BlackandTan2004

Hey guys! Just got my Zaino Show Car kit and I can't wait to get after it! I just want to verify that I got the steps in the right order. I have never Zaino'd anything, but I am very familiar with properly caring for and washing a car. Below is how I plan to tackle the Vette with the Zaino. My car has never been driven in the rain and has light swirls from washing (Previous owner). Let me know your thoughts!

1.) Wash with dawn dish soap and thoroughly rinse. (2 bucket)
2.) Clay Bar with Z18 and their recommended lubricant mix
3.) Wash the wheels and exhaust with separate bucket and tools Z-7
4.) Wash car with Zaino Z-7 Show Car Wash (2 bucket)
5.) Blow dry car and then use Microfibers for any remaining water
6.) Apply Z-5 Polish following Zaino steps and their accelerator
7.) Buff Out lightly with MF towel
8.) Wipe the car down with Z-6
9.) Apply Z-2 Polish following steps and their accelerator
10.) Buff Out lightly with MF towel
11.) Wipe the car down with Z-6
12.) Apply Z-2 Polish following steps and their accelerator
13.) Buff Out lightly with MF towel
14.) Dress the tires
15.) Invisible glass the windows

Using the accelerator I have read that all I need to do is let it set for about 30 minutes between each coat. I'll also add additional steps of Z-5 if need be.

Thanks!

capevettes

Sounds pretty good to me A finish with Z8 will give you a bit more pop on the shine and additional slipperiness. After your coats of Z5 and Z2, I really like the Clear Sealant followed by Z8. Your regimen will work fine. Z6 touchups with a good microfiber will keep it looking like it was just detailed. Have fun.

Kvothe

Looks good. I actually do the windows and tires while waiting for the Z to dry. They say to use Z6 between each coat buy I'm not sure that is entirely necessary. I always finish with Z6 though as it cleans up any missed Zaino spots.

Can't say it enough, use light coats. I did two coat on my Vette and two coats on my Honda Civic today and didn't even use a full ounce. Also, if you're going to do multiple coats of Z5 I'd do those back to back and top with the Z2. IMO Z2 has a better shine to it.

oldgoat99

I'm on my way out to do my wife's car for the first application ever of Zaino. I did the Dawn wash prep yesterday. I've been using Zaino on my other cars for about 6-7 years and it really is a great product. I follow the steps recommended by the Zaino store.

One of the steps I noticed you didn't mention is the application of Z-AIO. I don't know if this step is absolutely necessary (I'm no expert) but thought I'd mention it.

From the Zaino Store http://www.zainostore.com/applic_tips.html

BlackandTan2004

Thanks! The Z-AIO did not come in the show car kit I ordered and when reading their supplied directions it sounded like it was not needed since I used the cure accelerator.

I took 7.5 hours from start to finish and put on 2 coats of the Z-5 and one of the Z-2. I am now a believer.

Incredibly easy to work with and I did finish up with the Z-6......

oldgoat99

Yeah, I went back and reread the stuff on the Zaino site and you are right about Zaio not being necessary. I could be wrong but I think they may have changed the requirements somewhere along the line over the years??

Your car looks great!

Kvothe

Looks good

You'll get quicker as you use it. I did two coats on my vette and two on my civic in about 3 hours last weekend. That time included washing and doing all the miscellaneous stuff like windows in and out and dash etc.

From my understanding Zaino recommends using either ZAIO, ZFX or CS the first coat of the year. After that then you can just use Z2 or 5. I know there are guys on here that just go right to Z2 or 5 and haven't had any issues so if it's really necessary or not IDK.

BlackandTan2004

Yeah I spent a lot of time washing it both times and really making sure the car was dry. I think I'll put another coat of Z-5 and Z-2 in June. Zaino has made me a believer. I think I did pretty good only used 1.5 oz of Z-5 and a shade more than a .5 oz of Z-2. Not bad for a first timer.

peteinpa

I am going to attempt the Z5/Z2 application this weekend. Does everyone apply by hand or have you used a DA?

BlackandTan2004

I did it by hand..... And my right shoulder was sore as hell the next day. And of course I got no sympathy from my PT wife.....

Kvothe

I always do it by hand too. I think you'd use too much product with a DA.

peteinpa

I assume that any significant paint correction would be done before applying the Zaino? I have a vert and there is some correction needed on the panel between the tournou cover and the trunk lid. Rest of the panels are fine.

Kvothe

Yes. Like any sealant or wax do your correction first.

LS WON

Is the Z-8 first before the ZCS or is it the other way around? I thought the ZCS is the last step.

LS WON

I went through the whole Zaino process from Z-2 to Z-5 using ZFX. Now that I have a bad back and neck all I do is use the Z-7, with AIO with Z-6, Z-8 and ZCS. Had to cut down the steps and applications because of bad back and neck.

Kvothe

Z8 after. It's basically a detail spray but has some protective qualities to it. ZCS is like a sealant that you don't have to wipe off. I typically do Z6 after ZCS (I didn't see much difference between it and Z8 so I don't spend the extra on it) just to buff off any streaks from ZCS I might have from putting it on too heavy in areas.

Kvothe

Nothing wrong with that. A lot of people just use AIO and ZCS with great results.

LS WON

Sounds good to me. In fact that's all I have left a quarter bottle of AIO, full bottle of Z8 and less than an ounce of ZCS left. It's been over 7 years.
Ok then the ZCS goes on first and then the detail spray Z-6 or Z-8 goes on last?

Kvothe

Yes sir

LS WON