After reading all the Zaino vs CrystalGuard threads, I think that I'm going with Zaino unless someone can convince me otherwise. Anyway, I'm picking up my Z next week and I will probably clean it my way soon afterwards. My questions are: Which Zaino prodeucts do I need to pick up (paint-wise)? Should I just go with the "Total Protection Show Car Kit" or should I order the separate Z-2, Z-5,6,7 etc. and do I need the ZFX additive? And finally, what towels do you recommend for washing the car, I have been using wash mitts, but I want something better for my Z. Thanks.

 

I just use 100% cotton, I think thats a must, but some think you need more than that... I donno

as for what you need, depends what color car you have, if your a dark color like black, blue, or brick, Id say Z5 to help with swirl marks that you will undoubtably get. if its white, silver, or red, go with Z2 for a brighter shine. if your feelin rich, get both and alternate.

I dont use ZFX, more money for something I dont need, its just soo expensive. I wash my car at about 5ish, then pull it into the garage, wax, take the wax off in the morning. only works if your not going anywhere that night. trade off is that you need the prelok stuff. but thats a one time thing.

I didnt get all the stuff so the package didnt work for me, like I use another type of car wash, but I did get the tire shine. and next time I want to get the leather cleaner.

 

I agree with Ares. I don't use the ZFX anymore. I did when I first started. I now have 32 layers of Zaino on the car (that's just Z-2 and Z-5, not counting the Z-6 between each). I also wash/wax at night and take it off the next morning.

I use the Z-7 wash, the Z-5 for swirls, the Z-2, and of course the Z-6. I used the Zaino Claybar when I first got the car. I use the Zaino tire dressing. It works really nicely. Not too shiny, just right. I use 303 Aerospace protectant on the inside of the car.

I use micro fiber towels (color coded so I know which product goes with which towel). I use a microfiber wash mit for washing.

Here is a link to my editorial I do at Zfrenzy.com. It has all of the detailing products I use and links on where to get them.

Dr Bonz Detailing Product List (with links)

 

I thought you had to use zfx or z-1 every three coats or so in order for z-2 or z-5 to bond? I would like to do like Ares does but was worried the z-2 would not take if I did not put zfx in every now and then.

 

I thought I read it way back when, and it said prelok was a one time application. but I very easily could have missed it, when I first bought the stuff I was so confused on how to do it. ZFX was like BRAND new at that time. and I coulda sworn I heard from someone that they tested it for mr zaino or whatever, and it was there conclusion that while the ZFX had merit cause it decreased drying time, they felt zaino performed better without it. I could not tell you who said it, where I read it, or anything, I may very well have dreamt it....

so should I be puttin Z1 on sometimes?

 

Okay, I'm going to order all the microfiber towels and such from Dr Bonz's link, thanks by the way. Whats wrong with using a chamois to dry your car? And finally, i'm still a little confused on what Zaino product would be right for me, my car is silverstone. I'm guessing that i don't need Z5 for now, I'm thinking Z2, Z6, some Z7 wash and maybe some Z16 for the tires. Hows that sound? Thanks for your help.

 

I use a chamois to dry my car. I can't think of anything wrong with it. But then i never have used a micro fiber towel so I don't know the difference. I use 100% cotton for the Zaino.
Like Dr. bonz I started off using the ZFX all the time. But now I use it occasionaly as the one little bottle hasn't even ran out yet, I have one or two mixes left of ZFX. Get the ZFX for your first applications and just use it up through time. Get the Z2, a couple bottles of Z6, one for the garage and one to keep in your car. I like the Z7 wash, I need to order some more. You shouldn't need to clay your Z if you are picking it up new. I use the Z5 for my dark DB, but it seems to take a lot of apps for it to do much. The jury is still out on Z5 for me.

 

clay a new car, transit is hell on cars, I clayed mine the day after getting it, the clay was almost as dirty as the previous car I clayed which was a 97 bmw that I bought used. just cause its new does not mean its clean.

you will need Z1 or ZFX, whichever you choose, one of them is needed.

 

Looks like i'm just going to order the kit because it comes with ZFX, Z-2, Z-5, Z-6, Z-7 and Z-18 since the car was a dealer trade and since it took a ride on a transport too. I guess i'll have to pick up some Dawn too to get all the dealer wax off. Does that sound like i'm covering my bases? Thanks.

 

thats everything you need for a sexy well protected Z.

 

Smart move and don't forget to get the best towesl and mitts.

 

ZFX or Z-1 should be used at least once per month on a daily driver and once per year on a show car. ZFX and Z-1 are chemical activators that once they touch the Z-2 or Z-5 it puts Z-2 or Z-5 into a different activated state which makes the bond tighter for more durability with the paint.

 

isnt 32 layers of zaino a little overkill? can you really tell any difference between 3 and 32 layers???? i guess the zfx would get a little expensive after 32 layers. somebody's got a lot of time too

 

i live where its real humid in the summer time. Any problem with using the ZFX every time? Because I dont want to wait for hours on end for the Z2 or Z5 to dry in this humidity

 

I don't see why using the ZFX every time would be a problem

And no, there isn't a visual difference between 32 and say 5 or 6 layers but I'm not doing it for the look. I'm doing it for the protection. This thing is BULLETPROOF now. I am hoping that there will come a time when swirlmarks or scratches won't be in my paint but instead in my Zaino. Then, all I have to do is claybar and start over.

An a BIG NO, I don't have a lot of time. I have done those layers over 9 months and I apply it at night (after I get home from 10-12 hour days) and take it off in the morning on weekends. Like I said, I hardly ever use ZFX anymore.

 

I just looked at the kit and it is a perfect start. I have a Silverstone and I did this:

Wash with Dawn, Claybar, rinse off good, Z5 with ZFX, 2 coats of Z2 with ZFX, wiping down with Z6 between. That's a weekend's work and a great start on a beautiful finish.

I always wash with Z7 and I often add ZFX in with the Z2, but not always and not a lot. I usually use Z2 but I have done a coat of Z5 once or twice to cover any scratches.

Good luck!

 

I haven't used Z5 yet because i didn't think that it was necessary on new paint that was swirl free. I hope that not using it isn't taking away any potential shine. Anyway, i did the dawn, claybar, Z2/ZFX, Z6 treatment the first time and Z7, Z2/ZFX and Z6 the second time. It sure does make it shine!

 

Z5's not necessary, but it can help. The idea is that any bare clear-coat is going to have an imperfection or two and Z5 is better than Z2 at hiding imperfections.

Please post pictures!