Choreo

I have wondered this for sometime.

I have a black 2001 C5.

Sometimes I notice that I get very fine scratches in my Zaino coats when using Z6 or Z8 to remove fine dust particles. In many cases I find that if I just add another coat of Z5 or Z2 the scratches disappear?

My question is "Is it possible that just the Zaino coating is getting scratched and not the Clearcoat of the paint in some cases?"

If adding a coat of Zaino does not cover up the scratches, then I know for sure it is in the Clearcoat, but not sure otherwise?

JoshVette

I think what you're seeing is just the infamous Zaino streaks. It's like a residue that's left behind or something and tends to give that weird stratch/marring effect which is why it goes away after another application of Z5.

Try diluting the Z8/Z6 with water a little and see if the problem persists.

On a side note it is never a safe idea to wipe off dust after being driven around.

Josh

TOGWT

Polymer forms a molecular bond with paint (clear coat) so the scratches are on both the polymer and the clear coat. A Carnauba wax adheres to the surface so in theory you'll only put a scratch the wax, but the layer is so thin it will also penetrate to the clear coat. As intimated be very careful when removing dust

ROC OUT

Regarding Josh's last comment, I have wondered this for some time. Often I read comments in threads where someone will say that they washed their car and then either park it in the garage for a week or longer or drive it around. Dust and/or road dirt accumulates on the surface either while it is in the garage or on a drive. Then they break out the Z6 or some other quick detailer and wiped the car down before ever washing it again. It seems that doing this wipedown prior to washing inevitably will lead to surface scratching. Essentially, what you are doing by wiping the solution off is dragging the dust/dirt particles across and over the paint. I wouldn't do it. Just my observation and two cents.

capevettes

If you have very fine dust particles on the paint I use the California car duster first and then the Z6. Obviously if it's more than a thin film of dust you need to wash it first.

Choreo

This is what I do if the dust gets pretty bad.

I have a Black car and I drive it EVERY DAY for the past 8 years in WEST TEXAS (dust country). So... EVERY DAY at least once per day, I have to remove the dust (or settle for a dirty car). I am well aware that wiping the car down vs washing is not optimal, but I am not going to wash the car 365 times a year.

I am always VERY gentle when removing dust and 95% of the time it is without much noticeable effect. My guess is that dust comes from various sources (caliche, dirt, sand, leaves, Mexico industrial blow-over, rail dust, etc.) and sometimes the makeup of the dust is like cut glass and other times not so damaging.

What I am getting is NOT streaking of the ZAINO (which I have seen), but scratches.

JVM225

I mostly use QD during the last step of my drying process. First I sheet the water off with a hose, then I blow about 95% of the remaining water off with an electric leaf blower, then I get the last few drops with QD and a good quality clean Waffle Weave.



I only use the California Duster on my car if it was put in the garage after being washed and has accumulated light dust while sitting in the garage. I never apply any pressure to the Duster or let it sit on the paint, I only lightly pull the strands across the finish and let the Duster pull the dust up into it. Sometimes I'll follow-up this dust off with some QD, but I try not to because I don't really like to pull anything across an otherwise dry surface.
The truth is that there really isn't any way to totally avoid scratches and swirls, but you can slow them down a lot if you are a little cautious.

cvm

Im with you (blk 02). If this paint is so frikn fragile ( & maybe it is, then why's the clear so hard supposedly). If the least amount of road dust cant be removed carefully w/ a CalCar duster, then what good is the duster? How many guys you seen pull into a cruise-in and whip out a duster? If I pull out of a drywalled/tiled/ climate controlled garage and drive 20 miles on a sunny day and need to WASH the thing to maintain, that goes beyond the "black is not a color it's a career" thing. This is my own flame towards my own black paint- not anyone elses post ) )
I've also excersized my own right to be in the **** C5 owners club by leaf blowing the car prior to Duster/ Quick detail wipedown after a ride.

gmblack3

You are better off doing a QEW wash. You should be able to do that on a vette with drying in 20 mins max.

cvm

This is a new one on me- QEW?

Thanks