I'm an older guy and I think that I have owned about 40 cars in my life. I have tried all kinds of waxes. I like to keep my cars like gems. This weekend I used Zaino Z-2, Z-6, ZFX, and Z-8. I applied the Zaino on my new white Mini and my black BMW. I am blown away by the result. Totally wet look, unbelievable shine, and easy to use. I'm impressed. I'm sticking with Zaino....

 

I used to do the Zaino treatments when I had my Grand Natonal and Trans Am WS6 both black. Looked great but was so time consuming. It becomes addicting the more coats you put on the deeper the shine gets. But it was fun spending all the time with the cars.

 

Works great on the wheels too, easier to remove brake dust. Also, get some alcohol swabs from the drug store to clean up bug hits and blemishes. Zaino is not affected by petroleum based products.
Then, make sure the dealer doesn't wash it with their products after service on your MINI. Happy motoring.

 

For those who know, how does Zaino compare to Prima products?

 

Zaino is the real deal no question about it...IMO. I've been using it for the past 4 years and can't seem to find anything better (although I keep searching). One of their new products is the Z-PC which I used this weekend with great results. It provides the perfect base on which to apply the Z-2 Pro. Wash> Clay> Z-PC> Z-2.

My Mini has to contend with the elements (no garage) so I need something that will last and Zaino has proven to be excellent in that regard. However Zaino products are "show car" quality too.

We all have our preferences based on experience and other factors, this is true, and there are other excellent products which I intend to try...but right now there are only two that I depend on Collinite (carnauba) and Zaino.

 

I still think Zaino is the best out there. Tried Prima and I don't think it as good. But it is a bit more time consuming to apply. But it lasts a good time longer.

 

from my experience:

zaino - blue hue (very cold and shiny)
Griot's PaintSealant - blueish hue (cold and shiny)
Prima Epic/Hydro - redder hue (warmer and deep gloss)
Carnauba - red hue (warmest and rich gloss).

 

It really depends... on what look you prefer, the color of your MINI (to be considered along with the look you prefer), your application style, and what you're trying to achieve (polishing vs waxing, etc).

First, Prima and Zaino are product lines/brands, both which include various types of products, including, but not limited to wax (note that Zaino uses the term polish for what is more traditionally-defined as wax/sealant- just so no one is confused by the terminology).

The Prima product line consists of a complete system, including various product types: wax (Epic, Banana Gloss, Hydro), polish (Amigo, Swirl, Cut), leather conditioner (Nourish), glass cleaner (Clarity), interior treatment (Nero), wheel protection (Wheel Armour), etc.

Both product lines are of the premium quality level caliber, but beyond that it is difficult to compare entire product line to entire product line, as there are too many variations in products, etc. Most people would likely find favorites from both product lines.

I'm guessing that the desired comparison here is between the waxes/sealants of each brand...

I've found that Zaino's Z-2 "wax" is usually what someone is talking about when they talk about Zaino. Z-2 is a great wax with great durability. Many people enjoy what is often referred to as a highly reflective type of shine.

Prima's main 2 (non-spray) waxes are Epic and Banana Gloss.

Prima Epic: Pros? It is incredibly durable (4-6 months, on a daily driver). Offers a fantastic wet-type shine and glossiness. It does not need to be layered (although it can be). Cons? It may stain trim... however, this isn't even an issue when you apply your dressing/protectant (Black Wow, 303, Nero, etc) before applying Epic as opposed to afterwards.

Prima Banana Gloss: Pros? Offers a carnauba depth and richness/warmth, as well as some glossy shine. Extremely easy to apply! (you can be sloppy, hurried and in the direct sun, etc. if you want ) Contains fillers/concealers and a powerful paint cleanser for those paint conditions which can benefit from this. Cons? Not nearly as durable as Epic (BG is 1-3 months, on average). That said, our customers have found that durability is moot due to its extreme ease of use.


Ultimately though, the satisfaction with the results of the look is in the eye of the beholder. Note that the color of your paint is affected differently by different products; yet, even then it is a personal opinion.

Further, the pre-wax/prep step(s), or lack thereof, is always going to play a dramatic role in the final outcome of your paint's look. Remember to paint cleanse (with clay and/or either a non-abrasive or light abrasive polish) or abrade (with an abrasive polish) prior to waxing when necessary. Proper prep will allow your wax to look its best!

-Heather

 

Thank you, Heather. That was very helpful!

- David

 

I had not tried applying the protectant first then the polish/wax. That's a good point and I will try it. I was going to start using the blue painters tape to protect the black plastic etc. before waxing but I'll try the protectant first.

 

I think I'll do both.

 

A very good choice. Not only does Zaino make your car look good but it also protects the paint from fading. I have been using the new Zaino "CLEAR SEAL". You just put it on and walk away. It dries to a very shiny & Durable finish. It is excellent for doing the wheels becase it is a one step process. I use Z8 to keep my car looking good and I never ever use anything other then Zaino car wash soap in my bucket.
Ronnie948

 

Yes- applying your trim protectant before waxing is great because it simply makes potential wax staining a non-issue- even if you're using a wax that isn't supposed to stain. Better safe than sorry, right? Plus, I'm always a big fan of prevention rather than extra clean-up.

Not to mention I don't like to tape either!

My pleasure!

-Heather

 

Tried it.....won't work

Tape won't stick to the trim..............

 

I use the Zaino Clear Seal on the plastic fender extensions and the black sports stripes as well as the paint. No residue at all. The clear seal really cleans up the black plastic and like I said before. Just wipe it on and let it dry. It can not be any easier to use.
Ronnie948

 

Your right, try taping to the adjacent paint, about 1/16" to 1/8" onto the paint. It'll hold up to PC

I absolutely *hate* cleaning wax residue off that god awful plastic in the fenders and around the roof line.

Did taping last time, no problems

I'm gonna try the heavy application of Black Wow for the fall detail.

 

OG should sell those white vinyl tapes he calls 'special OG masking tape' aka packing tape leftover from his octane product lineup....

 

Black Wow is great stuff and will help with the "wax on the trim" problem. The only criticism I have of it is that it seems to attract dust. I don't know if this is a static charge type attraction or not.

 

I use 303 protectant now before I wax. No problems.

 

This stuff?
http://www.303products.com/shop303/i...protectant.cfm

Are you using this with Zaino or Prima? (not sure if it matters, Prima is a challenge as we've been discussing)

 

I don't know why you say that. In my long, 3-week experience ()of using Prima products, I don't find it a challenge. Using McGuire's Mirror Glaze 35 years ago on my '73 Porsche - now that was a challenge. On my MINI, I've used Prima Mystique, Epic, Banana Gloss, Hydro, Clarity, Nero, Nourish, Slick, and Wheel Armor, (and Black Wow), and have found the products easy to use and as advertised. Where's the challenge?

 

Don't get me wrong I am about the strongest advocate of Prima around. The results I have got have been breathtaking.

I use the Swirl, Amigo, Epic, BG, Hydro and Mystique

The challenge is in the *%^$@# rubber that MINI/BMW uses on the wheel arches, skirts and trim around the roof. These are a magnet for these products and they leave a white haze that requires heavy duty elbow grease with iso alcohol or cover up with Black Wow or Mother's Back to Black, etc

Some use painters tape to keep the product off during polishing/waxing, some use a pre-treat

 

Also Clarity is the best glass cleaner by far that I have found

 

Both.....although I haven't used the Prima for awhile.

 

Black Wow can attract dust; however, there is an easy way to prevent it from doing this at all...

Most of us think of applying trim protectant as a last step or nearly last step in our process. If you don't mind changing your process lineup, you won't see any dust attraction issues from Black Wow at all.

How?
Simply apply Black Wow BEFORE you wash your MINI. I know- sounds odd but it works great this way and no dust issues.

The necessary amount of Black Wow immediately bonds with the surface, but also leaves a tad of excess product (just an inevitable side effect). It is this excess that attracts dust... not the Black Wow that has bonded nicely to the surface. So, if you apply Black Wow as your first step then wash your MINI normally, the wash will remove the excess product and eliminate your dust attraction.

Hope this helps!

-Heather