SLO VETTE

Am on the website about to order some product, and I see this notice:

"Please note that if this is your first time using the Zaino system, ZFX or Z-AIO is mandatory for use with Z-2 PRO, Z-3, or Z-5 PRO."

While I had a bottle of the additive, it ran out and for the past year or so I just used Z2 or Z5 Pro, letting it dry fully. I think when I first started buying Zaino years ago, that additive wasn't even around, although I could be wrong on that.

So what's the verdict? Will the sky fall without the additive, or will life go on?

capevettes

You don't need it. I never used it. Try the Clear Sealant topped with Z8. Absolute wet shine

SLO VETTE

wow that's some shine! i've always used z6, love the stuff. is z8 any better or just different?

capevettes

I use Z6 for a regular quick detailer between full details. Z8 is very good after a full detailing. It really makes the shine pop and it gives the paint a very slippery feel. It can also be used as a QD. It's similar to Z6 but on steroids. I have even mixed them 50/50 and it works great.

SLO VETTE

Thanks. I just placed my order with them.

This stuff lasts like crazy, I use sparingly per directions. My current supply (all of 2 bottles, one Z5 and one Z2), which is dwindling, is at least 5 years old.

Tried looking at other products' websites, too much to figure out and I'm lazy. Will go with what I know. Been using Zaino a long time and it seems like they haven't gone bonkers introducing 50 different polishes, waxes, etc. Ain't broke, don't fix it.

Gotta get my truck done before cold weather really sets in, and the truck gets beat to snot and rarely washed. Once or maybe twice a year Zaino has kept the paint looking great still. The Vette gets a bit nicer treatment....

Grzldvt1

Pro detailer here, using Zaino products in Silicon Valley and ZFX adds durability to the application and allows us to layer coats. While almost every car gets a All-In-One treatment and Clear Seal, if we do Z-2 or Z-5, we use ZFX to make sure it has the durability. We warranty our Zaino finish for 6+ months(No other detailer in the SF Bay Area even comes close to that) ZFX is the key for us. Cars we have done with ZFX still look incredible 2+ years later.

SLO VETTE

Do you honestly see a difference in Z5 used with ZFX vs. no ZFX? The Z-2 and Z5 polishes are advertised as having the ability to be layered, so long as they cure (presumably means dry). ZFX is just a cure accelerator, right?

My Vette sits in garage and the paint looks pretty darned good. And like I said, my truck gets little to no cleaning other than occasional wash and that includes lousy northeast winters. Paint looks great, beads really well for several+ months.

Grzldvt1

Yes ZFX is the curing accelerator, in the end, I do see a subtle difference tipping toward the ZFX Z-5. I doubt most would, but I do this as a pro detailer and see what makes a difference between awesome and incredible.

SLO VETTE

Since you're a pro doing it day in & day out, I appreciate your honest observation.

To the layperson like me, I won't see that (and am perfectly happy with just the "plain" polish application), and it saves me the hassle of mixing a small batch with ZFX then having to scrub out the mini bottles, etc. That got old, especially if I didn't clear out the nozzle completely in those small bottles.

Just got my shipment of other stuff and am looking forward to another 5-7 years of supply.

Grzldvt1

Actually I go to REI and buy the 1oz bottles they have for backpacking. They are very soft and pliable and we can control much easier the amount we put on an applicator.
Agreed the normal person would have a hard time seeing any difference.
However the we just had another customer come in with a Giant smile and a huge 1st place trophy from a major show in Northern CA. He said it was the paint and the quality of the shine made a huge difference over the competition. It was a Dark Blue Shelby Mustang where we used AIO as a base, then Z-5 with ZFX to finish it off for three more coats.