It seems like every wax thread regardless of the BB turns out to be a Zaino thread.. Anyhow, this makes for some interesting reading:

Wax Test

 

>>JS,
>>Thanks for the comments. Actually, the amount of polish we used for the 3 coats was 1/2 (one-half) ounce.

Wow, that's even better. :smile:

See ya,
JS

 

Your picture certainly speaks a thousand words, jstines. Everything I've read refers to the Zaino Z-1 and Z-2 combo but Zaino recommends a Z-3 product for single-stage paints like Cooper Red. Did you use Z-3 here? You noted a pre-wash (Z-1?), 2nd wash (Z-7?), polish (Z-3?), gloss enhancer (Z-6?). Is that correct? Also, where's a good place to buy these products, preferably in/near CA?

 

Zaino or Klasse AIO for me.

There are some other great waxes out there..... Most of them already mentioned but for my money these are the two best.

Happy Motoring,
SW

Note: Moving to "Detailing 101"

 

I hope Steve Treece will jump in here, because he is a Zaino rep and can better answer questions, but I'll take a stab at it, and he can correct me if I'm wrong.

It is my understanding that the Cooper Red has a clear coat finish, so it would still use Z-2 Clear Coat Polish.

We started by washing the cars with Dawn dishwashing liquid. This, of course, is not something you do on a normal basis. Dawn strips wax and polish from the car's finish. Next, we used a clay bar (Z-18) to completely clean the paint surface. We used Z-7 diluted with water in a spray bottle as a lubricant.

I'm not certain what the second wash involved. It was either another Dawn wash or it could have been a car wash product. Steve?

Instead of using Z1 and Z2, which takes some time, we used the ZFX accelerator. It is a catalyst that is mixed with Z2. It causes it to cure much, much faster. The car was LIGHTLY spritzed with Z-6 gloss enhancer and wiped down, then Z-2 with ZFX additive was applied, allowed to dry, then wiped off. Z-6 was applied between coats of polish. BTW, the windows, chrome, etc. was polished with the Z2 with ZFX additive. We applied 3 coats with a 1/2 oz of product (I incorrectly stated 1oz earlier)

Z16 Perfect Tire Gloss was used on the tires.

I'm not sure if anyone used any Z-5 to cover swirl marks. I seem to recall it was used, but I can't be certain.

If anyone is in the Charlotte area and wants to try Zaino products, I encourage you to call or email Steve Treece. He's a great guy and very pleasant to work with.
You can contact him at (704) 759-0142 or email him. His ID is STreece.

I don't know of a CA rep, but here is the Zaino Bro's website:
http://www.zainobros.com/

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask or shoot me a PM.

See ya,
JS
P.S. I have no financial or business ties to Steve Treece or Zaino Bros.

 

JS, a picture is worth a 1,000 words. I have a Chili Red/white MCS on order with an April 2003 scheduled delivery. I hope I can get my MCS to look as good as yours. I will look into Zaino Bros. Products; it sounds like a lot of work but the results speak for themselves! Your MCS looks GREAT! :smile:

 

I used Meguiar's Gold Class liquid for the first time this afternoon and it looks great! Also, NO residue is left on the black bits which for me is a new thing. I used Mother's Back to Black for final touch up on the plastic trim.

 

Thanks for the compliment, Jerrygee. That is not, however, my MCS. I have a DS/DS MCS on order. I was there to meet MINI owners and learn about Zaino firsthand.

That car belongs to THUEY on MINI2.COM. I forget his handle on here. The red certainly had the highest gloss. It looked stunning. Your car sounds very nice, also.

See ya,
JS

 

I found a great Zaino distributor in Phoenix:

Glen Swensen
Phoenix, AZ 85024
(602)549-6439
grswensen@earthlink.net

 

I've always used Mothers or Meguiar's products, and have been very pleased, but seeing that Zaino shine has me thinking...hmm :smile:

_________________

 

I can't say enough good things about Zaino. I can't imagine other spray on/wipe off "waxes" coming close to this kind of shine. You get out what you put in. I know more than a few of us want more than the "good enough" approach.

Some of us bought MINIs to turn heads when we drive. My dirty MINI gets lukewarm responses, while my Zaino'd MINI makes people break their necks trying to catch as much of an eyeful as they can! Fortunately, it's easy to keep up as well.

Just my $.02
-Troy