Steps to a beautiful ZAINO finish

we used dish soap to wash the car, then 5 layers of z5 (our car is black), followed by 5 layers of z2. we put the cure accelerator in it before using, applied using some small applicator sponges we got at target, then when it was dry we wiped with cotton diaper cloth.

for 2-3 times a year touch ups (i am picky about my car's shine), we do 3 layers of each wax using the same procedure.

 

No wonder the stuff is reported to last a long time--10 layers?

 

I thought you were supposed to alternate the layers? I have the zanio, just don't have the car yet. So it works just as well doing this way? Never have used zanio before.

 

we used them separately- the first one to cover up all the minor scratches caused by idiots in the grocery store parking lot and then the second one to bring out the high gloss.

if your car isn't black and not scratched you can probably skip the first step and just do some layers of z2.

and we put that many layers on because we made too much of it! :lol:

 

I believe there are detailed instructions on the Zaino website. I'd give you more details but the stuff lasts so long, I don't remember the procedure.

 

I got Zaino stuff a couple of weeks ago but did not have time to use until yesterday.

First, I used hand dish detergent soap to remove old wax etc (my Prius is only 3 months old), wiped it clean with cotton towel.

Then I used Z1 Show car polish lok.
As per instructions, I did not wait until it dried and applied Z2 PRO using the free applicator pad I received from Zaino, waited for about 30 min (or until it dried) and used a orbital buffer with terry cotton bonnet. This was the most time and energy consuming part of the process.

After that, I used Z6 Ultra clean Gloss enhancer spray to detail all around. I was not sure about repeating Z2 & Z6 process to get any extra shine since my car is Silver.

I am happy with how my Pruis looks now.

Here is the breakdown of cost
Z1- $9.95 (enough for 3 applications)
Z2- $14.95 (enough for 3 applications)
Z6- $9.95 (enough for 3-4 applications)
Total cost= $43.80 (incl. $8.95 shipping)

Good Luck!!!

 

If you use a cotton towel, use a good quality one. Some of the less expensive ones use polyester in the thread used to sew the seams. Polyester could leave scratches or swirl marks on your paint. As an option to cotton, you might consider a quality microfibre cloth.

From www.zainostore.com , they do specifically recommend the use of Dawn.

"I would definitely recommend you remove the wax buildup on your paint. Just use Liquid Dawn (hand dishwashing liquid) as a car wash. It has a high alkaline content which cuts right thru carnauba wax, paraffin, silicone oils, etc. This will get your paint finish squeeky clean and wax free. I don't advise making a habit of washing your car with Dawn. But for this scenario it's fine. High alkaline products like Dawn are tough on polishes."

Depending on how dirty your paint is, you might want to use a clay bar as well.

I would suggest you go to their website and get their instructions straight from the horse's mouth.

 

My box of Zaino products arrived today! Now all I need is a Prius to put under all the Zaino layers.

 

I was in a similar boat in June. I practiced on my Jeep to be sold, and *gasp* mother-in-laws Caddie. Claybarring is marginally fun. Claybarring smaller cars is funner.

 

Diapers are a really bad choice because they hold all the residue (which may contain dust that will scratch your paint) right on the surface. Microfiber towels have been the choice of pros and enthusiasts for at least the past half-dozen years, and before that, cotton terry cloth towels (Sal is old school in this regard).

 

The key to applying Zaino is the same for any other sealant or wax: surface preparation. In fact, the differences in appearance between different sealants are very subtle (wax vs. sealant is not subtle), and how well the surface is prepared makes a big difference.

The following steps are not unique to Zaino, they're the same for almost all last-step products, including wax:

1) Wash with wax-stripping detergent
2) Surface contaminant removal (claying)
3) Wash with car wash shampoo
4) Polishing, if needed (Menzerna Intensive Polish applied with a DACP)
5) Swirl removal and gloss enhancement, if needed (Menzerna Final Polish II applied with a DACP)
6) Glaze, if you use it (I don't)
7) Last-step product (wax or sealant), or sealant, followed by carnuba wax

Even Meguiar's would look good if you took your time and did a good job with steps 1-6.

 

thanks for the tip. we won't be using those next time, then.

 

If you are only getting 3 applications per bottle, you must be coating a school bus!

 

Agreed. 2 oz is enough to put 4 or more coats on my Prius.

 

I was inspired by this thread so ordered the following Zaino products:

Z-18 ClayBar
Z-7 Show Car Wash
ZFX Flash Cure Accelerator Additive
Z-2 PRO Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes
Z-5 Show Car Polish for Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches

also picked up 1 small bottle of Dawn and a few large, white 100% cotton towels.

Does anyone have a recommendation for an orbital buffer?

Thanks,
Dave

 

No Z-6 or Z-8?

I Zaino'd for the first time a few days ago. I was surprised at how easy it turned out to be (and will be even easier next time, since I can skip the Dawn wash and claybar steps).

 

I havn't Zaino'ed mine yet, but I did use Eagle One Nanowax on mine after doing a dawn-wash to get the old wax off. Did a great job.

I think the occasional dawn-wash (maybe once or twice a year) really helps by getting the old wax off so the new finish is perfect.

Dave

 

Porter Cable 7424 is what just about every experienced person uses.

FYI - I always apply LSPs (last step products) by hand, although I understand that some people like to use their PC to apply LSPs.

 

I've been using Meguiar's with good results.

I use Gold Class wash but will be switching to NXT since it has conditioners to deal with hard water.

I clay the car with the Meguiar's Quick clay bar and detailer.

I apply Deep Crystal Polish with the Dual Action polisher.

I apply NXT wax with the Dual Action Polisher

I buff with the Dual Action Polisher and a cutting pad with a microfiber bonnet.

In between washes I use NXT detailer.

Should I get any minor scratches I'll take care of them with ScratchX.

Meguiar's has a lot of both consumer line and professional line products available from their website as well as brushes, applicators, towels, etc.

Being in So. Cal I also had an opportunity to drive up to their offices in LA and attend a Saturday class on how to correctly detail my car.

I've also picked up a lot of tips from their online forum.

I'm lucky in that my car is garaged at night but it's parked outside about 8 hours a day when I'm at work.

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