Hi everyone,
I've got a new MINI on the way and I am considering switching from Zaino to Ultima products. I've used Zaino on my previous 2 cars (350Z and MINI S) and loved the results, but the hype about Ultima is causing me to rethink.
Anyone out there use the Ultima products and does the product live up to the hype?

 

I've never heard of this line...link to the hype? Always like to read about different things.

 

Here's are a couple links that I was reading about Ultima...
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/zaino.html
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/nanotechnology.html

 

Gooooood lord, at that cost it outta do the work for you!

Yeah, I don't know if you're going to find someone here who's tried that line...at that cost, you'll probably have a hard time in general finding someone.

 

If you google "Ultima Car Products" an Australian forum will come up with a thread with a user's product review and comments (not sure about the guidelines about posting the external link here).

 

Forget it..it's exactly that--hype. If you want your paint to look it's best, then go with Prima. How do I know? I had 4 customer cars whom I applied Ultima's Paint Guard to--a Black M6, a Chili Red R56, a metallic Blue M3, and a black Mercedes--All of these cars were cars I had used Prima in the past, but for various reasons opted to use Ultima instead of Epic. Someone who doesn't know me might think I applied it wrong, but I got my bottle directly from the inventor--he gave me a personal demo on how to use it properly.

But back to my recent experience, in every single case, the owners commented how their paint just didn't have the same depth, and pop they had expected from my work--when I used Epic. So the cars were brought back to me--actually still waiting to find time to redo the CR R56. I had to polish off the Ultima, then reapply Epic, and the customers left very pleased. One even called the next day to let me know that his paint has never looked better.

These are the kinds of testimonials that prove that when you find a system that works for you, don't change it.

Today I got a call from a customer with a one month old black limited edition Porsche. He wanted to hire me to detail his car because he had hired a guy to apply Zaino to his car--claimed he had 13 layers on it. Anyhow, after a lengthy discussion about the paint, we both agreed that he's going to bring his car in, I'm going to remove the Zaino, and we're going to evaluate the true condition of his finish, then polish and wax it properly with Prima.

Part of the problem is that the owner just doesn't understand how to properly maintain black paint--he's using a duster and qd every day--which for most paints is fine, but not for black if he wants to maintain a pristine finish. Also my experience with "brand new Porsches" is that they are rarely ever perfect from the dealer..and they may look so with a glaze or wax applied to it on pickup.

Zaino is a good system, but nothing can replace proper technique combined with good products like Prima...yes I know it sounds like an advert--but my reputation depends on it.

Richard

 

I just wanted to mention that after a 700+ mile road trip to southern Arizona with my Clubman I was totally amazed at how great Clarity was for cleaning the windshield of the assorted bug parts. I've driven in the Tucson, Phoenix many times and getting bugs off of the glass and paint has been a horrible and lengthy task.
I used Clarity when we stopped to stretch our legs and at night when we got back to the motel. It was such a pleasure and delight. The windshield wash in the car wouldn't even touch the mess, but Clarity worked without effort.

I had applied a layer of Bug Guard from Griot's before we left and I think it helped a great deal to get the bugs off the grille and front, but the Prima car wash did a terrific job too. I had driven through 30 miles of newly oiled road and the wash removed the black spots off my Chili Red like it was just dirt. I used Zymol wax when I first got the car, but have used Slick in between. Amazing stuff, just amazing.

I'll make sure I have backup bottles of all my Prima products.
The one reason I didn't use the Prima wax was that I didn't have time to wait 45-60 minutes to take it off. Zymol worked great and always kept my BMW 330 looking great. Maybe I shouldn't mix the products, but I think they are agreeing with each other.

 

Sounds like you'd like some Banana Gas.

I finally got to try out my sample the other day, and man, that was easy. Not wholly unlike some variety of Sunday morning.

 

I've used Ultima Paint Guard Plus on two of my new vehicles. Yes, it's expensive, but you use so little it will last forever. I've done 7 or 8 cars with it, and the bottle still looks 90% full. It doesn't get any easier to use. Wipe it on and walk away. No need to buff it off. My impressions are that it's easy as hell to use, great value considering how little you use, and seems to hold up well. I'm about to order a new clubman and will not hesitate to apply UPGP.

Scott

 

I have to agree with tuckersinmo, Ultima Paint Guard Plus - this product is all they say it is and more. Zaino was recommended to me, but I wanted to test the claims of Ultima, ain't no BS. I applied it to 3 cars in 30-45 minutes; easiest, finest, hardest, greatest product I have ever used. I took my car into have Clear Bra installed 3 weeks after, and the installer was moaning about how much harder it was to remove so he could install the Clear Bra than any product he had seen before. BTW, 12oz for 3 cars should last me 3 or more years if I only do them 4 times a year. You better not use too much, as they say on the instructions, or it will streak.

 

considering i can Hydro my dd's within 3min and also walk away without buffing, i still think Ultima is just hype. plus, i can Hydro my glass, plastic, seals, rubber, etc. with no worries of ever getting white.

 

Can you use it on the clear bra? I ordered it and will be trying it this weekend. It may not be a professional detailer's choice but for a "normal" guy who wants a great look without spending lots of time it seems to fit the bill. also, i have read in other reviews that it looks even better when you apply more than one coat. however, since they tell you that you have to wait a day before applying the next coat that does not really work for a professional detailer who is looking to get the best result in one day.

 

I'm a firm believer in ZAINO products and can't find any reason to change. I had a torch red corvette that all I used was Zaino on and after over ten years in the Florida sun it never faded one bit. It was also excellent protection for all of the Bugs and especialy the dreaded Florida Love Bug. I use it now on my Chili Red JCW and I'm not even going to look at another product because there just is not any reason for me to give up Zaino.
Zaino also has a product that you wipe on and just walk away and let it dry. I use it on my wheels and the brake dust just washes away without a lot of scrubbing. They call it "Clear Seal" and you can use it on the whole car. It works great and is easy to use. I don't know if Ultama is better but it can't really be any better then Zaino. It is probobly about the same stuff as Zaino.
When it comes down to it I think anything you use properly and keep your car clean will probably be fine. It's a personal choice to whats better. I just like Zaino because it has proven how good it functions for me.
Ronnie948.

 

zaino's main weakness from experience is that they use too many numbers and too much surface shine and not enough depth. it's shiny like chrome or plastic shiny.