I just ordered the zaino total protection show car kit. Now from reading on the forum everyone talks about proper preping of the car before using Zaino.

Now should i just follow the show car finish directions on the zaino site that strats off with wahing with dawn then claying the car etc....

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...F&Store_Code=Z

 

Using Dawn has been a debatable topic on a lot of forums. Zaino recommends a clean slate prior to application and many users of Zaino follow that direction. IMO, claying and a good polish (chemical or abrasive) will remove any previous layers of protection. Z-5 Polish is more of a filler and the only abrasive polish in the product line is Z-PC Fusion. Z-AIO is a combination cleaner/protectant and can be also used. As far as surface prep, you want the surface smooth and free of defects (swirls, light scratches, marring & oxidation). To achieve that you would need either a pre-wax cleaner and/or an abrasive polish.

Some excerpts from the Zaino site:

 

Ok so I will go ahead and use the dawn then the zaino clay bar.

Next I should use some pre wax cleaner or abrasive polish do you have any recommendations for a wax cleaner or abrasive polish.

After that then just continue with the zaino products.

Does this sound correct.
Thanks

 

In a previous life I used Zaino, and I found that the Dawn wash dried out/discolored the black trim on my then brand new 2003 Saab 9-3SS (especially the windshield washer nozzles). I would avoid using the Dawn wash and instead use a good polish (e.g. Four Star LCC) to remove existing product and paint defects as referenced by Hawhyen51.

 

I concur with skipping the Dawn wash. I've been using Zaino for years on several different cars and just use a clay bar to remove any previous wax. As far as I know, a Dawn wash will only remove a carnauba wax not a sealant.