MINI Cooper MINI Cooper specs
MINI Cooper MINI Cooper Forums MINI Cooper Pictures
Mark Forums Read MINI Cooper radio MINI Cooper latest news
 

Go Back   North American Motoring > MINIs in General > Detailing 101
Sign in using an external account
Register Forgot Password?

Welcome to North American Motoring !
Welcome to North American Motoring,

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!


» Latest Main Topics
Go to first new post R56 Modified Intake
17 Replies, 798 Views
Go to first new post "Those Waiting for a 2012"...
by Vapok
1,975 Replies, 53,507 Views
Go to first new post OK we all own MINIs but...
by airmini
1,179 Replies, 58,597 Views
Go to first new post Lets post some GP pics
84 Replies, 5,490 Views
Advertisement

Reply
 
 
 
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
  #1  
Old 06-02-2005, 08:01 AM
umberto umberto is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Milford Mass
Posts: 1,097
Gallery
zaino vs Klasse vs NXT

I know this topic has been posted many times before, but I did a search and couldn't find it.....there was a test comparison of Zaino, Klasse, and NXT a while back comparing the protection and slickness of each product over time.....I use NXT and think it is great, but only for 2-3 weeks, then I need to do it again. I love the slickness of NXT and is really shiny but it washes off after the 3 weeks even using their NXT just wash weekly or everyother week.

I am looking to change to a product that will keep its "just waxed" slickness for a few months rather than a few weeks...so, between Zaino and Klasse, which is slicker initially, and which is slicker 2 months down the road.

Also, if I go with Zaino, I must use their Z7 wash and not the NXT car wash, correct? And am unclear if the ZFX is used with the Z5 as well as the Z2? And is the Z6 detailer really necessary between each coat and after the final coat?

If I go with Klasse twins, can I use the big ( BIG ) bottle of NXT car wash I have left?

Really seems like the Klasse is simpler and less involved, but my priority is the slickness feel lasting a long time.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 06-02-2005, 08:58 AM
BradB's Avatar
BradB BradB is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: St. Louis
Posts: 1,237
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by umberto
I know this topic has been posted many times before, but I did a search and couldn't find it.....there was a test comparison of Zaino, Klasse, and NXT a while back comparing the protection and slickness of each product over time.....I use NXT and think it is great, but only for 2-3 weeks, then I need to do it again. I love the slickness of NXT and is really shiny but it washes off after the 3 weeks even using their NXT just wash weekly or everyother week.

I am looking to change to a product that will keep its "just waxed" slickness for a few months rather than a few weeks...so, between Zaino and Klasse, which is slicker initially, and which is slicker 2 months down the road.

Also, if I go with Zaino, I must use their Z7 wash and not the NXT car wash, correct? And am unclear if the ZFX is used with the Z5 as well as the Z2? And is the Z6 detailer really necessary between each coat and after the final coat?

If I go with Klasse twins, can I use the big ( BIG ) bottle of NXT car wash I have left?

Really seems like the Klasse is simpler and less involved, but my priority is the slickness feel lasting a long time.
I have used all of these products extensively.

Hands down Zaino is the slickest and will remain so longer than any of the others. It's a more durable polymer based system and will not wash off.

The Z7 car was is not a "must" but it would be silly NOT to! It is formulated to work with the polymer and enhances the slickness and shine every time you wash. I have done tests with and without Z7 and you definitely want to use it. Using other washes can cause smearyness and just aren't as slick. They often have carnaubas/oils in them wich don't jive with the z6 quick detailer (which you should use frequently for touch ups, etc) and when you start mixing chemicals things get muddy. Stick with the right base and it stays slick, glossy and crystal clear.

Yes, use ZFX with Z5 and Z2 Pro.

You don't have to use Z6 between each coat but it does seem to enhance the gloss a bit. Not a big deal. But you do want Z6 as a regular use QD. It's wonderful stuff and adds slickness every time you use it.

The new Z8 Spray Sealer is fantastic, too. It's like Z6 on steroids. It offers superior slickness and adds protection as well. It bonds to the Zaino surface.

You can use NXT car wash with Klasse if you choose to do so.
__________________
Bloomquist Garage!
'04 PW Mini Cooper S....Gone but still here in spirit!
My Other Rides.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 06-02-2005, 06:24 PM
umberto umberto is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Milford Mass
Posts: 1,097
Gallery
Brad....do you know the whereabouts of that comparison test which I think shows a chart showing the diff between those three products at I think 3 weeks and then again at 8 weeks, or something like that...I think it was in this forum or maybe on autopia's site...thanks
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 06-02-2005, 07:23 PM
BradB's Avatar
BradB BradB is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: St. Louis
Posts: 1,237
Gallery
GuruReports did the test. Search their site and I bet you can dig it up.
__________________
Bloomquist Garage!
'04 PW Mini Cooper S....Gone but still here in spirit!
My Other Rides.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 06-02-2005, 08:46 PM
apexer apexer is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Uniontown, PA
Posts: 1,323
Gallery
I can't speak about Klasse but, I have used both NXT and Zaino. Zaino is better by far. Better shine, slicker surface and lasts much longer. Just do it right the first time. A. Clay Bar B. Z-5 ( 1 or 2 coats as needed) C. Z-2 (I just did 4 coats) I have the Z-6 but didn't use it between coats. I do use it for quick touch-ups and to kick that shine up a bit. Z-7 wash is great and keeps that shine bright.
__________________
04 MCS,CR/W,Anthracite,P-BLeather,15% AltaPulley,+2%AltaCrank,MTH,AltaCAI,IK-22plugs,DT-TB,NologyWires,Alta Oil CC,Magnaflow,EBC Greens,Stoptech SS BrakeLines,Ate fluid,H-Sport Comp.Rear Bar,Kosie K-1 TS Wheels(17X7 in white)w/Star Spec Tires,Momo LeatherShiftKnob,Euro Shelf,Zaino. MMC#150 - CROC#48http://www.thompsonsmithdesign.com/w.../CROC-icon.JPG
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 06-02-2005, 09:39 PM
ZenAudio's Avatar
ZenAudio ZenAudio is offline
3rd Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Sunny Southern California
Posts: 250
Gallery
Slight hijacking

I've heard Zaino is a must for dark colors. Will I get full benefit with silver or would Klasse do the job. I'll defer to the experts on this and let the thread fly along.

Thanks,
Mike
__________________
I've spent more money than I can remember on wine, my woman & song; all the rest I've wasted!

"Hot Sauce" - 2005 Pure Silver/Black MCS Drop Top, Sport (17" Bullets), Premium & Cold

Life is Better Topless!!!

MMC#74
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 06-02-2005, 10:22 PM
heyduard's Avatar
heyduard heyduard is offline
4th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: wny
Posts: 396
Gallery
Howdy,

I use Klasse on my 05 PS/B MINI. I like the wet look Klasse gives the paint. I did the base coat of AIO and one coat of SG back in November. After the winter in Jersey and biweekly touchless car washes (jan thru Mar), it was still beading in May. As far I as I can remember, the paint felt smooth after a wash.

After claying, I reapplied AIO and a single coat of SG last week. Still feels smooth to me. I'm still considering applying a second coat of SG.

Can't go wrong with either Zaino or Klasse. Less is more! Especially with SG. Some folks use AIO as a base and then top off with Zaino. So start spending!!!!

If you go with Klasse, get the Sonus stuff (QD, clay, etc). It works well with Klasse. Autopia has the kits.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 06-03-2005, 07:23 AM
MrV MrV is offline
4th Gear
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 342
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by tradiuz
I like Zaino for two reasons. A. I have a HB so it makes it look like its always wet. B. Dust, bugs, bird poo, ect just fall off (almost literally) with very little effort. Just yesterday I had to wash some bird droppings off the side of the car (no clue how a bird can hit the SIDE of a car), Just aimed the hose, and squirted a little water, the bird crap just slid off.
I can attest to that. It was a big surprise to me at how easy the bugs just washed off. After trying for hours (literally) to get them off of my unprotected wifes car, it was a big plus for me.

I thought I heard somewhere that NFX was bad for vinyl stripes. Granted, not everyone has them, but alot of MINI folks do.
__________________
<a href=http://www.jayandjennifer.com/signam.jpg target=_blank>http://www.jayandjennifer.com/signam.jpg</a>
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 06-03-2005, 07:28 AM
YYC's Avatar
YYC YYC is offline
4th Gear
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 408
Gallery
Klasse All-in-One, Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze, then two coats of P21S Carnauba Wax on a PS/B MCS.

Very happy with the results...especially being able to just hose off bugs from the front!
__________________
"Max" (PS/B MCS)
Run with the big dogs, or stay on the porch!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 06-03-2005, 07:29 AM
gokartride gokartride is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 38,507
Gallery
I use Klasse products on my IB/W MINI. The main reasons I went this direction is 1) it looks great, 2) it lasts long, and 3) it's only two simple steps for optimum results.

I've been intimidated by multiple coats Zaino seems to require. Initially the curing times were impossible for me, although Zaino's accelerator probably helps this now.

That said, I'm guessing Zaino probably produces slightly better results, but Klasse it pretty darn awesome and lasts just as long.

In the end it was a lifestyle decision. I have no garage available and I have loads family committments. Klasse fits well w/ my lifestyle...I still get compliments from local owners...and I also have the shiniest car in an 8 block radius!!!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 06-03-2005, 08:08 AM
LeeL LeeL is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Morrisville, NC
Posts: 682
Gallery
I had read somewhere that people with LY cars noticed that they seemed lighter or more milky yellow with Zaino so I have tried Zymol and now NXT. Both did not last that long, I do think the NXT looked really good though.


I have a black decal on white factory painted checkered roof so the talk about vinyl decal issues with NXT is concerning. I have noticed that it does leave white on the plastic wheel weel arches unlike zymol but have not seen any issues on my checkers.

How does Klasse do with decals and shine compared to NXT?
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 06-03-2005, 10:41 AM
umberto umberto is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Milford Mass
Posts: 1,097
Gallery
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?


also, as far as ease of use, with Zaino it seems there's Z5, the Z2 then Z2 ( three steps ); with klasse, there's AIO, SG then SG ( three steps too ) ......they both seem about the same labor unless you do the Z2 20 times to really layer it which i do not think I would.....so the zaino to me doesn't seem to much more labor intensive than Klasse ....does this make sense? unless, will the 2 coats of Z2 equal the 2 coats of SG as far as slickness and longevity?
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 06-03-2005, 12:13 PM
BradB's Avatar
BradB BradB is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: St. Louis
Posts: 1,237
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by LeeL
I had read somewhere that people with LY cars noticed that they seemed lighter or more milky yellow with Zaino
The claim with Zaino is pure BUNK. Zaino is optically CLEAR. It does not change or alter the color of your car. It will make it glossier/more reflective and brighter but will not change the color.
__________________
Bloomquist Garage!
'04 PW Mini Cooper S....Gone but still here in spirit!
My Other Rides.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 06-03-2005, 12:23 PM
ChiliCooperS's Avatar
ChiliCooperS ChiliCooperS is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Midwest
Posts: 1,918
Send a message via AIM to ChiliCooperS
Gallery
Is there anywhere like Walmart or something that I can get this Zaino stuff? I have used the NXT it didn't last very long and doesn't provide the type of shine on my chili red car as I want. Will Zaino do this?

Also, what all do I need, and in what order do I apply them to get the best results (ie: buff out scratches, clay, polish, wax)?

Thanks a Million! I hope to get harmon shining in no time!
Mikey
__________________
2005 MCS, Chili Red/White/Black M7 16%-2%, M7 OCC, double ceramic DFIC, M7 DDM, DT BPV, IK22s, Nologys, RMW Exhaust, JCW Sport Suspension & BBK, HSport Comp Rear Sway, VIP Engine Damper, and lots more
2011 BMW M3 Custom-Order DCT Sedan, Mineral White/Black Loaded, 20" Matte Black ADV.1 10.1s, Active Autowerke Signature Exhaust, Matte Black IND Cosmetic Kit, Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake, Mineral White Brembos
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 06-03-2005, 12:27 PM
BradB's Avatar
BradB BradB is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: St. Louis
Posts: 1,237
Gallery
Quote:
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?


also, as far as ease of use, with Zaino it seems there's Z5, the Z2 then Z2 ( three steps ); with klasse, there's AIO, SG then SG ( three steps too ) ......they both seem about the same labor unless you do the Z2 20 times to really layer it which i do not think I would.....so the zaino to me doesn't seem to much more labor intensive than Klasse ....does this make sense? unless, will the 2 coats of Z2 equal the 2 coats of SG as far as slickness and longevity?
Another myth is the number of steps "required" with Zaino. Z5 is an option. I rarely use it. Z5 is just an option to try if you have some light swirls it "may" help hide them. It's always best to remove all swirls before waxing no matter what you use anyway.

Zaino, as you surmised, isn't more labor intensive.

My Zaino application last Fall:
Clay
Prep paint by removing swirls
Dawn Wash if car was previously using another wax.
Apply Z2 Pro with ZFX (2oz will do 2-3 coats easily in one day)
Apply Z6 in between coats (optional)
Weekly:
Periodic QD maintenance with Z6 or Z8 for best results
Periodic washing with Z7 for best results

2 coats of Zaino will easily outlast AIO. Plus it is slicker and easier to maintain the slickness. I used AIO/SG for years until I discoverd Zaino.
__________________
Bloomquist Garage!
'04 PW Mini Cooper S....Gone but still here in spirit!
My Other Rides.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 06-03-2005, 12:32 PM
glassdarkly glassdarkly is offline
2nd Gear
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 140
Gallery
As far as I know Zaino is only available at www.zainobros.com. I have used Meguiars and in my opinion it is no comparison to the Zaino. The first time I washed my MINI after applying Zaino I could not believe how fast the water rolled off the car. It was incredible.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 06-03-2005, 12:34 PM
BradB's Avatar
BradB BradB is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: St. Louis
Posts: 1,237
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZenAudio
I've heard Zaino is a must for dark colors. Will I get full benefit with silver or would Klasse do the job. I'll defer to the experts on this and let the thread fly along.

Thanks,
Mike
I use Zaino on my silver Audi and Porsche. I can tell that they have more "pop" than similar cars sitting side by side. Sorry, the pic doesn't do it justice.

__________________
Bloomquist Garage!
'04 PW Mini Cooper S....Gone but still here in spirit!
My Other Rides.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 06-03-2005, 12:36 PM
whovous whovous is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 686
Gallery
I am in mid-experiment with NXT as a base coat and Meguiar's High Tech Yellow #26 as a cover coat. Excellent shine and very deep color.

It got better still when I put a coat of Meguiar's #7 over the top of it all, but I know for sure that #7 won't last; it is not made for durability but for its wet look.

The #26 is almost pure carnauba and so should be quite durable. If you want to keep using that BIG bottle of NXT, you should consider the #26 option. My application is less than a week old, so I cannot comment on its durability just yet.
__________________
It was a beautiful day.
The sun beat down.
I had the radio on.
I was driving.
'10 MCS Mayfair - HC/B
'04 MCS - BRG/W (174,000 miles!)
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 06-03-2005, 12:39 PM
ChiliCooperS's Avatar
ChiliCooperS ChiliCooperS is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Midwest
Posts: 1,918
Send a message via AIM to ChiliCooperS
Gallery
Brad,

What can I use to buff out the "micro" scratches that I have all over my car?
__________________
2005 MCS, Chili Red/White/Black M7 16%-2%, M7 OCC, double ceramic DFIC, M7 DDM, DT BPV, IK22s, Nologys, RMW Exhaust, JCW Sport Suspension & BBK, HSport Comp Rear Sway, VIP Engine Damper, and lots more
2011 BMW M3 Custom-Order DCT Sedan, Mineral White/Black Loaded, 20" Matte Black ADV.1 10.1s, Active Autowerke Signature Exhaust, Matte Black IND Cosmetic Kit, Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake, Mineral White Brembos
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 06-03-2005, 12:42 PM
ChiliCooperS's Avatar
ChiliCooperS ChiliCooperS is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Midwest
Posts: 1,918
Send a message via AIM to ChiliCooperS
Gallery
Also it says on their website that the waxes are polishes. What's the difference if any, and what should I get?
__________________
2005 MCS, Chili Red/White/Black M7 16%-2%, M7 OCC, double ceramic DFIC, M7 DDM, DT BPV, IK22s, Nologys, RMW Exhaust, JCW Sport Suspension & BBK, HSport Comp Rear Sway, VIP Engine Damper, and lots more
2011 BMW M3 Custom-Order DCT Sedan, Mineral White/Black Loaded, 20" Matte Black ADV.1 10.1s, Active Autowerke Signature Exhaust, Matte Black IND Cosmetic Kit, Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake, Mineral White Brembos
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 06-03-2005, 12:42 PM
gokartride gokartride is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 38,507
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by umberto
with klasse, there's AIO, SG then SG ( three steps too )
I just do 2 steps....one coat of AIO and one of SG.:smile:
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 06-03-2005, 12:47 PM
LeeL LeeL is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Morrisville, NC
Posts: 682
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by BradB
The claim with Zaino is pure BUNK. Zaino is optically CLEAR. It does not change or alter the color of your car. It will make it glossier/more reflective and brighter but will not change the color.
I have never seen it myself inperson, but the pictures look different to me. I do remember some mention at MINI2 IIRC where somone surmised that it was a reflection issue. I wonder if it might be something that causes issues with digital cameras and the way they perceive light but not human eyes?
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 06-03-2005, 01:50 PM
rpM rpM is offline
1st Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Irvine, CA
Posts: 33
Gallery
klasse to zaino, removing old klasse layer

I've had Klasse on my 2005 DS/B MCS for the last 6 months. Although it beads well and seems to last longer than conventional waxes, my friend's recently Zaino'ed 350Z is slicker and glossier than my Klasse when I first applied it. I'm going to Zaino my car this weekend, any suggestions on removing Klasse besides washing with Dawn?
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 06-03-2005, 01:54 PM
gokartride gokartride is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 38,507
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by rpM
any suggestions on removing Klasse
Good question. AIO removes previously applied AIO, but if you're switching to Zaino what's the process?
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 06-03-2005, 02:05 PM
umberto umberto is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Milford Mass
Posts: 1,097
Gallery
good point about removing old product before changing to a new one.....to remove any NXT that hasn't already washed away by itself, is dawn wash enough or do you need rubbing alcohol?
Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2005, 02:05 PM
 
 
 
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

Forum Jump


MINI CooperMINI Cooper PrivacyMINI Cooper Terms of UseMINI Cooper Guidelines MINI Cooper Advertising The North American MINI Cooper Community
  MINI Cooper news, forums, FAQs, and reviews for enthusiasts and owners of the North American MINI Cooper
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:25 AM.
 Copyright © 2002-2008 North American Motoring. All Rights Reserved.     Powered by vBulletin and vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:25 AM.


Powered by vBulletin and vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.
North American Motoring is an independently operated web site supporting MINI owners and enthusiastsworldwide. As such it has no official relationship with MINI USA, BMW AG, or BMW of North America.All original artwork and design is Copyright © 2002-2004 North American Motoring.
Admin Account Passwords

Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2