Well I ran out and bought ALL the Zaino stuff last week at a shop around here. This weekend I decided to do a test. I washed my car and clay barred half the hood. I then proceeded to use Z5 and Z2 (both with ZFX) and layers of Z6 in between. I applied 3 coats of Z2 overall, following the directions on the bottle. I can honestly say that when all was said and done, I didn't notice any more depth of shine than on the part of the hood that I didn't even touch. In fact, since getting the MINI I have "neglected" this car and it probably hasn't seen any wax for close to a year. It does stay in the garage most of the time so that has helped.

There were only two things that really impressed me about the Zaino:
1. Very easy to put it on and remove it. I like that you can let it sit on the car for extended periods and still be able to get it off easily.
2. The clay bar did make a noticeable improvement in the smoothness of the finish but I'm guessing ANY clay bar would do so. I've just never used one before.

I'll probably continue to use it since it does seem to work as well as the Griot's products I've been using for years. It's just that after all the talk I've heard I was expecting a much shinier result. Guess Griot's Best of Show wax really is good after all. The only thing that Zaino has over it in my eyes is that it won't dry white all over my plastic trim and that is a BIG plus.

 

Robyn-
Ive been using Zaino products on both my last car, a used 97' Miata (black) and my 2003 BGR S. The thing about this product line is ease of application and maintenance of a high shine and highly protective top coat. I have been making and finishing high end woodwork for 25 years so I spend alot of time looking at and thinking about finishes.Your right- they over-sell the whole super depth and shine bit. Stick with it though and I think you may find yourself being less neglectful.

Jk

 

Don't get me wrong. The "neglected" car has only become so since the MINI came along and I lost interest in it. Before that, I was pretty obsessive about keeping it waxed and detailed as often as possible.

I'm generally satisfied with the Zaino, it's just that it's been so hyped up around here and elsewhere that I was expecting much, much more, especially on a car that hasn't seen wax for a while.

The "neglected" car will be sold this spring when the weather warms and people's thoughts return to RWD German coupes. :smile:

 

>>Don't get me wrong. The "neglected" car has only become so since the MINI came along and I lost interest in it. Before that, I was pretty obsessive about keeping it waxed and detailed as often as possible.
>>
>>I'm generally satisfied with the Zaino, it's just that it's been so hyped up around here and elsewhere that I was expecting much, much more, especially on a car that hasn't seen wax for a while.
>>
>>The "neglected" car will be sold this spring when the weather warms and people's thoughts return to RWD German coupes. :smile:

The advantage of Zaino being a polymer sealant means it will last a long time. Griots, and many other oil and carnauba based products will look great at first but have absolutely no durability.

BTW, all clay bars are not the same. Zaino is one of the btter ones not only for the results it shows but ease of use.

BradB
Moderator, Autopia Car Care

 

>>The advantage of Zaino being a polymer sealant means it will last a long time. Griots, and many other oil and carnauba based products will look great at first but have absolutely no durability.

That's good to know, but durability isn't really an issue since I usually tend to "wax" my car (whether it be Griot's, Zaino or whatever) several times a year.

 

Give it a day or two to cure. I had the same reaction to the look of the car. Once it had cured overnight, it looked much better...of course it was 110+ temps when this happened last July, so your total curing time may be a little longer. Let us know how it looks in a couple of days

 

Will do! I was not aware of that. :smile:

 

>>Will do! I was not aware of that. :smile:

I'm truly curious with the outcome of your experient. Since only half the hood was done, this will be proof-positive on the results. Maybe sleeping overnight did not "cure" the finish and make it more beautiful...it might have been all in my head.

 

So with time to cure, did you notice any improvement?

 

The thing that I've read about Zaino, is that it is very shiny, but doesn't give "depth" of shine. That can only be achieved with wax. I've heard/read of some who wax over the Zaino to get the depth.

 

Oops, forgot to get back here and report (the car is currently in the shop having some repairs ).

Anyway, before I dropped it off (several days after I had applied the Zaino), I looked at the hood and I still really didn't notice much difference. The part I had applied the 3 coats of Zaino to just didn't seem to be noticeably shinier than the other half of the hood that hasn't been waxed for many months. Kind of disappointing.

Don't get me wrong, it is shiny, just not the dramatic results I had expected after listening to everyone else. I will probably continue to use it (at least until I run out of it) mainly because of the fact that it won't dry white all over the plastic trim.

 

I've only used Zaino on my car because I've heard its the best out there in terms of ease of use and shine. My goal is to achieve that deep wet look. I think it's great and have been pretty satisfied with the results thus far. My only complaint is that it seems to attract little gnats. Maybe its the scent?

 

Hey Robyn
Here is a link to a site I believe you will find of interest. Check it out.

The Great Wax Off

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Frogs have it easy. They can eat what bugs them.