Hi All,

Quick question regarding Zaino use. Where do you all apply it on your Mini's? Just on the painted areas or do you also do the plastic wheel arches, wheels, and "chrome" exterior bits as well? The Zaino site seems to indicate it can be used on pretty much everything except tires, but wanted to be sure before I got started.

Thanks,
Mark

 

Chrome (plastic), metal, plastic a-pilars. Basically anything shiny.

 

Zaino also states that it shouldn't be used on textured surfaces....my interpretation of this is the plastic wheel arches. I never intentionally apply Z2 or Z5 to the plastic wheel arches.

 

Hold your horses! DO NOT INTENTIONALLY OR OTHERWISE GET ZAINO ON THE WHEEL ARCHES. iT will ruin them. yOU have been forwarned........
Have a plastic cleaner around just in case. Good luck.

 

ruin them how so? I've gotten a little on them by accident and haven't noticed any problems. Definitely doesn't leave the nasty white mess that traditional waxes can.

 

Been using Zaino for 3 years and have been getting Zaino on my unpainted wheel arches, and I drive in PHX, AZ a very harsh sunny environment...so exactly how long does it take for Zaino to ruin them?

 

um.. can we get some elaboration on this please??

 

I used Zaino on my '02 and after a while the top of the wheel arches began fading and streaking. I began using Einszett 1Z plastic cleaner to get rid of any polish I managed to get on the black arches. It helped. I treated the arches further with Vinylex, but the effected areas still quickly lost their lustre. The difference in our experience amazes me. Maybe my problem was from a product that I experimented with briefly along the way. Whatever. Actually, I don't think it surfaced as an issue for over two years. The good news is that the arches on my '06 still look new after four coats of Z-2 pro, Z-6, several Z-7 washes and a paint/stripe cleaning with Z-PC.

 

there is a good sticky thread on cleaning wheel arches. I keep a jar of peanut butter in the garage now

 

OK, so it sounds like it's safe on pretty much any part of the exterior with the possible exception of the wheel arches.

Herby, care to add anything as to why the warning? When you say "ruin" the wheel arches, what exactly do you mean?

Thanks everyone!

 

The rims of the arches on my '02 became worn, discolored and needed alot of maintainance to keep them looking good. That's what I mean by 'ruined'. But others have had a better experience, so who knows? Best of luck!

 

ooooook... why on the 'New Posts' thread does it say theres 10 replies and its checked indicating that I've posted here.. but when I click on it, its a brand new thread with one post?! Have I been drunken/ghost posting or something...

 

It won't "ruin" anything. I've used Zaino for years and have tested scores of waxes on trim.

If you get too much Zaino (or ANY wax) embedded in the textured arches then all you have to do is clean it out. When still wet just wipe it off. Even when dry I usually have no problems but you can use a detail brush with quick detailer or a vinyl dressing. Isopropal (rubbing) alcohol also works.

For ANY wax job don't just slop on the wax. Use a foam applicator and just be neat. I cut a straight edge in a round applicator, tip it up on end and that makes a perfect edge which allows me to easily get up close and neat against any trim with zero over-waxing. Makes it fast, easy and accurate.

 

Herby, it wasn't the Zaino itself that did the damage. It is likely that some accidental combination of products or technique that you used to remove the over-waxing caused some abrasion/damage to the plastic. Or possibly embedded more chemicals in the texture. I have seen this many, many times. It's easy to do and the results are not always predictable.

 

Thanks Brad. Just to confirm, it sounds like you're saying it should be fine to use Zaino on the arches as well? If not, do you have any recommendations?

Thanks again!
Mark

 

No. You don't want to use any wax on unpainted plastics. They were not designed for that purpose. (expansion/contraction is an issue, pourous-ness allows for excess build up, bonding to different plastics, and the solvents they emit cause issues, etc.

Use a vinyl dressing. Everone has their favorites and most are just fine. Some notes:
-Avoid dressings that also have a cleaner in them. "cleans and shines" These cleaners are often petroleum based which can eventually dry and damage the plastic.
-Brands with UV protectants, such as 303, are great for protection but do not last as long. Their sheen is more matte/satin. Personal preference.
-The shinier brands have silicone in them which is ok. Silicones used in these products are fine IF there are no cleaners involved. These will be more shiny in look.

I have probably 35 dressings on the shelf and in most cases it's a matter of personal preference.

 

Perfect. Thanks for the input. I have 303 now so I'll probably use that until I get a chance to do more shopping. Thanks again.

Mark

PS, I just browsed some of your car/garage pics... Wow! That is a great set-up you have.