Hi,
I have a DS/B MCS and I would like to know which car polish from zaino I have to buy? The one for clear-coated paint or the one for regular paint?
Moreover, I have stripes on my car and would like to know if I can apply polish on them?
Does anyone know this?
Thanks

 

I would suggest sending your question directly to Zaino at wet@zainobros.com. I have sent them specific questions before and they have always had the correct answers. Wonderful products by the way.

As far as choosing which product to use, one rule of thumb is that the more expensive paints in the Mini/BMW system are the clear coated ones, since they have a second coat. You use the Z2 for this, the Z3 for the non clear coated, non metallic. But check with Sal at Zaino, he should know exactly.

Since their polish products contain no abrasive products, they don't polish mechanically, I would say that they are safe for stripes.

Let us all know what they say, I am wanting to get some Zaino for my new Chili Red Mini.

 

I would suggest sending your question directly to Zaino at wet@zainobros.com. I have sent them specific questions before and they have always had the correct answers. Wonderful products by the way.

As far as choosing which product to use, one rule of thumb is that the more expensive paints in the Mini/BMW system are the clear coated ones, since they have a second coat. You use the Z2 for this, the Z3 for the non clear coated, non metallic. But check with Sal at Zaino, he should know exactly.

Since their polish products contain no abrasive products, they don't polish mechanically, I would say that they are safe for stripes.

Let us all know what they say, I am wanting to get some Zaino for my new Chili Red Mini.

 

Moving to the proper forum.

 

ZFX, Z2, Z5, Z6, Z10 should get you started. Use Mother's claybar system to prep -- it's just as good as Zaino's clay.



_________________
Quietly Making Noise - J. Buffett

 

I thought I'd elaborate on fins4284's response... I attended a Zaino detailing course in Charlotte given by STreece who posts here occasionally and I really learned a lot about detailing in general and Zaino in particular.

ZFX is a catalyst that is added to the other polishes and causes a much more rapid curing, allowing the whole process to go much more quickly. It is used very sparingly and I think is a great buy. You use about 4 drops of ZFX per ounce of polish, and at the seminar we applied 3 coats of polish on the MINI using just 1/2 ounce of product.

Z2 and Z5 are both polishes for clear coat paints (which I believe all MINIs have). Z2 can be used if the paint is in good condition. Z5 works well to cover up light scratches or swirl marks. I don't believe you necessarily need both. I would just assess the condition of the paint and get the one that you feel you need. STreece suggested the Z5 for me since I had swirl marks on my black roof and I used it for all three coats over the entire car.

Z6 is an enhancer spray that we used before and between each application (after washing the car). It gives the finish a smooth silky feel and bonds with the polish to improve the gloss and durability of the polish.

Z7 is the Zaino car wash. Again works with the polish each time you wash.

Z10 is the leather conditioner. It brings back that "new car smell" and gives UV protection to interior leather.

I also have Z16 the tire gloss. I also use it on the wheel wells and side moldings and it keeps them black for a really long time.

You can apply the polish to stripes, just make sure to apply it in the direction of the stripe. Once I get my roof decal installed I'll be putting Zaino on that for sure. In fact the polish is applied to all flat surface of the car. We put it on all glass and chrome as well as the paint.

 

The z5 is not just for scratches or swirl marks....it also adds depth to the finish. I always use z5 in the process. Most of the times I want I is apply a layer of z5, then a layer of z5 and z2 mixed 50/50, then a final layer of z2. The key is you always want z2 to be your top layer.

I have also done all 3 layers in z5 in one day and then the next to do 1 layer of mixed z2 and z5 then two top layers of z2. Use z6 spray between each layer...but not before the first layer after stripping the surface with dawn soap and clay.

 

VAMini,
Couldn't have said it any better myself.

 

Would the gas station carwash machine harm the paint at all? And how to I clean/polish the bulky fenders?

 

Two lessons I've learned from car washes:
1) Use only the brushless variety.
2) Skip any level that adds wax/protectant...These tend to dry with spots on a hot day.
3) You probably only need the basic wash that includes a "spot-free" rinse.
4) Do it regularly rather than only when you think your car is clean....once a week should suffice to keep the clearcoat free of microscopic pieces of gunk.
5) **** types will want to hand wash, clay and polish/wax every weekend. Me? I'd rather drive every weekend. Today's clearcoat finishes are marvelous if you keep them clean and use do a clay/polish/wax every 4-6 months.