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I'm starting this thread to give us a place to discuss the Zaino line of detailing products, not to quibble over if other product lines are better or worse. I do hope those that do use other products join in the discussions though
That said, I'm not an exclusive Zaino user, there are Meg. products, Prima, and odds and ends of others on my detailing shelves.
So I want to start with a question about Clear Seal. I have applied it to both our BRGs as a top coat after full blown claying, polishing and waxing,(I know it's not a wax, but a sealant/protectant, waxing is just easier to say/type) I also use it as a booster in between full blown detailing. Here is my question; the directions say to spritz on and spread the product evenly, and sparling over the car, then just sit back, no wiping off or buffing afterwards. Well I do this and it stays streaky, even after many hours I'm not using to much, because even after doing both cars a number of times the spray bottle is almost full still.
So I end up wiping it down with a very soft touch with a microfiber cloth that has a spritz of QD on it, the results are wonderful I just don't get this sitting back bit, does it take days to even out
Use a dedicated cotton Clear Seal applicator pad. I then keep it in a closed baggie. The pad works better the more you use it. It takes very, very little product spray. Grand Finale will finish it better than "Meguires? QD" detail spray.
Having used Loc, Z-2, and Z-6 Gloss Enhancer for over 10 years, the new All-In-One, Clear Seal, Grand Finale "triplet" work great!!
If I want a fast slick finish for a car show, I use Blitz carnuba wax over Zaino.
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Speedwing
Motoring in HENDRX
2005 Purple Haze MC
I did use the Zaino applicator and very little product, like one spritz for the bonnet, maybe 2 for the whole side of the car. Oh well, guess I just have to keep practicing my technique.
How are the weather conditions? Reports are CS can streak when applied under 45-50f. I know you mentioned you've used it after full blown details and solo; generally I find it's best applied after a wash and also after you've waited at least 24 hours since your last application of any sealant type product (including Z8).
I did find it streaks a bit more with Opti Seal, but in the end I got a routine down that worked. You're using a similar amount to me.
I've tried the CS, but mostly on the wheels. I did try it once on the boot, but I saw the streaking (or more like a hazy oil-film looking finish) and decided to not do the rest of the MINI.
I'm liking CS on the wheels though.
maybe someone can tell me if i should pull the trigger on Z-PC, as im running low on car polishes from sonus (they were great, just a PITA to get them here), is ZPC really abrasive and will it leave tons of scratch marks everywhere? im hoping to try it as a replacement to the Sonus 3 stage polish, and if it is abrasive, should i follow with Z-AIO, then Z5, then Z2?
Here is what I think I know. Z-PC is fairly aggressive, but it should not "leave" scratches as that is not the point, it should be getting rid of swirls, and light scratches.
The Z-2, and Z-5 have no fillers in them, so if swirls/scratches are in the paint, they will not get rid of them, but you will have some nice glossy ones.
The AIO has some gentle polishes in it, and will remove slight swirls.
I just finished our 2 MINIs, and a friends with AIO and 2 coats of Z-5, then topped with Zaino clear seal.
I'm happy with the results.
03 that had some issues
My 03, ignore the Red loaner in the background with 600 miles on it that feels like sandpaper, and shines like a cast iron pot
No pics of the 05 Cabrio yet, it was getting dark today when I finished, but it looks great too.
A correction or two if I may Lotsie. Z-PC is a diminishing abrasive which is only slightly more aggressive than ScratchX and slightly less than Prima Swirl. It won't scratch your paint (depending on the selected pad). Zaino Z-5 has filler properties. That's why you use it in between layers of Z-2 to help hide any missed swirls.
Your MINIs look super duper Mark, nice work!
I used the Z-PC followed by the Z-AIO the one and only time I tried out my new PC this past spring and the results were great...didn't eliminate but great reduced the swirls (there weren't many in the first place though) but it seemed to make the chili red be a deeper richer look...then followed that up with Z5 then Z2....looking forward to doing that again after the winter
so, since that is the one and only time I've used a PC I can't compare the Z-PC to Swirl or whatever, but the Z-PC was easy to use, didn't leave scuffing or imperfections, and just felt better using a polish (Z-PC) and cleaner/wax (Z-AIO) within the zaino family since for now the Z5/Z2 is my sealant ....when my bottles run out though I will be trying Epic just to try someting different
I'm pretty much in the same boat, but I do have a partial bottle of Epic. Going to give it a try on one of the MINIs this spring. The Zaino is holding up great though as usual
I've been using Zaino for a little over a year and am very happy with it. Question:
What order do you use different applications and why? Thought it might be a good thread to show why/when you use a certain product.
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keith
MiamiMini
'05 S
CR/W, 15% pulley, Alta CAI, Alta rear sway bar
"Rangers Lead the Way"
When I used the old Zaino system in the past it was Z-PC to rid the finish of swirls followed by a Z-6 wipe down and then a layer of Z-5 to fill any remaining swirls. Then a Z-6 wipe down followed by Z-2, Z-6 and Z-2.
Now with their new AIO I'm not sure of the order. Plus I still use Prima so I haven't bothered to learn the new Zaino products.
disclaimer.....this is just what I have figured out.. other more expert advice probably will appear.....
I think the general order is:
1) normal zaino'ing:
a) wash, clay, wash, dry thoroughly
b) Z5 (optional--Z5 again) followed by 2 or 3 coats of Z2
Z6......they say Z6 in between each application of Z5 or Z2 but I do not do that anymore as I could not see any difference with or without
2) full yearly zaino'ing and using the PC to remove swirls:
a) wash, clay, wash, dry thoroughly
b) use Z-PC following directions on bottle and after watching Octane Guy's DVD on how to use the PC ; then wipe off thoroughly
c) Z-AIO cleaner wax with the PC to get rid of any potential marks or residue from the Z-PC; let dry, then wipe off thoroughly
d) Z5 Z5, then Z2 Z2 with Z6 wipe, optional, in between coats
they have since come out with Clear Seal, but I have no idea when and why to use it, and where it fitsin to the above
My take on the Clear Seal is to use it if you don't want to go the whole Z5-Z2 route. Kind of a quick easy sealant. I use it as a booster for the full blown Zaino, about every 6 weeks or so. Brings the slickness back.
But Banana Gas seems to be doing the same thing. Easy to apply/wipe off.
The problem with these high end products is not their cost, but how long a bottle of the stuff lasts. Makes changing product lines very $$$$.
) I also use it as a booster in between full blown detailing. Here is my question; the directions say to spritz on and spread the product evenly, and sparling over the car, then just sit back, no wiping off or buffing afterwards. Well I do this and it stays streaky, even after many hours
I'm not using to much, because even after doing both cars a number of times the spray bottle is almost full still.
I just don't get this sitting back bit, does it take days to even out
