I did my 6th layer of Zaino today, but noticed there are scratch marks in the direction of the way that I applied the Zaino. In the tips section of the website they say to to up and down on the sides of the car so I did, and noticed all those marks. The only thing is that I can only see it in direct sunlight if sun is at an angle. If the car is in the shade, that Zaino depth and shine is perfect.

My questions are, if I keep using the Z-5, will they be covered by multiple coats of Z-5? Should I switch to MF applicators?

I used the Zaino applicator (brand new) on every application, no loose threads (pre-washed), and being sure not to "press" down too hard. I don't want to resort to using a buffing wheel just yet.

Almost too bummed to drive during the daytime.

TIA...

 

Are they really "scratches" or just haze marks of Zaino. Are you using ZFX? Are you letting it dry in the sun? How much Z-5 do you use (ounces) per layer? Are you wetting the applicator before applying Z-5?

 

And also what are you using to wipe it off? Maybe you are getting scratches from your towels?

 

Some good questions by Dr Bonz and sparky3z! I gave up on the Zaino applicator a long time ago! Go look at some towels from: www.dftowel.com I use the very small for application of Z5 and Z2. Get the medium for Z6 and large for buffing Z2 and Z5. If you decide on DFTowels, ask Leo if they have started selling their "new" applicator. If so, skip the "very smalls".

 

Did you use powder detergent to wash your applicator?

 

This is what I have done so far.

1. Used the Z1 then the Z2 applied with the Zaino applicator.
2. Wiped with dft microfiber to remove.
3. Used Z6 spray with another dft microfiber cloth.
4. Applied Z5 for the addl. layers (approx. 1.5 oz. of Z5, using Zaino applicator/removed with dft MF.
5. Applicator was wet from misting with water before application.

Used ZFX on 3 of the above Z5 applications. All MF towels are washed after using, with liquid detergent, and hung to air dry.

Car was also carefully washed with Zaino/MF cloth, no scrubbing, wash water taken only from top.

Dr. Bonz, they are not streaks, and I have done all layers in the shade, no direct sunlight. You can only see the scratches if the light is directly on the surface.

Will it help to use a MF applicator?
Will more Z5 help?

Thanks for the input guys.

 

All I can tell you is that they either came about as a result of something during your washing and drying or some debris was stuck in your applicator when applying the Zaino.

You may need a swirl filler like the 3M stuff. What do you think Kevin?

 

You say you are on your 6th layer. Did the scratches just appear or were they there from the start. Could it be the dealer messed up in prepping the car, it certainly is a common occurence.

Leo

 

Thanks for checking in Leo, your towels are great!!!

I did not see any scratches after picking up car from the dealer. I noticed them on my last coat of Z5. They are really lite, only visible in direct sunlight.

It's gotta be in my last application, possible for the applicator not wet enough before starting?

Will try another couple more coats of Z5 with MF applicator.

Thanks again guys

 

Did you finally release your applicator?

 

What you are probably seeing are 'washing scratches' that are starting to build up over time.
As much as good towels help to prevent this the fact is that ALL towels will scratch your paint even if only extremely slightly. If somthing touches the paint it will scratch....just the nature of the animal.

I also have started using the DF towels and they work well.
The only way I have found to minimize these little scratches are every couple of weeks to put a coat of Z5 on which will help fill these in.

As to the moisture on the applicator....not enough when you first start will cause a 'streaking' effect....only way to solve that really is to just rub it in and make sure the Zaino is spread well.
If you get the pad too moist you will leave waterspots which is a big pain.
Good luck.

 

Actually that is wrong, not ALL towels will scratch. What you do need to watch out for, however, are contaminants in the towel. Undissolved washing powder, dirt, oil, anything foreign can cause a scratch. This is why it is very important to use clean towels and learn how to clean and use them properly.

 

This sounds to me like it's caused by the towels; bad towels WILL cause these scratches.

Did Zaino ever come out with a towel line? I got a pre-sample six months or so ago. Sal said he had found that even "microfiber" towels can be inferior and cause microscratches, and that he was pursuing a towel line of his own. The one he sent me was SO soft but I never really used it much because you really need more than one towel to do a job.

 

Last time I talked to them, Sal and the guys in his office where using the www.dftowel.com

 

Yes Ron, you should have received an email about it.

 

Thanks for all the help guys, used a couple more coats of Z-5, and yesterday a coat of Z-2. After removal, I looked in the sunlight and they were gone!!!

Used the green "Viper" applicator on the last 3 coats, and seems to have done the job.

 

I did! Ordered and received four (4). The weather is ABQ is suppose to hit low 50's. A couple application of Zaino this weekend.