Okay, I am in need of some advice. I have been a Zaino user for years now and only with the new Z5 Pro have I run into a problem. I get streaking. Okay, it appears to mostly be on my first panel that I Zaino and is basically gone soon after that first panel. I believe I am getting too much on the pad for the start.

I have tried distilled water and a spritz of Z6 to "prep" the Zaino cotton applicator. I put a thin line of Z5Pro/ZFX across the pad and begin. This has worked for years for me, but apparently it is just a tad to thick for the Z5Pro. How do I reduce the amount used until the applicator reaches that point?

Should I try the applicator without water or Z6 prep?

Todd

 

The professional detailer who can help you much better than I is ZaneO, but here is my feeble attempt-

a)Detailers Tips:
1. Apply this product using water-dampened applicator, and then spray the applicator with Z6.
2. Apply Z-solution very thinly using absolute minimum pressure on the applicator.
3. Spray the vehicle surface very lightly with Z6 between each ‘layer’. I cannot emphasise ‘apply products very sparingly’ enough.
4. Use Z-5 + ZFX for dark colours Z-2 + ZFX for light colours.
5. Use Souverän Wax as a final product on red, black or Porsche Speed yellow it produces a deep wet
shine or Pinnacle Signature Series Wax for metallic and for light coloured vehicle paint
6. The secret to the application of a polymer product is to apply it thin (super thin) fill a spray bottle and
mist a foam pad for application.
7. Ease of product removal is inversely proportional (less product easier removal) to the amount used (0.5 – 1.0 oz should be sufficient for most vehicles)
8. Apply Z6 to the paint surface before you begin, it enables a thinner application of Z5 / Z2 (Z7 wash, polish prep, Z7 wash, Z6 wipe down, start Zaino process
9. If there are places were the wax is thick and you are having trouble buffing the residue, wash affected
panel with a Z-7 wash solution.
10. A single thin layer of Zaino Z-2 / Z5 does not require a catalyst (Zanio ZFX) use Zaino Z-6 after application. Only if you are going to apply more than one layer of Zaino within a 24-hour period is the ZFX catalyst required.
11. Z2 contains a re-wetting agent that aids its flow and spread ability (it sometimes appears to have separated, but just shake the container to re-mix) so this product should be well shaken (but not stirred) before use

 

Wow, thanks for the compliment, Jon :o

Unfortunately, this is the same method I use and almost never have any issue. I wish I had a fix for you.

 

ZaneO,

It almost appears like I have trapped miniture bubbles on the surface in lines. It isn't across the entire surface, but in streaks. Could it be too much water or Z6 applied to the pad? The follow up with Z6 generally allows them to wipe away, although I have had to put a tad bit of additional pressure on some of the 'streaks.'

Todd

 

I have experienced exactly what you are talking about. It is from having too much Z6 on your applicator, kinda like the applicator is not seasoned properly yet and yes, it only happens on the first panel which is usually my hood. What I do is double back and do the hood again for a second and sometimes even a third time (without adding any new polish or Z6) until you can look at the hood any only see a haze. It appears that the Z6 will micro bead for a lack of a better description until the applicator pad gets seasoned and these micro beads leave a wierd streaking effect. Try this on the first panel and look at it real close and see if this is what you are getting, you can see it real good on black. It only takes an extra 10 or 15 seconds to double back and clear this up and does not seem to happen anymore after my hood so long as I do not apply too much Z6 again. All the pad needs is a quick fine mist of Z6 to aid in the spreading. But on a fresh pad for some reason I am in the habit of starting out too heavy with the Z6 or water.

Let me know if this is what the issue was.

 

I won't have time to try it again for a few days, but your description is very close to what I am seeing on the panel....Funny you mention the hood....That is the panel I am getting it on, as I usually start right there. I think my first experience with Z5Pro was hampered by the fact I used the fresh pad on two panels. I did part of the vehicle and then did the other section. I just flipped the applicator and "dressed" the other side the same way...Ended up with "streaks" on several panels.

Todd

 

After you mist your applicator try squeezing it a few times to work the Z6 in real good also. But for some reason even with doing that I need to double back until the micro beading is worked out or I get the same exact thing you speak of. Atleast now I know it isn't me. Zaino is so freaking slick everything seems to want to bead right up on it, even a slightly moist applicator. I love how when I mist it with Z6 or Z8 sometimes the Z8 will bounce around on it like it is mercury or something, definitely wants to bead/repel everything that hits it.