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Zaino products

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Black03Avalanche

Full Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2003
Messages
89
Location
Chicago, IL
As i've seen from the search I did I know Zaino seems to be the product of choice here. I've used Meguires on my old truck and bought Mothers products for my Mustang but haven't tried them yet. I was just at Zaino's website however I'm overwhlemed with the amount of different products they have. What would everyone recommend to buy just for the average waxing?
 
Average waxing? With Zaino? LOL that's a good one. The number of steps involved in a "proper" Zaino job, at least as I've seen reported here, is what has kept me from trying the stuff. Well, that and the cost.

After seeing in person, however, it does look good. I'm interested in seeing the responses to your question here as well from the Zaino users.

 
I've been a Mequires man myself for some time now. I figured with all the recommendations from this site I should try the Zaino stuff on my new av. I ordered their starter kit. It has everything you need to get started.

The kit arrived last Wednesday and the weather here immediately turned lousy and has remained so since. I live in one of the sunniest places in America and the sun has not shone since that box arrived from Zaino. Use caution before ordering! >:D
 
The kit arrived last Wednesday and the weather here immediately turned lousy and has remained so since. I live in one of the sunniest places in America and the sun has not shone since that box arrived from Zaino. Use caution before ordering! >:D
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SO ITS YOUR FAULT I'LL BE FREEZING MY @#$ OFF AT THE GAME TONITE! :7:

J/K

Let me know what you think about it... I haven't placed my order yet.... good thing too from the weather around here! :B:
 
Just buy the kit..It has all that you need :) I spent 2 days doing mine and love it. The only thing that stinks is I feel like I have to keep it clean all of the time >:D
 
Ok I understand what your saying about the steps then. What is everyones opinon of Mothers and or Meguires? I agree I probably dont have the time to go through multi-steps then.
 
Go with their basic kit that includes the Clay bar, Z2, Z5 and Z6!! Then get ready for a whole day of fun!! I have been using it for the past 4 months and will tell you the time and effort is well worth it!! DO not get the plastic cleaner as it is not designed well for textured plastic as the cladding!!

Wvusquatch
 
Black03Avalanche said:
Ok I understand what your saying about the steps then. What is everyones opinon of Mothers and or Meguires? I agree I probably dont have the time to go through multi-steps then.
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You really only have to do all the steps 1 time. After that it is much less time consuming. It IS worth the initial time investment. (y)
 
Hey Oviedo, since you've obviously figured out how to "spend two days" Zainoing your truck AND loved it AND figured out how to do all this without divorce papers, perhaps you could come Zaino my Av for me this weekend, LOL!

I'm going to break down and buy that starter kit one day, I'm sure.
 
I waited untill the wife was out shopping and did it. Now, I just sneak outside to freshen it up. The ONLY thing thing I do not like is, it seems to build some static charge, and draws dirt particles to it. I might not be using the correct rag or something though.
 
Nah, that's just the blue paint...naturally more attractive (pun intended) than my boring old LPM, until after about a day after washing!
 
When I got my AV a year ago I bought my clay bar from Walmart. Mother's brand, I hear the clay bar is about the same no matter what brand.
I have a black AV & bought The ZFX, Z2,Z5,Z6 x2 (detailer) & the car wash Z7 x2. It seemed like a lot of cash to drop at once, but a year later I still have half or more of everything except the z5 & ZFX. It doesn't take a lot to do the whole truck & it lasts longer than any "wax" I ever used. The ZFX saves times & a step. You don't need the Z1 anymore. Having a black AV makes it difficult to keep it clean looking, I really think the Zaino helps. The inbetween washes are simple. I especially love the detailer in between.
The Zaino site has lots of tips & Sal will get back to you quickly through email if you have a question.
Traz
 
Black03Avalanche said:
Ok I understand what your saying about the steps then. What is everyones opinon of Mothers and or Meguires? I agree I probably dont have the time to go through multi-steps then.
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Depends on which product and what your goals are....and how often you use the products......

What Zaino and other polymer sealnts offer is long term protection....as they last longer then carnuaba waxes.....Mothers and meguiars mainly sell carnuaba waxes......MEguiars does have polymer but hard to find...

Now Polymers offer e different look then carnuaba but for some it is hard to see difference.

For any polymer to work properly....the follwing needs to be done....

CLean vehicle and remove any existing waxes and oils.....(usually done with a wash using DAWN or some other products on market which will strip wax)

then you apply sealant....With Zaino you need to use eithe Z1 or the Zfx which is basically a hardner for the polymers to ensure it sticks to paint and sets up properly.

Then after a layer they want you to use a polymer Quick detail spray so as not to introduce waxes and oils from carnuaba based QD.....

NOt very difficult and looks and appears harder then it is...but it is very easy on and off......

I HTH
 
I use the Zaino products and I agree it is alot o fwork the first time. But since then it shines so nice and I really like the beads when I wash it now. I had never clayed a car before and I was amazed at how rough the paint finish was. Now it is as smooth as a newborn baby's biutt. LOVE THAT ZAINO...........

Tractman
 
I also have been a Meguires person, but after getting some wax on the fender flares and the pain it is to get off, I have decided to try the Zaino products. I ordered the starter kit over the weekend. I understand the Z2 and Z5 with the ZFX accelerator, really does not sound that bad to apply (even the initial two or three coats).

What I have never done before is use a Clay Bar. Is this really necessary? My AV is about 3 ? months old. Gets hand washed every 7 to 14 days. Garaged at night and parked in covered parking during the workday. I know I need to get all old wax residue off before applying Zaino, I will use Dawn dish washing soap for that. I have not noticed any surface imperfections on the AV. I have no issues with rail dust or anything like that.

What would be the negative effects of Not using the Clay Bar?
 
KB5 said:
What I have never done before is use a Clay Bar. Is this really necessary? My AV is about 3 ? months old. Gets hand washed every 7 to 14 days. Garaged at night and parked in covered parking during the workday. I know I need to get all old wax residue off before applying Zaino, I will use Dawn dish washing soap for that. I have not noticed any surface imperfections on the AV. I have no issues with rail dust or anything like that.

What would be the negative effects of Not using the Clay Bar?
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I would use it. It helps to strip off old wax etc. It did take a lot of little rough spots out of my paint. I would hate to put the Zaino on top of anything that is not supposed to be there. In the big picture that step took the least amount of time.
1)Strip wax w/ Dawn
2) Clay Bar
3) Layers of Zaino
4) Use Quik detail spray between each layer
5) Enjoy the shine!
 
Black03 you will not be disapointed with Zaino, and it's not as dificult as it sounds, after your initial treatment its a brease all I use is a california duster (2 minutes) and it looks great, if you use the ZFX you'll be surprized as how eazy this stuff comes off.
Heavy D.
 
Did mine in April/May the first time. I re-zaino'd yesterday since it was warm in Conn. Not sure it needed it, but winter is coming.

Zaino is the longest lasting anything I've ever used.
And it's easy to put on and off. A real no-brainer!!!! ;D
 
CLay bar is important no matter what you use for protection....as it removes paint contaminates and makes it smooth....

do the plastic baggy test on your freshly washed truck...if it feels rough then you should clay....HTH
 
If nothing else.. my response is to encourage you to go with Zaino. I have a black AV and the thing looks and stays "show car" finish... As Sal Zaino suggests, each additional coat makes the finish look that much deeper... I've never seen a finish offer such surface tension as this product, which would simply suggest - awesome protection. It costs more.. but in my book worth every penny.. but of course I want to protect my investment. Can't wait to hear back after you've done the Zaino treatment!!!

Good luck!
 
I was a "doubting Thomas" for a long time about Zaino. Finally, the folks on the Firehawk message board convinced me to spend @ $ 65 for "the kit" and just try it.

I did try it and I loved it. Have used on the Firehawk since it was new in March 2000. I have had several compliments re: 'how the paint looked so good', 'did you have a special paint job?', etc.

I took delivery of the 2003 Av WBH in August. Given it is black, I decided to try Zaino on it (have not used it on our other vehicles since I wash them at least once per week and was unclear how well it would last).

Well, after 3 months on the Av and LOTS of washes I am convinced it it worth the effort/cost. It looks great, it has lasted quite well.

Note 1 - It does not take a lot of the Zaino to go a LONG way!

Note 2 - Zaino has a great website for tips/tricks re: application, etc.

Happy Zaino'ing!
 
For those of you who have used Dawn-does it significantly dull the vehicle after meaning that you should only use the dawn the same day you plan to zaino the vehicle? I feel a little washing my car with dawn but I've heard of many people doing it so it must be ok :cool:
 
Black03Avalanche said:
For those of you who have used Dawn-does it significantly dull the vehicle after meaning that you should only use the dawn the same day you plan to zaino the vehicle? I feel a little washing my car with dawn but I've heard of many people doing it so it must be ok :cool:
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Dawn should be only done when you want to remove waxes and oils on the paint.....In the long run .....and lots of applications it will soften the clearcoat and well is not good.......

After you wash with Dawn your paint will feel tacky.....Ie a rag will not slide across very easy and your fingers may make a squeeky sound....

This is due to not have any waqxes on clearcoat to proved lubricant for towels and/or finger....

It will not per say dull the vehicle but soften the reflection it used to have since the previous wax is removed....It will have a different look but it is very very subtle and well hard for most to see.....or recognize....

HTH
 
Well I did it! Over the past two days I have done the full Zaino treatment. Full wash, then the claybar, then three coats of Z5 and three coats of Z2, plus Z6 in-between each coat! This was a LOT of work (this truck is huge!), but WELL WORTH IT. (Well, actually I did everything except the roof). The results are stunning. This truck looks much better than it did the day I drove it off the lot. I can't believe how beautiful it is. :)

The sad thing is that it will only look this good until the next snow storm comes, which could be any day now. I wanted to get something on the paint before the harshness of winter hit, and now I can rest easy because that is done. However, while the warmer weather lasts, I can drive around with a big smile on my face. Gee - I feel like going cruising with this truck! :cool:

PS: In writing this article, I noticed the chevy smilie is gone from the "add smilies" collection. Where did it go? ???

 
:B:

It is there...it morphs from a blue circle into the bowtie.....

It is next to the pink heart smilie
 
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