I just received my Zaino kit for Christmas. It was pretty warm yesterday so me and a couple of buddy's decided to test it out. I decided to do my wife's Honda CR-V before my RX-8 (the CR-V needed it bad). It's a '97, blue, with paint that's in fair condition. The other car I used it on was a '98ish Mitsubishi Galant, black. Paint was in a little worse shape, but still saveable.

Anyway, it seems that the hardest part about Zaino is the paint prep. The actual application of Zaino is easy. With ZFX it dramatically reduces wait time. It's that damn clay bar that I can't stand! Claying seems to take so much time and with paint that's been neglected, it's a nightmare. I had serious trouble removing hardened tree sap w/the clay bar.

So here's a way to make your life easier: Several makers out there have "paint cleaners" that are designed to be used before polishing or waxing. I'm not talking about a "cleaner/wax", but a true cleaner that can be used by hand or even better, an orbital buffer. After spending about 1 and a half hours claying half my CR-V, I gave up and switched to Meguairs Medallion Paint Cleaner (step 1 of the 2 part system I had been using before trying Zaino). Used it with my orbital buffer-took about 15 min to finish the car with similiar, if not better, results than clay. Washed the car after with Z-7 and BAM, I was ready for 2 coats of Z-5 followed by one coat of Z-2.

A paint cleaner with buffer (or even by hand) is way faster than the clay bar and as long as it leaves the finish smooth and contamination free; it's a no brainer.

The only thing I would be weary of is when shopping for a paint cleaner, make sure it's designed to be used by hand or orbital buffer and that it's just a cleaner. Meguairs has the above that I mentioned and the Step 1 (out of 3) in their Deep Crystal System. There are others out there, but I trust Meguiars. Well, try it if you want to, you might be surprised! The results were fantastic and from a diehard Meguiars fan, I am totally impressed with Zaino.

 

How did the cars look after the Zaino. I have a 98 F150 that needs a good wax job. I was thinking about using some fo the zaino I just bought. I havent' done my 8 yet but I will soon.

 

Excellent!

Like I said: The biggest thing with Zaino is prepping the paint properly before applying. The Z-5 and Z-2 are not cleaners and you'll just go right over any bonded contaminants with the Zaino if they're not removed first.

Real deep scratches are tough, too. Multiple coats of Z-5 may do the trick or it may not. I just found a real deep scratch in my '8 and I'm going to see what Zaino can do to it before I break out the Medium and Fine Cut Cleaners from Meguiars.