Information overload - 2 questions on Zaino

[Krapow]

I have spent too much time reading threads on Zaino, getting so much good info but I have 2 questions.

1. Do I need Z-5 for a new car (picked up in 12/05)?
I probably won't be able to Zaino until spring, but wanted to put in my order soon. Will the Z-2 be enough? I don't have any visible blemishes (yet). Or is it better to have the Z-5 on hand?

2. I have leatherette seats. Should I get the Z-9/Z-10 (leather cleaners) or something else?

I guess I'm trying to decide if I want the Total Protection or the Ultimate Protection Kits or just go with a bare bones order (ZFX, Z2, Z6, Z7, Z18)

Thanks for any input.

[FlynHawaiian]

I'll be honest, I've been an avide zaino user for a long time. And decided on this car I would try something new. Let me say that using the "perfect shine" method made the car look "tits". I highly recomend it.

Just a hint, you should find one of those "coin-up" pressure washer type of places and do all your detailing work there. you will have lots of room and it will be out of the sun

[BradB]

I am a Zaino fan as well and use it on a few of my cars.

To be honest I would wait on the Z5. You won't likely benefit much from it now.

The leather care is great stuff I love it. In fact, I just did a full treatment on my Audi S4 today, but if you have vinyl interior then you don't need it.

[Tarzan]

I'm a huge fan of Zaino.

Your essential list should include:
Z7 Car Wash (get two bottles of this)
Z18 Clay Bar
Z6 Gloss Enhancer
Z2-Pro Polish
ZFX Accelerator

Your long list would add:
Z8 Grand Finale
Z5 Polish
(and maybe) Z16 Tire Shine

The big difference between Z5 and Z2-Pro is that the Z5 will cover/fill more scratches and blemishes, but doesn't shine as brilliantly. The Z2-Pro has no fillers so it won't cover up flaws as well, but it has brighter optics for a more brilliant shine.

What's great about the Zaino products is that they are all intercompatible with one another. Using ZFX Accelerator, you can apply up to 3 coats in 24 hours, and you can put on Z5 and Z2-Pro in any order. I usually put on coats of Z5 followed by coats of Z2-Pro. Do the glass and chrome as well.

There's no sense in getting the leather cleaner if you don't have a leather interior. For vinyl, use MINI Interior Cleaner--it's safe for all the surfaces inside the car, and it does a great job.

There's no sense in getting the glass cleaner/polish--My local Zaino dealer let me sample an open bottle of it, and it just didn't make a difference on my windshield.

You'll get a couple of Z314 applicators for free, but you shouldn't order any. Use foam applicators instead.

Since your finish is new and unmarked, there's no immediate need for ZPC Fusion swirl remover. If you have swirl marks, spiderwebbing, and/or have a dark colored car, ZPC works great, but gives the best results if applied with a DA Polisher versus hand application.

I used the Z16 Tire Gloss for a long time, and it is a great product. However, I switched to Aerospace 303 because it gives a great satin finish and provides UV protection. Unlike the Z16, it is less greasy if you accidentally rub up against it. Aerospace 303 is not any cheaper, mind you--but it works great. Get it at boat supply stores, such as Boater's World.

Z6 and Z8 are completely interchangeable with each other. Z6 is more "watery" and Z8 is more "oily." There is a noticable difference between them too. Z8 looks deeper and glossier. It's also more expensive. It's recommended to use Z6 between wax coats and for day-to-day spiffying up, and to use Z8 on more special occasions due to the price difference.

All the Zaino products should be applied so sparingly that it's almost difficult to see it when you're applying it. Any thicker and you're just wasting product and making more work for yourself wiping it all off. If you look at a cross-section of your paint through a magnifying glass, only the very bottom of the "pile" of polish is in contact with the finish. Everything above the very bottom bit will just be wiped away when it dries.

I have a 2005 JB/JB MCS (11/04 build): My usual routine is:

Strip with Dawn
Z18 Clay Bar
Wash with Z7 Car Wash
ZPC Fusion with DA Polisher
3 coats of Z5 and ZFX with Z6 in between each coat
wait 24 hours, then apply
3 coats of Z2-Pro and ZFX with Z6 in between each coat
Finish with Z8 Grand Finale

[Krapow]

It was exactly what I am looking for.

I will be ordering my "essentials" soon.

I wanted to get only what I needed now, trying to minimize damage to my wallet. But I also have to get supplies (microfibers etc...) so I know I will be spending a good chunk of money. Oh well I'm sure it will be a good investment.

Tarzan - Your car looks great, I hope I can get my car looking as nice.

[agranger]

I'll ditto the skip on Z5. If you don't have the swirls, why bother putting on a reduced-shine/clarity product to fill what you don't have.

You will probably want it in a year, though... but you will probably run out of Z6 before then and place a second order.

[jwardell]

As far as your Leatherette seats go, you should not use leather cleaners on them.
I would recommend Vinylex for cleaning your seats a few times a year.

[agranger]

There are lots of good stuff to 'feed' your vinyl. Vinylex is at the top with 303 protectant and the Zaino rubber/vinyl treatment.

Apply sparingly and buff gently w/ a microfiber afterwards to remove the excess (no good w/ the driver sliding around in his/her seat).