I just finished re-applying Zaino for the first time this season. I had about 5 coats of Z-2 on from last winter so, thought I would start fresh. Frankly, the old stuff still looked great but, its a long weekend so thought "What the hell". First I washed with Z-7 (2 caps) and one cap of dawn. Then clay barred with Z-7 as lubricant. While I'm sure it did make some difference, it was almost a waste of time. When using the clay bar I didn't feel any drag as you do when the bar is doing its thing. Felt smooth when I started, and smooth when I was done.
Next, 2 coats of Z-5... worked great, same as when I last used it in the fall of 04. Now its time to mix the Z-2 Pro. Right away I noticed the Z-2 had an oily feel and was thicker than I remembered. Rather than using the cotton pad that came with the kit, I remembered BradB's post awhile back saying he liked the foam pads for applying zaino so, I was using the foam pad for the first time. The Z-2 went on easy but, with the old stuff, the trick was to use so little on the cotton pad that you had a hard time telling where you stopped. With the new Z-2Pro, it left a light film that was actually helpful in seeing where you had been. I tried to use less and less but, the foam pad did such a good job that you could still see that faint film. At first, I wasn't sure if this was do to using the foam pad or the new formulation of the Z-2 Pro.

Removal was as easy as ever. NO RESIDUE NO CHALKING and a deep wet look. I did two coats today. Think tomorrow I hit it with a quick Z-6 then another coat (or two) of Z-2 Pro.

Bottom line... I like the Z-2 Pro better than the old Z-2. Actually easier to apply, just as easy to remove and no residue
BTW: You'll not beable to rinse the bottle with only hot water anymore. The new Z-2 Pro doesn't seem to be water soluble. I had to use Dawn to clean out the bottle and foam applicator.

 

I just came in from de-Zainoing my MINI after applying a coat of Z-2 Pro late this afternoon followed up with some new Z-8 Grand Finale. I've used it a couple of times already and I really like it - TWO . In conjunction with ZFX, it works really well. Like you said no residue, it seems to cure much faster than the regular Z-2, and feels easier to remove .

 

The new Z2 Pro now has a higher solvent content in it (although it's probably still the lowest in the industry) so what you noticed is correct.

The fastest way to wash out your bottles with a little denatured alcohol. Two shakes and they are sparkling clean!

 

I'm not clear on using ZFX with Z2 Pro.

Zaino recommends ZFX/Z2 for initial application, but can Z2 be used without ZFX for 2nd, 3rd, etc applications?

I Zaino'd for the first time on my new '05 blk/blk today. Looks great!

Washed with Dawn, did 2 apps of ZFX/Z5, one ZFX/Z2Pro/Z6. 2 hrs later, another ZFX/Z2 Pro/Z6. Don't mind paying $15 for a bottle of Z2, but ZFX @ $20 for that tiny vial could get pretty expensive !!!

 

ZFX is a fast-curing agent. You can use any of the wax products (Z-5, Z-2, Z-2Pro) by themselves if you are applying just one coat, or waiting a day between each multiple coat.

If you add the ZFX, you only have to wait 30 minutes between coats, allowing you to layer many times in one afternoon.

Mixed ZFX must be used within 6 hours, and you should re-shake the bottle for a minute periodically.