Hey folks,

so I'm thinking of stepping into using Zaino products on a continual basis. I've read this and that on the products and applications, but find it a bit hard to understand in such a way that I feel like I can do it myself -- the various steps, additives, etc. (I know, it's lame).

For whatever folks use it in the area, do y'all have any layman's advice? And while I feel like a poser asking, I'd be willing to pay someone to do a first application round for me, while I watch or whatever.

And has there been any thought as to a Spring detailing day? (like the previous fall one)

Appreciate it --k

 

check out www.zainostore.com There are lots of tips and faq's...if you have any specific questions pm me and I'd be glad to help...

I wouldn't call myself an expert with Zaino, but I've been using it for about 5 years now...When it warms up I'd be more than happy to run through the steps with you and others if they want too.

 

cool. I'd probably take you up on that offer here in the near future when it warms up. Never gotten a proper education in this stuff....thanks!

 

You should really try mixing products. Zaino polish is pretty hard to take off and i've heard of many people who have scratched their cars trying to take off the stuff. I have it sitting in my garage and i spot tested it. Its pretty shiny, but nothing special. Their spray polish however is damn good, i'd suggest using that on top of meguires 3 step system.

 

Zaino use can be as easy or as complicated as you want it to be - but frankly I have found that with any product line. This whole myth about Zaino being some complex system that requires a PhD to understand is just that - a myth.

Personally I use their car wash, Z5 polish and Z6 QD - though I would like to try the Z8 this summer. But how is this any different from any other products system that requires more than one step? I dont know. I will say that I seem to get more use out of the Zaino products and can do two full coats on barely 1.5 oz of polish.

Personally I love the stuff, but I dont think its one of those things where one product is so much better than anything else. If I had to stop tomorrow and use Meguires or another brand, I probably would be just fine.

 

^+1 exactly what he said. On black cars, zaino is superior not because its shinier, but cuz it just doesn't come off. Its good stuff, just a lil over rated.

 

Suprpwr-
If you follow the Zaino instructions, you'll get great results that will outlast most other products. I haven't applied any Zaino in over 6 months and it still beads-up like I put it on yesterday. If you take the time to prep your paint the way Zaino advises you'll get great results with Meguiars, CrystalGuard, Zymol, etc.
Is Zaino over-rated? There's an old expression:

"It ain't braggin if it's true" It simply outlasts anything else I've ever used.

 

I'm definatley down for a Spring detailing day. I'm working on an on-line Zaino tutorial for my website, that should be done soon.

Suprpwr, are there any things in particular that you need clearing up? I wote this for another thread, don't know if it helps...



STEP 1: WASH WITH DAWN

Do a wash with Dawn. This will strip any existing wax of the paint. I'd be extra cautions with this step because Dawn tends to be very harsh on the black plastics (trim, mirror base, wipers, etc) and can make them appear faded. So keep the soap away from the trim if you can, and rinse soon after you wash. Then Dry the car.

STEP 2: Z - 6

Give the car a quick coat of Z-6 spray detail. The only time I've found Zaino difficult to remove is the first coat on totally virgin paint. A quick Z-6ing will make removal of that first coat a little easier. (JUST MY OPINION)

STEP 3: MIX AND APPLY THE FIRST COAT

Slightly dampen your Zaino applicator with water. Mix together half a "mini-vial" of your Z-2 with several drops of Z-FX and shake for 1 minute. Then being applying your first coat of Z-2 working from the top of the car to the hood to the sides, and finally to the rear. Put the Zaino on as THIN as possible.

STEP 4: REMOVE THE FIRST COAT

Give the wax about an hour to dry (depending on conditions, maybe more maybe less) and then begin removal of the wax in the order it was applied (roof, hood, sides, rear).

I'd recommend following up your first coat with another misting of Z-6.

STEP 5: ADDITIONAL COATS

At this point add as many additional coats as you have time to add. If you car has any swirl marks than alternate coats of Z-5 with your Z-2. Otherwise just stick with Z-2. You should notice it is easier to apply and remove the additional coats. Remember, apply your coats as THIN as possible.

If you've run out of time, then a few days later, rewash the car with Z-7 carwash, and begin applying additional coats ala STEP 5.


OTHER THOUGHTS:

After the first couple coats, life gets a lot easier. Addional coats go on quicker and easier, and the shine gets deeper and better.

Check out Z-8 Grand Finale spray. It's great for when you don't have time to add a coat of Z-2 after a wash. Just wash and Z-8, and it's almost as good as a coat of Z-2...


Good Luck!

 

that definitely helps gunser. would love to see that tutorial when you're done with it. and I think it'll help me to actually see pics of the products & steps you're talking about.

I guess the first step is to buy a set of Zaino products