Ok, I've read Dr Bonz very informative post(s).

I want to purchase enough Zaino product to do my Z and my WRX (maybe even clay my truck; maybe).

But I don't know how much to get of what or how "far" their products go.

Like, how much life do you get out of one claybar?

So if you were going to do a Z, a WRX and possibly (depending on clay consumption) an F150 w/ a top, how much would you buy of what products?

I had planned on just buying the same products that the good Doctor used.

Help me out folks!

 

With the clay bar, how much "life" you get out of a clay bar depends on how old the vehicle is and if it's outside 24/7. If your WRX and F150 are newer, you should be able to use one clay bar on those two and your Z. And you do get two clay bars in one container.

You can go two routes here. You can get the Z-1 (Polish Lok) and the Z-2 (polish), which is a 1 1/2-step process, where you apply the Z-1 and, without letting it haze over, apply the Z-2 on top of it and then let it haze over, which will take a while, maybe an hour or more, depending, in lower temps and higher humidity.

With the newer ZFX (hardener-accelerator, which will also substitute for the Z-1) and the Z-2 -- the ZFX is mixed with the Z-2 in a supplied container -- the waiting time before removal is 20-30 minutes, and you can apply up to three coats in a day. I think the ZFX mixed with the Z-2 gives a better shine and seems to last a little longer. You should be able to get anywhere from 15-25+ coats out of one 8-oz bottle of Z-2. You have to think THIN, THIN, THIN. More is not better, just a waste of product. On a medium-size car, you should be able to get 2-3 coats out of one ounce. Once the pad with the Zaino on it hits the paint, it's on there, no need to keep going over and over a section, trying to rub it in. No need to.

The Z-6 is the gloss enhancer, good for 20+ applications.

The Z-7 car-wash soap is good for 20-25 applications and contains the Z-2 polish.

And the little vial of ZFX will cover two bottles of either the Z-2 or the Z-5 polish.

So all you need right now is one of each: ZFX, Z-2, Z-6, Z-7 and Z-18.

And if you have darker-colored vehicles, might want to look at the Z-5 instead of the Z-2. The Z-5 will HIDE very fine scratches and swirls, but may take multiple coats. If you have scratches you can catch with your fingernail, then you need more help than the Z-5 can give you.

 

Wow Duane, thank you SO much for the informative post!

I do indeed have dark vehicles. All 3 are black and my truck is outside most of the time.

My Z is also becoming my daily driver.

Is there anything in particular I can do to insure my paint's "health"?

Also, how often should I "Zaino" my vehicles.

Typically, (I know this sounds dumb) but I wash them when they are dirty. Sometimes 3+ times/week.

Thanks again!

 

Using the clay bar on all the vehicles is definitely one step towards better "health" for your paint. And washing them sure doesn't hurt.

Zaino lasts a long time, compared to carnauba waxes. Garaged cars, I'd use Zaino every six months. The outside truck will last six months, but may want to throw a coat or two on every four to six months because black does take special care. Use 100% cotton towels or high-quality microfibers. And use of the Z-6 Gloss Enhancer will HELP reduce dust on the car, approximately 50% less. It won't eliminate dust.

I wash mine a couple times a week at least (when it isn't raining up here )

 

Just a point of information here. I assume your cars have a clear coat paint. If they do not, you need to use the Z-3 in place of the Z-2. I would use the Z-5 the first 2-3 layers then go with the Z-2 for swirls. I have tried the Z-1 Polish Lok and the ZFX. The latter is a bit more $ but it saves you a lot of time and some effort.

 

The good doctor is correct re black and clearcoat. Some manufacturers to this day do not clearcoat black -- or solid red, white and yellow, among others, for that matter. The Z black is clearcoated; and the F150 may or may not be clear, and the same with the WRX. The Z-3 helps retard oxidation on non-clearcoated finishes. However, I've used Z-5 and Z-2 for the past year on a non-clearcoated black car I painted many years ago and haven't noticed any oxidation problems. But it's a garage queen.

And another point of reference, the Z-5 hides minor swirls, while the Z-2 does not.

Some people put the Z-1/Z-2 on in the evening, then wipe it off the next day in the winter months, that way making darn sure it's hazed over. But the ZFX is really the way to go.

 

Thanks again for all the helpful information!

The WRX and F150 are indeed clearcoated.

The F150 has some hazing and some swirl marks, I will probably be doing Z5 then.

One more slightly unrelated question: what kind of sponges do you guys wash your cars with? Anything special or just the big car sponges from Autozone etc. Also, what do you dry them with? I've always used sythentic chamois' (those Absorber things) with good results.

 

I just use a terry-cloth towel or an all cotton diaper. Make sure there are no tags on the towels and no stitched edges. Also make sure they are ALL cotton and are clean. If you ever drop it on the ground, get another one.

 

The best 100% cotton towels aren't cheap. Fieldcrest Charismas seem to be a favorite. I've been buying all my towels from the TN Zaino distributor, they cost less through him than the local stores. He buys the Charismas, trims the edgings, cuts to requested size and restiches them with cotton thread. His e-mail is koverall@cddn.co if anyone is interested.

I also use Gerber flat baby diapers. The only 100% cotton mitts made anymore are the NAPA wash mitts.

Get Z-2, Z-5, Z-6, Z-7, Z-18, ZXF and extra applicators.

 

It's about 30 degrees Farenheit here in NJ. Can I apply Zaino in these temps. If I use ZFX, how long is the curing time, still 30 minutes or is it more in these colder temps?

 

I would not recomend it. If you do, bring it inside a garage, so it's a little warmer. Also, I would wait at least an hour before wipping off the Zaino. I miss Zainoing, why does it have to be -20 outside!!!

 

Low temps or high humidity will slow the curing and drying....just wait until the haze comes off with no smearing. Use the ZFX to be able to speed up the process. I put a coat on this weekend...it was 75 and sunny!