I have a 1month old mini, and im ready to get started on its first big wash. This will be my first time using the Zaino system

I was just wondering, is it true that using a harsher soap solution like dove, instead of normal car shampoos, will dry out the inherent new-car trim moisture of the trim plastic?

 

Yup. It will also strip wax and most any other protection on the car. I use Meguiars NXT Car wash. Safe, easy to use, cheap, and looks real good.

 

Use Dawn for the first wash before applying Zaino. I use the Zaino car wash since new. My MCS is 4 years young, paint still looks like new. I get a lot of questions still on how my MCS looks so good.

 

If you are using Zaino, want the most out of it (shine, durability and layerability) then you should use the Z7 shampoo. It not only cleans well, but really supplements the shine/slickness when used regularly.

If you use a non-compatible shampoo, such as one with carnauba, you can't properly layer extra coats of Zaino (part of the fun!) since it won't bond properly on the "foreign" film left by the other brand of shampoo.

 

About Zaino... it seems like a solid product. I used a car-specific cleaner on my last car that worked well, but I like the idea of starting fresh with the best cleaner the first time. I use Klasse to protect the finish, every 6 months. Any conflicts heard between products?

 

I had never heard of Zaino until I read this post. Is it really better that other washes?

 

"I had never heard of Zaino until I read this post. Is it really better that other washes?"

you don't want to open that can of worms again...check the previous posts regarding this issue

 

If you Zaino your car two or three times a year, and you use Dawn only two or three times a year it will cause no harm to your finish. I've read probably every thread on the subject of strong detergents like Dawn, but I have never, ever, read about any damage caused by it.

I found NXT to be pretty good, but left a sort of film on the finish. Although it's a lot less expensive than Z7. You'd never want to use NXT before a Zaino job...the Zaino will not adhere as well to the finish. That's why detergent is recommended. You want your car squeaky clean with all the old wax removed before you polish. That's the only time I ever use Dawn.

 

you only need to Dawn, once, prior to the first layer of Zaino to remove any previously applied wax.....then for subsequent layers of zaino months later, no need to Dawn again as there is no wax on the car to remove, only Zaino, and to prep for more coats of Zaino you use the Zaino shampoo.....right?

 

That's exactly right. Use Dawn only for the first wash and make sure you wash thoroughly to remove all traces of wax/grease or the Zaino won't bond properly. The Dawn detergent won't harm any of the plastic trim (rinse it off thoroughly!!) so don't worry. Once you start detailing with Zaino, I would use all their products; it makes life easier.

You will probably also need a mild polish to remove bugs etc that might not come off with the Shampoo. Remember, Zaino is a polymer sealant; if you apply it over the top of dirt/grime it will seal it in. Don't make the mistake of trying to apply too many coats at first. I would take your time and apply one (maybe two) coat very carefully and thoroughly and make sure you let it dry/cure before polisjing it off. You will also find it MUCH easier to apply the Z2 or Z5 if you spritz your applicator pad frequently with the Z6 quick detailer to give it some lubricity.

You don't need much Zaino to cover a MINI. I'm getting 3 coats out of a 1 oz quantity......it should be applied really sparingly and uniformly. Good luck

 

i never use dove or ivory dish soap unless i am attaching body pieces
using 3M tape or attaching decals.

I use regular Meguiar's GoldClass car shampoo and then claybar the
old wax off.

 

hm.
so i can avoid dove all together - use the clay bar - and all should be good for zaino?

 

Absolutely correct. I was only referring to my own case, where I'll sometimes throw some carnuba over my Zaino finish. So when I Zaino again, I need to get it off to get it on again with Zaino.