From my experience it is much easier (and the end result more satisfying) to use an abrasive to get rid of swirls first and use Z5 to fill the extremely small micro scratches and for periodic touchup.

I found trying to fill the swirls with Z5 was too long and tedious and is a lot easier to just get the Porter Cable out and spend an hour or two removing them

 

Sonofa*****....... it just sounds so tedious to start the Zaino process all over.

I assume after using something like Z-PC or any abrasive polisher (hell no am I doing wet sanding...), I would need to start over from dawn, claybar, z5, z6, blah blah blah...

I'm not buying any porter cable either, I simply don't have any storage space for such things.

 

You know what they say about "assume".

I think you ought to give the guys at Zaino Brothers a call. They know their products and they have always been willing to help me. You might even get to talk to Sal Zaino himself, always an entertaining experience. Explain your situation and concerns and let them guide you. Z-PC is a new product after all, and I'm sure they will be helpful and have more experience with strategies than any of us.

Then, let us know what they say!

PS: Keep in mind that you're calling New Jersey. Stay friendly and don't cop an attitude, or they'll throw the attitude back at you and you'll get nowhere.

Brian

 

Step away from the "step process" and evaluate your paint. That is the key to a great finish. If you do use an abrasive yes you will have to start layering Zaino again.....BUT....you don't need to dawn again (if you use Z-PC) and you don't need to claybar.

You always want to use the claybar BEFORE you use an abrasive...it does no good afterwards. If you aren't feeling any "grit" being removed from the paint there is no need to claybar.

So after polishing....wipe down with Z6 and then apply Z5. I think everyone is getting the wrong idea. Look at Z6 NOT as a layer but just as a prep to make sure the finish looks perfect before putting Z5 or Z2 on. I personally don't Z6 between coats of Z5 or Z2 because IMO I cannot tell a difference in gloss, shine, or anything else. I see no need to waste the Z6 between each coat.

Personally I would do Z6 wipe down...Z5 (as many layers as you want), finish with Z2 PRO..and then do a final wipedown with Z6 or Z8.

Adding steps upon steps does not improve your finish if you don't need them...by eliminating some of these steps when they aren't needed you can cut down on time and still have an awesome finish. EVALUTATE YOUR FINISH!

 

really interested to hear how u go with the ZPC, as im planning on redoing my Zaino process after the stereo guys have finishes rubbing the car with their knee caps and thighs

my dealer did the dewax with a broom as well, and my paint was rooted. I used 3 layers of Z5 and it hid the swirls, but now after a few washes theyve started coming back. Another Z5 layer will hide them again, but id rather do the ZPC and remove them completely first

If ZPC doesnt work, i have some Poorboys SSR1 and SSR2 that ill use

Yep claybar is the first step, after a wash of course. If u have tar spots, ur abrasive (cutter) will interact with the tar spot and u wont get the smoothest even finish u can. From what ive read, u dont need a dawn wash after the ZPC, but rather just start layering. Its only when ur using other cutters like 3M, Farecla, etc that u need to remove all the excess completely, the ZPC shouldnt interfere with the Z2 and Z5 layered on top.....and that is its selling point, because as far as cutters go, there are alot of better products out there

 

just wanna ask a quick question about ordering: can i get the zaino stuff in some local stores in LA?

 

Nope, you'll have to order through a distributor or through ZainoStore. I'm in TX and it ususally gets here in 3 days.

 

How come no results were ever posted here

 

Sorry I have been busy, I do not have before and after pics, but I can tell you this. It really cleansed my paint job and most of my swirls are gone.

A great product! ZPC beats Z-5 hands down when it comes to removing swirls!