zaino vs Klasse vs NXT

[heyduard]

Originally Posted by umberto

speaking of the dreaded white on the black wheel arches and moulding, NXT definitley leaves some white......how do Klasse and Zaino compare as far as need to avoid it touching the moulding,.... how about the vinyl gutters and windows: should the Z or K be avoided or is it beneficial for the windows and gutters and wheel arches?

Klasse does not leave any white residue. If you accidently brush some on, it will look white for a bit, but fade away. Zaino is probably similar in behavior.

[ofioliti]

Originally Posted by tradiuz

Zaino, being a pure polymer base, is not a wax, but rather a polish.

It is unfortunate that the word "polish" is used in different ways in the car detailing community thus leading to some confusion. I was taught that a "polish" is something that removes a slight amount of the scratched paint to smooth it out and therefore make it reflect light better. There are true polishes out there. Zaino (Z-2) is not a polish in the sense that it removes anything. It doesn't. It should be called a "sealant" rather than a "polish."

[mini552]

I've used Zaino & Klasse & various others on black cars, white cars & silver cars. Presently using Klasse base with Pinnacle wax top coat on white Audi TT & Silver A4 and very, very happy with the results. Pepper White Cooper is on order. The Zaino was very nice, particularly with a black car I used to have, but the multiple steps, curing time, ordering of steps is, for me, just too much (let's see, was that z6 then z2? z5? accelerator? aw screw it). I know that Zaino is practically a religion for some, and it's a great product, but you have to almost be the kind of person who alphabetizes their pantry to put up with remembering the routine - My Klasse pinnacle combo probably doesnt last as long, but the whole process will take me about an hour on a mini - just my 2cents.

[BradB]

Originally Posted by ofioliti

It is unfortunate that the word "polish" is used in different ways in the car detailing community thus leading to some confusion. I was taught that a "polish" is something that removes a slight amount of the scratched paint to smooth it out and therefore make it reflect light better. There are true polishes out there. Zaino (Z-2) is not a polish in the sense that it removes anything. It doesn't. It should be called a "sealant" rather than a "polish."

You pretty much nailed it. Technically a polish has an abrasive in it, but Zaino has none.

The terminology is misused throughout the industry and in this case even Zaino admits it, but it was labeled for the average consumer to identify with. "Wax" was deemed worse because it sounded like a carnauba, which it clearly is not, and "sealant" was equally confusing to the newbie. So "polish" it is!

[jbs111]

I have used both Klasse and Zaino Products. I was sold on Klasse until I used Zaino.

I used the Klasse twins with multiple coats then topped it with P21S on my BRG/White MC. The results were indeed amazing. But......

After reading about all the hoopla about Zaino, I decided to give the product a try on a different I found the Zaino to be much easier to use and acheived a better/deeper shine than the Klasse products topped with P21S. It also lasted longer. Yes, the Zaino is only available through mail order, but the ease of use and resulting shine well worth the shipping charge.

My wife's Chili Red/Black MCSa is about to leave Southhampton and it will receive nothing but the Zaino treatment once it arrives. Indeed, I am a Zaino convert.

JB

[eMINI]

Originally Posted by jbs111

I have used both Klasse and Zaino Products. I was sold on Klasse until I used Zaino.

I used the Klasse twins with multiple coats then topped it with P21S on my BRG/White MC. The results were indeed amazing. But......

After reading about all the hoopla about Zaino, I decided to give the product a try on a different I found the Zaino to be much easier to use and acheived a better/deeper shine than the Klasse products topped with P21S. It also lasted longer. Yes, the Zaino is only available through mail order, but the ease of use and resulting shine well worth the shipping charge.

My wife's Chili Red/Black MCSa is about to leave Southhampton and it will receive nothing but the Zaino treatment once it arrives. Indeed, I am a Zaino convert.

JB

Just a little FYI... You may find that you have a local distributor of Zaino products. We have a great Zaino Rep in Charlotte. Check out Carolina Shine at http://www.zainocharlotte.com/. They're extremely knowledgeable and easy to work with. Any time I run low, I just swing by and re-stock. Come to think of it, I'm about ready for a new bottle of Z-6... Steve?

[chrisneal]

I just picked up my new chili red Cooper two weeks ago, and am waffling between Zaino and Klasse. On my first Cooper I used a few different products, but all carnauba. I ended up settling on the P21S, but never used anything under it, just the occasional claying.

This thread has been very helpful, but here's my question: if I'm starting off with essentially a brand new factory/dealer finish, do I need to do a Dawn wash (which I'm very wary of!) or something similar to prep the paint for the Zaino or Klasse, or can I just go right to it?

Thanks!
Chris

[gokartride]

Chris, the Dawn wash apparently cuts through any wax or other compounds, leaving you w/ a clean slate, so to speak. Clay bar would be an important step next, of course.

I'm a Klasse user myself, but if I were to start over I'd probably go straight to Zaino based on two assumptions...Zaino has certain optical qualities that nudge it ahead of the rest, and two, the in the end it appears easier to use than the written instructions indicate. I was put off by Zaino because of this...Klasse is just so blasted easy...but actual users don't seem to find it all that hard, so I'm bearing that in mind.

The other thing that has me continuing use of my remaining Klasse product I have (besides the fact that I don't want to waste it) is that my MINI is so blasted shiny!! I know Zaino's optics may be theoretically better (granted) but practically speaking...I don't want to blind someone or cause accidents out there!!! There is no car within miles of my Klasse'd MINI that comes even close. I'm content w/ that.

[MGear]

I have been using Klasse on my 02 JCWS since I brought the car home form the dealer. I also use the P21S as a sealer over the Klasse and I am very pleased with the results it is very easy to apply both products in less then 1 and half hours.

That said once my Klasse runs out I will give the Zaino a try although I do not want to use Dawn on my car's finish for any reason. I would rather take the time to compound and clay bar the finish before starting with Zaino than use Dawn

BTW Zaino is sold in retail outlets (Halfords) here in the UK.

[abbydog3]

I have always been a fan of Meguiars products. Their NXT line is simple, easy and delivers great results. Their 3-step Deep Crystal line has been my favorite product for years, but the labor involved is high - unbelivable looking results.

In the past few month, I have started using Liquid Glass, see http://www.liquidglass.com/. I find that it has simliar results to Zaino, can be layered and I can buy it at my local Pepboys. It's packaging is old school, but it is easy to apply and lasts longer than Meguiars wax.

Oh yea, the new Meguiars line of towls is excellent. That waffle drying towl is the best.

Cheers.

[chrisneal]

Well, if MGear uses Klasse, that seals it for me (seals it... get it?). He's got one of the shiniest cars I've ever seen in photos on this forum! And I already have the P21S to layer on top. Thanks for the help!

[CoryB]

I've used Meguiars products for years and used my CR/W MCS has only had NXT on it until recently. I typically applied two coats of NXT with at least 12 hours of drying time between them, and then waited another 12 hours for the second coat to cure before taking it out into the weather - as suggested on the Megs forum. So basically, I was without the car for 1.5 days (sleep has to get in there somewhere...)

My wife recently got a BEP MCS and wanted to try Zaino so I ordered the started kit that comes with Z-7, Z-2Pro, Z-5, Z-6, ZFX and clay. I spent 4-5 hours washing, claying and applying the Zaino and the car turned out amazing. So that only took one afternoon compared to the time for NXT.

About a week after applying the Zaino to her car, I recoated my MCS with NXT. It rained the next day and the dirty, week-old Zaino finish beaded water MUCH better than the freshly applied NXT.

A few days later I washed both cars and again, the Zaino beaded the water better and looked deeper and wetter when both cars were dried.

So, this past Sunday, I washed mine with Dawn, clayed, and applied Zaino to it. It looks better than it ever has!

So consider me a convert to the Zaino religion now. I'll use the NXT on our Jeeps and my kids cars because they're not as picky as I am - at least until I run out of it. Then they'll get Zaino too.

[polmear]

Originally Posted by umberto

(snip)...but my priority is the slickness feel lasting a long time.

Zaino.

[apexer]

I have not used Klasse but, have used both NXT and Zaino.

NO Question, Zaino the way to go for me

[BradB]

Originally Posted by chrisnl

if I'm starting off with essentially a brand new factory/dealer finish, do I need to do a Dawn wash (which I'm very wary of!) or something similar to prep the paint for the Zaino or Klasse, or can I just go right to it?

Thanks!
Chris

You will get the best results with a polymer when you are ASSURED that the surface is not contaminated with old wax or protectant deposits. It creates a better bond between the polymer and the paint surface. Dawn (which is just a alkaline wash) will clean off old waxes but will NOT damage your paint. Don't fret over this. Even Sal Zaino, who was a painter by trade, swears by this. We have discussed it at length.

In my last 15 years of detailing no question has come up more or been debated more. It makes me crazy. You are NOT washing your car daily in DAWN. You are not soaking the car in 100% straight Dawn. You are doing a rinse. Once. It will not hurt anything this way.

Check the ph level of your water...many people have hard water out of the tap that is FAR more destructive than Dawn! Ever consider that? (That's only one reason to use a shampoo.)

Glass cleaners, windshield cleaning fluid and wheel cleaners you use are many times more destructive than Dawn. And they get on painted surfaces all the time. Consider that next time you clean your painted wheels or get overspray from a dressing or cleaner on the paint. You clean your wheels more than once, right?

Using a compound and abrading the surface away instead of rinsing with Dawn is just not necessary. This creates much more wear and tear on your paint.

Just trying to introduce some logic, that's all.

[eMINI]

Originally Posted by CoryB

So, this past Sunday, I washed mine with Dawn, clayed, and applied Zaino to it. It looks better than it ever has!

So consider me a convert to the Zaino religion now. I'll use the NXT on our Jeeps and my kids cars because they're not as picky as I am - at least until I run out of it. Then they'll get Zaino too.

Welcome to the Zaino side.

[OctaneGuy]

I love these threads! But tell me, just how much glossier can you get? I mean, if your paint looks dark, rich, and wet, does it matter how you achieved it?

Here's my daily driver with 42,000 miles in the past 2 years--hasn't been NXT'd in over 6 weeks, and even longer since it's last wash. I use Meguiar's Quik Detailer every day on the paint and the wheels. In that time, it's seen over almost 2,000 miles since the last waxing.

If after Quik Detailing, I feel a bit more drag than usual, I'll put some NXT Spray Wax on a microfiber applicator pad, and spread it on, and wipe if off a few minutes later.

NXT works for me!
REFLECTIVE

METAL FLAKES


WINDSHIELD PILLAR LOOKS LIKE A MIRROR

UNDER FLUORESCENT LIGHTING--IT LOOKS WET

[BradB]

Originally Posted by OctaneGuy

...hasn't been NXT'd in over 6 weeks, and even longer since it's last wash.

....Can't do THAT in the Midwest! I live in the "Wax Torture, USA".

[hugh]

If anyone knows a better product than Dawn to remove old wax or polish, I'd like to know what it is.

Negative reaction to being told to use dish washing detergent on your brand new car is predictable. Mine had an application of dealer applied NXT that needed to be removed before I could do Zaino. I washed the car using the Dawn mixture in the shade with a chenile mit, washing one section at a time and rinsing immediately.The result was a car that was squeaky clean...literally. Then I followed with the Zaino process. NO PROBLEMS !!! It came out great.

I think that by this time, if Dawn was a problem, it would have been reported on NAM and other forums. I am a newbie, but I've read tons of stickies and threads and have yet to read even one Dawn horror story.

hs

[mini552]

Ahhh, sunny Sat. afternoon, gonna buff up the ride. Let's see - - Z7 wash, then clay. Wait, need Dawn dishwashing liquid to combat inferior, previous organic-based wax! Go to store, get Dawn & beer. Have a beer. Wash with Dawn. Clay with special Zaino bar. (s*&t, do I wash with z7 now? Better do so) Now, let's see - need to dry with special cotton towels from US - can't read tag except it's cotton - get reading glasses and try to see country of origin. Screw it - it's cotton. OK, start with Z2. OK now on to z6 (or is it Z5- do I have swirls?) Have another beer and look for swirls. OK - can't see swirls, at least through beer goggles - don't think I need z5 - go to z6 - refer to manual for "cure" time - too long - look for tiny bottles of "accelerator" - Mix 3 drops in tiny bottle. Have another beer. Apply accelerated polish. Wait shorter "cure time." Have beer. Mix accelerator with another batch of z6??? or is it z5? Nope, definitely z6. Oops, getting dark (also drunk). Can't remember what step I'm at. Screw it, where's my old tin of Turtle wax. Please no flames from the Zaino cult - I know its shiny, its slippery, it's the bomb - I've used it before - my current audi is white and my MCS on order is Pepper White - Life's too short. Today it's Zaino treating the Mini - tomorrow I'm organizing sock drawer and alphabetizing cans in pantry. Klasse twins for me. :smile:

[CoryB]

Originally Posted by OctaneGuy

<snip>
NXT works for me!
<snip>

And really, that's what's important. If you're happy with the product you use, that's all that matters. I wasn't happy with the appearance and protection of (essentially) three coats of 1-day-old NXT compared to 1-week-old Zaino. So I switched.

I do have a question though. First you said:

Originally Posted by OctaneGuy

Here's my daily driver with 42,000 miles in the past 2 years--hasn't been NXT'd in over 6 weeks, and even longer since it's last wash.

But then you said:

Originally Posted by OctaneGuy

If after Quik Detailing, I feel a bit more drag than usual, I'll put some NXT Spray Wax on a microfiber applicator pad, and spread it on, and wipe if off a few minutes later.

My understanding (from the Meguiars forums) is that the NXT Spray Wax is a booster wax - therefore you're actually rewaxing the vehicle each time you use it, although it's a less durable coating than the full-blown NXT.

So aren't you essentially doing the same thing with the NXT Spray wax as the Zaino folks are doing with a booster coat of Z-2?

[lotsie]

I think as long as you are happy with the results of the product you use, what you use is more about looks, and the kind of time you have to spend on your MINI.

Keeping my MINI protected, clean and looking good is what it's all about for me:smile:

[OctaneGuy]

NXT doesn't layer like Zaino does. 2 Coats is often suggested if you want to apply more than one simply to even out any light spots or areas you may have missed the first time around. 3 coats isn't going to look any better. For extra gloss and protection, sometimes I will follow my 1 coat of NXT with 1 coat of Gold Class Clear Coat Polish/Wax which helps add more gloss. Some people like using the new #21 Synthetic Sealant over NXT instead. They say the water sheets off instead of beading like Zaino.

You're right about Spray Wax, and I kind of doubled up on my post. That is--in general if you Quik Detail frequently, your protective wax coating will break down faster. You can tell when this happens when you glide your MF towel across the paint, it tends to drag more than when it was just waxed.

The weather has been kind to me for the past 6 weeks here in CA--as Brad mentioned, this isn't possible everywhere. While I QD every day, I may not QD the entire car. I've gotten a bit lazy this past month, and if it looked shiny to me, I didn't bother QDing it. And since I switched to Mintex Red Box pads, I don't have to QD my white wheels as often any more. I used to QD my paint whenever I QD'd my wheels--which was often twice a day.

I haven't done Spray Wax in that time period of 6 weeks, but it's easy enough to do if you need to. Most people make the mistake of spraying it directly on the paint--getting it everywhere, and then putting on too much. You just need to saturate a MF applicator pad, glide on a thin layer, let it dry, then wipe it off. Quick and easy.

Hope that clarifies things.

Richard

Originally Posted by CoryB

And really, that's what's important. If you're happy with the product you use, that's all that matters. I wasn't happy with the appearance and protection of (essentially) three coats of 1-day-old NXT compared to 1-week-old Zaino. So I switched.

I do have a question though. First you said:
But then you said:
My understanding (from the Meguiars forums) is that the NXT Spray Wax is a booster wax - therefore you're actually rewaxing the vehicle each time you use it, although it's a less durable coating than the full-blown NXT.

So aren't you essentially doing the same thing with the NXT Spray wax as the Zaino folks are doing with a booster coat of Z-2?

[BradB]

Originally Posted by lot15

I think as long as you are happy with the results of the product you use....

Right on, brotha!

[umberto]

you can put zaino Z2 on the windshield, but my windshield is rainX'd (about 6-8 weeks ago).....this works fine, but if I want to Zaino the glass, I imagine that I should remove the rainX first...any suggestions or have people had good results applying Z2 over a rainX'd windshield