OK I admit I'm another Zaino addict. This is my fifth car in the last four years and slowly but surely I've become a Zaino expert (I think).

And while I probably spend more money on"shampoo and conditioner" for my Z than for myself, I feel obligated to stress the importance of investing in the right detailing products

I just got my second 350Z and while my first Z was delivered with 300 "dealer" miles on it and countless swirl-filled washes I made sure that I would not make the same mistake on my 04 Z. So I requested delivery of my new Z (which had only 6 miles this time) unwashed and with the plastic still on it. As **** as this sounds, the payoff is great. My Z is one month old and after about 10 washes and 10 coats of Zaino, my car is swirl-free with ZERO micro-scratches in the clearcoat. I know it's hard to believe but it's true. And Considering that maintaining a car in NYC dent free and scratch free is a challenge in its own right, I am proud of my Z.

So what's different this time around? I've always applied Zaino the same way: dawn, clay, dawn, Z5,Z6,Z5,Z6, never circular, always in a straight line. The answer is the towels and polishing materials. I know there is a lot of debate over microfiber and the inconsistencies in quality but after experimenting with multiple towels and spending a couple of hundred (yes that's right. I'm a nut about swirls) I've finally come up with a must have list for the Zaino nuts out there.

So without further delay here it is:

Washmitt: Ultra-Plush Microfiber Wash Mitt from ProperAutoCare.com

Applicators: Viper Microfiber Applicator Pads also from ProperAutoCare.com

Drying Towels: Big Blue II Drying Towels

Polishing: Concours Buffing Towel from Autotopia-carcare.com(Absolutely the softest towel I have ever used)

MISCELLANEOUS:

Interior Plastic: Use Endust for Electronics for the doors and center console and use Vinylex for the rest of the plastics

Leather: What else but Zaino leather cleaner and conditioner

Glass: Eimann Fabrik Clear Vision Auto Glass Cleaner (You'll forget the glass is there just liek my girlfriend did when she tried looking out the window)

Tires: Again Vinylex leaves a nice long-lasting gloss without that greasy silicone mess.



And just in case anyone was suspicious....NO I DO NOT WORK FOR ANY OF THESE COMPANIES. Just drying to help my fellow Z owners keep their babies looking shiny!

Disclaimer: Buying all the stuff above is expensive but very well worth it for the sexiest car on the road.

For those in the NYC area you can get your Zaino fix from Dave in Brooklyn (718) 745-1442. He's a pleasure to deal with.

 

Thanks for the advice!

 

BTW, the Concours Buffing Towel from Autotopia-carcare.com(Absolutely the softest towel I have ever used) is the same as the www.dftowel.com

 

Just bought a black 350z roadster. Dealer delivered it with areas with swirls and light scratches that don't seem that far into the clearcoat, but enough to reflect some light/ttention onto it. Anyone know if a skille detailer can get these out?

 

should be able to, or try some 3m swirl mark remover youself

 

I polished my car the other day with z-5 and let it sit overnight in the garage. Came back the next day to buff of and for lack of a better word it was a "*****" to get off. I got the bulk of it off but it was still quite a few areas that had greasy residue left behind. I was so pissed I washed it after words with a car wash that would not strip the polish but would remove the buildup. I did see a difference in the swirl marks and I plan on applying another coat. I just wanted to know is there an easier way to do it. I feel I may have left it on to long. Basement is about 60F.
Thanks for any response

 

Nice post, I took your advice and ordered everything on your list, I like a someone who does there homework for those of us still learning the "ropes." Thanks

 

I try hard to keep the paint free from scratches. But I got this minor chip on the driver side door from driving! **** happens! You just cant keep the paint perfect! Its a good thing I have a silver car.

 

Sounds to me like you used too much. The trick with Zaino, and any polish really, is to use VERY little. I use a dime sized dollop for 1/4 my hood. Any more and you are just adding product on top of itself and not onto the surface. Curing overnight or using ZFX should be plenty long enough to cure. I've used it in the fall and it dried overnight

Leo

 

Very simple solution: After Zaino has dried and you're ready to buff it out, spray a little Z6 over the area. The Z6 will make it MUCH easier to buff out the dried polish. Don't use too much Z6, just a little is all you need. If it gets hazey just turn over your cloth and keep buffing gently until the haze is gone.