to-head comparisons (I guess the other mfgrs are too scared to put their money where their mouth is)

Here's the second review.

http://www.nsxsc.com/nsexcitement/waxtest.html

 

Everything has it's place. For me, I rewax every month and Zaino isn't what I'd prefer. Doesn't do enough to the paint for me. If you want a great reflection and something that'll last a few months then Zaino is for you.

 

give me a break, look what they compared them too, the only decent contendor is gold class and that's a weak experiment

 

I have had my CL since late 2002, I have clayed it only twice and waxed it numerous times.
I alternate between Maguiers Cleaner wax and Maguiers Gold Class. Car still looks great, I will however Clay bar again before summer. Summertime here in Florida also demands I wax it at LEAST once a month. But the payoff is a great looking car.

Also, keep in mind...I have a white car so I think Zaino and Everything involved with a Zaino treatment is overkill on a white car, but may be a good idea for a darker color car.

 

That is why I use Zaino. I don't really have the time to wax every month.

Sometimes I only wax about twice a year.

 

This thread has me all excited for spring to detail the car again. I'm a Zaino user but I think I may need a professional detailer to come out and remove the swirl in my paint.

 

mrsteve.. thats what im planning to do as well, just recently ordered a bunch of zaino products, but no PC to get rid of my swirls.
do you have any idea around how much it would cost for just a Swirl Mark removal?
thanks!

 

A member here had his entire car wet sanded polished and waxed for $150.

But I think I'm just gonna buy the PC 7424 and do it myself. It'll pay for it self after the first time I use it.

 

someone on this board had their car wet-sanded for $150? It's usually about $100 a panel


I usually do exterior polishing for $150

 

Maybe it was $250. I guess the guy didn't know what he was getting into because it took him 2 days. But he did a great job. No more swirl or that "rail dust" stuff that some of the white CLs seem to have. Looks like small rust spots sorta.