rxeightr

8 Hours !
Just got done and I am worn slap out.
I visited every molecule of that paint 9 times.
Washed, clayed, washed, then 3 polish with 3 cleaners/enhancer in-between.

Is the length of time typical, as I have never used Zaino before?

It looks good, but not sure if it was worth all my effort.

B-Nez

Let us know what you think tomorrow when it's not so dark! How's the humidity in your locale? One thing I'm wondering is how long mine will take to dry given the insufferable humidity here.

You did make sure it was dry before buffing, right? That would make a huge difference.

Kap

That settles my question of whether to use Zaino or not....

Definately Not!

I've spent serveral 3-4 hour sessions on my current car with Meguir's (sp?) 3 step system and towards the end of it, my arm feels like it's going to fall off. Now if using Zaino takes that long, I'm going spend all Saturday doing it and all Sunday recouping.

tpryor

NOT THE SAME! Zaino applies like wax (same effort), but comes off SO much easier I can't even describe it to you.

If you use the accelerator mixed with the Z5 or Z2, by the time you have completed the car's application, you can begin taking it off.

My son and I can put 5 coats (plus the spray between coats) on my wifes Volvo S60 T5 in about 5 hours, and be fine the next day. The difference in effort is VERY noticeable, and the results are amazing.

The most common mistake with Zaino is that people tend to use it like wax (e.g. - use too much). I did this myself, and found the result just "so-so". Once it was explained that you treat it like gold (they say one ounce can do a Suburban), the results were outstanding.

And, it lasts an incredibly long time, much longer than any wax. And NO, I don't work for them..........

Kap

Alright, perhaps I'll give Zaino a shot after I use up my current supply of Meguier's. I just can't believe how much their 'system' costs, for the price of their complete system, I can purchase some accessories for the RX-8.

BTW, did you use a special applicator/remover? I just use terry cloth towels and thus, maybe it takes longer?

tpryor

I use the applicator from them (I have about 10 of them), and took their advice about 100% cotton towels (be sure to remove the nylon stitching unless you buy good ones).

Works great!

RX-Nut

Hmm.. that's two people.. how long would you say one person would take? What is a good number of coats to apply anyhow? rxeightr did it 9, and you do it 5.. is that extreme or normal??

I'm seriously considering Zaino after seeing this site.. http://www.nsxsc.com/nsexcitement/waxtest.html But if it really requires 5-9 applications for any good to come, I'm not so sure..

tpryor

A couple of things:

First, my son only helps me remove the polish, it's too much effort (he is a teenager) to help me put it on. That should tell you how easy it comes off.

Second, Zaino works best when layered. You CAN put on one coat and it will be the best you have used, but the more layers (can be done over time as well), the deeper and richer it looks.

Check this out: http://www.stainlessbumperletters.co....htm/zaino.htm

Not my site - just representative of what the layering can do.......

There is no reason to do it all in one day.

zoom44

on the cotton note- cloth baby diapers work great! ask anyone who has ever had to polish anything in the military

MaRX8

Zaino takes a bit longer to apply the first time, but the maintance is much less than your normal wax, plus it last much longer. So even though you invest more time up front, it's much easier to take care of down the road. You only really need to apply it about 2 twice a year.

tripwire

Just got my Zaino in the other day, figured I would test it out on my Ford Explorer as I'm waiting for my rx8 to come in next Monday...

I washed it with Zaino car wash, took maybe 30 minutes.

Next, I applied the ZLoc, took maybe 20 minutes and then I applied the Zaino Polish, took about 30 minutes to get it nicely even and complete. I let it haze for about 30 minutes and it comes off so easliy. It looks so sweet. The paint constantly looks like its wet. I love it. I have the accellerator, and I've decided to use that on the RX-8 as it looks slightly more involved.

An hour and a half, maybe 2 hours tops to get my explorer looking like it was when I purchased it new a few years back!

I can't imagine spending 8 hours on it. And the results of the 8 hour job are probably the same as my 2 hour job. However it is nice to be at one with the machine - gives you time to think - kind of like mowing the lawn. In fact, I put another coat of polish on it last night.

I found it was best to apply the polish sparingly, just a light hase was noticed - and to shake the bottle often.

Sent the wife out for a few large, 100% cotton, Made in USA - Cannon branded towels for the christening of the RX-8. I'm really concerned about getting a good polish worked in before cruising around in it.

And I have a ton of hard water stains on the explorer on the hood - I can't get rid of them for anything. I ordered the Zaino Clay Bar last night - it's suppose to get rid of bug guts and acid rain, tar, metal shavings from brake dust, etc... I'm exited about trying it.

I also e-mailed Zaino and asked exactly how I should use their polish, Sal Zaino (the owner I imagine) replied and gave me tons of information regarding getting an ultra shiny polish on my car and told me to e-mail them, or call if I had anymore questions. Great customer service so far.

I'm very happy with their product.

RX-Nut

Mind if you posted his recommendations here?

tripwire

I don't think they would mind as its nothing "secret" per-say, and you have to have their (superior IMHO) product to use their methods. It's kind of a long post, but very informative, and like I said, I'm extremely happy with their product and will be recomending it to my friends and purchasing more in the future - enjoy:

I've just purchased a new Mazda RX-8 and I want it to have the best possible shine however I'm not sure when I should first wax it. It's brand new. I don't know what they have done to it at the factory and I have "heard" that you're suppose to let your paint "cure" when its brand new - prior to waxing. Is there any truth to this? I have purchased the following product: Order #16935 Thanks! ZFX™ Flash Cure Accelerator Additive
Code: ZFX
Price:$19.95 Z-1™ Show Car Polish Lok
Code: Z-1
Price:$8.95 Z-2™ Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes
Code: Z-2
Price:$12.95 Z-7™ Show Car Wash
Code: Z-7
Price:$7.95 Z-12™ Clear-View Glass Polish
Code: Z-12
Price:$12.95

Thank You for your interest in Zaino Bros' Show Car Polish Products.

I am a custom painter by trade for over thirty years.
I am very familar with Dupont and PPG and all other paints.

Todays paint technology uses a chemical reaction caused by a catalyst
to cure the paint. Factory paint is fully cured in 36 to 48 hours.

Zaino contains no Wax, Harmful Silicones or Abrasives.....

The funny thing is that this same dealer who tells you to wait 30 days
before waxing, usually puts a coat of wax on your car when he preps
it. Sounds a little contradicting. Don't you think???

Polish your car as soon as you get it. That factory paint is already
cured and needs protection against airborne contaminants and UV rays.

Enclosed is a more detailed version of my Application Tips & Tricks.
Please read thoroughly. It contains some really great info.....


ZAINO APPLICATION TIPS


1. Because Zaino Show Car Polish is optically perfect (99.9%) The
optimum results are achieved by using over wax free paint.

2. If you are looking for the ultimate paint surface preparation. Use
Zaino Z-18 ClayBar first or skip to Step 3.

Zaino Z-18 ClayBay was designed to remove airborne contaminants,
paint overspray, water spots, rail dust, industrial fallout, diesel fuel
& catalytic converter residue and any other bonded surface contaminants
from paint. All cars even brand new factory paint has airborne
contaminants... Here's the deal. The non-abrasive Z-18 ClayBar will remove
any surface contaminants from the paint finish and not hurt the
clear-coat. The ClayBar will get that paint finish smooth as glass. Now
remember waterspots, bird droppings and bug guts if left on the
paint finish for any length of time. Will etch into the paint finish.
The ClayBar will also remove any store bought waxes....

I recommend you use my car wash (Z-7) as a lubricant for the ClayBar.
Just make sure to keep the surface area lubricated while using the ClayBar.
Use 1/2 capful of Z-7 Car Wash to 12 ounces of water. I use a spray bottle
for the mix. Shake it up and spray the area to be Clayed. Just make sure
to keep the surface area lubricated while using the ClayBar.

3. I would definitely recommend you remove the wax buildup on your
paint. Just use Liquid Dawn(hand dishwashing liquid) as a car wash. It
has a high alkaline content which cuts right thru carnauba wax,
paraffin, silicone oils, etc. This will get your paint finish squeeky
clean and wax free.

I don't advise making a habit of washing your car with Dawn. But for
this scenario it's fine. High alkaline products like Dawn are tough on
polishes. It will never harm the paint finish though. A car wash is made
specifically to clean without removing durable polishes. ALSO, Make sure
you remove any water spots, before you apply my products. Because Zaino
has no abrasives or harsh solvents it will not remove water spots or
stains. Z-18 ClayBar is great for removing any paint surface contaminants.
Re-wash the entire vehicle with Z-7 Car Wash immediately after the ClayBar
Cleaning Process.

4. The basic products you will need are Z-1 or the new ZFX, Z-2, Z-5(optional,
but highly
recommended for swirls and especially on darker colors), Z-6 and Z-7.
If you are going to use the NEW ZFX flash cure system, then skip step 5 and read
the ZFX
instructions below..

5. Start with Z-1 Polish Lok as per directions. Z-1 does not need to
dry. Remember do not wipe off the Z-1 Polish Lok. Apply Z-5 or Z-2
directly over the Z-1. Z-5 is the Hot ticket for a swirl free, flawless
paint finish. Usually one to three coats will accomplish that.

6. Let Z-5 or Z-2 polish dry at least one hour. Please NOTE: Zaino Show
Car Polish works best at 60 degrees or higher. However, it can be
applied down to temperatures of 45 degrees. It just will take much, much
longer to dry. As much as two to three hours drying time is required if
the temperature is 50 degrees or below. Also, If the humidity is high.
Longer drying time is necessary. Humidity is a killer on the drying time
of Z-2 or Z-5. The moisture in the air hinders drying
time up to four times longer than normal. Sorry, but I can't help this.
When you try to remove Z-2 or Z-5 when it is still wet. All you're
accomplishing is moving it around. Kinda like reapplying it. Also you
need to use a LARGE White 100% Bath size towel (please refer to my Tips
& Tricks sheet on my web site for the proper towels to use) to remove
Z-2 or Z-5. Smaller towels will not work efficiently.

To test if Z-2 or Z-5 is dry and ready to be removed. Wipe your finger
on a hazed section. It should immediately come off and leave a crytal
clear finish. If it smears, it is still wet. You can leave Z-2 or Z-5 on
for hours or overnight if you desire. When it is not humid Z-2 will take
anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to dry. Depending on how heavy you
applied it. I have applied Z-2 in the Arizona sun and it dried in
approx. 3 to 5 minutes. I have also applied it in 38 degree temperature
and it took about 2 to 3 hours to dry. Be patient. It's worth it.
Different situations affect drying times. Also, remember you have Z-1
and Z-5 both on the car. That is two products that have to dry at one
time. Takes longer. Z-2 or Z-5 does not contain any oils and once it's
dry will never ever look smeary or feel greasy. If you remove Z-2 or Z-5
before it is thoroughly dry and get any smears. Just wipe down the car
with a damp cotton towel. This will remove any smears. Don't use Z-6
until you wipe the car down. If you'd like call me and I'll help you out
with more info!

7. After removal of Zaino Z-2 or Z-5. You should wait 24 hours if the
outside temperature is under 70 degrees and 6 hours if over 70 degrees,
before applying the next coat of Z-5 or Z-2.

8. Use Z-6 "Gloss Enhancer" spray as per directions, between each and
every coat of Z-5 or Z-2. It really helps give a three dimensional look.
It's antistatic properties will reduce dust and dirt pickup by 60%. Z-6
can be used immediately after removing Z-2 or Z-5 or right before
applying the next coat of Z-2 or Z-5. Most of my customers prefer to use
Z-6 both, before and after Z-2 or Z-5 for that extra gloss boost.

9. You can switch to Z-2 as soon as you are happy with the way the paint
finish looks. Example, no more swirls, scratches etc. It's up to you.
Z-2 has higher optical properties than Z-5. You can go from Z-2 to Z-5
and then back to Z-2 as often as you want. Z-2 and Z-5 are 100%
compatible and interchangeable. You should always end with Z-2 as the
last coat because of its higher optics.

10. The number of coats of Z-2 or Z-5 is up to you. When you reach the
level of enhancement you like, normal maintenence with Z-7 Car Wash and
Z-6 "Gloss Enhancer" spray is all that's necessary. Naturally apply a
coat of Z-2 or Z-5 whenever you feel it is required.

NOTE: One application of Zaino Z-2 or Z-5 will outlast anything in the
industry and is all you'll ever need for an average vehicle. However,
Multiple coats will achieve an even deeper, wetter-looking, ultra high
gloss. Plus higher paint protection. It's up to you....You be the
judge...

ALWAYS use only 100% Cotton towels. They must be Made in USA. Brand name
(Cannon or Fieldcrest) large white bath size towels. See my web site,
for the real truth on cotton towels and which ones to use.


ZFX™ Instructions

When used as directed, Zaino Bros' ZFX™ Show Car Polish accelerator
enables Zaino Show Car Polish to cure instantly and increases
durability. This exclusive product allows you to create a “Show Car
Finish” in a day and gives your car months of lasting protection.

This kit contains a 2ml vial of ZFX™ Show Car Polish accelerator mix and
four mixing bottles. The vial contains enough ZFX™ to prepare 16 ounces
of polish.

Pour one to two ounces of Show Car Polish (Z-2, Z-3 or Z-5) into a 2
ounce ZFX mixing bottle. For each ounce of polish, add 4 to 5 drops of
ZFX™ (no more than 10 drops for two full ounces), screw the cap back on,
and shake vigorously for 60 to 90 seconds.

ZFX™ enabled polish must be applied to a clean car. Follow these easy
steps:

1. Apply Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFX™ with a 100% terry cloth
applicator. Use the polish sparingly. A small amount goes a long way,
and you will be applying multiple coats.
2. Squirt a dime size dab of polish on your applicator and rub it into
your paint using back and forth hand motions.
3. Allow the polish the haze (dry) for 30 minutes.
4. Buff off the Show Car Polish residue with a high quality, 100% cotton
detailing towel.


You're now ready to apply your next coat of Zaino Show Car Polish
enabled with ZFX™. There's no need to wait. Simply follow steps 1
through 4 again. Use a fresh buffing towel with each coat. Apply no
more than three coats of Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFX™ in a 24
hour period. fro optimum results use enable ZFX withing 6 hours of
mixing

When you are finished polishing, wash mixing bottle inside and out with
a heavy concentration of liquid dishwashing detergen and rinse
thoroughlyt. The ZFX™ mixing bottles cannot be reused if the polish
remains in the bottle for more than 12 hours. After 12 hours, it is not
possible to remove the ZFX™ accelerator from the mixing bottles. Throw
the mixing bottle and any unused polish contents away after 12 hours.

Call me and I'll give you some more tips on your specific situation.
--




Thank You,
Sal Zaino

http://www.zainobros.com

lefuton

about the paint curing...well i tell ya, i picked up my 8 and i picked it up dirty... i mean filthy. fender strakes have a glue that take 24hrs to dry so they couldn't wash it yet and i wasn't going to wait another day. i think between the 3weeks in port hueneme and the boat ride over, it's plenty cured =)

rxeightr

Here was how my 8 hour time breakdown was, per Zaino's instructions, which I followed to the letter. Times are approx:

Wash with Dawn dishwashing liquid & water & dry-- .75 hours
Cay Bar - 1.5 hours
Wash with Zaino Car Wash & dry- .75 hours
Apply Polish with Z2 & ZFX accelerator - .5 hours (x 3 applications)
Wait for a haze - .5 hours (x 3 applications)
Remove Polish haze - .25 hours (x 3 applications)
Spray & wipe off Z6 Gloss Enhancer .5 hours (x 3 applications)

Today we drove 300 miles to Panama City Beach for the week. It rained 1/3 of the way down, and I will say this.... the rain beaded as if it being repelled, like trying to put 2 magnets together when they don't want to be. And when we arrived, the exterior is almost as clean as it was when we left. Very little residue is evident. I did not run my finger along to check tho

tripwire

I used the glass cleaner as well - it looks like the glass isn't even there. i'm wondering how it will do in the rain.

PoLaK

iTrader: (1)

Well technically it is see Molecular Polarity

Lensman

Fascinating posts: why do the cotton towels have to be made in the USA though? Don't you guys trust nasty foreign towels?

B-Nez

Zaino recommends USA-made towels, because many imports have a polyester backing, even though the tag says 100% cotton.
Edit: yeah, I knew you were kidding, but thought you'd like to know the real reason.

khoney

Can the claybar and Zaino polish be used on the bumpers as well, or just on the metal painted surfaces? I'm starting tomorrow, and would like to be sure.

tpryor

Anything with paint - I have used it on the plastic bumpers of my 10th Anniversary Miata for years, and I am using it on the "loaner" Integra I am driving since my Miata was sold. You'll be fine.

Just be sure to use it sparingly and use multiple coats.

Oh, and post pictures........

B-Nez

Zaino Bros. website says to use it on practically everything - body, bumpers, wheels, headlights, tail lamps, etc. The only thing I would NOT use it on would be glass. It is even okay on weatherstripping, and will not whiten (though I think they are talking overwipe - not that you should wax the rubber).

Quick_lude

Clay bar only on the paint. I did my car over again 3 weeks ago.. it took me 5hrs but that's because I did the 3M and claybar treatment. Gotta do the claybar at least once a year, especially after the winter. Paint is smooth like buttah.. :D Maintenance with Zaino is so much easier than any carnuba wax. Ideal product for lazy people like me. :D

B-Nez

Oops, yeah, only claybar the paint - I got to thinking of only the wax...

TJRX8

How much product did you use for each coat? I used one ounce for one coat, is that about right?