Zaino, what'd I do wrong?
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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As Wolfdogs said the Z8 is more of a finishing sealant. Z6 should be used between coats. If you are seeing swirls you probably should have started with a product like Menzerma SIP to remove them. ZPC Fusion is a great product but is not high on the aggressive scale. How was the humidity when you were working? If it's high it's difficult for the product to cure.
As for ease of use, try the Clear Sealant. Apply it and walk away. Very easy to use. You don't even have to buff it. As with any product, preparation is the key. Once the surface is prepped you can do a one step with any of the Zaino products.
Clear Sealant and a finish with the Z8 spray Sealant gives a great wet look. One bad experience with Zaino shouldn't alter perceptions. Everyone I've turned onto it loves it. If you don't like it I'm fine with that too. You can send your Zaino products on to me
As for ease of use, try the Clear Sealant. Apply it and walk away. Very easy to use. You don't even have to buff it. As with any product, preparation is the key. Once the surface is prepped you can do a one step with any of the Zaino products.
Clear Sealant and a finish with the Z8 spray Sealant gives a great wet look. One bad experience with Zaino shouldn't alter perceptions. Everyone I've turned onto it loves it. If you don't like it I'm fine with that too. You can send your Zaino products on to me
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 0
From: Salisbury Maryland
seriously, your story is 1 negative out of 1,000 positives. I don't know what went wrong. The steps are easy...the prep work is no more than the prep work that should be done no matter what product you use.....the difference is the other product manufacturers dont tell you to do that to get the best results...... Zaino does. The Zaino polymer layers, and its optical clarity is the highest available on the market ...... [/QUOTE]All I have to say is BS wolfie
Last edited by billmiller8; Jun 11, 2012 at 03:51 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 0
From: Salisbury Maryland
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 0
From: Salisbury Maryland
[IMG][/IMG]Detailing Steps
- Car wash using Dawn liquid soap (the original blue color)
- Clay bar using Zaino Z7
- Re-wash with Zaino Z7
- To remove swirls, I have used 3M 39009 with great success, I use either the Porter Cable 7428 (Rotary) or 72424XP (DA) depending on the amount of swirls & cutting that needs to be done.
- Re-wash with Zaino Z7
- Apply 1st coat of Z2 w/ZFX
- Buff with microfiber cloth after drying
- Wipe down with Z6
- Apply 1st coat of Z5 w/ZFX
- Buff with microfiber cloth after drying
- Wipe down with Z6
- Apply 2nd coat of Z2
- Buff with microfiber cloth after drying
- Wipe down with Z6
- Apply Z8, buff with microfiber cloth
- Finish with Zaino Clear Seal,
YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME. LIKE I SAID IN OTHER BRAND X THREADS, WASH, TURTLE WAX DETAILER, AND DRIVE THE DAM THING. 
[IMG]http:
[/IMG]
- Car wash using Dawn liquid soap (the original blue color)
- Clay bar using Zaino Z7
- Re-wash with Zaino Z7
- To remove swirls, I have used 3M 39009 with great success, I use either the Porter Cable 7428 (Rotary) or 72424XP (DA) depending on the amount of swirls & cutting that needs to be done.
- Re-wash with Zaino Z7
- Apply 1st coat of Z2 w/ZFX
- Buff with microfiber cloth after drying
- Wipe down with Z6
- Apply 1st coat of Z5 w/ZFX
- Buff with microfiber cloth after drying
- Wipe down with Z6
- Apply 2nd coat of Z2
- Buff with microfiber cloth after drying
- Wipe down with Z6
- Apply Z8, buff with microfiber cloth
- Finish with Zaino Clear Seal,
YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME. LIKE I SAID IN OTHER BRAND X THREADS, WASH, TURTLE WAX DETAILER, AND DRIVE THE DAM THING.
[IMG]http:
[/IMG]
Last edited by billmiller8; Jun 11, 2012 at 09:41 AM.
The Consigliere
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 23,011
Likes: 6,047
From: 2023 Z06 & 2010 ZR1
Several months ago I decided to give C-Magic a try, just out of curiousity. It's the stuff the Corvette Museum uses.
Very straight forward, simple on/off. Deep shine. And can be layered.
I think I found my product - will keep using C-Magic.
Very straight forward, simple on/off. Deep shine. And can be layered.
I think I found my product - will keep using C-Magic.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,714
Likes: 344
From: Houston, TX
With any product, a thorough cleaning and clay bar is best before starting. From there you can just use Z2 if you want. If there is much humidity it can take a while to dry. If it does not dry completely, no harm done it just takes a little more work to buff it out without leaving streaks.
I have not used Rejex and I'm not knocking it btw.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,660
Likes: 828
From: FORT LAUDERDALE FL
It's all in the prep work. Depth/shine is created by light reflection not top coating. That is created by the "flatness" of the surface. The LSP will enhance it, not create it. Sorry for the myth bust..............
Lifetime NCM Member #2482
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,996
Likes: 1
From: West of Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '11
This is a great write-up. The initial prep is time consuming but upkeep with Zaino is really quick and easy. OP, thinner application is best. Hope you get it figured out. Send Sal at Zaino an email. He'll answer back.
Just another observation, take it for what it's worth....... https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...es/driving.gif
Assuming you were doing this in weather over 60 degrees F & with low humidity levels as it will effect cure times.
Detailing Steps
- Car wash using Dawn liquid soap (the original blue color)
- Clay bar using Zaino Z7
- Re-wash with Zaino Z7
- To remove swirls, I have used 3M 39009 with great success, I use either the Porter Cable 7428 (Rotary) or 72424XP (DA) depending on the amount of swirls & cutting that needs to be done.
- Re-wash with Zaino Z7
- Apply 1st coat of Z2 w/ZFX
- Buff with microfiber cloth after drying
- Wipe down with Z6
- Apply 1st coat of Z5 w/ZFX
- Buff with microfiber cloth after drying
- Wipe down with Z6
- Apply 2nd coat of Z2
- Buff with microfiber cloth after drying
- Wipe down with Z6
- Apply Z8, buff with microfiber cloth
- Finish with Zaino Clear Seal, some people may choose to apply earlier in the process, but I find it easier to apply once I am satisfied with the final results. The first time you do this, it will consume half a day, fortunately we have mid 70's to low 80's weather without humidity.
If your prep work is sound, you shouldn't have any issues with whatever product you choose to use, applying some type of paint protectant is better than nothing at all.
Assuming you were doing this in weather over 60 degrees F & with low humidity levels as it will effect cure times.
Detailing Steps
- Car wash using Dawn liquid soap (the original blue color)
- Clay bar using Zaino Z7
- Re-wash with Zaino Z7
- To remove swirls, I have used 3M 39009 with great success, I use either the Porter Cable 7428 (Rotary) or 72424XP (DA) depending on the amount of swirls & cutting that needs to be done.
- Re-wash with Zaino Z7
- Apply 1st coat of Z2 w/ZFX
- Buff with microfiber cloth after drying
- Wipe down with Z6
- Apply 1st coat of Z5 w/ZFX
- Buff with microfiber cloth after drying
- Wipe down with Z6
- Apply 2nd coat of Z2
- Buff with microfiber cloth after drying
- Wipe down with Z6
- Apply Z8, buff with microfiber cloth
- Finish with Zaino Clear Seal, some people may choose to apply earlier in the process, but I find it easier to apply once I am satisfied with the final results. The first time you do this, it will consume half a day, fortunately we have mid 70's to low 80's weather without humidity.
If your prep work is sound, you shouldn't have any issues with whatever product you choose to use, applying some type of paint protectant is better than nothing at all.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 8,022
Likes: 8
From: Stafford VA, home of our wolf den. No house break ins to date.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 8,022
Likes: 8
From: Stafford VA, home of our wolf den. No house break ins to date.
oh come on... you just won't ride dude....... i have been using and helping people with zaino since 1998... not just here in VA, but at gatherings in Atlanta, the Pontiac Nationals in OH... on multiple car forums, not just the vette forum... use your turtle wax....use pledge if you want... i could care less, to each their own... but don't knock something and people that are just trying to pass on the results of good detailing and a good product....... esp. if you have not taken the time to give a shot yourself.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
These arguments about which product works best or not... seem so silly to me. Kinda like grade school and "my Dad can beat up your Dad".
Common guys! If one person likes Zaino or Rejex or Adams or Turtle Wax... what difference is it to you? It is like arguing about whether a vette should be driven or stored in a garage. It is your car, enjoy your time with it the way you want.
The OP was asking for input on making Zaino work, so why not just let the other Zaino users chime in and help. Why all the negativity? I've used a few different products and like what I currently use, isn't that good enough? I would much rather listen to someone showing their positive results than someone bashing another person.
Common guys! If one person likes Zaino or Rejex or Adams or Turtle Wax... what difference is it to you? It is like arguing about whether a vette should be driven or stored in a garage. It is your car, enjoy your time with it the way you want.
The OP was asking for input on making Zaino work, so why not just let the other Zaino users chime in and help. Why all the negativity? I've used a few different products and like what I currently use, isn't that good enough? I would much rather listen to someone showing their positive results than someone bashing another person.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30,183
Likes: 313
From: Lake Norman NC
I do the same with Zaino Z5.
C magic is good stuff too.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,791
Likes: 44
From: Loudon/Lake Mary Tennessee/Florida
oh come on... you just won't ride dude....... i have been using and helping people with zaino since 1998... not just here in VA, but at gatherings in Atlanta, the Pontiac Nationals in OH... on multiple car forums, not just the vette forum... use your turtle wax....use pledge if you want... i could care less, to each their own... but don't knock something and people that are just trying to pass on the results of good detailing and a good product....... esp. if you have not taken the time to give a shot yourself.
As I said in the post, it sounds way more complicated than it actually is.
To each his own but you guys that have jumped in here and jumped on Wolfdogs should reconsider. Hmm, how about posting some pics of your rides after you wax them?
Op, sorry for your issues. As Lisa said, contact Zaino, they will help you out.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 13,733
Likes: 66
From: Hurst, TX USA
Lots of misinformation from the non-Zaino folks here. 
1. Prep is the same no matter what system you use. Dawn wash, clay, wash, polish the swirls if necessary, wash. None of that is Zaino! And all of it needs to be done before ANY "wax" for best results. (And only needs to be done the first time.)
2. Put on a coat of Z-AIO and you are finished, no real need for any other steps. IMO Z-AIO is about equivalent to Rejex and others all by itself.
3. If you wish to enhance the look add a coat of Z2 and, optionally, follow with some Z8 any time it needs a little touch up. Any more than that is unnecessary.
4 On dark colors additional coats of Z2 may further enhance the look, but add no more protection.
1. Prep is the same no matter what system you use. Dawn wash, clay, wash, polish the swirls if necessary, wash. None of that is Zaino! And all of it needs to be done before ANY "wax" for best results. (And only needs to be done the first time.)
2. Put on a coat of Z-AIO and you are finished, no real need for any other steps. IMO Z-AIO is about equivalent to Rejex and others all by itself.
3. If you wish to enhance the look add a coat of Z2 and, optionally, follow with some Z8 any time it needs a little touch up. Any more than that is unnecessary.
4 On dark colors additional coats of Z2 may further enhance the look, but add no more protection.
Last edited by BigJoe; Jun 11, 2012 at 11:15 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,098
Likes: 8
From: Dayton Ohio
Once the paint is clean, apply some Z2 (use ZFX if you need it dry fast). Let dry. Wipe off. Drive car.
My paint looked great with Zaino...but I never took hours/days and 14 steps of Z-this, 12 layers of Z-that, rinse and repeat, or whatever.
If I was looking for a polish right now, I'd actually be scared off from using Zaino based on some of these posts. Unless your paint is in rough shape, you don't need to make this a part-time job to get good results.
Now I'm going to go stand in the corner for 10 minutes for posting in a Zaino thread...
Last edited by Top_Fuel; Jun 11, 2012 at 09:10 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 13,733
Likes: 66
From: Hurst, TX USA
I once got an email from him out of the blue thanking me for saying nice things about his products on the forum. First and only personal email I've ever gotten from a vendor. Obviously he follows the forum and there was no real reason for him to thank me personally. I thought that was a nice gesture.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,093
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From: Oklahoma City
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17,'19,'22
I would suggest a clay and then polish all defects you can out first. I suggest Menzerna polishes. This prep is key.
Lay down your ZAIO next. From there follow up with Z2 or Z5 (some like both). I like Z5 on my black coupe. Use Z6 for a wipe down between coats. I usually only do 2 coats of Z5. That's really all you need IMO. The process is the same for pretty much any product for best results.
I usually use ZCS before a show and wipe down with Z8. Again not necessary at all.
So at a min. I suggest ZAIO at first and then Z5 and Z6.
Lay down your ZAIO next. From there follow up with Z2 or Z5 (some like both). I like Z5 on my black coupe. Use Z6 for a wipe down between coats. I usually only do 2 coats of Z5. That's really all you need IMO. The process is the same for pretty much any product for best results.
I usually use ZCS before a show and wipe down with Z8. Again not necessary at all.
So at a min. I suggest ZAIO at first and then Z5 and Z6.